Help with S&W revolver models/choies... (first revolver purchase)

MiltonBradly

MiltonBradly

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
Location
Hamilton ON
Hi All,

I'm thinking of picking up my first revolver and am somewhat overwhelmed by all the models and numbers that go along with S&W revolvers.

I am thinking of a .357 for some casual plinking and have to admit that a Ruger GP100 has my eye but I have read so many "go with a S&W, you wont regret it" posts that I'm holding off...

I gather there are different frame sizes to S&W's but fundamentally are there functionality differences between models or significant features that make one model more desirable than another?

I had an opportunity to handle a GP100 and a 686 and didn't really find one jumped out at my more than the other with the exception of the price difference. Is there a particular S&W I should be looking for in order to see the "light" or am I just an "it goes bang" person at heart?

Any input or advice is appreciated.
MB
 
Well... it depends on how many times it goes bang. If you want a gun to go bang 20,000 thimes without a problem go 686 L frame.

Someday you may want to compete in shooting comp's. A average good competitor will shoot 1000 rounds per month. You need a gun that can handle the load over and over again.

The other consideration is the double action trigger pull. You MUST be able to shoot DA. This requires a smooth triggerpull and clean break. I will try at least 5 revolvers and dry fire them at the retail store before I buy. Look for the pull that starts and ends the same. SMOOTH. Trigger Weight is not that important and can be adjusted. Forget anything to do with the single action pull. it is only for TV. I personally think the 686 has the best out of the box trigger. Nuff Said.
 
S&W L frames....

+1

L Frame in .357 Mag.

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
Please go to a reputable dealer or to a club and try a few to get the feel for them. An N frame S&W is a large gun with regular grips, you might find with Hogue grips its fits you like a glove. Choosing a pistol is a very personal thing, what others suggest is not what you might find the best fit for you. 357/38 is the best calibre for revolver shooting. One of the best revolvers made is the Colt Python they are quite expensive. Some people prefer the S&W trigger pull over the Colt. This gun will be yours for a long time, please take the time to try a few different models before you decide.
 
To wear out either gun, you would have to spend several times the purchase price on ammo.

That said, the S&W is a much more refined design. S&Ws usually have better out of the box triggers and the lockwork design lends itself better to tuning. You are more likely to get good accuracy out of the S&W. I also find them to be more pleasing to the eye.

Don't rule out used guns, either. There are lots of perfectly good secondhand 686s out there for much less than the new ones without the unsightly internal lock. Other S&Ws you may want to consider are:

-Model 27: These are built on the big N frame with a tapered barrel. You may or may not prefer the balance to that of the 686 with its full-lugged barrel.

-Model 28 Highway Patrolman: Same as the 27, but with a more economical satin blue finish instead of the highly polished bluing of the 27.

-Model 19: This is a K Frame, just like most S&W .38 Specials. These are best suited to mostly shooting .38 Special ammo, with moderate .357 usage. the stainless version is the Model 66.

Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten. The best place to economise is with ammunition. .38/357 can be fed fairly inexpensively with cast bullet reloads.
 
I have a S&W Model 28. Its not a beatifully finished revolver as it was made for practical purposes, but it is an excellent shooter, well balanced with a nice stock trigger. These can be had used at very reasonable prices and are well worth a look if you want a shooter. I really enjoy this piece. Its a large frame(N) and can chew up and spit out heavy loads all day. I don't think you can go wrong with a S&W.:cheers:
 
MiltonBradly said:
Hi All,

I'm thinking of picking up my first revolver and am somewhat overwhelmed by all the models and numbers that go along with S&W revolvers.

I am thinking of a .357 for some casual plinking and have to admit that a Ruger GP100 has my eye but I have read so many "go with a S&W, you wont regret it" posts that I'm holding off...

I gather there are different frame sizes to S&W's but fundamentally are there functionality differences between models or significant features that make one model more desirable than another?

I had an opportunity to handle a GP100 and a 686 and didn't really find one jumped out at my more than the other with the exception of the price difference. Is there a particular S&W I should be looking for in order to see the "light" or am I just an "it goes bang" person at heart?

Any input or advice is appreciated.
MB
Click to expand...

