.357/.38 handgun

[CzechCzar]

Hey all,

I am looking to purchase a revolver for my first handgun, and thought I'd come here to get some information on the off chance that you all know half as much about firearms as you do about shaving!

I want a gun for home defense and target practice. My friend, who owns many guns, has told me that owning a gun is like fighting - it's pretty much useless unless you stay in shape and practice, practice, practice!

I want a revolver for several reasons. I hear that it's easier to get to know a revolver than a pistol. More important is that I am partially disabled on my right hand side (no fine motor skills - I can punch but I cannot type), and would have trouble with the chambering, cocking, reloading, etc., on a semi-automatic. For this reason, I want a double-action revolver so I can unlatch the chamber with my good (left hand), and push it open with my right.

I went to a gun store today and tried a couple, and it turned out that a .357/.38 just felt right. Right size, good stopping power, easy to fit in a nightstand - just what I am looking for. The trouble is, they only had two guns in the store! I want to ask the huge base of knowledge here what recommendations you have for a good revolver of this kind. I haven't any real preference about color or grip or any details like that. I guess that only things you need to know are that I would shoot one handed, my hands are medium sized, and my pinky absolutely must fit comfortably on the base of the revolver.

I went to a gun shop and held the Smith & Wesson 686t1 and the Ruger GP100, both of which felt phenomenal. Do you have any other recommendations?

Thanks so much!

 

[ajkimmins]

Go with the GP100. It should have been much cheaper than the S&W and they are just as good. Definately go and shoot as often as you can. shoot .38's while you practice, cheaper than the .357's and easier on your hands. Then, keep it loaded with .357's just in case you do have to use it. In that situation you won't even notice the difference.

 

[CzechCzar]

That is what I was thinking. The difference between the way the two felt in my hands was marginal at the most, and it's a nearly $400 price difference to get the extra bullet afforded by the S&W. Besides, if six or seven guys break into my house, I am gonna think about it regardless of whether I have six or seven bullets...

 

[ajkimmins]

In that case a back-up 12 gauge is always handy!!

 

[BoxerDad]

S&W Model 686 with a 4" barrel Stainless Steel Hogue Grips

They make a 7-shot as well. Both can be had in the following barrel lengths if I'm correct 2.5", 4", and 6"

Excellent shooters you won't regret the purchase.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I can't recall the exact model, but I inherited a S&W .38 with a 4" barrel. I'm more into auto pistols, but the .38 is a good, reliable shooter.

I'd recommend going with a 4" barrel. It's easy enough to handle and the extra length will give you better accurary at the range.

 

[DavyRay]

The Ruger has a transfer-bar safety. I have not kept up with S&W, but if they do not have an equivalent safety mechanism, do not buy one. Old-fashioned revolvers are dangerous. Drop an old S&W just a short distance, and it may fire. You should also not keep a round in the chamber of old revolvers, thus losing one shot.

 

[Fairlight]

I have a Ruger GP-100 (KGP-161) and it is an excellent, dependable revolver.

I personally prefer it over S&W models because the trigger group slides in and out, rather than having a panel held on with screws. Also, S&W revolvers have an exposed metal backstrap whereas this is covered with the grip on a Ruger.

I have heard negative comments about the Ruger trigger, but the one I have is buttery smooth, breaks like a glass rod, and is *really* light. I've tried to produce ADs with an empty gun to no avail.

I'm fond of using it to teach newbies at the range why they need to keep their finger off the trigger. I load one round, make sure they have a good grip and are pointed down range, then I **** the hammer for a single action pull. Then I tell them to put their finger on the trigger. If it doesn't go bang, I congratulate them and tell them to squeeze the trigger. Otherwise the noise and recoil of a round of .357 is usually a very effective object lesson when it takes you by surprise.

I should note that since I got mine second hand, it has almost certainly had a trigger job. Don't expect this performance out of the box, but it's certainly possible with a little professional attention.

 

[Jim]

I have always had an affinity for the S&W Model 19.

