First revolver (sentimental reasons)

9ineMM

9ineMM

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Hello everyone. I am in the market for my first revolver. My father who has just recently passed away has a great photo of him with his Python in the 70's. My mother said that "he" would be buying me a new gun this xmas. I am looking for something similar to this python in the pic (i know the image quality is not the best):

IMG_0394.jpg
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Any suggestions? I have found the Taurus 608 and 627 so far that seem very close. Something stainless with a 6"+ vented barrel would fit the bill.

Thanks!
 
I believe in your last post at least I thought it was your post you said your mum said up to a $1000.00 If this is correct you are not going to get a Colt Python for that kind of money. The closest thing that looks like a Python and is a good gun is a Dan Wesson and they can be had for that kind of money.

If you want a 357 and you go with the Dan Wesson then the model you want is a Model 15.

This is what it would look like.



Graydog
 
graydog said:
I believe in your last post at least I thought it was your post you said your mum said up to a $1000.00 If this is correct you are not going to get a Colt Python for that kind of money. The closest thing that looks like a Python and is a good gun is a Dan Wesson and they can be had for that kind of money.

If you want a 357 and you go with the Dan Wesson then the model you want is a Model 15.

This is what it would look like.



Graydog
Click to expand...

Yes, the one listed, is for $2100.
 
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Good suggestions so far guys. Im gravitating toward a S&W 686 6". I wish it had a vented barrel tho. Taurus is really that bad? Apparently the Raging Bull series is good? $2100 is a bit out of range for now cause it'll probably be somewhat of a "safe queen". I CAN afford it, but probably wont see a lot of use.
 
If you really want the Python, why not wait for it? Save up your coin and honor your old man's memory the right way. Failing that, get the 686 and enjoy it.
 
9ineMM said:
Good suggestions so far guys. Im gravitating toward a S&W 686 6". I wish it had a vented barrel tho. Taurus is really that bad? Apparently the Raging Bull series is good? $2100 is a bit out of range for now cause it'll probably be somewhat of a "safe queen". I CAN afford it, but probably wont see a lot of use.
Click to expand...

The Raging Bull does have a vented barrel, but it looks nothing like a Python. And yes, Raging Bull's are great revolvers, I own 2 of them. That being said, I wouldn't own any other Taurus product.
 
Get a real gun, either the Python or a S&W, but you would NEVER regret extending for a Python!

A couple of years down the road you'll be glad you did.

Then, take a similar photo, get it framed and give it to your Mom!

:cheers:
 
Personally I think this is too much to spend on the gun. Similar to the asking price for a S&W 610 currently on EE or the 625 I sold on EE that was relisted before he had laid eyes on it for a few hundred more. We can thank Mr. Obama for some of this crazyness. This should pass in a few years I hope.

If you want a nice revolver look at the S&W 586/686 or the Ruger GP100 or an older S&W like the 19-x or similar. These guns go for reasonable coin and are great firearms. Just my $0.02
 
As someone that enjoys shooting their revolvers I'd also suggest that you either save up for a Python or buy a S&W.

Taurus quality and reliability seems just far too hit and miss. Read around on them and you'll find just as many stories of woe as you will happiness. Seems like if you're lucky enough to get one without issues that they'll be reliable enough. But the one I got to try had a HORRIBLE trigger. So either way buying a Taurus looks like a combination of gambles from where I'm sitting.

And before you ask the currently available Charter Arms guns have a similar spotty record.

Someone mentioned the Llama. The only one I ever saw and handled was so loose and full of rattles I'm surprised that it didn't simply fall apart. So unless you can check the example personally and know how to check out a revolver I'd suggest you stay away from those too.

Colts command a premium price and gunsmiths that know their ins and outs are becoming fewer and farther between. So if you do hold out and buy a Colt parts and fitting of those parts may become a sticky issue somewhat now and even worse in years to come.

Which brings us to S&W and Ruger. Both very good options for a gun you will shoot a lot. If you can, be a little patient and try the DA trigger pulls on both. Then make up your own mind.

In my case the preference falls to S&W. I have examples of both brands and shoot them both just fine. But the sweeter of the two triggers is still the S&W.

So all in all I'd also suggest a 686. Or if you prefer blued handguns the 586.

Even better would be to have a little patience and put off a purchase until you get to actually handle a few more revolvers. If you're the sort that will mostly shoot .38Spl then you will want to look at and handle some of the K framed classics like the Model 10, Model 14, Model 19 and others that have the slightly smaller sized K frame. On the other hand if you like big recoil and lots of noise look at the Models 27 and 28. These are the "N" framed guns which are both a little larger, heavier and tougher than the smaller "K" frame guns. The "N" frame also being the design used for the classic .44Mag Model 29.

The 686 has the "L" size frame which is half way in size and weight between the "K" and "N" framed guns.
 
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IMO...even if you found a Python it still wouldn't have that true sentimental value (unless you somehow found your fathers of course).
Personally, I would do a little research into which revolvers were popular in the era when your father was into "shooting" and get one of those. As others have mentioned an older S&W would be nice. Maybe even consider a Single Action...
 
I really appreciate he feedback guys (and the detailed response from BCRider). I think i will go with something new that is reminiscent of my Pops Python that is of good quality (and something I will pass on one day). The S&W 686 6" stainless is really looking good to me now (just need to find one :).
 
They are literally everywhere. S&W 686 is a very popular revolver, especially in 6". You will not regret your purchase.

BTW, cleaning stainless revolvers after a range session can be a pain in the a$$ (that's why I prefer blued revolvers). A fellow gunnutter once suggested to use a regular pencil eraser to scrub off the burn around the front of the cylinder and apparently it works marvellously, no heavy solvent or anything...who knows, I may actually be on the hunt for a stainless revolver afterall!? Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag? 4.2"?

Uh oh, I can hear her complaining already!;)
 
Been hunting for one with all the sponsors and a few others. No one has one in stock in 6". I guess I'll keep my eye out. If anyone knows of a good place to special order one that is fairly quick, please let me know. And again thanks for all the replies :)
 
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