Newb saying hello- needs some opinions and advice

[levrluvr]

Love the forums here and want to say hello! First post for me.

I'm hoping that some of you could give me some opinions on a revolver purchase. My wife and I would like to get into some shooting at the local pistol club and nearby range with instruction, plus have a decent revolver for home defense. I already have a Moss500 with 18 1/2" barrel, and am fairly proficient with it, so the pistol is an addition. The wife grew up with 5 brothers on a farm, and handles rifle and shotgun pretty well, but has very little experience with a handgun.
I would like to stick with something that she can shoot comfortably, and isn't too overbearing in her small hands, but still is decent-sized enough for me.
I've narrowed down my prospects to either a decent used Security-Six or Service Six, or possibly finding a GP-100. I'm pretty sold on the .357, with shooting .38's most of the time. Our price range is to keep this at or below $450.
Since we live in Illinausea, CC is not an option or concern at this time, but may be when we get out of here.
I've had a new SP in my hands recently, and thought the grip to be a little small for my hand, but would probably be perfect for her. I realize this would be the best choice for us when we're at our property up north as a hiking/camping piece, but the GP or Security seem to carry well enough too.
I've done a lot of reading all over the net recently including here, and can't find anyone that has a bad thing to say about the Security Six, and it may be perfect since it fits size-wise in between the SP and GP.
What do feel is the best barrel length for newcomers to all of this? My preference would be either the 3 1/16 (SP) or 4" in the GP/Security. Is that good thinking, or would a 5" or 6" be better since CC isn't in play? Would a longer barrel be more difficult for her?

On one other note, and something the two of us discussed, would be to pick up one of the new Taurus 941 in .22mag as a 'learning' revolver, and get the GP or Security later after we have become proficient. I have several .22wrm rifles, shoot them often, and have a lot of ammo on hand (which is relatively cheap) I can pick up new one in SS 4" or 5" for about $325. I realize they aren't up to Ruger quality, but it might be a good place to start?
Sorry for the long first post.... and thanks!
Jim

[Ohio man]

Welcome, im kinda new here too. Im sure youll get alot of great responses.

[KyJim]

A gun with a barrel length of 4 to 6 inches would be appropriate for home defense and range use. My preference, especially for home defense, is a 4 inch barrel. It's a little quicker to bring to bear on the target and generally balances better for me. You/she need to handle the revolvers and see which one seems to balance and more naturally point for you all.

Learning on a .22 is a great idea. Most of us would lean toward the .22 LR because of cost of ammo but if you want to shoot .22 mag, go right ahead! If you go the Taurus revolver route, buy a new one. Taurus quality is a bit more hit and miss than either Ruger or SW. If you happen to get a "bad" one, at least it will be under warranty, though Taurus can be slow. Also, make sure you check out the specific revolver you are buying to make sure it appears okay.

[shortwave]

Welcome to TFL. As a gift to yourselves get both the 357 and 22. I know you stated $450 but with an extra $150 you would probably be able to come up with both and the 22 can be used years down the road practicing trigger control. My wife loves her Ruger 4" 357. The 38 and 38+p loads are manageable for her but fullhouse 357 are a bit to snappy. Goodluck!

[melchloboo]

I'd vote for a 4" GP-100 if you are set on Ruger. Roughly same price gets you a used 686....

For home defense, it is easier to hold a 4" on target than 6" with one hand, for example if you have the phone in the other hand as you dial for help. Also an extra 2" of distance should an attempt to be made to grab for it, which a longer barrel might even invite. Difference in velocity/stopping power is negligible.

My wife weighs about 97lbs and shoots a 4" .357 (686) with target 38's 100 rounds a session with no problem. It doesn't matter if her hands are small. As long as the first bend in the trigger finger (knuckle) can get centered on the trigger, most women will not have a problem with a factory DA pull. It is unlikely that if she is properly taught how to grip, and/or with the right factory or aftermarket grips, she will have any problem shooting 38's all day long.

As for the .22...I'd wait and see how frequently you/she really go shooting. It only pays for itself if you shoot a lot.

As a former (shamefully) Illinoisan to another, get out while the getting is good!

[22-rimfire]

Welcome. I would choose the GP-100 myself. I have a 3" which I use primarily for home defense and range plinking out to about 15 yds or so. The triggers smooth out with firing. If it is a first revolver, I'd go with the 4" myself.

22 Mag? I would choose the 22LR, but if I were buying a 22mag, my first choice would be a Colt Trooper Mark III (4"). Taurus' are less expensive of course. There is also the single action option with the Ruger Single Six or, Colt New Frontier or Peacemaker with both 22LR and 22WMR cylinders.

[levrluvr]

Thanks for the warm welcome!
I kind of figured the 6" might be a little much- good point on dialing a cell with one hand and holding a revolver in the other.
There have been some decent deals lately on the Security Sixes here locally (most have been 6" barrel length; I just thought the SP and GP looked a little more modern, and purchasing a new one has its advantages. Althought my wife is small, I think she could handle the GP without too much trouble. I'll take her to the store with me and have her handle both.
I wouldn't consider purchasing the Taurus used, given what I've read about them. I would prefer the 22mag even with the slight added cost of ammo over the 22lr. Thanks for you input.
Jim

[Mat, not doormat]

Longer barrel length means a slightly higher velocity for the bullet, a longer sight radius for easily attainable accuracy, and often seems to slow down and smooth out the recoil impulse. It also makes for a less maneuverable, heavier, and some feel, less balanced gun.

The shorter barrel gives up some velocity, and is more difficult to get the gun's inherent accuracy out of it due to the short sight radius. It also makes the gun more concealable, but that's not really an issue for you, you say.

The best bet would be to go to a gun store that rents guns, and try for yourselves. With both Ruger and SW, you can't really make a wrong choice, in terms of reliability and functionality. Shoot 'em, and see what you like.

~~~Mat