Recommendation? Revolvers

I've carried my Sp101 for 17 years or so.

Spurless, snubbie. For ranch work, I'd pick a longer barrel and hammer spur.

Also, I love GP100's. I don't own one, because i have a .357 Model 66, so never got arround to a GP100, but I've shot a lot of them too.


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Just looked up used police trade-in 686, came up with a bunch at 6 hundred.
There is nothing wrong with a used one, cops don't shoot enough to mess one up., Plenty of 66s on the used market too.
That's the great thing about a heavy revolver, can't hardly hurt them.
It's been my experience that holster wear doesn't effect the way it shoots, if anything it's easier, because not all pristine and safe queen bullshit.
Check out the used ones, especially the older ones like 80s
 
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Stainless is easier to care for to avoid rust. Double action is quicker for follow up shots. Also reloading. I recommend both.
Used guns, check the forcing cone on the barrel where the bullet passes from the cylinder into the barrel. Should be clean and not chewed up. 357 is a powerful round and this is where you will see wear first. Oh, keep your fingers away from this area when shooting, always.
On a side note, Ruger does make the GP100 with a 3" barrel. They also make a lightweight LCR model in 357 with a 3" barrel. Both have great triggers. The SP101 trigger is not as smooth (my opinion), but it sits in the middle for weight which kind of makes the 357 manageable and still not to heavy to carry.
S&W might be the way to go, they are great. I just opt for cheaper more durable Rugers instead.
Gallery of Guns website will help you compare models. You can order from them and ship to the dealer offering the best price in your area too.
 
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One thing I hear s lot about revolvers is that you can't really hurt them, or they are stupid simple, and nothing to go wrong.

This is not really accurate. There are some pretty tight tolerances and small, often delicate machined parts that make them run.

The pawl arm and star to advance the cylinder is a pretty small, delicate arrangement. I've had a like new S&W go out of time just from practicing on cheap snap caps. The practice snap cap had brass primers on springs to protect the hammer. After a little bit one of the 'primers' was protruding a bit, and catching on a machine mark. Just a few nights of practice caused the star to get worn enough that the cylinder would go out of time and not lock up on one chamber when the trigger or hammer was pulled slowly. It was an easy, cheap fix by a gunsmith, but worth noting.


Also, idiots who like to snap the cylinder closed like in movies, or spinning the cylinders fast then snapping it closed. Lots of ways to spring the cylinder, or ruin the lockup.

I took a good friend shooting. He was a SWAT trained officer. But not a revolver guy. First thing he did was snap the cylinder closed with an action movie wrist snap. I had to educate him that you can bend the yoke doing that........and that absolutely anyone who saw him doing that, that knew anything about revolvers wouldn't appreciate it.


So when I look at used revolvers, I like to check to make sure the lockup is good, the timing is in order. Look for a sprung or bent cylinder alignment, and for indications that the cylinder, extractor or crane group are bent.

Single actions are just as easy to mess up playing "quick draw cowboy".
 
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Bigfattyt said:
One thing I hear s lot about revolvers is that you can't really hurt them, or they are stupid simple, and nothing to go wrong.

This is not really accurate. There are some pretty tight tolerances and small, often delicate machines parts that make them run.

The pawl arm and star to advance the cylinder is a pretty small, delicate arrangement. I've had a like new S&W go out of time just from practicing on cheap snap caps. The practice snap cap had brass primers on springs to protect the hammer. After a little bit one of the 'primers' was protruding a bit, and catching on a machine mark. Just a few nights of practice caused the star to get worn enough that the cylinder would go out of time and not lock up on one chamber when the trigger or hammer was pulled slowly. It was an easy, cheap fix by a gunsmith, but worth noting.


Also, idiots who like to snap the cylinder closed like in movies, or spinning the cylinders fast then snapping it closed. Lots of ways to spring the cylinder, or ruin then lockup.

I took a good friend shooting. He was a SWAT trained officer. But not a revolver guy. First thing he did was snap the cylinder closed with an action movie wrist snap. I had to educate him that you can bend the yoke doing that........and that absolutely anyone who saw him doing that, thst knew anything about revolvers wouldn't appreciate it.


So when I look at used revolvers, I like to check to make sure the lockup is good, the timing is in order. Look for a sprung or bent cylinder alignment, and for indications that the cylinder, extractor or crane group are bent.

Single actions are just as easy to mess up playing "quick draw cowboy".
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:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Outstanding down to earth and factual post! Definitely five thumbs up worthy.

