Please recommend a revolver

[Maddog_Enigma]

I'm looking for my first handgun and I'm leaning towards a revolver now. Home defense and target shooting are the primary goals.

Caliber of choice is a .38, if it has the ability to fire .357 fine, but it's uncertain if I'll ever do so.

I heard there are 7-shot .38/.357s. I like the thought of having an "extra" shot.

Probably a 4" barrel, I don't like them much smaller or larger.

And finally, are there any that have a 'grey' colored finish? A brief online search shows up lots of stainless (don't like the looks) and black. But I know somewhere I've seen grey or similar colored revolvers.

Thoughts anyone?

[Whiskey Tango]

Sounds like Smith 686P is in order for you, it seems to fit all of your requirements, except it is stainless, but not that reflective Nickle like finish. And it has a Hogue Rubber Combat grip from the factory, the plus is, there is no ugly Hogue Logo on it, but the S&W crest. Looks sharp.

I hope to get one for the upcoming birthday.

[Maddog_Enigma]

And what about shorter barrels. I see a 2" Taurus that seems cool also. Is a 2" too short for acurate shooting? It seems that it would be much easier to conceal, though, which would be an added bonus.

[almtiba]

Hi

Take a look:
http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293600&item=831423&sw_activeTab=1

I don't know if they make a 4" version...

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil

[shootinstudent]

You might also want to check out a Ruger GP100. Comes in several variations, even a grey looking one if I'm not mistaken.

[Logs]

Not sure about GRAY, but Rossi's are nice guns. You can usually get a deal on a used one for less than $200.

[tjhands]

Maddog,

As far as length of barrel goes, I'd advise against the 2" barrel - the sole reason being that you are buying this gun for home defense as opposed to a "carry" gun. If it's just going to be on the nightstand and not in a small coat pocket, there is no reason have such a short barrel. A 4" model would better serve your purpose in that regard.
You asked about Taurus. I have 2 taurus handguns - a 9mm (24/7) and .357magnum (model 605). They are both fine guns. Some say the "life expectancy" isn't as good as other brands, but again, if this gun is to be used for home defense and occasional plinking, a Taurus is a wise consideration. If you were going to run 200 rounds a week through it, you may want to go with a tougher brand, but I think you'll be happy with a Taurus .38 If you haven't already, go to taurususa.com and check out all the revolvers - they have BUNCH of them. :)

[Maddog_Enigma]

I have a lot to consider. Is there anyplace the details the different effective ranges, and accuracy in similar caliber firearms of differing barrel lengths?

[tjhands]

This is Model 66SS4. It's stainless, but not as bright as some stainless models. Kind of the color of a slightly-used nickel. This gun can be had in the neighborhood of $350 brand new. It's got the 7-shot capacity, too, which is nice. If you are just shooting .38's, it should last a long, long time, as it is built to handle .357's as well. Good luck and have fun shopping! :D

[tjhands]

Hmmmm, as for your questions about accuracy vs. barrel length, I'm not sure. I will say that for short distances (home defense), any barrel length will get the job done - it's just that a longer barrel is easier to aim than a short one. There's nothing inherently inaccurate about a shorter barrel, ie they are just as accurate as a 6 or 8" barrel, but most people find a longer barrel easier to shoot well.

[jonathon]

Can't really go wrong with either a SW or a Ruger ;)

[Jelly]

What Jonathon said...

[tjhands]

Definitely Ruger should be considered. Here's their .357 in 4" (GP100). Goes for about $440 new, but check out gunbroker.com for nice used ones. Ruger is a brand that I wouldn't hesitate buying used.

[Jkwas]

I have the taurus 605 and shoot it a lot. Must have over 500rounds thru it, good gun, accurate out to 25ft with no problem. with 2in barrel, harder for someone to grab out of your hand when you're walking around a corner.
But I will second the opinion on the ruger, either the sp101 or gp100 would be on my wish list if I were in the market for another gun to add to my collection.
Ruger makes a gp100 with 6 shots and a 3in barrel. Seems like the perfect size. Spend the extra and get stainless, much easier to clean.

[jonathon]

Stainless will also keep its neat look, even in a holster. Just got to polish it. Blueing will get holster wear(and is then much more prone to rusting when worn, though if you are religious about gun cleaning.. your fine ;))

[utaherrn]

Like the 7 shot S&W 686P mentioned above and have it bead-blasted (special kind of sandblasting). Results in a nice greyish non-reflective finish. All the durability of stainless without the shiny looks you don't like.

