Poll: Which revolver?

[SonofWWIIDI]

I vote for 586 4" as the 6" with full lug can be front heavy. Just thought I would say in case you haven't really tried shooting one.

I will try all three if them then. I do like the look of the longer barrel though.

As for weight, well, I was fortunate enough to get to shoot another CGers .460 mag with a gigantic barrel...and it shot a frozen rope out to the 100 yard gong. And wasn't to bad on the weight. So I think I'll be able to handle it. If I was planning on using it for CCW (still wishful thinking here in Santa Clara), I would definitely lean toward a shorter barrel.

[jeffyhog]

So far everyone has recommended a Smith, but you won't go wrong with a Ruger GP100 either. Solid gun that goes on sale for about $520 frequently for the blued model. I have an older 6" stainless model, but I would really like to pick up a blued 4" as well.

[JTROKS]

If you're going for a durable, accurate, reliable revolver with good resale value go with the 586 Classic and SAE it. A model 19 is nice and the choice if I wanted it a bit faster due to the smaller frame and lesser weight compared to the 586. I would also highly suggest the Ruger GP100. It is about the same as the 586 with a bit more emphasis on durability.

[Marquand]

If you're going for a durable, accurate, reliable revolver with good resale value go with the 586 Classic and SAE it. A model 19 is nice and the choice if I wanted it a bit faster due to the smaller frame and lesser weight compared to the 586. I would also highly suggest the Ruger GP100. It is about the same as the 586 with a bit more emphasis on durability.

...and the GP-100 comes without a prone-to-failure internal lock. Pre-lock S&W for the win but if you are going to buy a new revolver, go Ruger.

[Sutcliffe]

Never been a fan of N-framed .357

Also, that 6 1/2" barrel is an odd size for any kind of handgun.
I've got a 6" 686 and find it a little too muzzle heavy for my tastes.
You might want to consider a used K-frame and beware a steady diet of full power rounds for it.

[javithewrench]

I like s&w but lately their quality control has gone to Chet. I just sent them a brand new competitor for repair, the front sight is so loose it can be pushed out by hand and its a performance center piece. And go 44 mag!

[SonofWWIIDI]

So far everyone has recommended a Smith, but you won't go wrong with a Ruger GP100 either. Solid gun that goes on sale for about $520 frequently for the blued model. I have an older 6" stainless model, but I would really like to pick up a blued 4" as well.

I didn't see it on the roster.

If you're going for a durable, accurate, reliable revolver with good resale value go with the 586 Classic and SAE it. A model 19 is nice and the choice if I wanted it a bit faster due to the smaller frame and lesser weight compared to the 586. I would also highly suggest the Ruger GP100. It is about the same as the 586 with a bit more emphasis on durability.

As I noted earlier, I'm not really interested in SAE. Wanna go and look at and touch the one I'm gonna buy before I pony up the $$$.

And I don't see the GP100 on the roster. Did I miss it.

But thanks for the recommendation.

...and the GP-100 comes without a prone-to-failure internal lock. Pre-lock S&W for the win but if you are going to buy a new revolver, go Ruger.

Didn't know about the lock issues on the S&W. I guess I'll have to do some research about that.

And as above, I don't see the ruger on the roster, an I missing something?

Also, that 6 1/2" barrel is an odd size for any kind of handgun.
I've got a 6" 686 and find it a little too muzzle heavy for my tastes.
You might want to consider a used K-frame and beware a steady diet of full power rounds for it.

I'm only gonna use it for some fun and plinking, so I pretty sure that the weight won't be much of a problem.

I like s&w but lately their quality control has gone to Chet. I just sent them a brand new competitor for repair, the front sight is so loose it can be pushed out by hand and its a performance center piece. And go 44 mag!

Interesting. I'll have to research that as well.

As for .44 mag, I considered that (and it would definitely be a model 29), but the cost of ammo is way to high to make it affordable for me to shoot. The .357/.38 special models are much less expensive to shoot. Plus I think I already have .38 special dies for reloading.
Thanks.


Thanks to all who have posted. There is some valuable information here. I'm gonna do some more research and rent/borrow as many of the models I lean toward AND the suggested models for some hands on testing.


Keep the info coming! Thanks again to all!

[MikeSmith]

As for .44 mag, I considered that (and it would definitely be a model 29), but the cost of ammo is way to high to make it affordable for me to shoot. The .357/.38 special models are much less expensive to shoot. Plus I think I already have .38 special dies for reloading.
Thanks.


Thanks to all who have posted. There is some valuable information here. I'm gonna do some more research and rent/borrow as many of the models I lean toward AND the suggested models for some hands on testing.


Keep the info coming! Thanks again to all!

If you decide on a 44 magnum model 29 I have a brand new unfired one for sale. Blued model. And I'm in San Jose.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1001330

[MikeSmith]

But yes the ammo can be expensive, you can find range ammo for 44 magnum at about .70 cents a round. If you want the good stuff it's a $1 plus.

[edgalang]

...
And I don't see the GP100 on the roster. Did I miss it.
...