A revolver is a fine instrument that needs to be understood and respected. It does need a little loving care now and then. But...if treated like they are supposed to be treated, they can reward you with literally a lifetime of service, and will be handed down to your heir.

Most of my experience is with Smith and Wesson. Its no really big deal to learn how to work on them. Once the side plate is off, the parts all come out in a logical order. I had one S&W model 60 that started spitting a little lead after almost 40 years of steady shooting. A few parts replaced and it was shooting like new again. Ruger is as good as far as a rugged and reliable revolver. I've had and still have both Ruger and Smith and Wesson, and I love both. I found out that a 6 inch GP100 will have no trouble keeping rounds on a standard police silhouette at 100 yards. Same for a S&W model 66. Ruger's tend to be a little heavier than the S&W's, but they are like a piece of construction equipment. Heavy duty. S&W actions are a little easier to tune, but the Ruger action when nicely broken in is very very good.

Its a Ford vs Chevy thing. Either one will do ya.
 
I appreciate the input as well as the tips. I have plenty of semi auto time but not nearly as much wheel gun time.

At this point if I go DA I’m really leaning toward the Mod 60. It’s a nice gun, and I haven’t heard any negatives about it. Even if it’s not a persons preference, it’s still a good solid tool.

If I stick to SA, it’s a Blackhawk. The only dilemma is do I go with the black .357 mag or do I step it up to the Super Blackhawk Talo in .44 mag. I have never shot a .44 mag revolver, but I don’t generally have much trouble with bigger rounds/loads. I just don’t want to cross that “pleasure to shoot” line where I need a break and regroup after I empty the cylinder.

I appreciate all your help, and all your input. I really like the SA, but something is tugging at me telling me a DA is more “practical.” I do not intend to carry this for personal protection from people though, so I do also feel comfortable with a SA firearm in general.
 
BP_ said:
I appreciate the input as well as the tips. I have plenty of semi auto time but not nearly as much wheel gun time.

At this point if I go DA I’m really leaning toward the Mod 60. It’s a nice gun, and I haven’t heard any negatives about it. Even if it’s not a persons preference, it’s still a good solid tool.

If I stick to SA, it’s a Blackhawk. The only dilemma is do I go with the black .357 mag or do I step it up to the Super Blackhawk Talo in .44 mag. I have never shot a .44 mag revolver, but I don’t generally have much trouble with bigger rounds/loads. I just don’t want to cross that “pleasure to shoot” line where I need a break and regroup after I empty the cylinder.

I appreciate all your help, and all your input. I really like the SA, but something is tugging at me telling me a DA is more “practical.” I do not intend to carry this for personal protection from people though, so I do also feel comfortable with a SA firearm in general.
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If this is not going to be a carry CCW gun, just a fun at the range gun, then theres one little hint I wan tot drop on ya.

If you go for a Ruger Blackhawk, see if they still make the .357 Blackhawk convertible. It used to be available with a 9mm cylinder and its a great fun gun. If theres another ammo shortage, you can always find some 9mm around, and 9mm is the cheapest centerfire round right now. And a good 9mm load out of a 6 1/2 inch barrel is sizzling hot.

Just pull the center pin and change cylinders like on the Ruger single six convertibles. This also makes the gun a companion to any 9mm's you already have as well as 9mm carbines like the Ruger pc.
 
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jackknife said:
If this is not going to be a carry CCW gun, just a fun at the range gun, then theres one little hint I wan tot drop on ya.

If you go for a Ruger Blackhawk, see if they still make the .357 Blackhawk convertible. It used to be available with a 9mm cylinder and its a great fun gun. If theres another ammo shortage, you can always find some 9mm around, and 9mm is the cheapest centerfire round right now. And a good 9mm load out of a 6 1/2 inch barrel is sizzling hot.

Just pull the center pin and change cylinders like on the Ruger single six convertibles. This also makes the gun a companion to any 9mm's you already have as well as 9mm carbines like the Ruger pc.
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I saw that the other day, and the guy at the store in town told me I could get one no problem. Basically the same gun I’d been looking at, but with that extra 9mm cylinder. My daily CCW is a 9mm so I have plenty of that laying around. I was surprised that the price point was the same. I also see they make the convertible in 45LC/45ACP as well. I thought that was pretty cool.
 
