If only one revolver, which one? - Page 2

SCDeac82 · January 27, 2013, 09:27 AM

GP100 4" in Stainless.

Daggitt · January 27, 2013, 10:03 AM

You can't go wrong with the GP-100. The Six series are also a great choice. Have never heard a complaint about either one. In practice Ruger almost has an unwritten Forever guarantee. These forums are replete with reports of Ruger repairing or replacing old and abused revolvers at little or no cost.

savit260 · January 27, 2013, 11:15 AM

Quote:

I own about 10 pistols of different calibers but not one revolver. I want to fix that. Now if I wanted a must have in your collection for a revolver which one should it be? Ruger GP100?

Use? range and to enjoy looking at. Either .38 or .45 stainless. Barrel length? not that important as is staying home or going out for range only.

Oh yeah, not crazy expensive, could be used. Figure about 500/600 tops.

For range use and looking at, I'd look seriously at the Ruger Blackhaw/Vaquero/New Vaquero or anyy of the mid priced SAA clones.

If you reload... I'd go with 45 Colt/45 acp or 44 Special/Magnum. If not, they are all out there in .357 Magnum as well.

Fun to shoot, and just plain beautiful to look at, and within your price rage new.

Thud · January 27, 2013, 11:40 AM

There You go, Oplofilo! +1 for the Astra Police... 357, 38, 9mm,...What else Do You need?

roaddog28 · January 27, 2013, 12:49 PM

This one would be the one I would choose if I could only have one.

Ruger Police Servie Six 357 magnum 4inch.

SgtLumpy · January 27, 2013, 01:49 PM

If it's truly "only one", it would have to be something with two names in the brand, with the word "and" in the middle. Four inch 357 Magnum. If I was already really good with the rest of my pistols, make that bbl 1 7/8 inch instead of 4.

Sgt Lumpy - n0eq

Motownstan · January 27, 2013, 01:57 PM

Hard to beat the .357 for versatility, M-28-2

Mystro · January 27, 2013, 02:18 PM

S&W 686 4" is not perfect for everything but will get the job done in and out of the woods.

**44 AMP** · January 27, 2013, 02:40 PM

Motownstan, what is the finish on that 28? Nickle? Chrome? Armaloy?

if I had to choose just one revolver, it would be a really tough choice. Probably boil down to a flip of a coin between my M28 and my Ruger Blakhawk 7.5" .45Colt/.45acp.

On the other hand, my Colt Agent .38 snub is a consideration, if you include carry in the mix. For a woods gun, range gun, a full size .357 (capable of handling full power loads) is difficult to beat.

On the other hand (as Topol says..) the Ruger in .45 Colt, is no slouch with standard factory loads, will take improved loads up to .44 Mag class, and the convertable has the added plus of taking .45acp, for ammo commomality if you have a 1911 or other .45 auto. You can say about the same for the .357/9mm convertable, but rumor has it that lots of them don't shoot the 9mms very accurately. I don't own one, so I can't say from personal expierence, but I don't have that problem with my .45s.

stepmac · January 27, 2013, 02:45 PM

No question about it:

A Ruger Single Six with the two cylinders. It's a plinker with the .22 LR and a killer with the .22 mag.

Deja vu · January 27, 2013, 02:49 PM

S&W 357 8 times. Great guns that are fun to shoot and you can shoot 38s in it if you like.

Motownstan · January 27, 2013, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Motownstan, what is the finish on that 28? Nickle? Chrome? Armaloy?

Just the standard matte finish with some Photoshop enhancement.

BIGR · January 27, 2013, 02:52 PM

Quote:

S&W 686 4" is not perfect for everything but will get the job done in and out of the woods.

X2 I have owned two of those (80's Models) over the years and they have served me well. However I would not hesitate to take a look at a GP100 Ruger with a 4 inch barrel. I might be wrong, but I think the GP100 has a thicker top strap on it.

I have noticed some slight erosion (a groove) of the top strap above the cylinder, on the 686 that I currently have.

