Need S&W guidance..So many models.

IanC

IanC

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Southwestern Ontario
Well i bought my first nearly a year ago. A ruger MKII then traded it to a fellow gunnutter for a Belgian Challenger. So i have my rimfire covered.

Now i want to buy a revolver.

Here is what i want
restricted barrel lenght
Large size frame.
Easy to see sights target even.
Easy to clean
Upgradeable grips
Ease of locating parts. dont want to get stuck down the road with a permanently broken gun.
Accurate, with smooth trigger.
accessories e.g. speed loaders
best quality for money value

My shooting will consist of targets at 25yrds and different shooting competitions whatever
comes to the club. Mostly for kicks. Caliber .357mag. I will mostly shoot 38sp through it so i will
not rule out a .38spcl only gun.

So far from researching ive decided to go with two choices a Ruger GP-100 or a S&W handgun.
Im leaning more toward S&W. The only model ive really been exposed to is the 686.
What other models are worth checking into? Are there certain S&W's to stay away from?
What do you suggest in terms of reliablilty, are there really any quality issues between the models?
Are they all good? Im guessing they cant be.
Im looking to spend 500 tops. Anyone have any suggestions on where to get them used?
Or even have one to offer me?
I see so many great deals on other models that look great but i dont know enough about revolvers.
Are there any trouble signs i should be asking about when looking at used S&Ws?
Thanks
IanC
 
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I have quite a few S&W revolvers but my favorite is my 66. Just a little easier to clean (but when it's dirty it shows it also). Model 586 is nice and I'm still kicking myself for selling the extra one I had. A model 14 may be a little cheaper (not much). I have one but have not got around to shooting it yet. I would go for a S&W double action over a Ruger. I know there are going to be those ho will say the Ruger is a great gun (and it is). I just like the triggers better on the S&W.

Model 66 & 745
745SW66.jpg
 
You said a large sized frame. Gotta find yourself an M-27 my friend, you will love it. Gentle recoil, great sights. Little bit bigger then the -86 series. If you can find an old one (27-nothing) you'll have a gem you'll treasure forever.
 
I passed up a model 27 in the summer. Mint for 400 such a sweet gun.
Dont know what i was thinking. So need to find another good deal.
I sent an email to epps about that model ten though.
I just want to know if i can be as confident with all the other models as i can
the 686s. I would really prefer a moded pistol as im pretty picky on sights.
Thanks for the info already if anyone has more to add i would apreciate it.
IanC
 
IanC said:
Well i bought my first nearly a year ago. A ruger MKII then traded it to a fellow gunnutter for a Belgian Challenger. So i have my rimfire covered.

Now i want to buy a revolver.

Here is what i want
restricted barrel lenght
Large size frame.
Easy to see sights target even.
Easy to clean
Upgradeable grips
Ease of locating parts. dont want to get stuck down the road with a permanently broken gun.
Accurate, with smooth trigger.
accessories e.g. speed loaders
best quality for money value

My shooting will consist of targets at 25yrds and different shooting competitions whatever
comes to the club. Mostly for kicks. Caliber .357mag. I will mostly shoot 38sp through it so i will
not rule out a .38spcl only gun.

So far from researching ive decided to go with two choices a Ruger GP-100 or a S&W handgun.
Im leaning more toward S&W. The only model ive really been exposed to is the 686.
What other models are worth checking into? Are there certain S&W's to stay away from?
What do you suggest in terms of reliablilty, are there really any quality issues between the models?
Are they all good? Im guessing they cant be.
Im looking to spend 500 tops. Anyone have any suggestions on where to get them used?
Or even have one to offer me?
I see so many great deals on other models that look great but i dont know enough about revolvers.
Are there any trouble signs i should be asking about when looking at used S&Ws?
Thanks
IanC
Click to expand...

I have 686 7 shooter. Very accurate gun up to 25 yrds. 1-2" without
trying too hard. One advice: get a 6 shooter, less cleaning.
 
I'd go for a 686 or 586 myself. There's often a few for sale in the EE. If I had a choice I'd go for the black patridge front sight instead of the more common red ramp. Mine's got the red ramp and while it's probably good for field work it's not the best for target work--it picks up glare from the sun terribly. Other than that I've got no complaints with it. As mentioned upthread the Model 27 would also be a classic "old school" choice--especially one of the older ones which are works of art. The only thing for me is that I find N Frames a little bulky for a .357 revolver, they're more of a big-bore revolver to me.
 
Go with the 586 or 686. A 6" barrel would likely be your best bet. The heavier barrel on these guns will reduce the recoil some. If you use .38 ammo, these guns will likely outlive you. I too would try to find one with the patridge style front sight, better for accurate shooting. Even with the standard ramp front sight they are more accurate then most people can shoot. The actions, once broken in, or tuned are really smooth. If you do have a problem with the gun, it's not hard to find parts and gunsmiths to work on them.
 
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