Revolver

[mrmojo32]

I am looking to buy a revolver soon and my past experience has always been with single action Rugers and double action Smith and Wessons of various calibers from 22 up to 44 mag.

I am really wanting to get a nice double action, something like a Smith and Wesson 357 mag for self defense / target shooting. Of this type of medium to large framed double action revolver, what other types does everyone recommend? I have always loved the way the Colt Pythons look but I don;t think they are produced any more, not to say that I could not get oe used.

Whats the bottom line on this type of revolver? Who makes the best shooting?

THanks in advance.

 

[mrmojo32]

duplicate

 

[Phoenix 6.0]

check out the Ruger GP100. i love my stainless 6". strong, good looking, and good price. mine will live its life with an exclusive diet of 357 mag.

if you have the means however, id go for a Python.

 

[Gus McCrae]

A blued six inch Python is pretty close to the top of my list of cool guns.

 

[chad]

I would go with the S&W 686. A 4" is a great size for target shooting and for home defense. If you want it more for accuracy at longer distances, you can get a 6". The Ruger GP100 mentioned above is also a fine gun.

 

[Tx_oil]

This is my Python 6" nickel and Taurus 6" 689, both in .357 magnum. Both are smooth and accurate chooters..the Python is currently running 1200-1500, the Taurus is about 300.

This is my Smith and Wesson 66 4". This type of revolver was used extensively as a duty weapon by many LEO agencies. The 4" barrel makes it a bit easier and convienent to carry. It's also .357 /.38 special. Picked up this one on Gunbroker for $420. You have lots of choices available, just figure out what you NEED and go from there.

 

[SVTFreak]

I have a Taurus titanium 7 shot 357 with 4" bbl that I LOVE. actually passed on 686 that I wanted at the time when I picked this jewel up. Magported so recoil isn't bad. Fairly small and light and easily concealable.

 

[latech15]

One of the more recent shooting usa's highlighted the revolver nationals and out of 230 something shooters only one had something other than a smith.

I know you said that you wanted it for self defense and target shooting, but icore and Uspsa/idpa is just a combination of those two things only faster. I haven't had a colt or a gp100, and have never heard anything but good comments about them but 229 of 230 of the top revolver shooters in the US can't be wrong.

 

[sawgrass]

One of the more recent shooting usa's highlighted the revolver nationals and out of 230 something shooters only one had something other than a smith.

Yeah, I saw that show too and now have fever for the Smith that most of the competitors were using. It was a Performance Center 627 in .357 and .38 Super, 5", 8 round wheelie. Some were shooting the comped model.

 

[SpeedRacer]

I'm not a wheelgun guy, but I have a strange overwhelming desire for a 4" Ruger GP100.

 

[Tx_oil]

A good revolver is a sublime thing. Ruger GP100 is a fine one!

 

[artabr]

Older Smith model 27 or 28. (no dash thru -2 will do).
Really any of the S& W N frames, IMO.
The other S&W's and Rugers are great too. I just love the N frames.


My 27-2

Art

 

[mrmojo32]

Awesome posts, thank you.

There is just something about the way the Colt's look. Maybe it is the thumb piece latch that is so different from the Smith & Wesson. It just looks like a bad ass revolver.

LAtech15, I know what you mean about the Smith and Uspsa/idpa. They are using them for a reason.

 

[Nomad.2nd]

3 inch K frame.

 

[dwr461]

For certain activities, the Colt Python is the best 357 magnum in the world in my opinion. It's action is totally different from the world of S&W/ Taurus. For a modern 357 magnum, revolver I'd go with the S&W 686 8 shot in at least a 4 inch barrel.

Dave

 

[JLouv]

I'm really trying to like the GP100, but I can't. It's the fact that I can't easily reach the hammer with my thumb on my shooting hand. Look at the grip/frame....there's a lot of extra metal there.... That 1/4" of extra metal is the only reason I don't have one now. I just can't get over the fact that I can't single action it one handed without losing my grip....

The other reason I don't have a 357 wheel gun is.....the one I WANT NEED is the Colt King Cobra w/ 4" barrel that is now going for like $800+ used.
Yeah...I had one...sold it 10+yrs ago...still kicking myself...

I'm gonna go be sick now....

 

[dwr461]

I have a 4" Colt King Cobra.

I like it a lot more than the 686.

It's also not made anymore.

Dave

 

[03protege]

Im really thinking about the SP101 3". Would the Sp101s be considered mid size frame and gp101 be considered a full size frame.

 

[jmeng]

Im really thinking about the SP101 3". Would the Sp101s be considered mid size frame and gp101 be considered a full size frame.

Yes. I have a 6" 686 and bought my wife a 3" SP101. Haven't shot the Sp101 much. Next revolver will be a 4" Mod 66 for something a little lighter to tote in the woods.

 

[ebayareaguy]

I went thru the same dilemma months ago and went with the Ruger for strength.This Lipsey's exclusive GP100 has a very smooth action,and looks good too.I hope this link works. www.gunblast.com/Ruger-GP100RP.htm