New guy thinking about first gun purchase

[Bud11]

Thinking about getting my first gun, primarily for home defense and the range. After first looking at .22 revolvers, I have now concentrated on the .38 specials. Anyone have either the S&W 637, 638 or 642? Snubby model 2" barrel revolvers in the exposed hammer, shrouded hammer and enclosed hammer versions. The 638 looks appealing as it would allow me to learn with both S/A and D/A. Plus, I might be moving to CO where the gun laws are way more relaxed and a permit to carry is supposedly very easy to get. Thanks. Bud

[ianS]

Those lightweight snub revolvers are challenging to shoot well for most people. Even seasoned shooters. They are not fun to practice with. If this is your first handgun consider a heavier larger revolver like a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686. Or at least a snub nose revolver in all steel like the Ruger SP101 or S&W 60/640/649. Practice with .38's and load them with a good +P JHP .38 load for personal defense. Like the Gold Dot 135 grain +P designed for short barrels. Will work as designed in 4" barrels too.

[jimbos44]

If you were thinking of a .38, buy a 357 mag because it shoots 38's as well . Maybe a S&W 586 or 686

[ptgarcia]

Snub nose revolvers aren't the easiest guns to shoot. You'd probably be better served by something with around a 4" barrel. If you want a revolver the Ruger GP100 and SP101 (but this has a short barrel, too) are great guns.

[DannyZRC]

a snubby is a good carry piece because it is easy to carry, but it's not easy or pleasant to shoot.

for home defense and range use, a full size handgun is usually preferred.

Let me be the first of many people to recommend a 9mm auto loader.

[Vacaville]

Those lightweight snub revolvers are challenging to shoot well for most people. Even seasoned shooters. They are not fun to practice with. If this is your first handgun consider a heavier larger revolver like a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686. Or at least a snub nose revolver in all steel like the Ruger SP101 or S&W 60/640/649. Practice with .38's and load them with a good +P .38 load for personal defense.

I agree.

If you aren't going to be carrying it get a full size revolver chambered in .357 magnum, either S&W or Ruger. You can shoot .38 spl. in it, and then there's plenty of room to move up to +P or full-house .357 mag.

I've got a 21 oz. .38 spl. snubbie and believe me, your hand is hurting after 20 rounds or so - even with wimpy rounds. You'll get a lot more rounds downrange and be able to focus on your skills better with a full-size gun.

[johnthomas]

Go to a gun range that rents guns, try them out. See what kind of CCW holsters they carry, ask around and see what others conceal carry. I shot a 38 ultra light, hammerless.
Ouch!!!! Fixing a fail to fire on a semi takes a couple of steps, on a revolver, just move to the next hole.

[gorenut]

I vote for something along the lines of rent as well. I'll also echo those that recommend against a snub-nose as first handgun. They have a very specific purpose and home-defense for a new shooter isn't one that they fit very well.

If you're put off by a larger revolver's size (I recommend something in the 4" barrel range), I'd look into getting a simple semi like a Glock. It requires minimum maintenance (as far as guns go) and once you've become more familiar with the firearm - its easier for the user to make his/her own repairs/replacements. Even though I started off with revolvers first, I am definitely not as confident with making my own repairs on em as I am with a semi.

However, I do understand that the manual of arms on a revolver is easier so I'm all for you getting either a Smith or Ruger in the 4" barrel range.

PS: cleaning is also easier on a semi. Easier to get to parts because you can disassemble everything and you don't have to clean a cylinder.

[Bud11]

Those lightweight snub revolvers are challenging to shoot well for most people. Even seasoned shooters. They are not fun to practice with. If this is your first handgun consider a heavier larger revolver like a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686. Or at least a snub nose revolver in all steel like the Ruger SP101 or S&W 60/640/649. Practice with .38's and load them with a good +P JHP .38 load for personal defense. Like the Gold Dot 135 grain +P designed for short barrels. Will work as designed in 4" barrels too.

I took a look at the S&W 60 with the 3" barrel. Looks like it is more substantial and perhaps a nice compromise.

[ianS]

I took a look at the S&W 60 with the 3" barrel. Looks like it is more substantial and perhaps a nice compromise.

Go to a public range. Most likely they'll have something like a Model 60 or SP101 snub for you to try out. Most ranges only let you shoot their light reloads so it might not be a good approximation but you at lest you'll get an idea. A 3" barrel isn't going to make a difference in recoil reduction. But the longer sight radius and easier to see adustable sights can help.

If you decide you want something more shootable and something you might be more willing to practice with/and possibly carry take a look at the compact and subcompact polymer 9mm pistols. They're a lot easier to shoot well. Consider Glock 19/26, S&W M&P/M&P compact, H&K P2000/P2000SK, or Walther P99/P99 compact.

[loose_electron]

I own a Ruger LCR, its an ultra light snubby 38. Not a fun gun to shoot, but I wanted to be able to shoot something that is difficult to handle and accurately group shots with.

If you want to have fun, look into a 9mm semi auto, IMHO.

[ptgarcia]

Let me add that I own an S&W Bodyguard 38 and really like it. I find the challenge to shoot it well makes it fun, and I can put a lot of rounds through it before it bugs my hand. I've fired 100 rds of .38 non- +P UMC through it at one session and didn't have a problem. The grip is slightly different than the 442 and 642, though, as it wraps completely around the frame providing more cushion where it meets the palm. That said, firing the same ammo through my brother's Ruger Security 6 is a much better experience.

[Bud11]

Since my local range closed before I could try out some guns, I found a place about an hour and a half away in Riverside that will rent the Glock 19. I have been taking a hard look at it and it just might fit the bill for me. They also have other guns to try. Bud