I just purchased a Beretta 92 FS today, the first handgun I've ever bought. Next I am planning on picking up a revolver, but I'm not so educated in their expertise, and I'm unsure what to look for when buying one.
I'm looking for something with power, be it a 45, or 50 cal. , and one that doesn't require too much maintenance to keep up with besides regular cleanings.
From what I've seen, Smith and Wesson catches my eye more than anything, but is like to get some opinions before I buy one.
I just purchased a Beretta 92 FS today, the first handgun I've ever bought. Next I am planning on picking up a revolver, but I'm not so educated in their expertise, and I'm unsure what to look for when buying one.
I'm looking for something with power, be it a 45, or 50 cal. , and one that doesn't require too much maintenance to keep up with besides regular cleanings.
From what I've seen, Smith and Wesson catches my eye more than anything, but is like to get some opinions before I buy one.
My spending limit is 600.
Revolvers are fairly simple to use and care for. with that spending limit I would recommend that you find a good used 357. It has good stopping power and you can use 38 special for target practice. If you get a revolver in 45 go with 45 long colt that way you don not have to fool with half moon clips for 45 auto in revolvers. for a first handgun those are good choices especially with your budget. The 500 (50) cal is not usually a good choice for a first handgun. I have seen folks buy 44magnums and after firing it twice they would sell it because it was too much gun for them. Others may tell you the same thing or not. Just my opinion as I am NOT a gun expert. I have owned 38s and 357s and wish I had never sold them.
I'd say a Smith or Taurus or Rossi would all do you justice. Go Stainless, easier to care for, and frankly, looks better
Just get plenty of range time...seriously consider reloading as it will save you a fortune...
and a set of rubber Pachmeyr grips will make it much more enjoyable.
My first revolver was a Taurus 66, with wood grips shooting full power .357 was a little painful after awhile...
after putting some Pachy's on...it was much more controlable over long-term practice sessions.
Most folks practice with .38's and use the .357's for duty/CCW/SHTF situations.
Same with the .44Special/.44Magnum versions.
Big thing, take your time, place your shots...everything else will fall into place with time.
Speed comes with familiarity
You don't specify SA or DA revolvers.
If you're looking for good single actions in .45C...Heritage Arms offers a great 1873 clone. or a Ruger Blackhawk.
Like Shrek states S&W, Taurus, but I'd check out Charter Arms .44Spl/Mag as well.
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Can't disagree with anything said so far. Don't overlook the used gun cases at the gun shop. There are sometimes ex-cop guns there. They will have been well maintained and not a lot of wear on them. They also won't cost a fortune. Keep your eyes open for a Taurus with a lanyard ring in the butt. I think they are Model 66s but I won't swear to that. A foreign country just changed its national police force to semi-autos from those revolvers. They are being advertised in Shotgun News for $189 apiece, only a little more than that in the shops. A couple of our members have seen them and say they are in good condition.
I'll also add an opinion, since you said you wanted something with a little power. Disagreeing politely with blue fox, if you can find one (they are not all that common) buy a S&W Model 25 in .45 ACP, preferably one with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. You will need moon clips to load it, but get the new polymer clips instead of the old steel clips. They are much easier to clip up and unload; you can do it with your fingers instead of needing a special tool to do the job. The Model 25 is described as "the '57 Chevy Bel Aire of target revolvers." I own one myself. It makes you feel like Harry Callahan when you take it to the range (because they are both N-frame revolvers), while spending money on ammo like Scrooge McDuck. It's a great pistol.
I have two Taurus 357,s. Both are SS. The older one had wood grips and changed to Hogue grips. I like the 357,s so at the range I shoot 38 special and saves tons of money. Also you should look at the 44 mags. You could spend more on something like the 454 casull but ammo is high also. Ruger revolvers are nice also.
Can't disagree with anything said so far. Don't overlook the used gun cases at the gun shop. There are sometimes ex-cop guns there. They will have been well maintained and not a lot of wear on them. They also won't cost a fortune. Keep your eyes open for a Taurus with a lanyard ring in the butt. I think they are Model 66s but I won't swear to that. A foreign country just changed its national police force to semi-autos from those revolvers. They are being advertised in Shotgun News for $189 apiece, only a little more than that in the shops. A couple of our members have seen them and say they are in good condition.
I'll also add an opinion, since you said you wanted something with a little power. Disagreeing politely with blue fox, if you can find one (they are not all that common) buy a S&W Model 25 in .45 ACP, preferably one with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. You will need moon clips to load it, but get the new polymer clips instead of the old steel clips. They are much easier to clip up and unload; you can do it with your fingers instead of needing a special tool to do the job. The Model 25 is described as "the '57 Chevy Bel Aire of target revolvers." I own one myself. It makes you feel like Harry Callahan when you take it to the range (because they are both N-frame revolvers), while spending money on ammo like Scrooge McDuck. It's a great pistol.
Cyrano, I see your point. I was just thinking of keeping it simple for him in the beginning. Like I said, I am no expert, some of you folks here are more (far more) knowledgeable than I and I respect your opinions very much.