You sure did.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. KGP-141 / Stainless Steel Revolver 4" .357 Magnum 12/31/2014
Sturm, Ruger & Co. GP-141 (Blue) / Alloy Steel Revolver 4.19" .357 Magnum 2/9/2015
Sturm, Ruger & Co. KGP-141-MCF 01754 / Steel Revolver 4.20" .357 Magnum 8/11/2015
Sturm, Ruger & Co. GP-161 / Blue Steel Revolver 6" .357 Magnum 12/31/2014
Sturm, Ruger & Co. KGP-161 / Stainless Steel Revolver 6" .357 Magnum 12/31/2014

For a break down of model differences...go here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_GP100

Based on your previous posts, you are looking for catalog numbers GP-141 (GP-100 4 inch blue) or GP-161 (GP-100 6 inch blue).

Personally I am eyeing the 4 inch stainless GP-100 or the slightly smaller 4 inch SP-101 myself as my first revolver.


EDIT:
For SP-101...
Sturm, Ruger & Co. KSP-341X (Satin Stnls) 05771 Revolver 4.20" .357 Mag 4/11/2015

Pros for SP-101 vs GP-100 is smaller (thinner) package and FO front sights built in.
Cons for SP-101 vs GP-100 is 5 shot vs 6.

The 4 inch mark is the crossroads between the 2 model lines. Anything bigger you go GP and anything smaller you go SP.

[SonofWWIIDI]

If you decide on a 44 magnum model 29 I have a brand new unfired one for sale. Blued model. And I'm in San Jose.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1001330

That's quite tempting Mike!

But I'm still saving up for it, probably won't be until next month (a Christmas present to myself).

And yes the ammo is a but more expensive. I was checking out gunbot the other night and .357M (.45-.60 per round)/.38 sp.(.35-.45) for plinking rounds. And as I mentioned earlier I already have the dies for .38 sp.

If you still haven't sold it I might reconsider when the time comes.

Thanks for the post.

[SonofWWIIDI]

You sure did.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. KGP-141 / Stainless Steel Revolver 4" .357 Magnum 12/31/2014
Sturm, Ruger & Co. GP-141 (Blue) / Alloy Steel Revolver 4.19" .357 Magnum 2/9/2015
Sturm, Ruger & Co. KGP-141-MCF 01754 / Steel Revolver 4.20" .357 Magnum 8/11/2015
Sturm, Ruger & Co. GP-161 / Blue Steel Revolver 6" .357 Magnum 12/31/2014
Sturm, Ruger & Co. KGP-161 / Stainless Steel Revolver 6" .357 Magnum 12/31/2014

For a break down of model differences...go here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_GP100

Based on your previous posts, you are looking for catalog numbers GP-141 (GP-100 4 inch blue) or GP-161 (GP-100 6 inch blue).

Personally I am eyeing the 4 inch stainless GP-100 or the slightly smaller 4 inch SP-101 myself as my first revolver.

Thanks for the clarification! I was unaware of the way the models are numbered. I will definitely check out the rugers as well!

[Legasat]

Any of the S&W revolvers will serve you well. The Ruger GP100 needs to be on that list also.

For something a little different and elegant, see the Dan Wesson at Riflegear:

Dan Wesson .357

[Khromo]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a Model 27! That is a truly sweet revolver.

For heavy use on the range, I had to vote for the slightly heavier 586. Both would be fine for shooting targets, with just a slight edge to the 586 for a little more beef and the long lug to calm down the sight picture.

When I recently went shopping for a new revolver, I asked myself "How often are you really going to be shooting .357 ammo? You don't even like shooting .357 ammo!"

I wound up buying a Model 67. It is not blue, but it is the classic K frame with a heavy barrel (!), adjustable sights, and it is chambered for my much preferred cartridge for revolvers on the range, the accurate and relatively polite .38 Special.

That gun shoots!

[glockman19]

First do you want a full or half lugged barrel?

I prefer 4" full lugged barrels as I find they have the best balance. leading me toward the 586 4"

Because you get a little more barrel length with at half lugged barrel I'd look into getting a used 19 in 5" or 5 1/2".

A lot will depend on what is available on the Approved list.

Here is list of S&W Revolvers on the approved list and the renewal dates.

586-8 (Blue) SKU 150909 / Steel Revolver 4" .357 Mag 5/16/2015
627-5 Pro Series SKU 178014A / Steel Revolver 4" .357 Magnum 9/1/2015
66-8 SKU 162662 / Steel Revolver 4.25" .357 Magnum 8/11/2015
327 MPR8 SKU 170292A / Alloy; Stainless Steel Revolver 5" .357 Magnum 11/4/2015
327-1 TRR8 SKU 170269A / Alloy; Stainless Steel Revolver 5" .357 Magnum 11/4/2015
627-5 SKU 170210A / Steel Revolver 5" .357 Magnum 6/12/2015
627-5 V Comp Two-Tone SKU 170296A / Steel Revolver 5" .357 Magnum 6/12/2015
586-8 (Blue) SKU 150908 / Steel Revolver 6" .357 Mag 5/16/2015