Help me pick a new revolver?

ChuckClapp · March 19, 2018, 11:32 PM

Hello,

I've picked up shooting a year or so ago and I like revolvers. I only own three: Sp101(2.25"), Taurus 85, and a S&W 442. I love them, but I can't hit much at distances since they're snubs.

I've been looking around for a new full size, but can't decide. I also live in CA, so my options aren't great. I'm also in college, so my budget isn't "tight", but I'd like to eat also.

I love the look of the 686+. However, the cheapest quote I've found was $804 out the door. The Taurus 65 is a much better price, but I haven't found one to shoot at any ranges. I like the GP100, too, but I haven't priced one out. I've seen a few in the $600-$650, but that seems a little high.

Thoughts? Thanks if you've read thus far.

moosemike · March 20, 2018, 05:42 AM

I'm on a fairly tight budget myself and for me that means I buy Taurus handguns instead of S&W or Ruger. That's just me though. I'd buy the Taurus 65.

mk70ss · March 20, 2018, 05:46 AM

Of the guns you mentioned, the SP101 is by far the easiest shooting one. It’s slightly larger and has a bit more weight to it. Plus it allows you to shoot .357 magnums as well as the .38’s. I have one as my EDC, and it would be my pick over the other two. I also have a 686 plus snubby. Great gun, but the SP101 carries far easier on the belt.

seeker_two · March 20, 2018, 07:31 AM

Maybe the cheapest route is to buy more .38Spl ammo and practice until you can perform to your expectations. Looking into new sights for your guns and even Lasergrips might be an option as well.

Here's something that might help.....

https://youtu.be/4ezHq4KVkb8

https://youtu.be/B6gisBvWeHM

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Slimjim9 · March 20, 2018, 08:15 PM

GP100 is a good choice for "full size". It depends on the model, but you can find for under $600: https://grabagun.com/ruger-gp100-357...-da-fs-ss.html

Wag · March 21, 2018, 12:18 PM

Another vote for the GP100. The 586/686 is also very nice!

--Wag--

Kvon2 · March 21, 2018, 12:39 PM

You could probably find an affordable used SW model 10. Not sure on the CA laws, I hope these are okay.

Could always look at black powder too.

Cheapshooter · March 21, 2018, 12:42 PM

Quote:

I love them, but I can't hit much at distances since they're snubs

What "distances" are you wanting more accuracy?
How much accuracy are you expecting? Do you want to do serious bullseye competition, or just plinking, and SD practical shooting?
Have you shot any longer barreled revolvers to see if you were more accurate with them?

tallball · March 21, 2018, 02:04 PM

Has the OP considered single-action revolvers? I shoot my Ruger Blackhawks better than anything else. They are rugged and I am not at all afraid to buy them used. My 6.5" Blackhawk in 357 cost me $299 (used) a year or two ago.

DaleA · March 21, 2018, 03:18 PM

Here's a discussion you might find interesting.

It's the Ruger Match Champion verses the S&W 627. Either one kind of pushes your budget but with a little care you could shoot either one for so many years the 'cost per month' would be really, really low. (That's the kind of mind games I play with myself when I consider a new gun purchase.)

https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...ighlight=match

In The Ten Ring · March 21, 2018, 05:36 PM

So what are you going to use it for?

I hit fine with my S&W j-frames, but those all can be thumb cocked (and I've needed that feature).

For self defense, I prefer the option of SA if needed and I've needed it before. Try a S&W 638 or 438 if you can find one. Get a trigger job if the double action is too heavy.

If you want a bigger gun for longer range (depends on the weapon's purpose) I'd go with a S&W K or L frame, those are all over gunbroker.com and all "CA compliant" if the seller will ship there.

ammo.crafter · March 21, 2018, 05:43 PM

As others said, check out online sites as well as used revolvers if you know what to look for.

Used K, L and even N frame S&W revolvers are common on the internet.

MR.G · March 21, 2018, 08:25 PM

686 Plus is a great gun. Check prices online. A used one in good condition should be found for less. Hard to wear them out.

Super Sneaky Steve · March 21, 2018, 09:13 PM

Get the GP100. Best gun for the money.

pete2 · March 22, 2018, 10:32 AM

If a 686 is only 200.00 more than a Taurus then it's a no brainer, buy the S&W. The Ruger is a good gun but the action is second best to the 686.

