Revolvers, what should I look at trying/buying?

Tongarirohiker

Tongarirohiker

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I first shot a revolver many many moons ago, and kind forgot about them until today. I got a chance to shoot revolver in a PPC style match and hoooleeeeeey cow, that's fun! Weird as it may seem to some, there's something almost meditative...therapeutic about handling them.

Now I'm finding myself looking at purchasing one, possibly 38spl to start with, but the revolver world is a big unknown to me. What models do you folks think I should look at?
 
Tongarirohiker said:
Can someone explain the difference between frames, or put up a good link?
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J - small frame, mostly short barreled 5-shooters.
K - med, most 38's and 22's are K frame. There are a couple of K's chambered in 357.
L - med/large, 586/686 etc. K and L share the same grip size.
N - large, model 29/629 44 mags (and other large bores) are built on the N frame.

I've owned lots of Smiths, but I also have a Ruger GP-100 that I like very much.
 
There are many who say to stay away from k frame .357's. Lotta power for a medium frame if you want to shoot full house loads a lot. Model 14's (K frame target masterpieces) are great little guns, .38sp adj sights etc. Same with model 15's. Hard to find with a non prohib barrel. Watch for ready built PPC guns on the EE.
 
Hi, I met you a couple of weeks ago at Phoenix (I was shooting my 27-2 beside you) I have a Ruger GP100 4.2 barrel that I enjoyed shooting then someone told me I should look at getting new springs in it, now it is like a new gun a FANTASTIC shooter, strong and reliable with a light smooth trigger (the stock Ruger ones always take a while to break in)
 
coldestcanuck said:
There are many who say to stay away from k frame .357's. Lotta power for a medium frame if you want to shoot full house loads a lot. Model 14's (K frame target masterpieces) are great little guns, .38sp adj sights etc. Same with model 15's. Hard to find with a non prohib barrel. Watch for ready built PPC guns on the EE.
Click to expand...

Good advice, PPC guns are often a real bargain used. Like any competition gun, cost a bunch to build, but never get it back selling.
 
Have a 686- 6"....... Wouldn't trade it or sell it.... Never
If you think a 22 is the way to go.... The 617-6" would be awesome. It sits along side the 686, quite a pair !!!!
 
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I'm a S&W fan when it comes to revolvers (I have 3 S&W's). My 6" Model 14 K-38 Masterpiece has the slickest trigger pull of any firearm I've ever used, and the precision sounds of its action are positively sensuous. You might find a used one for a reasonable price - you'll never regret it.
 
Those Smiths are really nice and can't be beat. But look at the Rugers too, especially if you are running a lot of hot loads. The way it has been explained to me is that Smiths will give you a smoother action right out of the box. The Rugers are built like tanks but will require the services of a gunsmith to slick them up for serious target work. Or, that was the way of it 30 years ago.
If you are new to handguns and love revolvers - a Ruger Single Six is about as nostalgic and therapeutic as it gets.
 
If i were looking for another revolver i would buy a smith & wesson model 28 or even a 29 in .44 magnum.
Ive always wanted one but they come up less and less and my two year old uses up a lot of my disposable income.

I shoot a 4.2" gp100 with a wolf spring kit. The pull is different than the smith but after dry-firing it in double action several thousand times you get used to it and even find things you dont like about the smith trigger. Neither is really a better gun just different. The secret to double action is lots and lots of dry fire.

I find the only accuracy issues found in revolvers is between a 6" and a 4" barrel. I shot much better when i had a 6" but im getting better.
Good luck with your search get what you like, and give us a good review
 
I've never met a revolver I didn't like. My personal favourite is my S&W 5" Performance Center 45ACP. Silky smooth trigger…..
DSCN1420_zps30544c54.jpg
 
I had a S&W revolver for sale on the EE. It is PPC ready. It was built by a retired Winnipeg City Police armourer. If interested, you can send me a PM.

Tongarirohiker said:
I first shot a revolver many many moons ago, and kind forgot about them until today. I got a chance to shoot revolver in a PPC style match and hoooleeeeeey cow, that's fun! Weird as it may seem to some, there's something almost meditative...therapeutic about handling them.

Now I'm finding myself looking at purchasing one, possibly 38spl to start with, but the revolver world is a big unknown to me. What models do you folks think I should look at?
Click to expand...
 
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