Best first time revolver?

O

OldRussian

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I am looking to round out my handgun collection with my first wheel gun. I am leaning towards a S&W 686 4.25 barrel in .357.

What is your view on a quality first revolver?
 
The Ruger GP100 with 6" barrel for a gun that's easy to learn to shoot accurately...with lighter hammer spring installed...or if you want a smaller revolver that suits a 4.2" barrel perfectly, the Ruger SP-101. Again, 10 lb. hammer spring, 8 lb. trigger return spring, and 5 mil shims on either side of the hammer. Give these two some thought as well...
 
I would go ahead and buy that 686. I have a 6" 586 which I love and I will be picking up a 4.2" 686 in the future. The balance feels perfect to me. Nor to mention you can shoot some light .38's or some thundering, hot-loaded .357s. Very versatile and a hoot to shoot.
 
To round out your collection we would have to know what you collect, off hand I would say that if you collect S&W's then your choice may not be too far off.
I like a longer barrel due to sight radius and balance, most of my revolvers have a barrel at least 5 1/2 inches.
 
pisces-guy said:
The Ruger GP100 with 6" barrel for a gun that's easy to learn to shoot accurately...with lighter hammer spring installed...or if you want a smaller revolver that suits a 4.2" barrel perfectly, the Ruger SP-101. Again, 10 lb. hammer spring, 8 lb. trigger return spring, and 5 mil shims on either side of the hammer. Give these two some thought as well...
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So here's the thing I don't get as a new shooter....if these guns need all these mods to work well why buy them?....and if these different weight springs etc are better why aren't these guns built that way?

Not trying to slag Ruger but I just don't get it.
 
Brutus said:
Enough time at the range with a generous supply of 38 special=fun on cloud nine!
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I couldn't agree more! My first revolver was an Old Model Ruger Blackhawk 357. Wasn't my first choice but seeing it in the cabinet at the gun store, I couldn't resist!
 
You don't have to mod up a GP 100. It's a great shooter out of the box IMHO. If you have deeper pockets, go for the Smith. Happy shooting!
 
Go with the Smith. Way better trigger than the ruger.

What you should really do is join the dark-side and get into cap and ball.. now that is addicting. :)
 
OldRussian said:
I am looking to round out my handgun collection with my first wheel gun. I am leaning towards a S&W 686 4.25 barrel in .357.

What is your view on a quality first revolver?
Click to expand...

I own one, the Canadian edtion 4.25", go for it you won't regret that purchase. Very accurate at 20 and 25 yds with factory ammo. Not really expensive to shoot if your practicing with .38 special. Usually about $20.00 for a box of 50. If you reload cheaper still. Everything about this gun is excellent, the only con is the factory hand grip could of been a bit fatter for my hand. Shopping for an after market grip but I still shoot with the factory grip just fine. S&W wheel guns are by far the best I've shot and owned.
 
Yes, yes, yes!
IMHO, the L- frame S&Ws are the best looking and functioning DA wheelguns on the market. They are only surpassed by the Royal blued Colt Python. Since the Python is no longer available NEW, the 586/686 is it!
The K- framed Smiths are nice looking too but not as rugged for full Magnum loads. The 586/686 is the best combination of looks and performance.
Rugers are too chunky looking for my taste...but some guys like their girls that way!
PS I owned a 586, my first gun ever in 1986!! Really regret selling for school!
 
Smith and Wesson 686 stainless .357 Magnum / .38 Special

Hands down. Can handle full power magnum loads....and for high volume practice, lighter soft recoil .38 Special...less kick than a 9mm lol....and much cheaper than super charged .357 Magnum loads.

A nice 6" barrel with full underlug for weight and balancd, high visibility red ramp front sight...fully adjustable white outline rear sight, soft comfy Hogue rubber grips with finger groves that mold into your hand when it gets warm....what more could you ask for?

Can all be yours for around $750 shipped for a good, used revolver in excellent condition. Keep your eyes peeled on the EE board, one will come along...if it hasnt already lol

Good luck ;)
 
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