Thread: Getting the itch for another gun - help (revolver question)

Ruger GP100 or S&W Model 68X. Both are 357mag which can be loaded with 38spl/38spl+p to address recoil concerns. Typically you will save a few bucks on the Ruger.

Brace yourself; it seems lots of people around here love both Ruger and S&W products, but as far as models go we're all over the place.

Thank you very much, I will start my hunt with these models

I wonder how long before someone mentions the Security Six or the 19/619.....

Ruger SP101 if for the little lady. Not quite as heavy as a GP100, which I own and like, but heavy enough to tame .38+P's.

Brands are not so much the issue. I feel that you would be better served with a medium frame revolver with at least a 4" barrel. First of all J frames are a gun one has to work with often in order to be effective under stress. The short sight radius, rudimentary sights and heavier recoil all make it, in my opinion and that of many other experienced shooters, a gun for an experienced shooter. J frames are often (erroneously) recommended to women 'cause all he-mans know that them there lil' wimmens cain't figger out them com-ple-cated auto-loadin' guns!

Posh! If she is familiar with your Sigs and can shoot them well, get another one. If you want a revolver the 4" K frame is easier to shoot accurately and holds 6 rounds instead of 5. And if you go to an L frame you can even get one of them fancy 7 shot six-shooters! How about them apples!

You didn't mention concealed carry, but did mention home defense. If this is the case, then don't get a snub-nosed revo. There is no reason at all to get a snubby if you aren't going to carry it. Snubbys have more muzzle flash, less weight to absorb recoil, smaller sights and less sight radius that leads to decreased accuracy, and less cartridge capacity. They can also be harder to reload, as the shorter ejection stoke will not fully clear the empty cases on many snubby revolvers. It takes a lot of practice and good technique to get the empties to always clear, and defense situations are not always conducive to near-perfect technique*.

I think a revo is a good idea for home defense, especially if a female is involved. My wife qualified for her CHL with a semi-auto, but carries a revo so that she does not ever have to deal with clearing a jam.

The cannon effect is a legitimate concern, but you can load a .357 with .38's if you like. As for reliability, stick with the major manufacturers and you will be fine. Look at Colt, S&W, and Ruger. I have revo's from all three, and they are all great handguns. An all steel 4" revo would be quite suitable, and the weight would make shooting even full-house .357's very easy after some initial training. You could get a 6" revo if you want to do some serious target shooting or hunting.

Some models to consider: Colt MKIII Trooper, or Python if you want a highly collectible classic. S&W K or L-frames such as the 28 or 19 or 686. Don't get their J-frames in .357 unless you are going to carry concealed, and you didn't mention that. If you do want a small .357, you could look at the steel J's such as a 60 Pro Series (beautiful gun btw). Ruger GP's are also nice.

BTW, there is no generally accepted one most reliable revolver brand.

*The defintion of an optimist: A J-frame owner with a speedloader....

Originally Posted by JackCrow

And if you go to an L frame you can even get one of them fancy 7 shot six-shooters! How about them apples!

You mean like this one?

7-shot S&W 386 Sc/S

Originally Posted by TOF

Ruger SP101 if for the little lady. Not quite as heavy as a GP100, which I own and like, but heavy enough to tame .38+P's.

Agreed. At around 27 oz its the heavier of the snubnose revolvers. Great for wife. Maybe not as great for you if you ever want cc option.

Hmmm...I've carried J-frames (along with a speedloader) for years and never felt undergunned. Maybe I'm just an optimist.

My S&W model 60 is outstanding. I had it retriggered for a lighter pull and it shoots accurately with little kick. 38+ps work well.