Like many others I would suggest a good quality 4" -ish barrel .357 (potential candidates might include the Ruger GP-100 or SP-101, Smith and Wesson has several variants, and the like). You can shoot the whole gamut of light .38 special rounds thru full power .357 loads (a .38 special can be shot in a .357 Magnum but not the reverse--the .38 special is actually .357 in diameter). Ruger just came out with a GP-100 designed by Wiley Clapp which looks like potentially a great multipurpose gun--has Novak sights with a fibre optic front and a little shorter and lighter than the full frame. It is 3" barreled--a little on the shorter side--but enough for most things.
But IMHO every armory should have at least ONE .38/.357 of 4"-ish barrel length (3" OK too).
You might also consider looking at a used Smith and Wesson model 64--I own a couple of ex "Brinks" guns which were had for around 200 bux each (they were converted to double action only with outstanding triggers -- the caliber is .38 special and they are BRUTE strong and well-balanced). With a set of Pachmyrs and the front sight painted red they are what I would consider the epitome of a fighting revolver. With the hotter .38 special loads from Buffalo Bore they have plenty of power for most social and outdoor situations if I do my part and are a joy to shoot.
Like everything else a gun needs to be chosen for its intended purpose and how well it "fits" the user. It is a tool--nothing more nothing less--and the major part of the "system" is you. Try a few out and see what you like. Buy the gun for the job you intend.
One advantage of a .38/.357 is that bulk .38 special rounds can be had pretty cheap (especially the plated ones from Georgia Arms in the bulk containers) and there are many deals and specials. The other calibers you mentioned would be significantly more expensive to practice with and training is KEY to shooting well. There is no substitute for practice with good habit patterns. A .38 or .357 gives you plenty of this for not too much cash.
If you want a high quality large caliber revolver with a budget of $600. I would look for a used stainless steel Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag. You should be able to find a real nice gun well within your budget.
Do you know anyone who owns a sampling of revolvers or a range that rents them?
I have to agree with alot of above. Can't beat a good .357. Big game hunting, .41 or .44 mag and up if ya want to get crazy.
If concealed carry isn't ever going to be a consideration I would suggest the Ruger GP100 with a 6" barrel. A ton of shooters never do get proficient or comfortable with larger handguns than the 357 magnum. The 357 also gives you the ability to use 38 Special for lighter loads and less expense. With the Barretta 92 FS being your 1st handgun I think the Ruger GP100 would be a reasonable transition to a manageable revolver that most people can shoot very well.
Give the Ruger revolver's a good hard look. You couldn't go wrong with any of them. They're not as pretty as the smiths but they are built stronger. Easier on the wallet too.
All these guys that have posted are extremely smart and talented firearm owners. I would listen to what they say. I think a good used Stainless Steel 4 or 6 inch .357 revolver would be the ultimate side arm for you.
I have a 92 FS and love that as well. The .357 with Pachmeyer grips is a mighty nice addition to the armory.
Charter Arms makes one called the Police Bulldog. It's basically a Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 made plainer than plain. I think it is a .38 Special only, though. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Here is why I say that.
My Model 10-5 is a .38 Special-only from the early '70s. My gunsmith looked it up in his S&W book and learned something interesting: it is certified for +P ammunition. He was pleased by this, and I asked him why.
He explained, "The .38 Special +P ammo of today is as powerful as the original .357 Magnum ammo of the mid-1930s was because of the improvements in propellants and bullet design. The main difference between them is the size of the muzzle flash."
Shoot something like Hornady Critical Defense out of it as your personal defensive load and a .38 Special-only revolver will serve you as well as one that swings both ways with .357 Magnum or .38 Special, without breaking your bank. You can use the difference in pistol price to buy more ammo to practice with.
Oh, you'll also want to watch out for a few things...
Make sure the sights aren't canted...like this. That's an S&W...go figure.
Any MFR can make a boo-boo, trick is, to catch 'em before you buy.
Careful initial inspection is a requirement on all firearms purchases these days.
Doesn't matter WHO the MFR is.
With Rugers, check the timing of the cylinder...they've had a bad itch in the past with that.
There should be a handy guide for cylinder timing somewhere on here or elsewhere...anyone got a link?
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I too agree that a good used .38spl/.357mag would be your best choice. S&W's are great guns but extremely overpriced, even used. Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, and Charter are plentiful and reasonably priced. A Ruger Security-Six would be an ideal buy. Unless you were wanting it for a CCW, then a Charter or Taurus might be better. By the way, you may even luck up and find a reasonably priced revolver in an auto caliber. Ruger, S&W, Taurus and now even Charter have made or make guns in 9mm, .40S&W, and .45ACP.
I could posssibly even hook you up with a 6 1/2" blued Ruger Blackhawk.
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You mentioned you'd like a .45 caliber revolver, Ruger makes a Redhawk in .45 Colt with a 4" tube, and Smith&Wesson make the model 1917 in their "classics" line that shoots .45 ACP, and the model 25, again a "classic" in .45 Colt. If you can find a good used Colt Anaconda in .45 Colt, or a Colt New Service, you've found something special.
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All these guys that have posted are extremely smart and talented firearm owners. I would listen to what they say. I think a good used Stainless Steel 4 or 6 inch .357 revolver would be the ultimate side arm for you.
I have a 92 FS and love that as well. The .357 with Pachmeyer grips is a mighty nice addition to the armory.
A benefit not yet mentioned to getting a .357 to go with your 92FS is that you can use the same size cleaning brushes, jags, patches, and Bore Snakes for both.
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