help me pick a revolver

[Jcastaneda1105]

Looking at picking up a revolver, possibly tomorrow if the price is right. I have max $450 - $500. I prefer a .38 special so my wife can also shoot it, however i prefer a .357. I understand .357 can shoot .38.

I also aesthetically prefer barrels under 5 inches, ideally 3".

So CGN, need your recommendations.

[rromeo]

Given the parameters, Ruger SP101.

[Mr.Hipp]

I recently picked up a 4 inch S&W 686 for $500 great revolver. I'd look for a 3 inch S&W 36 or a ruger sp101 or the ruger lcr in that price point. Good luck.

[Dark Mod]

If you can find a 686 at that price jump on it, if not you can find gp100's sometimes for that or sp101's.

Personally id go for an older smith in Blue with wood grips.

[Dark Mod]

If you can find a 686 at that price jump on it, if not you can find gp100's sometimes for that or sp101's.

Personally id go for an older smith in Blue with wood grips.

[rsmorgan]

Used revolvers seem to be getting hard to find here in CA.

If you stumble on one, the old Ruger Service Six or Speed Six is also a good option to consider. "Nothing special," but far more compact than the GP100 and "can't kill it with a stick" rugged.

[robcoe]

Like others said, SP101, GP100

I have the 6 inch stainless version of the GP, I have beat the crap out of it for years, it still shoots better than new after the trigger smoothed out.

[llamatrnr]

Ruger LCR is nice also.

[DT556]

S&W 627 PC 2 5/8"
I just got one for my son for Christmas. It's a little more than what you want to pay, but it's worth every dollar.

[DeathByDoubleDip]

S&W Model 10
S&W Model 15

Ruger GP100

will probably be your best bets. I can't recommend the SP101 because all the ones I've shot had some of the crappiest DA triggers I've had to pull. Crappy enough to make me say 'screw it' and pay the extra $$ for the GP100.

If you find the various K-frame and L-frame S&W's at a good price, that'd be neat too. I haven't seen a S&W 586/686 for <$500 myself, though.

[Mr357magnum]

in that price range, i would look at Taurus. Specifically the Taurus Tracker. Great revolver for the money.

Another good Taurus is the model 65 in .357 magnum. This one is less expensive than the Tracker. Still a good choice given the money.

I have a S&W 686+ and I love it. It is a bit pricey though.

[den888]

Yep, Ruger or S&W would be your choices.

[Kraviwannabe]

I've owned both Smith 686 and Ruger GP100. Both great guns and real tack drivers. I would give the edge to my GP100. Those things are extra beefy, over engineered and will outlive the apocalypse!

[gorenut]

If you can find a 686 at that price jump on it, if not you can find gp100's sometimes for that or sp101's.

Was going to be my suggestion. Given your criteria, I'd say GP100 would be great and definitely easier to find than a 686 at that price. The GP100 was my first gun (had a stainless with 6" barrel), regret ever selling it when I went through my semi-auto phase. Wouldn't mind getting another one in 4" to tinker with - which is another benefit of the GP100.... relatively easy to work on as far as revolvers go if you're into that kinda stuff.

S&W 627 PC 2 5/8"
I just got one for my son for Christmas. It's a little more than what you want to pay, but it's worth every dollar.

Great gun, but way out of the OP's price range. I own one with 5" barrel and easily my favorite gun.

[mrsidearm]

I am getting ready to buy the Ruger LCR .357 to put on my permit. Heard nothing but good things about em. The trigger on the LCR felt much lighter and smoother than the S&W