I like the frame size of the Ruger SP-101. If I were searching for a nice carry gun I'd look at the .357 4" barrel with the adjustable sights. The lockwork is pretty durable.
 
heresthedeal said:
Plenty of 66s on the used market too.
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I like the size of the M66. I've read that they can be worn out if you shoot them extensively with magnum loads, and this is the reason that the 686 was developed. The 686 is supposed to be more durable, but it is slightly larger and heavier. There is nothing wrong with the size or weight of the 686, I just like the 66 better. I think for most people the 66 is big enough to be comfortable and enjoyable to shoot, the 60 can be a bit too light. The SP101 is heavier than the 60 and this makes it more comfortable to shoot, but the grip angle is not the best for me and the sights are a bit small for fun shooting.
 
OP, I love me revolvers! Love Auto’s too but that’s another story. I’ve shot and own most every S & W, Ruger and a few Colts & Taurus .. I have a M66 3” barrel that I can hit 7, 15 & 25 yard in the 10 ring and made 100 yard shots with it in the field, no worries .. Most Shooters go through phase where the always want to fire Magnum loads that you can drop King King with. After we have seasoned a bit we realize that shoot placement wins out. I still fire a few mags. Mostly just .38Sp+Ps and .38 Target wad cutters . My other revolver currently is a, Here comes the hate!:rolleyes: A Charter Arms .38sp Off duty .. people love to bad mouth Charter Arms. They work just fine, less hassle than Taurus and better than a few years of the 80’s S & W. That Model 60 in 4” is a fine choice for a all around revolver. If you are determined to shoot a shit ton of Maggie loads. Go with Ruger. Heavier frames otherwise a S & W 60 will handle whatever you need.. the idea for the airweight models is Cops/Detectives would But a reg one to practice & qualify with. An a Air weight to carry..Stay Safe & Have Fun!
 
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jackknife said:
If you go for a Ruger Blackhawk, see if they still make the .357 Blackhawk convertible. It used to be available with a 9mm cylinder and its a great fun gun. If theres another ammo shortage, you can always find some 9mm around, and 9mm is the cheapest centerfire round right now. And a good 9mm load out of a 6 1/2 inch barrel is sizzling hot.
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BP_ said:
I saw that the other day, and the guy at the store in town told me I could get one no problem. Basically the same gun I’d been looking at, but with that extra 9mm cylinder. My daily CCW is a 9mm so I have plenty of that laying around. I was surprised that the price point was the same. I also see they make the convertible in 45LC/45ACP as well. I thought that was pretty cool.
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That’s the beauty of the convertible, you can shoot 3 different cartridges if you get the .357 Blackhawk. I have a Super Blackhawk in .44 Mag. I handload some 255 grain hardcast bullets for it that can’t be stopped by much, but it is definitely a heavier gun to carry and not as enjoyable to shoot as my .357 Blackhawk. Since you’re talking about carrying it as an outdoor gun, one thing that will make it more comfortable to carry is to use a gun belt. Not really a cowboy style rig but a thicker second belt that helps spread the weight out and makes it a lot easier to carry all day long without dragging your pants down. I can’t remember what brand I bought but it wasn’t that expensive and it makes a difference with both the Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk.
 
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I suggest baby steps in power before getting to 44 mags. Back during the Dirty Harry movie days, a lot of people bought M29 44 mags and a lot of them showed up "used" with only part of a box of ammo shot. Just be reasonable about your choices.

It is a little unclear to me what the purpose of carrying the 357 is... I know what you said in your initial post, but I keep thinking you are leaning toward concealed carry. If so, the 4" gun is probably too big although some people do it.
 
I would suggest, that since you have narrowed this down to a few options, it is time to head to the nearest range to rent these guns and try them out. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what works for us, it’s what works for you that counts. So why not give them a good practical test and put a couple of boxes ammo down range on each of them.

n2s
 
BP_ said:
I appreciate the input as well as the tips. I have plenty of semi auto time but not nearly as much wheel gun time.

At this point if I go DA I’m really leaning toward the Mod 60. It’s a nice gun, and I haven’t heard any negatives about it. Even if it’s not a persons preference, it’s still a good solid tool.

If I stick to SA, it’s a Blackhawk. The only dilemma is do I go with the black .357 mag or do I step it up to the Super Blackhawk Talo in .44 mag. I have never shot a .44 mag revolver, but I don’t generally have much trouble with bigger rounds/loads. I just don’t want to cross that “pleasure to shoot” line where I need a break and regroup after I empty the cylinder.

