Advise on revolver

[amphora001]

So i've decided i want a revolver. I have a G19 and the S&W Shield right now. I want something similar in size to the G19. But I am a bit stuck. Not only are guns hard to come by these days, but I don't even know what I want. From searching the internet, I was really leaning towards a Ruger GP100 MC and the S&W 327 R8. I want something in 357mag, but like most will probably fire 38+p 90% of the time.

So what should I be looking for?

[HexTechRevolver]

I have thr r8 good home defense and range time. If you want to carry go for a 3 inch. S&w 686+, kimber k6s, gp100 good. Anonter one is 327 2 inch pug noss 8 shot.

[200Apples]

.357?

GP100 4" or a S&W L-Frame 3 - 5"


The R8 is awesome but it's a big whirlenpopper on the N frame.

[amphora001]

I was thinking about the 327 2 inch pug nose 8 shot. But I saw someone selling it for $3k and I cannot understand what's going on. It's too stubby tho. I think 3" is the ideal length.

[amphora001]

I have thr r8 good home defense and range time. If you want to carry go for a 3 inch. S&w 686+, kimber k6s, gp100 good. Anonter one is 327 2 inch pug noss 8 shot.

Do you have any picture u can share, comparing sizes to other guns? I don't plan to carry. But I'm also afraid it's too big for my hand. And given the year, there's no way I can actually go to a shop and get my hands on one to try it. It's pretty much pay sight unseen these days isn't it.

[BajaJames83]

IMHO get a 586 or 686 4" or 6" or go big and find a 627 v-comp

Even with the hillary holes the Smiths are the best revolvers on the market.

[TheFlash]

My recommendation is to go with a 3"-4" barrel version of either the L-Series 586/686 or the K-Series Model 19/66.

[Garv]

My 686+ would be one of the last of my handguns to go.

I have the 6" which I like better for plinking.

Rent ahead of time if possible or see if there are any CG shooting meetups in your area.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/forumdisplay.php?f=304

[M76]

686+ 4”

pre-lock if you can find one and have the coin

[Milsurp Collector]

I was thinking about the 327 2 inch pug nose 8 shot. But I saw someone selling it for $3k and I cannot understand what's going on. It's too stubby tho. I think 3" is the ideal length.

If you aren't concealed carrying there is no advantage of the relatively uncommon 3" barrel over the far more common 4" barrel. Longer sight radius and more weight up front to dampen muzzle flip with the longer barrel.

I think 5" is the ideal length for a 38/357 revolver for non-concealed carry use. The longer sight radius and more weight compared to a 4" barrel and the better balance compared to a 6" barrel make the 5" barrel optimum. Unfortunately it is even more uncommon than a 3" barrel.



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[amphora001]

It's just nice to have the option to conceal. And by that I really just mean like when i take out the garbage the middle of the night at 3am, which I do sometimes, I would put the M&P shield in my jacket pocket just in case I see a coyote or someone. If it's 5" I can't do that. Not that I really really need it. Just nice to have options that's all.

[xMAC1x]

If you’re wondering what there talking about “S&W internal lock” just a heads up the firearms work fine with it. Start date “2001” that’s right twenty years ago little hole lock above the cylinder release.

Like others have said rent a few different sizes with 357 & 38 ammo.
Myself I like the 6” a very popular option is the 4”.
The small ones really beat you up if you shoot it for a extended period at the range.

[tabascoz28]

It's just nice to have the option to conceal. And by that I really just mean like when i take out the garbage the middle of the night at 3am, which I do sometimes, I would put the M&P shield in my jacket pocket just in case I see a coyote or someone. If it's 5" I can't do that. Not that I really really need it. Just nice to have options that's all.

That's the question is your purpose of use. They make a revolver for every type of situation from competition, self defense and show... So I have a bunch of them and they all do different things. But if you want future concealability, and would mostly be shooting 38s, I have the Ruger LCR357, strong enough to take full loads but light and small enough to pocket carry. Feels just right for 38s, you will feel it shooting 357s 158g.

[GeeBee49]

I pretty much always recommend a GP100 in threads like this. I have long been a fan of Ruger and S&W revolvers but I prefer the N-Frame Smiths. My Match Champion is a fine gun but if I had to choose between it and my 5" Model 27-2 I honestly don't know what I would do.
As you said, OP, guns are hard to come by right now so you have plenty of time to make up your mind.

[Milsurp Collector]

It's just nice to have the option to conceal. And by that I really just mean like when i take out the garbage the middle of the night at 3am, which I do sometimes, I would put the M&P shield in my jacket pocket just in case I see a coyote or someone. If it's 5" I can't do that. Not that I really really need it. Just nice to have options that's all.

Then use your Shield for that once-in-awhile carry situation and don't set a criterion for a revolver that doesn't have to be used in that situation. I could see if the revolver was your only handgun wanting it to be concealable, but it isn't. Don't let a situation that is going to represent <5% of time you will be using set a specification for the other 95% you will be using it. Don't let the tail wag the dog.

As you said

I don't even know what I want

As someone who owns revolvers that range from this



to this



you will be happier with a 4" to 6" barrel. It will be more accurate and more pleasant to shoot.

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