Model12Win · March 22, 2018, 10:32 PM

The Taurus 65's are street proven, hell-for-stout revolvers that are every bit as good as a Smith & Wesson J-frame.

Buy with confidence.

BWM · March 23, 2018, 12:08 PM

The 686 is the best the Rug 100 and the Taurus 65 the S&W will keep is value and will be your best to shoot it has a VERY good trigger best on any hand gun the Smith was a police gun for years and is street proven as well GOOD LUCK

T. O'Heir · March 23, 2018, 12:28 PM

"...since they're snubs..." Isn't about that. It's about how they fit your hand and the trigger.
Anyway, on a student's budget, think used. It's not like buying a used car. I'd be thinking GP, but you must try 'em on for size first.
The Taurus is just a Smith 'K' frame clone. Nothing to do with a 'J' frame. If a Smith fits your hand so will the Taurus. MSRP on one of 'em is $513.39 for a blued one. $50 more for SS. Gallery of Guns. Roughly $200 less at Bud's.
"...Taurus 65's are street proven..." So are all the rest. Issue is Taurus' customer service is poor.

Cosmodragoon · March 24, 2018, 04:56 AM

Taurus guns are okay but both Ruger and S&W make very good guns. The couple hundred bucks you might save is just that many boxes of ammo at the range. Essentially, wait and redirect that expense for a short while and you'll get a better firearm. Consider that you might own that firearm for the rest of your life (especially if it's a Smith or a Ruger) and that little bit now is totally worth it.

The 686 and GP100 both come in a bunch of configurations. Overall, the 686 is a little nicer but the sturdy GP100 has something I value a lot. It doesn't have an ugly Clinton-imposed lock hole in an awkward and unattractive spot, like a crudely drawn gun-safety mustache on the Mona Lisa. It's not just the constant visual reminder of gun control or unconstitutional Executive pressure on gun manufacturers. The idea of a kill switch operated by a fiddly key that can be fumbled in an emergency or straight up lost really makes me cringe. Taurus also has this feature but the location is less obtrusive.

WheelGunMan · March 30, 2018, 07:08 PM

Ruger LCRx 3" .38 Special. Nice platform, adjustable rear sights, longer sight radius allowing improved accuracy. Concealable.

SonOfScubaDiver · March 30, 2018, 07:53 PM

I recently purchased a Rock Island Armory Model 200. It has a four inch barrel, built on a bigger frame than my SP101. The finish on it isn't all that great, but it does have a very nice trigger considering that it was $250 brand new. If you check out the YT videos on this gun, you will find that most everybody agrees that it's a good gun with a not so good finish. With your college budget, an M200 might give you what you are looking for, and you can get the more expensive and nicer gun once your budget allows for it.

Doc Holliday 1950 · March 30, 2018, 08:43 PM

I've owned a Ruger GP100 & a Ruger SP 101 & traded them in for the Smith Wesson. The R GP100 is a great revolver but the S&W 686 P is better. Only con, for me, is the weight of the 686P.
I suggest that you go to your range & rent 3 or 4 revolvers. Then you'll know what's best for you.

FotoTomas · April 4, 2018, 04:03 AM

I prefer the Smith and Wesson no lock models over all others. In my 45 plus years of handgun ownership I have owned most every brand at one point in my life. Currently I have Colt, Ruger and mostly Smith and Wesson revolvers in the stable. I vote for the S&W.

I will say in my past, circumstances often dictated what I owned. I have had good examples of Astra, Rossi, Taurus, Charter Arms, Llama and other brands of revolvers. Even so the Smith and Wesson is my go to when it comes to wheel guns.

Minorcan · April 4, 2018, 06:51 AM

Try a used S&W Model 60-18. It's got a 5" barrel, adjustable sights and the best SA trigger you'll find. It is very accurate and cab be found for $500 used.

spawndn72 · April 4, 2018, 07:41 AM

I am going to second the idea of a single action revolver as well. The Ruger blackhawk or even a Ruger single 7 would be cool.

