Revolver?

[Den60]

I am due to pick up my SP-01 tomorrow. That will be my second handgun. I had thought about getting something smaller than my G-19 for carry but after holding a G-26 I am not not so sure I like the feel and my 19 is certainly compact enough to carry. I still want to take a look at the Shield and the RAMI at some point just to make sure although a purchase of a revolver wouldn't preclude me from purchasing a semi-auto later on. With all the talk about banning semi-autos I was thinking that a revolver might allow me to "hedge" my bets a bit. Also, I like the idea of having different types of handguns so as to become familiar with their differing characteristics. As for caliber I would likely go with .357 since that also gives you the option of firing .38 special.

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on my thinking.

[plumbum]

Ruger Gp100 - done!

[Den60]

Ruger Gp100 - done!

Already on my list.

[robert101]

It is a toss up as to Ruger or S&W. I'm a little more partial to S&W so my thought is the 686. I had one for many years and shoot the heck out of it. Nothing wrong with the Ruger either. You will be pleased at either selection.

[FormerBiker]

Ruger Gp100 - done!

X2. After that get an SP101. Both great shooters.

[SamsDX]

You can never go wrong with a good .357 revolver, though the current legal situation may warrant a slightly different acquisition strategy. All handguns are subject to the roster, but the Single Action Exemption would give you access to a wider range of revolvers. I understand that the Single Shot Exemption for semiautos is effectively dead, so what you see on the roster is what you can get. I wouldn't count on the Shield falling off the roster anytime soon (they have all the features needed for listing on the roster except for microstamping), so I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry to pick one of those up. Nevertheless, if I were to prioritize, I would prioritize semiauto handguns that are somewhat on the esoteric side, and those which are at risk of falling off the roster soon. I was caught by surprise when Colt dropped what essentially amounted to their entire line of semiautos from the roster.


Otherwise, there's nothing that I know of on the horizon that would impact handguns to the extent they are semi-auto rifles.

But then again, I just jailed a S&W 629, but I'm on a revolver kick at the moment. I'm thinking about adding a 4" or 3" 44 magnum to the safe as well.

[Den60]

Great responses so far. The S&W is a bit pricier than the Ruger though I can easily afford the S&W. Can someone tell me why the difference in price? I do note the S&W 686 is a 7 shot model. For my first revolver I would like something with a minimum 6 capacity and a 4" barrel.

[RedFord150]

^^^S&W had higher manufacturing costs than Ruger in past years. I am not sure this is still the case.

Ruger cast their frames. S&W machined theirs. Ruger used to be a lot cheaper than S&W. Now the price difference is much smaller.

I have owned several Rugers over the last 3 decades. No complaints on any of them.

Good luck.

[Bullitt01]

Both great brands,,,but you will NOT be sad if you got a Ruger

[SoCalPI]

If you plan on carrying, get a Ruger LCR. I have one and prefer it to the J frames I used to have (442, 642, 639). If no carry, get a GP100.

Also, get a Shield. They are great.

[Milsurp Collector]

I have many handguns but most of them are not revolvers. I recently bought a 1980 S&W Model 66 6" barrel and it is now my favorite handgun. It is so accurate and fun to shoot I bought another .357, a 1982 S&W Model 19 4" barrel with a nickel finish.



The older S&W revolvers are nicer and don't have the "Hillary hole" safety lock. They are cheaper than new ones yet better made. Check out gun stores for used S&W revolvers from the 1980s and earlier.

[ianS]

Another vote for GP100 4"

[SoCalPI]

Another vote for GP100 4"

Yes, or the Wiley Clapp edition. Would have to PPT one.

[plumbum]

I have many handguns but most of them are not revolvers. I recently bought a 1980 S&W Model 66 6" barrel and it is now my favorite handgun. It is so accurate and fun to shoot I bought another .357, a 1982 S&W Model 19 4" barrel with a nickel finish.



The older S&W revolvers are nicer and don't have the "Hillary hole" safety lock. They are cheaper than new ones yet better made. Check out gun stores for used S&W revolvers from the 1980s and earlier.

Please stop posting that gorgeous picture of that amazing 66, it's too much for me! I still wish Ruger did the half-lug on their GP line, their blued 6" was sure purdy!

[movie zombie]

you cannot go wrong with a Smith and Wesson or a Ruger.
i'm partial to S&W.
and I too like the ability to shoot .38 and .357 so made sure to not purchase a revolver that only will shoot .38.
again, you can't go wrong with either a S&W or a Ruger.