Posted: 2/22/2004 5:54:01 AM EDT
| I'm looking at buying my first revolver. I am probably going to get something in .357 and around a 6" barrel and something which is pretty accurate. What brands and models should I look at? I have been looking Taurus'. How are their revolvers? |
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Since this will be your first revolver, I'd want to insure that I had a good first experience. Many people's first revolver is a cheaper brand, and when they have problems they're very disappointed to the point where they never buy another. My suggestion is to stick with a known quantity: A good American made revolver like a S&W or a Ruger. Ruger sells at a lower price than S&W, and unlike the foreign brands like the Taurus, they have a great reputation for being "tanks". Taurus has come a long way in quality, but they're NOT up to American standards yet. Rugers are good right out of the box, have an unequaled reputation for warranty service, and never seem to break. Ruger has a reputation as being the "best value/best buy" for someone wanting a good quality revolver, but not wanting to spend the money for a S&W. Taurus just doesn't have that kind of rep. A quick browse of a few gun forums will turn up plenty of people who have had minor to major problems with Taurus. I'm NOT saying Taurus's are junk, they just aren't up to American expectations of quality. You won't find much in the way of similar problems with Ruger or S&W. With that said, here's my suggestions for a first revolver: If I had the money, and wanted "the best", I'd get a S&W Model 686. If I wanted a really good revolver, but didn't want to spend that much money, I'd get a Ruger GP-100. If low price is EVERYTHING, I didn't care about quality, and didn't mind the possibly of having to send it in to the factory for "fixes" at least once, I'd look at Taurus. |
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Every S&W 686 I've shot, 4 at last count, has been dead nuts accurate. I would suggest the plus model for the 7 rounds and a 4 inch barrel. The 4 inch is the minimum I would use for hunting but is still comfy to CCW. The 4 inch sits in your pants in a IWB holster as much as an auto because revolvers are made to sit higher in my limited holster experience. I've heard Rugers are off and on as far as accuracy goes. But I don't have any first hand knowledge of them. The local shop had to send back two titanium Taurus revolvers because the cylinders shot themselves crooked. I won't own one. |
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Hi Star2323, Your best bet is a Smith & Wesson 686. These things have been accurate as hell since day one. One inch groups at twenty-five yards are not at all unusual for these guns. I have a 4" model. If I had it t do over again I might buy a 6", but I wouldn't switch brands. Rugers are excellent, but I'm not familiar with how accurate the .357s are. I"ve got a Super Redhawk in .44 Mag. which is a tackdriver though. |
| You are making a life time purchase so do not attempt to save a buck. A .357 is a good choice for a revolver as it is one of the most versitle calibers. You can shoot anything from lightly loaded 38 specials to fire breathing .357's and everything inbetween. I load 38 specials almost for free. |
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Ditto on the S&W, ANY S&W. I have no hesitation buying used. If you're not comfortable in knowing what to look for, have a buddy help you out. KY Imports usually has great buys on used police trade-ins for S&Ws, some less than $200 for a .38spl. I do suggest you not go with the 6" barrel unless you're into deer hunting with it. A 4" or snubbie will serve you much much better, IMO. Good luck! |
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I agree with many of the posters,you really can't go wrong with the L-frame S&W 686.You may buy other revolver brands or calibers but you will be well served with the 686.If money is tight don't be afraid of a used 686 or 586 (same gun blued steel). Any one at a good gunshop with a little know-how can take a quick look at a used revolver and reject the few that have been really abused.Most used revolvers have been shot little,some are not real pretty but generally the used guns will shoot as good or better (smother triggers)than a new gun. If you get into pistols you will eventually want a snubby,could be a exotic super lightweight,a heavy caliber,semiauto,rimfire or what ever lights your fire. (don't overlook single action-lots of fun !)For good fun starting out a 4-6" double action .357 is the way to go.Another way to look at the S&W or ruger over the taurus is that the smith or the ruger guns will hold value and be easier to resell if that ever comes up. Some folks like Taurus just fine and thats great for them but I think the smith is the safer bet for a first purchase. NHSPORT |
| A S&W 686 is a double action,stainless steel revolver. Go to a gun shop and look at one. It'll have the smoothest trigger that you'll find on a "straight out of the box gun". Buy it with confidence that it'll last you a lifetime and always be able to shoot better than you can. |
| I have had a Ruger GP100 4" barrel for almost 10 years now with countless rounds of 38 special, +p, and full power 357 mag shot through it. The only thing I changed was the grip (the Hogue makes shooting 150+ rounds a range session a lot more comfortable). I would highly recommend this gun as an alternative to a Smith. The gun is built like a tank, it has great balance, the trigger is very smooth, and the accuracy has been outstanding. I wish I had gotten the stainless model because they are a little easier to take care of, but the blueing on my gun looks just as good as the day I brought it home. |
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The 686, new or used is a good bet, no doubt. If you already have a .45 auto, a S&W model 625 revolver in .45 ACP may make sense, using the same ammo. The indestructable Ruger GP-100, as said, is another nice .357 handgun. Dan Wessons, used, are a bargain too and have interchangable barrel lengths and styles. Adjustable sighted models being better for target shooting and hunting, fixed sights are more durable for a carry piece. I think visiting a gunshop and handling the above mentioned models will help you decide. If it's just a monetary consideration, a Taurus could serve you well and should not be ruled out completely, but it's not a Python either. Good judgment on your part, star, shopping around and asking questions. 
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| You're getting a lot of good advice here, but I'd like to expand on a couple of points. The GP-100 Ruger is probably the sturdiest mid-size .357 mag made. The 686 is no slouch, but I have both, and will continue to buy both, and the GP is the heavier, sturdier revolver. Most people who complain about the GP's trigger are among those who couldn't tell the difference anyway. A good trigger job on identical 686s & GP-100s will give almost identical results. In fact, my tuned GP has a better double action trigger than my 686. S&W single action is a bit less creepy, though. As far as used revolvers, confine your search to the 686 & GP only. The K frame S&Ws such as the 66 & 19 are good guns, but more suceptable to abuse and should only be bought used by experienced buyers. Cylinder timing is a major concern here. Ruger also made the Security Six series before the GP-100, and those are a really good value. I have no first hand experiences with Taurus, and have no plans to change that. They seem to be like some cars. Either you get a good one, or a bad one with very little middle ground. By the way, I'd also recommend a 4 in. barrel for your first revolver. 4 inch barrels are the best compromise between shot velocity, and carrying comfort. ==Bob |