Buy a used Ruger or S&W like the ones you handled as either one is foolproof. After a while sell it here in the EE for what you paid and then try the other. A lot of us have been able to play with many revolvers and pistols this way without breaking the bank. Eventually one or two will feel perfect and you'll keep 'em.

Mike
 
I too, have been considering my first revolver. Initially, I was always a semi-auto fan, but after shooting one, I can see how they are a lot of fun.
 
Handgun design peaked in 1899 with the advent of the S&W .38 Hand Ejector (later known as the M&P and most recently as the Model 10).
 
Mike Oxlong said:
Handgun design peaked in 1899 with the advent of the S&W .38 Hand Ejector (later known as the M&P and most recently as the Model 10).
Click to expand...


I shot an old Model 10 that amazed me. But I also love my Models 19 and 28. I've also shot a bastardized combo 686 barrel on a 586 frame that had the benefit of a trigger job and again that one amazed me. But in both the amazed cases they were only a teeny bit nicer than my own 19 and 28. And those two amazed me when I put in Wolff spring kits.

The bottom line is that you can't go wrong with any .357 S&W option. Some will need a bit of tweaking but only a very little bit to amaze. The spring kits totally transformed my own revolvers to where without ANY other treatment the SA trigger pull can now be safely measured in ounces rather than pounds.

Wheelguns are not for everyone but I love them. If I ever had to drop down to only one handgun it would be a very hard decision to sell the last semi or the last wheelgun.

If you're thinking of a steady diet of .357 Mag then I'd go with the L frame 686 or 586 or a Model 27 or 28 N frame. If you're thinking mostly .38Spl with a few magnums thrown in for giggles then a Model 19 K frame would not be a bad option. Shooting some +P rounds through my 19 recently found a really nice balance of kick to accuracy. They were really fun to shoot with a nice bit of flame out the gap and the muzzle with very nice accuracy but a lot less than the typical magnum THUMP to the hand.

This is my "collection" so far. The 19 is on the top with the 28 upside down. Oh, if it matters the N frame is the same size as the Dirty Harry .44Mag. There's not a huge difference in the sizes but a few things jump out when they are side by side. The cylinder on the N is larger with more meat between chambers and the frame is a bit thicker where it matters. Overall length is pretty much identical but one is about 3 or 4 oz heavier than the other. And that's all steel in the frame and a slightly bigger diameter barrel.

Revolvers.jpg
 
If I was buying a brand new S&W the only two centrefire models I'd consider are the 610 and 625. I'd probably go with the 610.

The ability to use moon clips for IDPA/IPSC and the option of shooting soft .40 loads or hot 10mm make the 610 very versatile.

Just my $.02 as I've pretty much become a Glock guy, YMMV.;)
 
Deoends on what you really want from your gun.I would decide on the calibre first.

If you are just shooting paper but still want some punch then look to .38 Special and S&W Model 10. If you want serious firepower then look at .357/.38 S&W Model 27 or Colt Python. If you want to admire it, stroke it and have the ultimate firepower then look at .44mag/.44 spec. in S&W Model 29. Finally, if you want versatility and super fast reloading go with 10mm/.40S&W in Model 610 or the all around favorite .45ACP in S&W Model 625

Lots of choices out there but they ussually start with calibre.
 
I picked up a used model 19 in excellent condition with custom wood grips for 325. The gun apparently has never fired a magnum but who knows, there isnt a mark on it. I love it. It was dated by some friendly gun nuts as 78-79 but looks brand new. Was that a good deal guys? I sure hope so cus I saw some go for over 500 on the ee.
If you are patient and watch used adds and gun club postings you might find what suits you used and save a few bucks.
 
MiltonBradly said:
I am thinking of a .357 for some casual plinking and have to admit that a Ruger GP100 has my eye but I have read so many "go with a S&W, you wont regret it" posts that I'm holding off...
Click to expand...

Buy the GP100 if you want one! They are great revolvers with decent fit and finish and as you noted the greater cost of the S&W is not that evident when you handle both.
 
I have SW625, 686 and a 19-4. They are all great revolvers and shoot nice groups at 25 yards. I owned a Ruger GP161 and Taurus before but had traded them with other stuffs. Just love S&W.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom