Taking my parents gun shopping..

[DrDavid]

I've been slowly warming my parents up to the idea of gun ownership. My father had a ton of fun shooting my XD9; and a few appropriate YouTube videos sent to my mother (911 calls.. ick..) had the desired effect.

Anyways, I'm not in a position of showing them some firearms. I think they're leaning towards a revolver since they find they have a hard time pulling back the slide on semi-automatic guns; and don't really want a long gun.

So, I'm a bit weak on my knowledge of revolvers... What's a good home defense revolver that's heavy enough to absorb some of the felt recoil, long enough to actually aim, but, easy enough for two older people to handle easily?

To be clear, suggesting a 500 Magnum is probably not useful (although, it would be fun(ny)).

Also, one other additional issue: I'd prefer if the ammo was cheap(ish) and easily purchased. So, preferably no exotic ammo. And, of course, this needs to be California legal (stupid California).

[Budd]

Well - I think a Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum might fit the bill. The 4" stainless steel is the one I have. Built like a tank and absorbs the magnum loads very well. If that is too heavy - maybe the new SP101's with the 4" barrel in .357 magnum.

They can also shoot .38sp + if they want instead of the magnums.

Practice with .38sp - load either with +p or .357 magnums.

[Freshshooter]

My dad is kinda old and he loves his smith&Wesson Model 686 Shoots 357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special

[littlejake]

I agree with a 4 inch .357 -- but use .38 special ammo. .357 revolvers have good weight which reduces the felt recoil when using a .38 spl round. Plenty of good .38 defense rounds. The revolver is easy to check to see if it's loaded; and has the same springs in tension whether loaded or unloaded. They don't suffer from some of the malfunction modes of a semiauto -- which requires knowledge to know how to clear.

I'm a big advocate of people taking a basic handgun class. (Voluntary not by government edict.)

I've owned and fired the GP100, SP101 and S&W 686. I think it's a tie between the GP100 and the S&W 686. Most important is a smooth double action that doesn't require too much effort firing Double Action.

[paul0660]

4 inch .38 or .357 from one of many makers.

[DrDavid]

I've been teaching them safe handling; but, I've also suggested that they take a class from an NRA approved instructor. I'm a huge advocate of knowing how to handle things safely (cars, guns, tools, etc.. are ALL dangerous if treated incorrectly).

.38spl/.357 with a 4" barrel sounds like it'll be a nice option for them. Thanks for all the insight and help!

[rogervzv]

Well - I think a Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum might fit the bill. The 4" stainless steel is the one I have. Built like a tank and absorbs the magnum loads very well. If that is too heavy - maybe the new SP101's with the 4" barrel in .357 magnum.

They can also shoot .38sp + if they want instead of the magnums.

Practice with .38sp - load either with +p or .357 magnums.

My precise recommendations. Both terrific revolvers. The GP100 unless it is too heavy, otherwise the SP101.

The S&W 686 is also a good choice, but more money for arguably no more gun.

[JavaBrewer]

+1 on the .357 with 4" barrel. Easy to operate and maintain. Handsome to boot. I have the 686 but would not turn down a GP either. Take them to a local range and let them shoot one (revolver) first. Start with some standard .38 SP and migrate up to + or .357 if they are up for it. My entire family loves shooting the 686 - even with .357 rounds.

[littlejake]

I've been teaching them safe handling; but, I've also suggested that they take a class from an NRA approved instructor. I'm a huge advocate of knowing how to handle things safely (cars, guns, tools, etc.. are ALL dangerous if treated incorrectly).

.38spl/.357 with a 4" barrel sounds like it'll be a nice option for them. Thanks for all the insight and help!

Certified NRA instructor or a CA Consumer Affairs BSIS instructor. I stand by my recommendation to use .38 spl ammo -- one needs to judge one's ability to control a .357 in a defense situation. Typical defense situations don't allow time to put on ear protection. The .357 recoil and report can be disorienting. Better to be able to control the weapon and put in two .38's than miss with one .357 -- also the environment has to be considered. .357 is highly penetrating. In an urban environment with close neighbors, I would not use a .357 round. Persons in other rooms in the residence must also be considered. Know what's beyond your target!

[paul0660]

Taurus makes good revolvers, btw.

[ckprax]

Here ya go.

http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=8192585#post8192585

[CaffeinFeign]

Certified NRA instructor or a CA Consumer Affairs BSIS instructor. I stand by my recommendation to use .38 spl ammo -- one needs to judge one's ability to control a .357 in a defense situation. Typical defense situations don't allow time to put on ear protection. The .357 recoil and report can be disorienting. Better to be able to control the weapon and put in two .38's than miss with one .357 -- also the environment has to be considered. .357 is highly penetrating. In an urban environment with close neighbors, I would not use a .357 round. Persons in other rooms in the residence must also be considered. Know what's beyond your target!

Outstanding advice! Lately, after a lot of thought I moved all my 45's back into the safe and now have snub 38's in the house for use...as well as a shotgun with trap loads...(won't miss down the hallway, and I shouldn't hit the neighbors).. i have always believed that a shotgun is the best HD weapon there is...IMHO

[bob7122]

4 inch .38 or .357 from one of many makers.

^this in my opinion. and speed reloaders.

[Fireguy]

I'm looking at the GP100 or SW686 for my Dad which ever fits him best. He'll load it with .38 specials. I've not heard of the GP101 is it new? I'd like to get him a SW 66 but cant find one near my Dad

The USMC taught Dad how to shoot, but we will go to the range for a refresher course.

[Kodemonkey]

+1 on the .357 with 4" barrel. Easy to operate and maintain. Handsome to boot. I have the 686 but would not turn down a GP either. Take them to a local range and let them shoot one (revolver) first. Start with some standard .38 SP and migrate up to + or .357 if they are up for it. My entire family loves shooting the 686 - even with .357 rounds.

+2 on this. 686p has 7 rounds. The 9 year old girl next door loved shooting 38 special through it. It was her favorite of everything she shot her first time shooting.

My 686 is probably the last gun I would let go. Solid, reliable, accurate and easy to use.