S&W Buying Help Needed

[Rumpled]

Since I bought a some of S&W stock last year (and fortunately made a bundle on paper) I think I should finally buy some S&W stocks(grips) attached to a frame and all.

At this time, I'm not interested in M&P15's or semi pistols or shotguns or a TC (now S&W owned).
So, that leads me to what S&W is probably best known for - DA revolvers.

I need some education on them. Can someone point me out to some kind of FAQ or something explaining the frame sizes and such? What series are "good" or "bad"?

I'm not sure what I'm really looking for yet, a carry piece, a big bore or a monster bore (.500!); just looking for ideas for my first S&W.

Any hints on what are desireable, especially in the "not on the list" variety; without being real expensive. I'm totally fine with buying used. I'd be looking for a shooter, not a safe queen.

Also, I don't have anything stainless or similar; so I'm thinking about getting something shiny.

[DRM6000]

I don't know which s&w revolver to recommend, but if you buy one by jan. 31, 2007, you can get a free s&wrange bag.

http://www.shootingusa.com/LATEST_UPDATES/GUN_A_MONTH/GAM_Offer/gam_offer.html

[DB2]

Get a Revolver

Hard to go wrong with a .357 or .44 mag wheel gun.

[saki302]

Hmm... target shooting- S&W 686+ with 6" barrel. Partial defense duty? Same gun, 4" barrel

-Dave

[taloft]

I'll try to be quick about this.

Frames sizes:

"J" Small frames. Models 36, 60, and 640 are good examples. very good for carrying concealed or for small hands. The 36 lady smith is very popular with women who carry thanks to its small grip. I think the 640 hammerless is an excellent choice for carry and/or as a backup. calibers vary depending on choice.

"K" & "L" Medium frames. Models 10, 64, and 686 are good examples. All of these models are classics, and excellent choices. Both the 10 and the 64 are chambered in .38sp the 686 is chambered in .38sp/.357. I personally think the 686 with a 4" barrel is one of the finest wheel guns ever made. If you plan on doing a lot of target shooting step up to the 6". This size frame fits most people very well.

"N" large frames. Models 29, 625, and 629 are common choices here. Basically, if it has a four in the caliber you will find it here. .44mag. .44sp etc. These are where you will find the various flavors of mountain and guide guns.
Fits people with large hands very well. May not suit shooters with smaller hands without changing grips. Very common for hunting and home defense.

"X" Extra large frames. models 460 and 500. These are the big daddies. .460 and .500 caliber, they tend to be used by serious handgun hunters and some target shooters. They are expensive to buy and can be very pricey to feed if you don't reload.

Basically, your use will determine which flavor or variant you should roll with.

If you are going to carry concealed, a "J" frame will most likely be your best bet. Especially come summer when printing becomes more of a issue. The Airweights really make this an attractive option for some because they are a lot lighter than the all steel models. However, with a small sight radius you won't have as much success using it for precision target shooting. This is more of your dark alley, close up type of weapon.

For home defense and all around use the "K" frames are an excellent choice. Lots of choices here if you are looking for something in .357.

The larger frames I already covered.

A wheel gun for home defense is an excellent choice. Locate target and just squeeze the trigger. If the gun goes bang you're good to go, if it don't go bang just pull the trigger again. No slide to rack, no magazine to fumble with, and no hot brass landing on the wife. Unfortunately, they are very loud in an enclosed space.

Overall I've found S&W revolvers to be very accurate and have excellent triggers right out of the box. Having work done on them only makes a good thing better. Stainless is easy to maintain. S&W revolvers really retain their resale value. Without narrowing down what your looking for this is the best I can do. Renting might be a good way to thin the herd a bit. Let us know what you wind up choosing.