First wheelgun

Canuck44 said:
Has it occurred to you there are other uses for center fires revolvers beyond plinking and shooting thugs. Most here I suspect who shoot their revolvers regularly, if not exclusively use them on PPC, IPSC, IDPA, ASI, US Steel Competitions and Cowboy Action to name some top of mind sports....and plinking It wasn't that long ago I was reloading 9MM, 40 cal and 45acp cheaper than I could buy .22LR as the cheap plinking bulk .22 disappeared from the stores shelves. I went through over 5K primers two years ago shooting 38spls in several different handguns and one rifle.

I should also add whole three of my revolvers will shoot .357 most enjoy a steady diet of 38spl. You don't have to shoot heavy .357 loads but it is nice if you can and want to.

I do own and have owned several .22LR revolvers. Frankly. it gets old quick for me. Some like it a lot. I try to spend most of my time on shooting my GP100 or 686 and my .22 provides no help in developing my skill sets to shoot IDPA with a revolver. If anything it hinders my progress as I can quickly develop bad habits with the lighter recoiling .22LR.

To each his own, both can turn folks cranks. Depends on what you want to do.

Take Care

Bob
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Was just throwing out an idea, 22 is a great starting point that 1. is affordable 2. drastically helps improve skill.
Its also not as violent and threatening for newer shooters. OP mentioned he didn't plan on using it for competition, so i didn't see why a 22 should be out of the picture.
If you want to practice shooting, and introduce your friends to the sport. 22 is perfect honestly. If you wanna put allot of rounds down range and teach your friends, why choose a 357 over a 22.
defense isn't a concern so why not consider a smaller caliber.
honestly never had a problem finding bulk 22, outside of the 2012 scare. And when people talk about reloading, it is quite a time consuming and tedious process. I reload myself, but i find myself buying bulk ammo for plinking, as time is worth more money in my opinion. especially when you have a company, family and other hobbies and duties outside of shooting, as most of us do.
 
edgy said:
We just got our first revolver yesterday, the wife picked up an Alfa Project 9mm. We obviously haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but it is an inexpensive option to give us a look into the world of revolvers. We realize it is not on the same level quality wise as the S&W or Ruger revolvers, but I'm hoping it is enjoyable enough that we get something better down the road and keep the Alfa for friends and new shooters to try. She will probably try it in a few steel challenges and revolver matches just to see how she enjoys it.
I understand the Alfa's are made by CZ, so I'm hoping it is a quality piece for the price.
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Edgy they are solid shooters but a bit rough around the edges. One of our shooters up here has one and likes it. He spent some time polishing up the innards and installed lighter springs which really helped the trigger pull. Careful with the moon clips as once bent become unusable from my limited experience with a 625. They are fun guns to be sure. I hope she enjoys it.

Take Care

Bob
 
357/38 is neither violent or threatening, I've had tons of new shooters try mine , male and female and they love it.

Skip the .22, it won't get used,once you step up in cal, for most people anyways.
 
Canuck44 said:
Edgy they are solid shooters but a bit rough around the edges. One of our shooters up here has one and likes it. He spent some time polishing up the innards and installed lighter springs which really helped the trigger pull. Careful with the moon clips as once bent become unusable from my limited experience with a 625. They are fun guns to be sure. I hope she enjoys it.

Take Care

Bob
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Thanks Bob, appreciate the info. We have had a few of the local Chilliwack guys take some time with us and let us try their revolvers, the attraction has grown,lol. We went with a 9 because I don't reload yet, once I start down that path I think we will pick up a .357
Cheers
Edgy
 