BIG P · January 28, 2013, 03:44 AM

GP-100 6'' SS,Looks good, last forever,nice to pass down.

Sevens · January 28, 2013, 03:53 AM

I've got THE answer. It ain't sexy and it won't be popular, but it's the REAL answer.

You've got 10 semi-autos, you've got no revolvers, and you think you'll pick one and you'll have the right one...or the best one... or most versatile one... best lookin' one... most enjoyable to shoot... accurate... durable...

Forget it, it's not happening.

You are better off not getting any revolver.
You'll never get it done with "ONE" revolver, and I can't imagine even wanting to try.

The easy way out is to not buy one.
Get one, you'll want more. You'll -GET- more.

How'd you get 10 semi-auto's?!
Tell me I'm wrong.

Sevens · January 28, 2013, 03:59 AM

Okay, that was hard to hear. Maybe harsh. Either way, wasn't what you or anyone wanted to hear.

Try this--get the world's most popular revolver. One of the best EVER, and they've made a zillion of them. Many of them were produced for issue-- police, corrections, security, various alphabet agencies... Most aren't in duty use these days, but MANY of them are available on the secondary market as issued with a lot of external wear, but still in terrific functional condition.

Durable. Accurate. Wholly enjoyable. Not bad lookin' either!

Smith & Wesson Model 10, 4-inch, heavy barrel, .38 Special.
Before things went nutbar in December, I've seen them locally under $250 and worth every single penny.

If you spend just a couple of bucks on one of these, you'll have a darn good one to introduce yourself to revolvers. You'll also have a pile of money left over -- which you will need, because you'll want more revolvers!

Revolver1 · January 28, 2013, 06:45 AM

My 4" S&W 27!

geosully · January 28, 2013, 06:56 AM

I think you are on the right track with the GP100, but you may be able to find a Security Six or a Speed Six for even less. These were used by LE and private security in the 80's. Very solid.
A four inch barreled .357 in stainless should be in everyone's safe in my honest opinion. It is general purpose utility gun that will do many things very well.

shafter · January 28, 2013, 07:35 AM

I'd go with a Smith and Wesson Model 66 4 inch barrel most likely.

Baba Louie · January 28, 2013, 02:56 PM

The ubiquitous .38 spl. S&W Model 10/15 for a one and one only revolver choice myself.

Or a S&W 17/18 in .22lr.

Either or any of the above would do me well if limited to an "Only One" choice.

Colorado Redneck · January 28, 2013, 10:57 PM

I'm with Shafter--Smith Model 66 with 4" barrel. Wife stole mine. Would steal it back if she wasn't paying attention---she takes it to the range every week so that won't happen.

Trigger is smooth as butter, has excellent balance, and feels so good.

harathor · January 28, 2013, 11:27 PM

I would say any smith and wesson K frame in 38 or 357.

cnj · January 29, 2013, 12:36 AM

"If only one" I'd say an eclectic one... 3 inches and capable of firing different cartridges (since "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." ) :
http://www.weapon.ge/index.php?sel=1...un=3&cat=&l=en
ASTRA Police
FN Browning Barracuda

I agree!

stephen426 · January 29, 2013, 01:16 AM

Sevens,

I hate to challenge that notion, but I have had my GP-100 for quite some time now and have not purchased another revolver. While I do like my GP-100, I really prefer semi-autos. I thought about getting a .44 magnum a couple of times, but I have no use for it. Feeding it would be more expensive than my other guns, especially now. If I were to get another revolver, it would most probably be a stainless Ruger Super Redhawk. I doubt it will happen though.

Pistols
.22 Browning Buckmark
.32 Beretta Tomcat
.357 Ruger GP100
9mm Sig P210 (50th Anniversary)
9mm Sig P210
9mm H&K P7M8
9mm Glock 26
9mm Kahr PM9
9mm Kahr MK9
.40 Sig P229
.40 STI Edge
.45 Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special
.45 Les Baer Monolith Heavyweight

Rifles
.223 Colt AR-15 HBAR
.223 S&W M&P 15 Sport
.30-06 Sako 70

Shotguns
12GA Remington 870 Marine Magnum
12GA Beretta A400 Unico

biohazurd · January 29, 2013, 02:56 AM

If i could choose just one revolver it would be the ruger gp100.

