First handguns in 30 years

I was in a similar situation to yours about 2.5 years ago, having owned and shot a BHP (Inglis), and a S&W .38 SPL. I sold all my guns to go to school, get married and have a family.

Then one day, on a whim, I was in the LGS with my eldest son, for I can't remember what, and what do you know, it was 'GLOCK' day! Shoot all you want for the price of ammo. Well, let me tell you, I have been making up for lost time ever since. Never mind the long guns and ARs; I have purchased and am enjoying the following (in order of appearance):

GLOCK 41, .45 AUTO
Steyr L9-A1, 9mm Luger
PARA Black Ops .45 AUTO
CZ Shadow 2, 9mm Luger
Ruger Redhawk 4.2", .45 Colt
Ruger Redhawk 5.5", .44 Magnum
Ruger Security-Six, 6", .357 Magnum
Ruger GP100, 4.2", .357 Magnum
S&W 28-2 Highway Patrolman, 6", .357 Magnum
Ruger SR1911, 5", .45 AUTO
Ruger Redhawk, 5.5", .45 Colt (x2)

Brace yourself, and save your brass. You may want to reload.

Welcome back.

Awesome!
 
Dr. Gonzo....IMO the first HG you should buy is another BHP. The familiarity will bring back many good memories. Look for a clean T-series.
For your second HG get an N-frame S&W 38/357mag. 4.25-5" bbls feel & balance the best.

Enjoy the first two before you move on.

Welcome back to the addiction.......
 
If you’re looking at a new “Classic” series N frame 27 some things to check for are general fit and finish. Look for chatter marks or machine marks around the crane and muzzle.

Check barrel alignment by comparing the space of the frame on either side of the top of the barrel. In some instances the barrels were installed too far and you can see the barrel will align evenly on the swing side of the frame and a step will be visible on the other. Sorry, google S&W canted barrels to see what I’m trying to describe.

I personally bring snap caps with me to check any revolver that I’m interested in buying. They’re a small investment to be able to check the double action of a revolver. Sometime new S&Ws can have a rough double action due to expedient to hand fitting and / or ratchet finishing. This wouldn’t stop me from buying it but I like to know that I’ll need to spend a little time tuning it up before I buy it.

If it looks cosmetically ok I’d say you can’t go wrong. They’re beautiful revolvers and the MIM pats are perfectly fine. I have a few of both styles and perform my own trigger work. The MIM parts work just as well. I did have a MIM trigger fall apart on a new V460 within the first range session. MIM parts are similar to electronic equipment in that if they don’t experience infancey failure they’re likely to last a long time. In my case Murray Charlton is S&W’s warranty service center in Canada and they have been great to deal with.

I was so happy with the team at Murray Charlton’s I sent a couple of other Colt products to them to service. So should you run into any functional issues, I feel S&W has you covered with their Lifetime Warranty.
 
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Well one down! I bought the Browning 1911-380, which was on my list from the beginning. I will take some pics when it gets home. My wife is all over it, she asks "That's fine for me, but what are you going to shoot? Happy wife, happy life.

I have looked at a few nice Smith revolvers and there are a couple of choice Model 27's on the EE right now, and a nice Model 28. There was a great K-frame Model 19 but it sold faster than I moved on it, so lost out on that one. I'll keep looking.
 
Well one down! I bought the Browning 1911-380, which was on my list from the beginning. I will take some pics when it gets home. My wife is all over it, she asks "That's fine for me, but what are you going to shoot? Happy wife, happy life.

I have looked at a few nice Smith revolvers and there are a couple of choice Model 27's on the EE right now, and a nice Model 28. There was a great K-frame Model 19 but it sold faster than I moved on it, so lost out on that one. I'll keep looking.

Hey Doc, i just shot my model 28-2 for the first time, and I must say that I enjoyed it more than my Ruger Security-Six. I do love my Redhawks and GP-100 though, and if you don't buy that model 27, I just might ;)

Looking forward to those pictures you promised.

Pax
 
Yup- there seem to be a few 27's & 28s on the EE right now. Funny how these things seem to run in waves. There's also a 625 and a new-ish Model 25 (45 Colt). "Be still, my beating heart" (my wallet has already zipped itself shut in self-protection!)
 
Two down! I was at the big mall on Saturday to check out Wild West's surplus Hipowers. Not impressed as the three they had were worn and pitted pretty bad. However it got the bug into me and sure enough I ordered one of S&J Hardware's No. 1 condition BHP's and a set of grips on Sunday. I guess I will have to wait and see if it is as good as I hope it will be. If not, I have spent more money on stupider things.

Speaking of stupid things, I got served Tuesday. Looks like my ex wife wants more spousal support, as if 10 years and $200k wasn't enough! My lawyer figures it is without merit, but I will have to defend myself. My revolver will have to wait.

Anyway, when the BHP shows up I will post some pics of it alongside the 1911-380.
 
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