need advice/recommendation for a GOOD revolver

[cactuspete]

I have a 4" S&W 686 Plus. These folks all seem to like it too.

http://www.lesjones.com/posts/000037.shtml

[gose]

S&W 686 would be my first choice. The Rugers are ok, but not as good as the S&Ws.
Run run run away from anything with Taurus on it....

[tankerman]

You could get two (blued) Colt Troopers for $900, no stainless models (that I'm aware of) blued or nickled.

I have a 4" model that's never failed me, accuracy is on par with my Python. Enjoyable gun to shoot.

This one is on Gunbroker.

[JTROKS]

Although I'm very fond of my GP100s, a Colt King Cobra is a very nice revolver. It is supposed to be the poor man's Python, but they are becoming hard to find (especially in CA) and folks are asking more money for them. I got lucky and found this one for a decent price and a drive. I'm gearing up to shoot all my 357s and 38s, hopefully I can keep track of data for an accuracy test. Too bad that 6" 6-shot 686 slipped through my grasp.

[aplinker]

I like big frames... the 627 is a great gun.

[LAK Supply]

I'd go after the S&W 686 if you're going .357 mag, or the Ruger Redhawk if you're going .44 mag. Personal $.02 of course.....

[BillCA]

If you plan on shooting mostly .357 Magnums, either go for the S&W 686 or the Ruger GP-100. These are both large, heavy guns that will make shooting the .357 more enjoyable as well as stand up to the constant pounding.

If, however, you want the .357 for just an all-purpose gun and will shoot mostly .38 Specials for practice and the cost savings, then you have a much wider selection available to you.

The S&W L-Frame cousin to the 686, the 620, might be more to your liking. It's basically the 686 with a traditional S&W half-underlug below the barrel.

If you aren't dead set on a stainless steel gun, older blued N-Frame S&W's can be an excellent buy. Finding a good condition Model 28 Highway Patrolman will give you a big, sturdy gun to shoot for decades. The weight of the L-Frame is such that a 4" is only slightly lighter than the N-Frame but the L-frame 6" is heavier than a comparable N-Frame.

S&W Model 28

The K-Frame Model 66 and it's blued predecessor the Model 19 both make wonderful sidearms. Reasonably light (36 oz in a 4") and quick pointing. It was a favorite of police for 30 years. Running mostly .38/.38+P and the magnums when needed it makes a terrific defense gun as well as a good woods & short-range hunting gun for light game.

S&W Model 19

S&W's fixed sighted models are also excellent guns. The K-Frame Model 13 or 65 (stainless) are no-nonsense guns, but seem to be in demand for CCW guns in other states. The Model 581/681 series are L-Frames with fixed sights. These are hard to find but make top notch woods guns as well as personal defense guns.

If you luck into a Colt .357 such as a Trooper, Lawman or Python, I would do so thinking of shooting mostly only .38/.38+P in the gun to reduce wear. Colts are hard to come by and expensive. The worst part is that they are more sensitive to timing issues and wear. Finding a competent Colt gunsmith is getting harder every year.

If the Ruger GP-100 suits you, you'll have a durable gun that will outlast you. Rugers will wear out, but they take more abuse than S&W, Colts or Taurus. The downside is that their triggers often need tweaking to get the best out of them (so do most new guns with liability being a concern). I find the Ruger DA revolvers homely, but that's a personal opinion. Rugers are often the "best buy" on the used market because their resale value is typically lower than S&W or Colt.

[Bongos]

Ok, lets the arguments begain, first off you really can't go wrong with any of the mentioned revolvers, BUT here are my thoughts. S&W 19 and Colt Pythons are too valuable as collector peices as well as metal during that period are soft and cannot take a beating. The Rugers are cast framed but well built and robust. S&W 66 or 686 are very good choices. Taurus is a great Tool gun for the price, but hands down, my choice is a Dan Wesson .357, price is anywhere from $200-$400 one of the "strongest" made guns and one of the most under appreciative guns out there. the Blueing is old school deep blue and very smooth... They are kind of hard to find but I think they are worth the money!!!

[weekend_plinker]

where are you located at. If you are in the south bay and would like to try a gp100 in 6 inch. I recently bought one and like the gun alot. I have the stock grip and also the pachmayr as well. It may be a little heavier in the barrel then the 4". but you are welcome to try it out at a local range with either grip.
The grips are easy to change out.

[tankerman]

Ok, lets the arguments begain, first off you really can't go wrong with any of the mentioned revolvers, BUT here are my thoughts. S&W 19 and Colt Pythons are too valuable as collector peices as well as metal during that period are soft and cannot take a beating.

Ok, I'll bite.

You said
"metal during that period are soft"
What period would that be? Pythons were made from 1955-2003.
The S&W 19 was produced from 1957-1999
So according to you every gun made by S&W and Colt from the mid-50's till 2003 has too soft metal.
I call BS.

[cackinthebox]

Nagant