My 1st revolver Q's ( Smith & Wesson Model 686 4.2" .357 mag)

DILLIGAF

DILLIGAF

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I never shot a revolver and was wondering if the Smith & Wesson Model 686 4.2" .357 mag would be a good choice as my 1st revolver

And is there any other option to look at in the 1K mark

Thanks

:D
 
S&W is a beautiful start to wheelgunning. I prefer them to the Rugers.

As Clint says "wheelguns are real guns" - Welcome aboard!
 
Great choice but also another vote for the GP100 (4.2" natch ;) )

Cheap plinking ammo in 38 Special and nice hot stuff in 357 Magnum.

Reloading options are plentiful too.
 
I don't know sh*t about revolvers but I've always liked the look of a Ruger Vaquero.

When purchasing your first revolver is single or double action suggested? And why? Or is this just personal preference?

***EDIT*** Should I make my own thread? I thought my question was relevant enough to belong in this string of conversation.
 
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I also went the Ruger GP100 route after shooting both, spent the $300 difference on ammo. The Ruger is more 'rugged', perhaps not as slim and refined, but actually weighs a couple ounces less (40 oz vs 42 oz according to their specs)....S&W has the reputation for the better trigger, maybe I'm not refined enough, but I didn't notice a lot of difference, the Ruger trigger seemed pretty nice to me. Whichever you choose, they are both great pistols, and a 686 is in my future plans as well, but I'm keeping my Ruger.
 
Twisted Canuck said:
The Ruger is more 'rugged', perhaps not as slim and refined, but actually weighs a couple ounces less (40 oz vs 42 oz according to their specs).....
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The Ruger may appear more 'rugged' than a S&W but metalurically speaking it is not. That is because Ruger frames are cast whereas S&W frames are forged. That also partially explains the difference in weight. Cast steel is more porous (therefore less dense) than forged steel.
 
the s&w is the top, ruger comes next with the rest of the crowd, but they're all fun. it mostly depends on your tax bracket & the wife's tolerance. happy wheel gunning.
 
You can't go wrong with the S&W 4.2".357mag. I think everyone should should have a "wheelgun" in their HG collection.
When I told my 15yr son I was shopping for a revolver he couldn't understand why anyone would want something so "old" looking.
After he shot it he was hooked. Now he looks forward to shooting the dinosaur.
 
I've shot both GP100's and S&W 686's. For my money I prefer the S&W trigger a little more. Both guns are superb but the S&W trigger is simply nicer.

Frankly although I fell in love with and shot revolvers really well right off the bat I would say that they are not for everyone. You may want to look around at options for getting a chance to "try before you buy". If there's a rental range in your neck of the woods that would be a good place to start. If there isn't post where you live and what club ranges you shoot at and ask for some wheelgun owners in the area to meet you and allow you to shoot their guns. And by all means bring your own .38Spl and .357Mag ammo to use for trying the guns.

After a trial or two if you're still keen THEN leap.
 
I owned 2x 686's...a 6" and a 5" 7 shot non-fluted cyclinder. Both were nice pieces but I found the K-frames "small". My friend's N-frame felt better in my hands.
Try to handle/shoot Smiths with the different frame sizes to see what works for you.
Sold both my 686's and now own a Ruger Redhawk 4.2" 44mag....keeper!
 
The 686 is an amazing revolver, you can shoot it all day (well, as long as your hand lasts) with full power 357, next day out you're shooting hollow based wadcutters and making one hole at 25 yards.
 
Sounds good, I will defiantly try to get my hands on them both before purchasing...

But Living on the east coast makes gun shopping a chore... I will be going to the McAdam gun store next week... hopefully the have some there...
 
12.6envy said:
I too was gearing up to buy a 686, then I got stung by the 629 bug and now I'm on the fence. .357 is cool but .44....
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Yeah... I bought a 686 then a month later I was ordering an X Frame... A 686 is a great first wheel gun

A .44 is cool but a .500.....

Then again I can shoot .38/.357 all day and not break the bank...
 
If you get into reloading then .44Mag isn't all that pricey to shoot. In fact the ONLY way that makes sense to own any of the big boomers is to immediatley buy the stuff needed to reload for them.
 
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