rickymo said:
Was just throwing out an idea, 22 is a great starting point that 1. is affordable 2. drastically helps improve skill.
Its also not as violent and threatening for newer shooters. OP mentioned he didn't plan on using it for competition, so i didn't see why a 22 should be out of the picture.
If you want to practice shooting, and introduce your friends to the sport. 22 is perfect honestly. If you wanna put allot of rounds down range and teach your friends, why choose a 357 over a 22.
defense isn't a concern so why not consider a smaller caliber.
honestly never had a problem finding bulk 22, outside of the 2012 scare. And when people talk about reloading, it is quite a time consuming and tedious process. I reload myself, but i find myself buying bulk ammo for plinking, as time is worth more money in my opinion. especially when you have a company, family and other hobbies and duties outside of shooting, as most of us do.
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Thanks for the tip but I do already have a 22 for just general plinking but I prefer the actual pop of my 9mm's. The reason I was thinking 357 is that I think I can just buy a few more projectiles as i already reload 9mm (I could be wrong on this please correct me if I am). As of right now it'll be mostly just fun for me but it also allows for competition later on if I decide it's my thing, just don't want to spend extra money on things like bull barrels, premium sights or fancy grips atm. Thanks though
 
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ryroru said:
Thanks for the tip but I do already have a 22 for just general plinking but I prefer the actual pop of my 9mm's. The reason I was thinking 357 is that I think I can just buy a few more projectiles as i already reload 9mm (I could be wrong on this please correct me if I am). As of right now it'll be mostly just fun for me but it also allows for competition later on if I decide it's my thing, just don't want to spend extra money on things like bull barrels, premium sights or fancy grips atm. Thanks though
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If you are buying 9MM bullets either plated/FMJ or lead they are not going to work well in a 38/.357 barrel. The good news is dies for 38/.357 are not all that expensive. ( Lee makes acceptable dies for the 38/.357). From what you describe your intentions are I would strongly recommend either a 686 or Ruger GP-100 with a 4.2" barrel. The shorter barrel balances better than the 6" and you really won't find any difference in accuracy between the 4.2" and the 6" guns. I suspect once you go this route your .22 will be idle most of the time. You can reload the 686/Ruger GP-100 mild to wild depending on what you want. Extend your hobby into casting your own bullets and the cost to shoot 38spl/.357 can be as inexpensive as shooting .22 and a lot more fun.

Watch for buys on the EE here on this site. There often are excellent buys available especially this time of year.

Take Care

Bob
 
I would sell my CZ Shadow before my GP100. Its very good. Cept the blueing, but don't care too much about that. I never shoot 38sp brass out of it, reduced 357 or 357 mag.
 
ryroru said:
What years would I be looking for for the s&w so I can keep an eye out.
Thanks
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I’d go for a 686-3 or earlier. Don’t know what years are best but make sure you get -3 or older.

Nothing wrong with Alpha Project as long as you keep the stock mainspring. Change to reduced power and it becomes picky with ammo. Only Federal ammo and primers will reliably ignite with weaker mainspring.

I have 686-3, gp100 and AP 9mm. Stock mainsprings except for the AP. I am looking for a stock mainspring for my AP because previous owner changed to reduced power and it is a pain to shoot...4 out of 6 misfires.
 
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IMG_0238.jpgIMG_0238.jpgWhy is there such a big deal over the ,Hilary #### Block?

My 686 Talo has it, and it doesn't seem to do anything.
 

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I would stick with either a Ruger GP 100 or a Smith revolver. I like the GP 100 4.2 inch . I checked out one of those Alpha revolvers at my club one night and it felt cheap . I didn't like it at all . buy once and don't regret or pay twice and hopefully learn a lesson.
 
Brianma65 said:
Why is there such a big deal over the Hilary #### Block?
My 686 Talo has it, and it doesn't seem to do anything.
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Same on my 625-8. The internal lock controversy arose from opinions that the lock might engage during an emergency/SHTF situation although it seems this has rarely if ever happened. There's a Backwoods Home article by Massad Ayoob here.

One advantage I find is that it saves the need for an external trigger lock when transporting the revolver to and from the range. I just keep the key on my main key ring.

