New user Revolver selection for target shooting

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Enthu

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Hi there,
No experience with any firearm whatsoever. I am taking CFSC and CRFSC and then will work towards RPAL.
Having said that , once all these things are done, I am inclined towards target shooting on the range. My personal liking is revolvers because they are so classic.Currently I am not interested in Semi Auto.
For the experienced ones out there, is there anything incorrect in having a bias towards revolvers. Should I be open for other hand guns too?
My liking is SW 686 Plus( 7 round) 5 inch barrel.
by searching online, I could only find it on Tenda Canada. What are the other options? Any feedback on this selection.
Sorry if my questions are stupid. I am a newbie.
Thanks in Advance.
 
Welcome to CGN E glad to have you aboard enjoy the site, lots to learn and see. Please take a moment to sign and share this important petition regarding the impending lieberal gun ban. Thanks, all the best. Pew, pew

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Yes, please do sign that crucial petition and don't forget to confirm the follow-up email.

Now, there is nothing wrong with starting off with a revolver whatsoever.
However, I highly encourage you to start with a .22LR.
Will serve you more than well for training and then move up to larger calibers.
Under no circumstance would you desire to engrain a flinch, bad technique or otherwise.
I can tell you that from first hand experience. I started with a .45ACP and still regret doing so to this day.
Should have been a .22LR and would have avoided a massive and expensive learning curve.

Welcome to the forum, ignore the some of the rare dumbells on here and never hesitate to ask!!!
 
Enthu said:
Hi there,
No experience with any firearm whatsoever. I am taking CFSC and CRFSC and then will work towards RPAL.
Having said that , once all these things are done, I am inclined towards target shooting on the range. My personal liking is revolvers because they are so classic.Currently I am not interested in Semi Auto.
For the experienced ones out there, is there anything incorrect in having a bias towards revolvers. Should I be open for other hand guns too?
My liking is SW 686 Plus( 7 round) 5 inch barrel.
by searching online, I could only find it on Tenda Canada. What are the other options? Any feedback on this selection.
Sorry if my questions are stupid. I am a newbie.
Thanks in Advance.
Click to expand...


Congratulations on taking the courses and becoming a firearm owner. Nothing wrong with loving revolvers at all. :)

Plenty of great dealers to buy revolvers from, your best bet is to feel the revolver in your hand before purchasing sight unseen. There are many knowledge people more than I that will chime in, but I hope these list of dealers and selections will help.


https://www.gotenda.com/product-category/firearms/revolvers/

http://www.bullseyelondon.com/pistols/revolver?limit=all

https://tillsonburggunshop.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=60_80_190&limit=100

Maybe some classics

https://marstar.ca/product-category/firearms/revolvers/pietta-revolvers/
 
sixty9santa said:
Yes, please do sign that crucial petition and don't forget to confirm the follow-up email.

Now, there is nothing wrong with starting off with a revolver whatsoever.
However, I highly encourage you to start with a .22LR.
Will serve you more than well for training and then move up to larger calibers.
Under no circumstance would you desire to engrain a flinch, bad technique or otherwise.
I can tell you that from first hand experience. I started with a .45ACP and still regret doing so to this day.
Should have been a .22LR and would have avoided a massive and expensive learning curve.

Welcome to the forum, ignore the some of the rare dumbells on here and never hesitate to ask!!!
Click to expand...

ok Thanks, let me think about .22LR
any perticular gun suggestion in this category?
 
Either S&W or Ruger.
A lot depends on if you're looking for something more traditional like a cowboy gun (single action) or a more modern single/double action?
 
Where do u reside so you can go to an area dealer? Dont go by looks alone. Try actual hand fitting to be sure, same as u would with a semi auto.
 
To get the most fun and benefit out of the shooting hobby, I suggest getting into reloading.

But start with a SW Model 17 or 617 .22LR. You can learn the basics with it.

Then get a 686 or 66. I prefer the 66 since it’s a little lighter and more compact than the 686.
 
If you have big hands like I do, I found some revolvers (and pistols) are not comfortable: The S&W K and L frames like you are considering are completely fine for my hands and have not proven difficult for the small shooters I've taught with them. If you have smaller hands, you have more brand options than I simply because I cannot hold them comfortably.

Should you have only cash for one, it's difficult to say one or the other, but if you can it'd be more enjoyable to have a 17/617 and 686. The 22lr version will be cheaper to shoot, but you can never upgrade it to recoiling fun like you can with the 686: 38special target loads (can be shot in the 686 though are still not cheaper than 22) are light recoil and when comfortable and proficient with shooting those, full power 357mag ammunition can satisfy that desire for recoil thrill for which the 686 was built to withstand. Just to reiterate that you should first become a good shot and not develop any flinch... it's easier to do that with light recoiling cartridges.
 
The warranty center for smith and Wesson is now greech outdoors used to be murray charleton. The service now is terrible. I have been waiting 6 month for a broken trigger stud replacement. It is a 3 dollar part.

I love smith and Wesson but not any more.

While I do not disagree with the posters recommendation to shot a 22 to develop proficiency. You can become proficient with dryfire practice with a centerfire revolver. It is even cheaper than 22lr.
 
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Enthu said:
ok Thanks, let me think about .22LR
any perticular gun suggestion in this category?
Click to expand...

Everyone should have a .22LR handgun, and rifle, if only for the economical reason for getting new shooters into the sport.