I appreciate all your help, and all your input. I really like the SA, but something is tugging at me telling me a DA is more “practical.” I do not intend to carry this for personal protection from people though, so I do also feel comfortable with a SA firearm in general.
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Find a range that will let you rent the guns you are interested in. Well worth the money to shoot’em first!—————Go with a DA unless you really want to do the cowboy action shooting thing. A DA will fire SA if you want to hunt or do slow fire.. the original SA Colt, Remington grip was modeled after a Plow Handle. I have large hands and my knuckles get bashed into the trigger guard on these. There is the Ruger Bisley Target, ...Also with DA trigger work, called “staging” . Buy some snap caps and with the 2020 election coming up ,, there will be plenty of TV targets to practice trigger stagging no matter whom you like or dislike!;) And if you can’t stand ether side, there’s twice the targets while sitting on the couch..:D Just remember. All live ammo is in the other room and Snap caps only with you & the TV.. Be safe & have fun!:)
 
Rhinoknives1 said:
Find a range that will let you rent the guns you are interested in. Well worth the money to shoot’em first!—————Go with a DA unless you really want to do the cowboy action shooting thing. A DA will fire SA if you want to hunt or do slow fire.. the original SA Colt, Remington grip was modeled after a Plow Handle. I have large hands and my knuckles get bashed into the trigger guard on these. There is the Ruger Bisley Target, ...Also with DA trigger work, called “staging” . Buy some snap caps and with the 2020 election coming up ,, there will be plenty of TV targets to practice trigger stagging no matter whom you like or dislike!;) And if you can’t stand ether side, there’s twice the targets while sitting on the couch..:D Just remember. All live ammo is in the other room and Snap caps only with you & the TV.. Be safe & have fun!:)
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If possible, I would rent the guns to try out. It is not always possible. Big YES to the live ammo thing. Years ago I came home from the range. I had a new Colt Diamondback revolver that I was oohing and aahing.... comparing my old H&R (22) to it side by side in my apartment aiming at the TV and so forth..... guess what? I pulled the trigger on my H&R and BANG and the glass on a sliding glass door shatters.... I was in shock. I couldn't believe I hadn't checked that gun if it was loaded and I never bring home a loaded gun from the range.... well, apparently I did that time. Big mistake but I replaced the door glass and life went on.... but it taught me a really important lesson. Always check to see if a gun is loaded if you are going to pull the trigger indoors looking at them... Always!

The bigger and heavier the gun, the better it will handle recoil. I was never a very good shot with my first 357. I was used to shooting 22's and I thought the recoil on that Python substantial. Eventually I got a M57 41 mag for hunting (deer) and I was determined to shoot that gun well and not allow it to be like the Python. I later bought a Colt Trooper Mark III (357) after learning the shoot the 41 mag and the recoil was nothing at that point. So, you learn to deal with the recoil over time which is why I suggested you not jump immediately to 44 mag.
 
22-rimfire said:
If possible, I would rent the guns to try out. It is not always possible. Big YES to the live ammo thing. Years ago I came home from the range. I had a new Colt Diamondback revolver that I was oohing and aahing.... comparing my old H&R (22) to it side by side in my apartment aiming at the TV and so forth..... guess what? I pulled the trigger on my H&R and BANG and the glass on a sliding glass door shatters.... I was in shock. I couldn't believe I hadn't checked that gun if it was loaded and I never bring home a loaded gun from the range.... well, apparently I did that time. Big mistake but I replaced the door glass and life went on.... but it taught me a really important lesson. Always check to see if a gun is loaded if you are going to pull the trigger indoors looking at them... Always!

The bigger and heavier the gun, the better it will handle recoil. I was never a very good shot with my first 357. I was used to shooting 22's and I thought the recoil on that Python substantial. Eventually I got a M57 41 mag for hunting (deer) and I was determined to shoot that gun well and not allow it to be like the Python. I later bought a Colt Trooper Mark III (357) after learning the shoot the 41 mag and the recoil was nothing at that point. So, you learn to deal with the recoil over time which is why I suggested you not jump immediately to 44 mag.
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Don’t feel alone! I blasted my TV dead center with a .45acp Glaser Safety Slug! The TV never stood a chance!:D. This was in the 80’s, ...That’s why a always stress! Snap caps only .. All live ammo in another room!:thumbsup:
 
I assume every gun is loaded until I prove to myself that it is not. Pulling the trigger indoors is not a normal thing for me. But I did dry fire my 3" Ruger GP-100 in an effort to smooth the trigger out a bit. It worked. I did my concealed carry permit class work and shooting with that gun. Honestly, it was the very first time I shot it during the qualification shooting which I sort of chuckle about now.

Some one hands me a gun to look at, I might handle it but I don't touch the trigger. There is no checking to see if it works..... ;) I normally will check someone's gun if it is loaded if I am looking at it, but not always. I sort of respect their property and I don't mess around with their stuff.
 
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