I got the itch to buy my first revolver. Single action or double...I have been browsing but haven't found the right one to jump on. I know some of you love your cowboy firearms and might have a better idea where I could find a larger selection to choose from. Any forum sponsors that deal with lots of cowboy firearms? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks guys.
Looking for my first revolver
- Thread starter IanON
- Start date
Shooterschoice.ca , prophet river and wolverine all have decent selection of "cowboy firearms". Superb to deal with also.
IMO you are looking single action if you are looking at western guns.
Good luck and let us know what you get!
IMO you are looking single action if you are looking at western guns.
Good luck and let us know what you get!
If you want to add revolvers to your collection in even a modest way I'd say you will have to go for two of them. One being a single action 1873 style and the other a flip out hand ejector DA/SA style. They are so different in both feel and operation that it's really the only fair way to go if you want a more complete revolver experience.
From there you get into a lot of different paths. You've got a whole stretch in cartridge power levels from .22 rimfire to the 500S&W "wrist wrecker" and all the various steps in between.
If you're looking for something classicaly representative and to keep things cheaper and easier I'd suggest guns in the classic .38Spl size. For me there's few guns as iconic as the S&W Model 10 or the S&W Model 14 depending on your desire for fixed or adjustable sights. And the lines of the "pencil barrel" that comes on these just adds to the look and feel.
Again with an eye on the budget side I'd then pair up the S&W with a Pietta in the same chambering from Marstar. I've had good enough results with the two I've got to recommend them without hesitation. Other than cleaning they have worked flawlessly for the past 6 years and probably 4000 to 5000 rounds through each gun. And the triggers have become silky smooth with an excellent break just from use.
Someone will be along shortly to recommend the Ruger New Vaquero. Now these ARE superb guns as well. But they are NEW designs that just look like the old Colts on the outside. I prefer the Pietta (or Uberti) because they faithfully copy the old original Colt actions. So you get the same "4 clicks" that the old Colts have. Your choice of course.
By sticking with .38Spl for both it also cuts down on your ammo inventory and reloading needs. If you want the more historically correct .45Colt chambering in your single action it'll cost more for ammo and reloading gear.
With a bit of care the cost of these two would set you back around $1K in total for a nice used 10 or 14 and a new Pietta 1873. If you opt for some of the other choices expect to see that rise to more like $1500 to $1700.
From there you get into a lot of different paths. You've got a whole stretch in cartridge power levels from .22 rimfire to the 500S&W "wrist wrecker" and all the various steps in between.
If you're looking for something classicaly representative and to keep things cheaper and easier I'd suggest guns in the classic .38Spl size. For me there's few guns as iconic as the S&W Model 10 or the S&W Model 14 depending on your desire for fixed or adjustable sights. And the lines of the "pencil barrel" that comes on these just adds to the look and feel.
Again with an eye on the budget side I'd then pair up the S&W with a Pietta in the same chambering from Marstar. I've had good enough results with the two I've got to recommend them without hesitation. Other than cleaning they have worked flawlessly for the past 6 years and probably 4000 to 5000 rounds through each gun. And the triggers have become silky smooth with an excellent break just from use.
Someone will be along shortly to recommend the Ruger New Vaquero. Now these ARE superb guns as well. But they are NEW designs that just look like the old Colts on the outside. I prefer the Pietta (or Uberti) because they faithfully copy the old original Colt actions. So you get the same "4 clicks" that the old Colts have. Your choice of course.
By sticking with .38Spl for both it also cuts down on your ammo inventory and reloading needs. If you want the more historically correct .45Colt chambering in your single action it'll cost more for ammo and reloading gear.
With a bit of care the cost of these two would set you back around $1K in total for a nice used 10 or 14 and a new Pietta 1873. If you opt for some of the other choices expect to see that rise to more like $1500 to $1700.
Dont buy anything until you get a feel for whats out there. Learn to love your stocking retail dealers. In addition to due dilligence with research online, holding and dryfiring will tell you more than you can get reading.
If you have the ability, Epps and Al Flahertys are the better choices for a little one on one. The Flaherty's guys are the best counter service guys I've seen.
Also help of you dont think single action OR double. Admit up front that you will eventually get both. Right now you are just deciding which to get first.
If you have the ability, Epps and Al Flahertys are the better choices for a little one on one. The Flaherty's guys are the best counter service guys I've seen.
Also help of you dont think single action OR double. Admit up front that you will eventually get both. Right now you are just deciding which to get first.
- Location
- West Quebec
The CZ 75 Shadow fits that description and would not turn down a Smith on any day
I am new to hand guns and did a lot of researching prior to my first purchase not too long ago. I decided on a Dan Wesson .357/.38SPL with a 10", 8" and 6" barrel. Swapping barrels is fun, the triggers are great and their value seems to be rapidly climbing. I'd at least check them out.
- Location
- West Quebec
Do you want a general purpose pistol or one that is specialized say like for target shooting..
686 Shooter
Regular
I have a 686 with the 6" barrel and it is my favorite revolver out of the three I own.
Yes, it is the cats ass! You won't regret it.
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Mark, you owe it to yourself to find a beautiful older Model 19. They are beautifully balanced, and just the right size for
the .38 Special/.357 Magnum.
Someday
I loved the 4" 19 that a fellow let me shoot last week. Sadly it's too evil for me to own.
Pretty close to the cat's heine but if I was going for a first time revolver, I'd get the 686 with the 4.2" brl.
You could love one with a 6" brl, too.
-------------
NAA.
hatman1793
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Blowing my own horn!
I am selling my S&W 686 6" revolver on the EE. Has a professional trigger job, Pachmayr grips, adjustable sights...the whole enchilada!
As for provenance, I am the second owner, knew & supplied the original owner with all his ammo, and used this gun successfully in PPC until my SuperGun superseded IT. Now it is a safe queen. This revolver is perfect for you....
I am selling my S&W 686 6" revolver on the EE. Has a professional trigger job, Pachmayr grips, adjustable sights...the whole enchilada!
As for provenance, I am the second owner, knew & supplied the original owner with all his ammo, and used this gun successfully in PPC until my SuperGun superseded IT. Now it is a safe queen. This revolver is perfect for you....