Little recoil, fun and cheap to shoot.

I'd try to find an older, quality model, in excellent condition, cause they don't make 'em like they used to.
 
trebor2880 said:
Everyone should have a .22LR handgun, and rifle, if only for the economical reason for getting new shooters into the sport.

Little recoil, fun and cheap to shoot.

I'd try to find an older, quality model, in excellent condition, cause they don't make 'em like they used to.
Click to expand...

Yes, thanks everyone for so much knowledge already.
I will be seriously considering .22LR
when you say, older quality model in excellent condition , I guess you mean used right and not new.
That sounds bit difficult for a new user like me as I would have no clue about finding what is good condition. I will just have to trust on the seller. This is the reason, I was thinking to go New to start with.
I am in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Someone asked if I could go to a dealer. I will need to do some more research.
 
For a contrary opinion, I would suggest forgetting the .22lr. Too boring after the first few times imho. I have them in semi but only my wife and daughter shoot them.
I recommend the revolver idea, I have many and enjoy them all, .357, .45 colt, .460 etc. My favourite is the .357 and it’s very versatile for different leadings. Even better if you ever reload, then you can make any strength of load.
Ruger or Smith are great choices.
 
See if there's a PPC club in your area and try to get out to a shoot. It's revolver centric target shooting and a terrific way to build skills. Also there's usually some equipment floating around for sale and generally at very good prices. PPC is generally shot with ultra light 38 special target loads, they're guaranteed not to induce flinch. Being involved in a group that has a similar interest is a great way to accelerate your development as a shooter, and get access to things you might not ordinarily be exposed to.
 
I shoot revolvers better than a lot of my semi auto, though my quality target 22's will shoot way better than I can, and have been at it for 60yrs
I shoot a model 19 smith 4" most, or a smith Wesson K38 masterpiece 6 " better than anything, as I am so use to them
Takes a while to get on to it for some new shooters, grip, sight picture , trigger control.
Best to try out some before you buy.
I find the 686 a bit heavy unless you are shooting 357mag, and that is not something you want to start with, contrary to what some seem to think. It is just plane stupid to give a new shooter a 357Mag to try, but that is a rant for another time.
And don't be afraid of GOOD use handguns, most of my best ones are used.
A good used Ruger MK2 or 3 are good guns, no plastic stuff to break.
most 38sp are fool proof , if they are not beat up.
if you are interested in used gun , stores will/should have checked them out, privet sale, may be good idea to have a "gun guy" with you to check it out before buying.
All the new ones should be fine, just get what feels right to you, grips can be changed on most, as well as the used revolvers out there.
Cheap single actions 22's are not the best as far as accuracy goes, the K17, 617, ruger 22's are great that way, and will last forever.
Good luck and good shooting.
P.S. every shooter I know would let you shoot their guns at clubs, after a bit of pointers on safety.
 
Hi this in Winston, I think we met at DVC the other night.

If you are going to be focused on target shooting, I would go with something in the K frame series in 38sp. I find shooting 148gr HBWC out of my model 66, 64, 19, 14, ... very satisfying :)
I have bought all of them used off of CGN and ransom rest tested some of them to 2" groups at 50m (loads worked up specific to that revolver).

My 686 is more for just fun. I'll shoot some 38sp loads through it, and then end the night shooting some 357 loads. It's a 4.25" barrel with fibre optic front sight. For serious target work, I like a 6" barrel with big blocky iron sights.

There's nothing wrong with getting a .22 revolver to build up some trigger time and develop skills. I've got a K17 that I have fun with shooting 1" groups at 10m (the limitation is my old eyes ... ). The nice thing about it is it's not as ammo sensitive as there's no slide to cycle. I've left it stock, so while it's a strong trigger pull of ~12lbs DA, it eats just about all the various brands of ammo I've fed it. The strong trigger pull is great training for trigger finger strength too lol.

Once you have your license, PM me and I'll bring some of my revolvers in for you to try.
 
oops, nm, I see you say you are out of Winnipeg. I was having this exact same conversation (including the 7 shot 686) with a customer last week. All my advice above would still be the same though.
 
Enthu said:
Hi there,
No experience with any firearm whatsoever. I am taking CFSC and CRFSC and then will work towards RPAL.
Having said that , once all these things are done, I am inclined towards target shooting on the range. My personal liking is revolvers because they are so classic.Currently I am not interested in Semi Auto.
For the experienced ones out there, is there anything incorrect in having a bias towards revolvers. Should I be open for other hand guns too?
My liking is SW 686 Plus( 7 round) 5 inch barrel.
by searching online, I could only find it on Tenda Canada. What are the other options? Any feedback on this selection.
Sorry if my questions are stupid. I am a newbie.
Thanks in Advance.
Click to expand...

I'm biased too, but I'd suggest that you consider the rules of IDPA and IPSC when deciding on a particular revolver.

A six-shot cylinder and a 4.2" barrel is what I'd choose, and it would keep more options open to you.
 
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If I were to start all over again, and specifically looking for a revolver with zero experience, I'd figure out my budget first.
Are you looking to spend around $300, $600 or $1000?
Second, I'd figure out if I like cowboy style revolvers or the more modern revolvers.
Which of these do you like best?

Cowboy style SA:
244824-243400


Modern DA/SA:
160578_01_lg_1.jpg


Once you have a better idea, we can all provide better guidance.
 
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