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Any recommendations on a decent revolver? I've shot a couple, but never owned one to shoot regularly. I think I'm looking for medium frame, double action with a 4-5" barrel. I've been looking at the Ruger GP-100, S&W 686 and the Taurus Model 66. Any direction, comments or experience welcome. I don't see this being my primary daily carry pistol, just looking to diversify.

Thanks!

My vote is for the Ruger. I have one in .327 and another in .357. I wasn't a revolver guy till I picked up the first one. They are the easiest to shoot pistols I've ever owned. If I ever get a SP101 I'd consider ditching the XDs45 as my carry gun.

A used S&W K-frame in your choice of .38 Spl or .357 Mag blued, nickel, or stainless, with 2.5, 3, 4, or 6-inch barrel. Comes in many flavors and configurations (do some research). Popular model #s are 19, 64, 65, 66 and there are others I'm missing.

This is the classic police service revolver size. Really fits the hand well. Plus there is a plethora of parts (changing springs improved trigger a lot), holsters, speed loaders etc available.

If you're planning to shoot a very steady diet of .357 Mag (and not merely .38 target rounds from .357 cylinder) then the beefier L-frame 586/686 or the Ruger GP100 are probably better choices.

If you want slightly smaller but still shootable .357, the 5-shot Ruger SP-101 is a great gun with a stellar reputation.

Love my K frame .... and my Colt snubbie - Everyone should have a wheel gun!

I second the recommendation for an S&W Model 19 or 66, if you want a medium frame revolver. They are not designed for many thousands of rounds of .357 Mag., but most folks don't want to shoot that much .357 anyway. Practice with .38 Special, shoot a few .357 Mag. to stay proficient, then carry .357 Mag in the gun. If it's a home defense only revolver, I'd consider a larger frame gun (S&W L or possibly N frames) unless you physically cannot handle the additional weight.

Chas.

Another vote for a Model 19 or 66, but I liked the GP100s I've handled as well. Can't go wrong with either one.

And yeah, I like my Colt snubby too.

Speaking of Colts, particularly if you are just looking for a good-shooting gun, something different and fun, people rave about the Colt Python. it is a large frame gun. I've never shot one, but the action was supposed to be fantastically smooth. They can be pricey.

3 inch SP101 in .357 mag.... with hammer

extremely versatile, totally rugged, reliable, and very low maintenance

Charles L. Cotton wrote:I second the recommendation for an S&W Model 19 or 66, if you want a medium frame revolver. They are not designed for many thousands of rounds of .357 Mag., but most folks don't want to shoot that much .357 anyway. Practice with .38 Special, shoot a few .357 Mag. to stay proficient, then carry .357 Mag in the gun. If it's a home defense only revolver, I'd consider a larger frame gun (S&W L or possibly N frames) unless you physically cannot handle the additional weight.

Chas.

I agree. I actually prefer revolvers to semi-auto. Much easier to catch my brass. I have 3 S&W and a Colt Pyton. The Python sits in the safe gaining value. The S&W's shoot and they all shoot well. I don't carry a revolver for concealed carry though. I am not a fan of the Brazilian guns (Taurus).

for the price, rugers are great! I have the sp101. built like a tank!

Add another -1 to the Taurus count. I've had two, and got rid of them both. They worked, but not well.

Big, big +1 to the "gently used" S&W recommendation. Unless you're planning on shooting a few thousand .357 rounds a year, a used Smith K-frame (Model 13, 19, 65, couple others) will serve your kids and grandkids for years to come. If you do want to shoot that much, go for a Smith L-frame (Model 586, 686), or a Ruger, and it'll last forever.

I'd just stay away from any S&W with the internal lock. I know the vast majority of those locks give no problems, but I don't like failure points on my guns, especially unnecessary ones, and enough of them have locked themselves while shooting that I don't trust them.

By the way, don't discount the S&W 586 over the 686, either... I love my 4" 586!

Thanks for all the information. I'll probably scratch the Taurus off the list and head to the gun shop and do a little recon on the Ruger and S&W models you mentioned.

I love my model 60 smith...j-frame that feels all grown up...lol. A carried it in a snap slide while my XDS was gone and was surprised at how much I liked carrying it.

I have a model 66 now for practice and love it. I have had model 19s in the past and carried a model 65 on duty in the past. Medium frame S&W revolvers are generally very good guns. I have had Ruger GP100's in the past and also liked them. I would point out that Taurus revolvers were originally made as clones of the S&W. I don't know how much more recent ones stick to that.

If you pick any of the name brands (Colt, S&W, Ruger), and get one that feels good in your hand, I think you will be very satisfied.

A 686 S&W wouldbe my pick, because I have one. it is a great shooting revolver.. it's my avatar