[Boss Spearman]

If you did pursue the 2 inch model, the Ruger sp101 is the most balanced 2 inch I've ever fired. The 2.5 inch S&W 686 is great too, but it's actually a bit big for concealment.

[Jkwas]

That sp101 is a sweet gun. :)

[Jack Malloy]

I would recommend a three inch barrel for a good all around gun.
Ruger makes the GP 100 in a fixed sight three inch version, and I think it is available in what they refer to as their "target grey" finish.
Smith and Wesson used to make the model 65 and 66 in a three inch barrell.
They are nice guns. I have a 65 and wish I had found a three inch 66 before hey discontinued them. I have a four inch model 66 and to be honest the extra inch of barrel is not worth the hassle. The three inch and four inch tubes actually shoot about the same, but the three incher's are a lot handier.

If you want a seven shooter Smith & Wesson and Taurus make em in intermediate frame guns.
If you are not averse to scouting around for a used gun, you might find a good three inch K frame, which makes an excellent all around gun. Compact enough for concealed carry, but big enough to control and shoot well.

[JKump]

Any revolver from Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, and Colt should do. Look at any of them in .357 Mag. for they will be able to fire the .38 round. Everyone has mentioned good weapon, I have personally owned a Ruger Gp 100, a Taurus 617 Total Ti 7shot, and a Taurus Ultra lite .38 and have had no problems with any. If you don't buy new you should be able to find several good .357 mags, from pawn shops and gun stores, at good prices.

[Majic]

The gray color is a Ruger option, but they have no 7 shooters. The 7 and 8 shooters are made by S&W and Taurus. Also your gray and 7 shot preference will only be offered in a .357mag revolver.
The effective range and accuracy of any revolver is solely up to the shooter. An excellent shooter with a 2 incher can best a novice with a 6 or 8 incher at any distance.
Being that you are new to the game a 4 to 6 incher should serve you well. If you are totally new to handgunning then I recommend a .22lr revolver to learn the basics. It will be easier and cheaper to learn that way.

[Robert Allison]

I agree with those who recommend the Smith 686, you can get it in 4" (I don't recommend shorter for a new shooter for a number of reasons) and 7 shot version. If money is no object, consider the Performance Center 627, 5" barrel, 8-shot N-frame. Very nice gun and it seems smaller and lighter than a typical Smith & Wesson N, smooth DA and SA trigger, good highly visible sights, great balance in the hand. Only problem with it is finding suitable holsters at this point.

[Guy B. Meredith]

If you are not using the revolver for carry, the extra weight of a longer barrel is an advantage. To an extent the extra weight means easier to handle, too much means slow moving. Try some out.

I bought the S&W 686+ in 6" for my first handgun as it is a good all around revolver. Home defense doesn't require super compact and longer barrels are good for marksmanship and hunting. I thought the 7th shot thing was interesting, too. I would probably prefer a 4" barrel for manuverability.

The 686+ is the one that is within reach of my bed at night, HOWEVER it will be replaced with the relatively inexpensive Mossberg Persuader since firearms used in shootings are often held as evidence. I don't want the more expensive 686+ getting knocked around during an extended stay in an evidence locker.

The 8-shot 627 mentioned above puts you almost on the same level as a 1911 semi auto for capacity. With the 5" barrel you know you have something massive in your hand, but it is one of the top choices--along with the 6-shot .45 acp model 625--for revolver action shooting competitors. The 686+ would probably be next in line.

Taurus also has 7- and 8-shot revolvers that parallel the S&W line. I haven't had an opportunity to try them.

Ruger lacks only the extra shot.

[Pezo]

Ive heard people complain about "timing issues" with 7 and 8 shot revolvers, Id stay away. Ruger makes the 4 and 6 inch adjustable sight gp100 model revolvers in "target grey". I prefer the fixed sighted slightly smaller frame and smaller grips on the 3 inch gp100 myself however this gun is only available in stainles steel new. or blue if you find one used. Ruger is built like a tank and affordable hard to go wrong. also you may have to have your dealer order the 3 inch if you choose this route.

[Guy B. Meredith]

No timing problems on my 7 and 8 shot in something around 30,000 rounds collectively.

All revolvers have potential for timing problems, but I've not heard any comments out of the ordinary amongst the competitors in the International Revolver Championships where S&W 7- and 8-shooters are the mainstay.

[xtrarnds]

I've had nothing but good experience w/ my S&W 686+. Superb reliability and accuracy w/ all kinds of loads.

[Magnum88C]

I think the only way to get exactly what you're after would be to buy an S&W 686+, and have it sent out to have one of the available blackened finishes that some guys have put on their stainless guns.