WTB: Ruger or S&W .44 Magnum or .38 Revolver

[thomasr8]

Hi All:

I am looking to purchase my 1st gun and would like to find a nice revolver to use at the firing range. Ideally, I am looking for either a .44 magnum or .357 magnum, in good condition, with all accessories included. After doing some research, I like both the Rugers and S&Ws, so if you have a nice one available for sale, let me know.

Thanks,

Thomas

[weekend_fun]

location

[ntrcptr1]

Finish preference, barrel length, price range?

[Lobenz]

What is your location? I have a Ruger GP100 revolver in .357 mag, blued. It's new, never fired. $550 firm. Temecula.

[tmh1]

Thomas,

One recommendation (above and beyond specifying your location): Stick with the .38 Special (with minimum 4" barrel) for your first gun. Buy a .44 Magnum and you might get so much "joy" out of shooting it that it might well be your last gun.

While I can't comment on the pricing (I haven't researched it), something like that GP100 mentioned above would be a GREAT first gun. You probably know already that the ".357 Mag." specified by the seller also means it shoots .38 Special. So learn on light .38 Special loads, and graduate to .357 Mag. when you choose.

[thomasr8]

Thanks everyone for the advice. To answer a few questions:

1) I live in Los Angeles, but can meet in OC/LA area.

2) I have a preference for a 5" barrel or something a little longer. Not sure if I want a 7.5 or 8.3 inch barrel.

3) I want to take the revolver to range and shoot A LOT, so I would like to find something that will help me with practice, practice, and more practice.

4) Price range is under $1200 since I will be buying a lot of ammo to go with the revolver.

5) Finish preference....I like the stainless steel or two tone look, but I really don't care so much. I just want to reliable and dependable revolver to shoot.

Thomas

[FSTJACK]

I might have a suggestion on a book that you might want to read.
It is called Six-Guns by Elmer Keith.
This will give you a lot of background on what you might need as far as;
Ammunition
Gun sizing
Sighting
Technical shooting
How to practice
And the great history of the six gun,
This is a primer for all revolver Shooters.
I keep it handy and use it all the time as a reference book.
Even though this book was mostly written in the fifties the information in it is very timely as far as what you're going to try to do.
It gives a great history as far as Magnum loading and ranges of distance.
Good luck with your new gun and I hope you enjoy shooting as much as I do.

[thomasr8]

ttt

[M1NM]

Ruger makes industrial strength guns. You won't wear one out. Look for and older one in the last 5 years Ruger quality has been hit and miss. S&W makes an excellent precision product best trigger but a higher cost. Colt is also an option. Start with a 4-6" that's good to 50+ yards and easier to handle. The longer barrels are nose heavy and you'll have to build up strength to shoot it for long periods. Stainless is a good choice as it'll require less care than a blued gun.