 

[Gray Wolf]

A .357 magnum revolver is a good choice, you can start with low power .38 wadcutters, then move up to mid-range loadings, then to +P .38 loads, and then to full power magnum rounds as you become more proficient. With a quality double action revolver, you don't need to worry about questions likethese:
1. Is there a round in the chamber?
2. Does this need to be cocked first?
3. Is the safety on or off?
Which is why my wife has revolvers!
They are good choices for beginning handgunners.

 

[PaulX608]

I also love the model 19. Sold mine a few years back, but I bought a model 65 a couple months ago. I really love the K/L frame .38/.357s. Here's my 65:

 

[Mazeman]

Revolver in .38/.357 is a great first choice for a handgun for *anyone*. Too many people automatically go to the "sexy" semi-autos, but they're more prone to jamming, and more complicated.

The GP100 is a heavy, thick gun. You may tire of that. It was my first handgun, but I sold it because it was just too bulky. I guess if it's only for home or the range, it may be OK, but I think S&W make more streamlined medium sized guns. Something like a 686.

I'd stick with S&W, and find one that fits your needs.

ETA: Currently, I have a S&W J-frame to easily throw in my coat pocket or glove compartment. My home full-size gun is a 1911, but again, I wouldn't recommend that as a first handgun.

 

[KWyKJJ]

My vote goes to Taurus Model 608. Lifetime warranty (on the gun not you! pass it down to your kids it's still under warranty) It's quite heavy so recoil is reduced (44oz.). It holds 8 rounds and that makes a big difference to me. Finally, it can be had at your local Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shop for about $550.00. Transfer bar safety. This is an easy winner over S&W 686.

 

[wazazzle]

When ever i hit the range i always grab their .38 special, just feels right.

 

[coolbluewater]

S&W Model 686 with a 4" barrel Stainless Steel Hogue Grips

^ This. The exact same piece with the black rubber Hogues was my EDC for years w/Hydrashoks until I ended up going with the Glock 30.

 

[CzechCzar]

Alas, from what I can tell, S&W no longer manufactures the venerable model 19. Still, from you guys and the several gun-shop employees to whom I talked today, the 686 seems to be a terrific choice.

I have always had an affinity for the S&W Model 19.

 

[azmark]

I have always had an affinity for the S&W Model 19.

Reminds me of my dads old Smitty.

 

[CzechCzar]

That looks incredible, and costs significantly less than a S&W. Forgive my ignorance, but is Taurus a reputable company?

My vote goes to Taurus Model 608. Lifetime warranty (on the gun not you! pass it down to your kids it's still under warranty) It's quite heavy so recoil is reduced (44oz.). It holds 8 rounds and that makes a big difference to me. Finally, it can be had at your local Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shop for about $550.00. Transfer bar safety. This is an easy winner over S&W 686.

 

[PaulX608]

Alas, from what I can tell, S&W no longer manufactures the venerable model 19. Still, from you guys and the several gun-shop employees to whom I talked today, the 686 seems to be a terrific choice.

That's correct, there are no more K frame Magnums. The L frame 586(blue)/686(stainless) is a really nice piece, though. The only thing I didn't like about the 19/66 was the sights. I prefer fixed sights. My 65 is the best handling .357 I've owned thus far.

I also have a Taurus 850(.38 +P rated) that I really love. It's a great carry piece and shoots better than a snubby should. I really wanted the 650(same as my 850, but in .357), but it was back odered. I waited for almost a year, then changed my order to the .38. I didn't figure I'd like shooting a .357 snub very much, lol. Here's the 850:

 

[PaulX608]

That looks incredible, and costs significantly less than a S&W. Forgive my ignorance, but is Taurus a reputable company?

I've owned a few Taurus revolvers. I think they're outstanding. I didn't know they still made the 608. I may have to look into those again. They used to make a .44 Special snub. Wish I had gotten one of those. Speaking of 8 shooters, my dad carries a S&W 327. It's an 8 shot .357 snub. I've not fired it, but it looks mean as hell!