January 27, 2013, 09:27 AM	#26
SCDeac82 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2010 Location: Southeast-USA Posts: 222	GP100 4" in Stainless. __________________ "No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -- Thomas Jefferson

January 27, 2013, 01:57 PM	#32
Motownstan Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 226	Here's my keeper Hard to beat the .357 for versatility, M-28-2 __________________ Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich. - Napoleon

January 27, 2013, 02:18 PM	#33
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	S&W 686 4" is not perfect for everything but will get the job done in and out of the woods. __________________ "I'm a good guy with a gun" What do I care if I give up some freedom or rights?....The Goverment will take care of me. This kind of thinking is now in the majority and it should concern you. "Ask not what you can do for your country, but what free entitlements you can bleed from your country"

January 27, 2013, 02:40 PM	#34
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	Motownstan, what is the finish on that 28? Nickle? Chrome? Armaloy? if I had to choose just one revolver, it would be a really tough choice. Probably boil down to a flip of a coin between my M28 and my Ruger Blakhawk 7.5" .45Colt/.45acp. On the other hand, my Colt Agent .38 snub is a consideration, if you include carry in the mix. For a woods gun, range gun, a full size .357 (capable of handling full power loads) is difficult to beat. On the other hand (as Topol says..) the Ruger in .45 Colt, is no slouch with standard factory loads, will take improved loads up to .44 Mag class, and the convertable has the added plus of taking .45acp, for ammo commomality if you have a 1911 or other .45 auto. You can say about the same for the .357/9mm convertable, but rumor has it that lots of them don't shoot the 9mms very accurately. I don't own one, so I can't say from personal expierence, but I don't have that problem with my .45s. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 27, 2013, 02:49 PM	#36
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	S&W 357 8 times. Great guns that are fun to shoot and you can shoot 38s in it if you like. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

January 27, 2013, 10:03 AM	#27
Daggitt Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2011 Posts: 321	You can't go wrong with the GP-100. The Six series are also a great choice. Have never heard a complaint about either one. In practice Ruger almost has an unwritten Forever guarantee. These forums are replete with reports of Ruger repairing or replacing old and abused revolvers at little or no cost.

January 27, 2013, 11:40 AM	#29
Thud Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2005 Posts: 193	There You go, Oplofilo! +1 for the Astra Police... 357, 38, 9mm,...What else Do You need?

January 27, 2013, 12:49 PM	#30
roaddog28 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 961	This one would be the one I would choose if I could only have one. Ruger Police Servie Six 357 magnum 4inch.

January 27, 2013, 01:49 PM	#31
SgtLumpy Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Posts: 779	If it's truly "only one", it would have to be something with two names in the brand, with the word "and" in the middle. Four inch 357 Magnum. If I was already really good with the rest of my pistols, make that bbl 1 7/8 inch instead of 4. Sgt Lumpy - n0eq

January 27, 2013, 02:45 PM	#35
stepmac Member Join Date: January 17, 2013 Posts: 41	No question about it: A Ruger Single Six with the two cylinders. It's a plinker with the .22 LR and a killer with the .22 mag.

January 28, 2013, 03:44 AM	#39
BIG P Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2010 Location: North Georgia Posts: 1,679	GP-100 6'' SS,Looks good, last forever,nice to pass down.

