Which 4"?

C

cbb

New member
I am interested in a 4", leaning toward a stainless for home defense and possibly plinking/target use later. Trying to keep the price down but not interested in off brands, must have total confidence in this weapon. I may want to fire .357's but probably not many but the gun must stand up to +P's! Have been interested in the Security Six but a bit put off by some saying they have poor triggers and can bind up. It has to go off that is one reason not looking at bottom feeders. I like my J-Frame Smiths but not sure about all of the K- frame models S&W has put out. Maybe a 66 or a 67? I have looked at some online for price used but they seem to creep up almost to the price of a new GP-100. Then I seem to come back down and look at the Model 10's at maybe $150-$175 and just forget about the stainless and option of adjustable sites. Round and round. Is a recent Taurus in this league? I have fired the GP-100 and liked it as well as the grip, do not care for wood grips while firing. Hope this makes sense and I hope I am not the only one to be in this quandry. Thanks for reading! ;)
 
The Ruger GP-100 comes with rubber grips and wood inserts. S&W K-Frames are superb but expensive. Take a look at some of the quality 4in .357mag revolvers that Taurus puts out, they have lots to choose from and their products are reasonably priced!
www.taurususa.com
 
I recommend Ruger GP100s and Smith L and N frames. If I were compelled to own a single, four-inch barrel, .357 magnum revolver, it would be a Ruger KGP-141, with a S&W 686/586 as a VERY close runner-up.
 
S&W. The M65 is the stainless, 357 Magnum, fixed sight model. Great revolver. The M66 is the same revolver as the beloved M19 in stainless, 357 Magnum, adjustable sight revolver. A M64 is the same as the heavy barrel M10, 38 Special, stainless, fixed sight revolver. A DAO Ruger GP-100 law enforcement trade-in in stainless should run around the same price. Used, all should be about $250.00 to $300.00.
 
I can heartily recommend the 4" Ruger KGP-141; I have two.


That said, after carefully re-reading your post I think maybe a S&W M10 sent off to www.apwcogan.com is the best answer; in fact I may do just that myself.
 
Another vote for the S&W 686. Very accurate and strong. I currently own the four inch because I carry mine concealed some. I have owned one in six inch and it was a real pleasure to shoot. I guess I had a good reason for selling it, I just can't think what it might have been :( . If you are not going to be carrying it concealed and just using it for home defense and at the range, I might think a little on a six inch. The longer sight radius makes them even more of a tack driver. The heft of these revolvers help control the magnums and .38s are pure enjoyment.
 
GP-100 is sweet. I traded an L frame Smith for mine and have no regrets. I also have a security six, have had no problems with it at all. Both are great guns, the GP is just built a bit heavier.
Bob
 
I like my 686. DA trigger pull is the nicest of any firearm I've owned. Tons of used ones around. A S&W Model 28 can be had for around the same price but is a littl big for CCW. Speaking of M-28s, I'm off to the gun show today to look for a 6" N frame. Wish me luck!

Mike
 
Looked at some new Taurus revolvers today and I think not. They sure have a cheap appearance now, wife has a 1996 .38 CH SS and it is of higher quality although not up to a Smith. The GP-100 still seems to be a quality piece though. Would like to handle a 66-4 or -5, I really like the Uncle Mikes grips on them too. Not sure of the looks of the full under lug on the 686 but I have only seen pictures. Thank you for everyones comments!! :rolleyes:
Chris
 
Stick with either Ruger or S&W. lots of great used stuff out there. Go with medium or large frames. In 357 your talking S&W model 13, 19, 65,66,581,681,586, 686, 27, 28, etc. or Ruger gp-100.
p.s. Nothin wrong with a good.38 spcl gun in these sizes either.
 
Have been interested in the Security Six but a bit put off by some saying they have poor triggers and can bind up.
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There are lots of good 4" .357's out there and everybody has recommended them. But it is CRAZY to think the Security Six isn't reliable. Ruger designed and made that gun to compete in the law enforcement market. The action is rugged. Since there is no sideplate it is easy to take it apart and take care of it.

I bought a stainless SS (6") for my 21st birthday. That would have been 1982. Despite all the guns I've gotten since then, it is still my "trusted house gun." It is going to go bang when you pull that trigger. And both SA and DA are very nice. I can probably shoot that gun better in DA than ANY of my other revolvers including some high dollar S&W's.

And I keep seeing some nice onces for not much money on gunsamerica. I've been very tempted to buy a few "extras" but I don't know what excuse I would use for a safe full of them!

I agree the GP-100 is a tough and reliable gun. But it is just a little too blocky for me. When I pick one up I always end up thinking how much better a Security Six feels in your hand.

The K frames are sweet and you don't actually have to worry about "hurting them" with high pressure loads unless you are going to shoot thousands of them. The M19/66 series is nice. And there is sure nothing wrong with the M13/65 series if you want fixed sights.

Gregg
 
You can't beat the 686. If price is an issue look for a used one or a used 681. K-frames should not be overlooked either. There are bargains to be had.
 
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