Thinking about getting a revolver...

[pklin1297]

I always did like the look of the 627 PC...

What do you guys think about the 625 and the 325, 45 ACP revolvers? I know they're not the typical revolver cartridge, but I have quite a few 1911s...

[Rhyme_merchant]

I would look at the PC revolvers from smith since your budget can fit most of them in. Pick the flavor of your choosing. That, or get an older pre-lock as stated above. OR, get a an older performance center model.

[checkenbach]

All great choices, but if you do go new, look the gun over VERY closely for issues. My 686 SSR had a slight barrel cant and spit lead. I had to send it back and it was repaired quickly, and nicely done. A pain, but not the end of the world. That said, I have been on the hunt for pre lock guns, pinned if possible. Also, what do you plan on doing with it??? One more item, my 686 did not take well to lead bullets, heavy barrel leading was the result, as they have a different rifling now. YMMV.

[Wordupmybrotha]

All great choices, but if you do go new, look the gun over VERY closely for issues. My 686 SSR had a slight barrel cant and spit lead. I had to send it back and it was repaired quickly, and nicely done. A pain, but not the end of the world. That said, I have been on the hunt for pre lock guns, pinned if possible. Also, what do you plan on doing with it??? One more item, my 686 did not take well to lead bullets, heavy barrel leading was the result, as they have a different rifling now. YMMV.

How many rounds did you shoot before it caused barrel leading?

[AKexpat]

Too bad you are not into Ruger. The SP101 in .357, although it is "only" a 5-shot, would be my choice. Heavy but very solid and compact.

You are free to ignore my post.

[rogervzv]

I always did like the look of the 627 PC...

What do you guys think about the 625 and the 325, 45 ACP revolvers? I know they're not the typical revolver cartridge, but I have quite a few 1911s...

I have the 625JM and it is a cool revolver. The .45 ACP round works great with moon clips.

[Citadelgrad87]

[trigger945]

Performance Center revolvers are nice. Some argue they are worth the premium, while some don't. If you go that route, $1,500 is a good budget wherein there are some models to choose from.

If you are okay with standard models or even Pro Series (in between regular and Performance Center), you will have plenty of leftover funds.

For Pro Series, you may look into the 686 SSR. I have one and it is a fine revolver.

For regular models, you may look into K-frames and L-frames both with and without locks. Examples of .357/.38 are Models 19, 66, 13 and 65 for K-frames and Models 686 and 586 for L-frames. For .38 Spl only, you may look into Models 10, 14, 15, 64, 67 and 68. Note that some models are only available in pre-lock configuration.

N-frames are also fine and newer models have an 8-shot cylinder. Their frames are larger. Models 27, 28 and 627 are something to look into for N-frames.

Good luck!

[Kowan]

I have a 686 SSR and 627 PC. Both are fine revolvers.

[trigger945]

Here is the 686 SSR - MSRP of $999 (my LGS - Guns Direct in Burbank - sells them from $899):

[pklin1297]

Thanks everyone, I think I opened Pandora's Box here...

I'll be fine with L-frames, but I think my wife would prefer K-frames. Then again, she tends to grab my 1911s at the range rather than my Glock 26 and Shield...

[orangeusa]

Who is this Dan Wesson?

S&W invented the double action and Colt was fast to follow up.

You will never lose money or satisfaction of owning S&W or Colt. I am partial to S&W (686/586,Model 10) since their action is easier to use for me and their overall quality is head to head with Colt (IMO). That said, I really have a soft spot for the old Model 10 I bought that had an early NYPD pedigree. And it was not expensive. They made millions of them and you can get one for under $300.

EDIT : I have some Rugers also. You will NEVER go wrong with them either. Rugers are tools that work perfectly, the other 2 are heirlooms.

.

[Sutcliffe]

A lot of things have been covered

Why not a .38? Unless you have a need for magnum power most people shoot .38's out of their magnums. There are a lot of used .38 Smitha and Wessons out there you can pick up on the used market.
Another thing that currently is intriguing to me is the Ruger SP-101 w 4" barrel and adjustable sights. It weights a lot less than conventional magnum revolvers and would make a great trail/kit gun.

[Steponmytoes]

All great choices, but if you do go new, look the gun over VERY closely for issues. My 686 SSR had a slight barrel cant and spit lead. I had to send it back and it was repaired quickly, and nicely done. A pain, but not the end of the world. That said, I have been on the hunt for pre lock guns, pinned if possible. Also, what do you plan on doing with it??? One more item, my 686 did not take well to lead bullets, heavy barrel leading was the result, as they have a different rifling now. YMMV.

Also just to add, some TRR8's had light primer strike issues which are well documented on the S&W forums (and even on youtube). Might have been fixed with later generations but pretty unacceptable for a $1,200+ revolver. Performance Center horror stories are relatively common, the premium you pay is not necessarily justified by the actual product.

[Eastwoodfan101]

Smith and Wesson 500 Magnum