S&W 357 Mag as first gun?

[Snoopy47]

[huckberry668]

I vote yes but I'm partial to revolvers, at least they won't have the 'limp wrist' syndrome to worry about like Glock guys do.

S&W revolvers are always a good choice. Years ago folks used to argue over 'auto vs revolver' for HD. Personally I think revolver is a good choice for HD and all the points you listed are still valid. BUT, training is a must for whatever kind of handgun they choose. Don't think training and practice isn't necessary because it's easier to operate.

[geedavell]

I would buy 38 personal defense rounds also. 357 will go through walls and possible hit an unintended target

[pyromensch]

good choice, depending on which one. you don't want a compact snubbie, that is difficult to shoot, and a pain, to practice with. and you don't want an "N" frame, that is too large for smaller hands, and heavier.
i would think that a M19/66, w/4" bbl would be an optimum. you could get the 586/686, but it is a little heavier.

BTW, where are you located?
river city gun exchange, in sacto, has "rossi", (agency trade in's), in 357 mag, for $289.

not a S&W, but patterned after it, and seems to fit the bill.

[Snoopy47]

Im in central CA. He'll probably get the gun through Markley's in Watsonville, and they have a large rent inventory.

Yes, yes, practice, practice. I'm not the one to tell that too. I just bought myself another Les Baer in September and have over 1500 rounds through it.

[nrgcruizer]

It's a good choice for a first. But then the addiction starts to kick in.

[ewarmour]

It's a good choice for a first. But then the addiction starts to kick in.

Yep.

[Roland Deschain]

I think a .357 revolver is the best choice for a first weapon purchase, especially for home defense. My first was a Ruger GP-100 4" and I love the thing. Bought it less than a year ago and now I need a larger safe . Hard not to get addicted.

[anothergunnut]

I have a theory that if you have to ask what kind of gun to buy, the answer is always a medium frame, 4 or 6 inch, 38/357 mag revolver. People who are into guns and are willing to learn about them will be able to evaluate the different options and make a (possibly) different choice.

It also happens that a medium frame, 4 or 6 inch 357 mag is a great gun for the range. 38s are reasonably priced and 357 mags are readily available and a blast (pun intended) to shoot. A Smith and Wesson will cost more than others but you will get that great trigger.

[not-fishing]

Get a 6", my son and I shoot both in competition but I've found teaching others to shoot with a 6" works better, less recoil and longer sight radius.

It's better if they learn to thumb cock the hammer so the trigger works on singe action for their initial shooting. Many beginners don't like the long trigger pull.

[jeffrice6]

river city gun exchange, in sacto, has "rossi", (agency trade in's), in 357 mag, for $289.

What agency was using Rossi's?

[beerman]

I think a .357 revolver is the best choice for a first weapon purchase, especially for home defense. My first was a Ruger GP-100 4" and I love the thing. Bought it less than a year ago and now I need a larger safe . Hard not to get addicted.

Good advice....my 1st was a colt trooper...still have one ( along with many brothers and sisters)

[Kurus214]

Agree with what's been said here - a '686' type or Rossi or Ruger 4-6" barrel - see if they can rent a few different ones that are being considered to see what fits the hand of the smallest shooter.

[BamBam-31]

Yes, for all the reasons you mentioned. Most "buy one just in case" types are opposed to six-shooters. Fortunately, your friend is not conditioned yet to think he absolutely needs a semi-auto. Steer him towards a nice 4" Smith or Ruger, and when the bug bites, let him try the Baer.

[scarville]

A 38/357 revolver is a very good choice for a home defense gun. My third handgun was a Ruger Security Six and served as my bedside gun for over 20 years . The first two (a 1911 and a Glock 17) have long since been sold off but the Ruger is still with me. While I think the S&W 686+ is still the best 357 designed so far, I still intend to add a GP-100 (3" I hope) to my armory. The SP-101 is also a good choice -- especially for folks with small hands -- and the ejector rod is just that little bit extra longer to positively eject cases even in the 2.25" bbl. Another possibility is a used K-frame S&W but most of then are in 38 spl.

That said (and if I am asked), I do recommend a 4" bbl for a first revolver. It strikes a balance between the better ballistic performance of the 6" and the "quickness" of a 3".

I also recommend you use a good quality 38 spl ammo for defense. The 357 is one of the most flexible handgun rounds ever designed but at close range SD, the 38 spl will serve as well and you might have some hearing left

Good luck and good shooting.