March 19, 2018, 11:32 PM	#1
ChuckClapp Junior Member Join Date: March 15, 2018 Posts: 1	Help me pick a new revolver? Hello, I've picked up shooting a year or so ago and I like revolvers. I only own three: Sp101(2.25"), Taurus 85, and a S&W 442. I love them, but I can't hit much at distances since they're snubs. I've been looking around for a new full size, but can't decide. I also live in CA, so my options aren't great. I'm also in college, so my budget isn't "tight", but I'd like to eat also. I love the look of the 686+. However, the cheapest quote I've found was $804 out the door. The Taurus 65 is a much better price, but I haven't found one to shoot at any ranges. I like the GP100, too, but I haven't priced one out. I've seen a few in the $600-$650, but that seems a little high. Thoughts? Thanks if you've read thus far.

March 20, 2018, 05:42 AM	#2
moosemike Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2009 Location: Lebanon PA Posts: 535	I'm on a fairly tight budget myself and for me that means I buy Taurus handguns instead of S&W or Ruger. That's just me though. I'd buy the Taurus 65. __________________ et cognoscetis veritatem et veritas liberabit vos

March 20, 2018, 05:46 AM	#3
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,598	Of the guns you mentioned, the SP101 is by far the easiest shooting one. It’s slightly larger and has a bit more weight to it. Plus it allows you to shoot .357 magnums as well as the .38’s. I have one as my EDC, and it would be my pick over the other two. I also have a 686 plus snubby. Great gun, but the SP101 carries far easier on the belt. __________________ Say when.....

March 20, 2018, 08:15 PM	#5
Slimjim9 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2015 Posts: 783	GP100 is a good choice for "full size". It depends on the model, but you can find for under $600: https://grabagun.com/ruger-gp100-357...-da-fs-ss.html __________________ Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.

March 21, 2018, 12:18 PM	#6
Wag Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2010 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 988	Another vote for the GP100. The 586/686 is also very nice! --Wag-- __________________ "Great genius will always encounter fierce opposition from mediocre minds." --Albert Einstein.

March 20, 2018, 07:31 AM	#4
seeker_two Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2002 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Lone Star State (TX) Posts: 2,169	Maybe the cheapest route is to buy more .38Spl ammo and practice until you can perform to your expectations. Looking into new sights for your guns and even Lasergrips might be an option as well. Here's something that might help..... https://youtu.be/4ezHq4KVkb8 https://youtu.be/B6gisBvWeHM Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

March 21, 2018, 12:39 PM	#7
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	You could probably find an affordable used SW model 10. Not sure on the CA laws, I hope these are okay. Could always look at black powder too.

March 21, 2018, 02:04 PM	#9
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	Has the OP considered single-action revolvers? I shoot my Ruger Blackhawks better than anything else. They are rugged and I am not at all afraid to buy them used. My 6.5" Blackhawk in 357 cost me $299 (used) a year or two ago.

March 21, 2018, 03:18 PM	#10
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,313	Here's a discussion you might find interesting. It's the Ruger Match Champion verses the S&W 627. Either one kind of pushes your budget but with a little care you could shoot either one for so many years the 'cost per month' would be really, really low. (That's the kind of mind games I play with myself when I consider a new gun purchase.) https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...ighlight=match

March 21, 2018, 05:36 PM	#11
In The Ten Ring Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2018 Posts: 380	So what are you going to use it for? I hit fine with my S&W j-frames, but those all can be thumb cocked (and I've needed that feature). For self defense, I prefer the option of SA if needed and I've needed it before. Try a S&W 638 or 438 if you can find one. Get a trigger job if the double action is too heavy. If you want a bigger gun for longer range (depends on the weapon's purpose) I'd go with a S&W K or L frame, those are all over gunbroker.com and all "CA compliant" if the seller will ship there.

March 21, 2018, 05:43 PM	#12
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	k, l, n As others said, check out online sites as well as used revolvers if you know what to look for. Used K, L and even N frame S&W revolvers are common on the internet. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

March 21, 2018, 08:25 PM	#13
MR.G Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2001 Posts: 641	686 Plus is a great gun. Check prices online. A used one in good condition should be found for less. Hard to wear them out.

March 21, 2018, 09:13 PM	#14
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	Get the GP100. Best gun for the money.

March 22, 2018, 10:32 AM	#15
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	If a 686 is only 200.00 more than a Taurus then it's a no brainer, buy the S&W. The Ruger is a good gun but the action is second best to the 686.

March 22, 2018, 10:32 PM	#16
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	The Taurus 65's are street proven, hell-for-stout revolvers that are every bit as good as a Smith & Wesson J-frame. Buy with confidence.