Getting back to the OP's question, all the advice here is all good. I'd say if you can find a S&W Model 15 (.38 Spec.) or 19 (.38/.357) you won't go wrong. Built on the K (medium-sized) frame; both are classics and will usually have really good triggers, partly due to inherent high quality, plus, a gun that's been gently used for 25-30 years will have "worn-in" nicely. The .38 Spec. is easy to load for and comfortable to shoot and can be loaded up a bit (+P) if you feel so incined. If you're a glutton for punishment and want to authoritatively demolish those vicious paper targets, a GP 100 will eat max. loads all day.

Now if you have really deep pockets, I see that TradeEx (site sponsor) has a few Manhurin MR88 .357's @ $1895.00. These and the Korth are supposed to be the Sig P210 of revolvers.
 
josquin said:
Same on my 625-8. The internal lock controversy arose from opinions that the lock might engage during an emergency/SHTF situation although it seems this has rarely if ever happened. There's a Backwoods Home article by Massad Ayoob here.

One advantage I find is that it saves the need for an external trigger lock when transporting the revolver to and from the range. I just keep the key on my main key ring.

Getting back to the OP's question, all the advice here is all good. I'd say if you can find a S&W Model 15 (.38 Spec.) or 19 (.38/.357) you won't go wrong. Built on the K (medium-sized) frame; both are classics and will usually have really good triggers, partly due to inherent high quality, plus, a gun that's been gently used for 25-30 years will have "worn-in" nicely. The .38 Spec. is easy to load for and comfortable to shoot and can be loaded up a bit (+P) if you feel so incined. If you're a glutton for punishment and want to authoritatively demolish those vicious paper targets, a GP 100 will eat max. loads all day.

Now if you have really deep pockets, I see that TradeEx (site sponsor) has a few Manhurin MR88 .357's @ $1895.00. These and the Korth are supposed to be the Sig P210 of revolvers.
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Not to split hairs but I think you are thinking of the Manurhin MR73. The MR88 is their lower end "entry level" model (although i certainly wouldn't refuse one as a gift.;) )

Both Tradex and CSC have the 73's from time to time , usually at around $3K+/-. That's still a deal compared to Korth pricing.
 
sailor723 said:
Not to split hairs but I think you are thinking of the Manurhin MR73. The MR88 is their lower end "entry level" model (although i certainly wouldn't refuse one as a gift.;) )

Both Tradex and CSC have the 73's from time to time , usually at around $3K+/-. That's still a deal compared to Korth pricing.
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Thanks for the correction. I wasn't aware of the "upscale" model! Korth..... wasn't Caramel talking about getting one of those?
 
josquin said:
Thanks for the correction. I wasn't aware of the "upscale" model! Korth..... wasn't Caramel talking about getting one of those?
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I think he was but I not sure if he ever went through with it.

They tend to sell out pretty quickly whenever a dealer has any in stock. Wanstalls had some in stock a while ago. I think the lower priced more "utilitarian" finish model was something like 4K and the fancy high gloss finish was north of $7,000 if I remember correctly. That makes Manhurin look like a steal. Korth are pretty cool but I think they are an example of how sometimes that last 2-5% improvement in quality or finish of a product can result in a huge increase in price.

https://wanstallscustom.com/handguns/revolvers.html
 
sailor723 said:
I think he was but I not sure if he ever went through with it.

They tend to sell out pretty quickly whenever a dealer has any in stock. Wanstalls had some in stock a while ago. I think the lower priced more "utilitarian" finish model was something like 4K and the fancy high gloss finish was north of $7,000 if I remember correctly. That makes Manhurin look like a steal. Korth are pretty cool but I think they are an example of how sometimes that last 2-5% improvement in quality or finish of a product can result in a huge increase in price.

https://wanstallscustom.com/handguns/revolvers.html
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There are bigger differences between the Korth models than finish. The high end $7K Classic is pretty much hand fitted and hand finished. The $4K National standard is a production gun. They also have different lock works. They probably both shoot equally well though.
 
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