January 28, 2013, 03:53 AM	#40
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I've got THE answer. It ain't sexy and it won't be popular, but it's the REAL answer. You've got 10 semi-autos, you've got no revolvers, and you think you'll pick one and you'll have the right one...or the best one... or most versatile one... best lookin' one... most enjoyable to shoot... accurate... durable... Forget it, it's not happening. You are better off not getting any revolver. You'll never get it done with "ONE" revolver, and I can't imagine even wanting to try. The easy way out is to not buy one. Get one, you'll want more. You'll -GET- more. How'd you get 10 semi-auto's?! Tell me I'm wrong. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

January 28, 2013, 03:59 AM	#41
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Okay, that was hard to hear. Maybe harsh. Either way, wasn't what you or anyone wanted to hear. Try this--get the world's most popular revolver. One of the best EVER, and they've made a zillion of them. Many of them were produced for issue-- police, corrections, security, various alphabet agencies... Most aren't in duty use these days, but MANY of them are available on the secondary market as issued with a lot of external wear, but still in terrific functional condition. Durable. Accurate. Wholly enjoyable. Not bad lookin' either! Smith & Wesson Model 10, 4-inch, heavy barrel, .38 Special. Before things went nutbar in December, I've seen them locally under $250 and worth every single penny. If you spend just a couple of bucks on one of these, you'll have a darn good one to introduce yourself to revolvers. You'll also have a pile of money left over -- which you will need, because you'll want more revolvers! __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

January 28, 2013, 06:45 AM	#42
Revolver1 Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2013 Location: NY Posts: 150	My 4" S&W 27!

January 28, 2013, 06:56 AM	#43
geosully Junior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Location: Colorado Posts: 10	I think you are on the right track with the GP100, but you may be able to find a Security Six or a Speed Six for even less. These were used by LE and private security in the 80's. Very solid. A four inch barreled .357 in stainless should be in everyone's safe in my honest opinion. It is general purpose utility gun that will do many things very well.

January 28, 2013, 07:35 AM	#44
shafter Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Posts: 1,624	I'd go with a Smith and Wesson Model 66 4 inch barrel most likely.

January 28, 2013, 02:56 PM	#45
Baba Louie Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2001 Posts: 1,552	The ubiquitous .38 spl. S&W Model 10/15 for a one and one only revolver choice myself. Or a S&W 17/18 in .22lr. Either or any of the above would do me well if limited to an "Only One" choice. __________________ A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." - George Washington, January 8, 1790, First State of the Union Address

January 28, 2013, 10:57 PM	#46
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	I'm with Shafter--Smith Model 66 with 4" barrel. Wife stole mine. Would steal it back if she wasn't paying attention---she takes it to the range every week so that won't happen. Trigger is smooth as butter, has excellent balance, and feels so good.

January 28, 2013, 11:27 PM	#47
harathor Member Join Date: January 28, 2013 Posts: 18	I would say any smith and wesson K frame in 38 or 357.

January 29, 2013, 12:36 AM	#48
cnj Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Posts: 60	"If only one" I'd say an eclectic one... 3 inches and capable of firing different cartridges (since "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." ) : http://www.weapon.ge/index.php?sel=1...un=3&cat=&l=en ASTRA Police FN Browning Barracuda I agree!

January 29, 2013, 01:16 AM	#49
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	Sevens, I hate to challenge that notion, but I have had my GP-100 for quite some time now and have not purchased another revolver. While I do like my GP-100, I really prefer semi-autos. I thought about getting a .44 magnum a couple of times, but I have no use for it. Feeding it would be more expensive than my other guns, especially now. If I were to get another revolver, it would most probably be a stainless Ruger Super Redhawk. I doubt it will happen though. Pistols .22 Browning Buckmark .32 Beretta Tomcat .357 Ruger GP100 9mm Sig P210 (50th Anniversary) 9mm Sig P210 9mm H&K P7M8 9mm Glock 26 9mm Kahr PM9 9mm Kahr MK9 .40 Sig P229 .40 STI Edge .45 Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special .45 Les Baer Monolith Heavyweight Rifles .223 Colt AR-15 HBAR .223 S&W M&P 15 Sport .30-06 Sako 70 Shotguns 12GA Remington 870 Marine Magnum 12GA Beretta A400 Unico __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!

January 29, 2013, 02:56 AM	#50
biohazurd Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2009 Posts: 340	If i could choose just one revolver it would be the ruger gp100.