March 23, 2018, 12:08 PM	#17
BWM Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2013 Location: SW IN Posts: 438	The 686 is the best the Rug 100 and the Taurus 65 the S&W will keep is value and will be your best to shoot it has a VERY good trigger best on any hand gun the Smith was a police gun for years and is street proven as well GOOD LUCK __________________ Man that likes guns. Navy. USS Ponchatoula AO 148 USS Vesuvius AE 15

March 23, 2018, 12:28 PM	#18
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...since they're snubs..." Isn't about that. It's about how they fit your hand and the trigger. Anyway, on a student's budget, think used. It's not like buying a used car. I'd be thinking GP, but you must try 'em on for size first. The Taurus is just a Smith 'K' frame clone. Nothing to do with a 'J' frame. If a Smith fits your hand so will the Taurus. MSRP on one of 'em is $513.39 for a blued one. $50 more for SS. Gallery of Guns. Roughly $200 less at Bud's. "...Taurus 65's are street proven..." So are all the rest. Issue is Taurus' customer service is poor. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 24, 2018, 04:56 AM	#19
Cosmodragoon Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Northeastern US Posts: 1,869	Taurus guns are okay but both Ruger and S&W make very good guns. The couple hundred bucks you might save is just that many boxes of ammo at the range. Essentially, wait and redirect that expense for a short while and you'll get a better firearm. Consider that you might own that firearm for the rest of your life (especially if it's a Smith or a Ruger) and that little bit now is totally worth it. The 686 and GP100 both come in a bunch of configurations. Overall, the 686 is a little nicer but the sturdy GP100 has something I value a lot. It doesn't have an ugly Clinton-imposed lock hole in an awkward and unattractive spot, like a crudely drawn gun-safety mustache on the Mona Lisa. It's not just the constant visual reminder of gun control or unconstitutional Executive pressure on gun manufacturers. The idea of a kill switch operated by a fiddly key that can be fumbled in an emergency or straight up lost really makes me cringe. Taurus also has this feature but the location is less obtrusive.

March 30, 2018, 07:08 PM	#20
WheelGunMan Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2017 Posts: 112	Ruger LCRx 3" .38 Special. Nice platform, adjustable rear sights, longer sight radius allowing improved accuracy. Concealable.

March 30, 2018, 07:53 PM	#21
SonOfScubaDiver Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2017 Posts: 391	I recently purchased a Rock Island Armory Model 200. It has a four inch barrel, built on a bigger frame than my SP101. The finish on it isn't all that great, but it does have a very nice trigger considering that it was $250 brand new. If you check out the YT videos on this gun, you will find that most everybody agrees that it's a good gun with a not so good finish. With your college budget, an M200 might give you what you are looking for, and you can get the more expensive and nicer gun once your budget allows for it.

March 30, 2018, 08:43 PM	#22
Doc Holliday 1950 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2014 Location: Bout as south as it gets Posts: 1,238	I've owned a Ruger GP100 & a Ruger SP 101 & traded them in for the Smith Wesson. The R GP100 is a great revolver but the S&W 686 P is better. Only con, for me, is the weight of the 686P. I suggest that you go to your range & rent 3 or 4 revolvers. Then you'll know what's best for you. __________________ Shoot well and be Accurate, Doc

April 4, 2018, 04:03 AM	#23
FotoTomas Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 180	I prefer the Smith and Wesson no lock models over all others. In my 45 plus years of handgun ownership I have owned most every brand at one point in my life. Currently I have Colt, Ruger and mostly Smith and Wesson revolvers in the stable. I vote for the S&W. I will say in my past, circumstances often dictated what I owned. I have had good examples of Astra, Rossi, Taurus, Charter Arms, Llama and other brands of revolvers. Even so the Smith and Wesson is my go to when it comes to wheel guns.

April 4, 2018, 06:51 AM	#24
Minorcan Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2015 Posts: 379	Try a used S&W Model 60-18. It's got a 5" barrel, adjustable sights and the best SA trigger you'll find. It is very accurate and cab be found for $500 used.

April 4, 2018, 07:41 AM	#25
spawndn72 Member Join Date: July 13, 2007 Posts: 95	I am going to second the idea of a single action revolver as well. The Ruger blackhawk or even a Ruger single 7 would be cool.