2015: What revolvers should I buy?

[scotchblade]

Other than getting an idea of prices, forget Gunbroker, you can't transfer them in from out of state

SAE would be a possibility. First you'd need to find a seller to ship an off roster gun to CA and a local FFL that will be willing to accept it and agree to you modifying it in their shop before the paperwork begins.

I find it interesting that you are familiar with the single action exemption at all. Not exactly common knowledge. I've been to shops that I explained it to and they give me a puzzled look.

They are too caught up in their polymer guns, I guess.

[Tovarish]

This^^^^^^^



Don't have one yet BUT just today I ordered a Guides Choice Chest Holster from
Diamond D Custom Leather in Alaska..

My email says they are back ordered 12 weeks...

N Frame Smith. 5 inch barrel.

Heck, I will wait. I figure Next year is good.

I also love my Smith model 60.

The recommendations in this thread must be solid because they've almost all been seconded.

How does the 60 compare to the previously mentioned M66?

[WASR10]

S&W 642/442
Ruger SP101
Ruger GP100
S&W 586 or 686
Ruger LCR

In that order

[Tovarish]

SAE would be a possibility. First you'd need to find a seller to ship an off roster gun to CA and a local FFL that will be willing to accept it and agree to you modifying it in their shop before the paperwork begins.

I find it interesting that you are familiar with the single action exemption at all. Not exactly common knowledge. I've been to shops that I explained it to and they give me a puzzled look.

They are too caught up in their polymer guns, I guess.

Mostly because I spent some time trying to figure out how to get a Rhino.

I have seen a few shops in SoCal that will do it. And I bet a lot of SSE shops will turn their attention to SAE to fill the new void in their business.

[Tovarish]

S&W 642/442
Ruger SP101
Ruger GP100
S&W 586 or 686
Ruger LCR

In that order

Why the high mark for the 642/442?

[vp123]

I don't like the idea of carrying anything bigger than a J-frame or SP101 (is that the Ruger slightly larger than J?) So I might consider the longer barrel. Why not?

Also I do like the idea of a reissued classic. Will check out the M66.

Carrying is another story. At this point k-frame M66 would be also a bit heavy.

Are all Colts going to be expensive? There's nothing worth buying from Colt down in hundreds-not-thousands territory?

Colt stopped producing the Python back in 2005. If you're lucky you can find a collectible toy for around $2.5K, but I would say $3K - $10K is what you can aim at.

[WASR10]

Why the high mark for the 642/442?

In my opinion: the price, reliability, concealability, longevity, and shootability make the 642 the best first revolver purchase one can make.

[Oceanbob]

The model 60 is built on a J frame. Neat smaller .357



The model 66 is built on a K frame. Mine is from 1982... Bought it from an LA Deputy Sheriff who sold it to me when he switched to a Smith Model 39, 9MM.

[Tovarish]

In my opinion: the price, reliability, concealability, longevity, and shootability make the 642 the best first revolver purchase one can make.

And I see you put the SP just behind it. When I was considering a revolver for CCW months ago (I decided against a revolver at all for the time being) it seemed to me the SP could be a better EDC because it's only slightly larger than the J-frame but its added weight makes it handle .357 mag okay.

On the flip side, if you're going with .38 special, then the LCR has a good size advantage over the Smith, right?

[Tovarish]

The model 60 is built on a J frame. Neat smaller .357



The model 66 is built on a K frame. Mine is from 1982... Bought it from an LA Deputy Sheriff who sold it to me when he switched to a Smith Model 39, 9MM.

You seem to know something about everything Bob.

How well does that 60 shoot .357 mag rounds?

That's really a concern of mine with the smaller revolvers. I know .38 special is a good round, but .357 magnum seems entertaining and potentially a great defensive round out of the right weapon

[Dark Mod]

Dude I have 4 or 5 revolvers and have owned 4 or 5 more. All Rugers and smiths, and my favorite by far is the smith 686. I'd almost certainly like any of the performance centers better, but they are expensive.... The 686 is relatively cheap and one fine gun that's for sure.

[Tovarish]

Well apparently while I was in here geeking on details I missed the deal of the century local to me in the marketplace on a $1,800 Colt Python. Would have been nice to buy that and just call it a day. Oh well

[Tovarish]

Dude I have 4 or 5 revolvers and have owned 4 or 5 more. All Rugers and smiths, and my favorite by far is the smith 686. I'd almost certainly like any of the performance centers better, but they are expensive.... The 686 is relatively cheap and one fine gun that's for sure.

Wow. Interesting that everyone has such praise for the 686.

[CAGLS]

I saw that 8" nickel Python, it was gone in seconds.

I'll get a Dan Wesson 715 as my first revolver.

Well apparently while I was in here geeking on details I missed the deal of the century local to me in the marketplace on a $1,800 Colt Python. Would have been nice to buy that and just call it a day. Oh well

[Hoshnasi]

I recall hearing the suggestion that the LCR is too small and light for a .38 special. You don't agree with that?

The felt recoil is similar to the 642. It carries about the same.