I'm going to jump into this thread as I too am also considering my first revolver purchase.
My experience so far:
I am an established shooter, got many 1000's downrange, not worried about any learning curve.
Right now I shoot a 9mm 1911, an M&P9, and a 44 Desert Eagle.
I reload for all these. I can reload for 44 for significantly cheaper then factory, to make matters worse, I have a paint bucket full of 44mag Cast Gas check bullets I've worked up loads for, and tested in my Marlin 1894 but cannot use in my D'Eagle.
That being said, I'm hung up on whether I should go 44 mag, or stick with 357.
Option in 357 so far locally are; a flawed but awesome 686-3 6" or a 19-4 6", with the rumour of a 27.
The 686 is flawed cause it has "too good" a trigger job. One of those jobs where if you push on the hammer while cocked, you can get it to drop without touching the trigger. However, I know the shop owner well, and he's let me have my way this gun, I've probably spent a solid hour an a half the past week or two sitting off in the corner on my own fondling and inspecting it.
I've had the opportunity to dry fire and test it plenty, unless this problem can get worse, it seem perfectly safe. It takes some good force to drop the hammer, and well, it does make for an awesome trigger. It's telepathic.
The 19-4, is a really good price, or so it seems to me, and I kind of like the classic blued look. It looks just like the Daisy Pellet gun I have that I got as a kid and grew up with. It has a nice trigger, the action tests safe and solid. Lockup and timing seems tight and correct. My hangup is that I feel I would rather the L frame for the extra weight for accurate target shooting, and overall robustness, as I do like to play with hot rounds sometimes. Also, this gun does not have the newer nicer sights that the 686 has with the orange front and white rear. Not a deal breaker, but it is a nice touch.
I don't know anything about the 27, other then a buddie mentioned that a fellow member at this club might have one for sale. (We have like 5 ranges in my city) Said it was an 8". A big N frame 357 with that long a barrel just seems odd to me, but I suppose it would offer the most of what I'm looking for as the point of getting a revolver to me is to have the maximum accuracy advantage a handgun can offer for the purpose of maybe shooting groups and a consistent 50y print.
The weight an radius will give me that, but to heavy could induce some muscle shake.
As I am a fan of matching calibres, the fact that I'm 44 ready is a selling point on the other end of the spectrum. However, the money I save with the 19-4 over the 686 could buy me dies and get me started.
There is a listing posted at my local club for a 629 6" that has peaked my interest. I have not contacted the guy yet to find out if it's still available.
There is also the option of waiting out the EE for one to pop up in my budget range, it does happen eventually. Just saw a 629 5" sell for a price I would of been willing to pay. I would rather a 6" for the extra radius, as mentioned
Another local shop has many new offerings, tho' I'd rather buy used. I'd have to layaway and save more to buy new, unless I got that cute Ruger Blackhawk they have, but I'd rather a modern style double, and again, it's only like a 4.6 or 5".
Hopefully this isn't tl;dr.
Let me know what you think.
Oh, and fear factor is up there too for your enemies.......
