[Rob529]

Okay, thank you very much. Anyone else? What should I buy?

[Fatstrat]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Rob529

Okay, thank you very much. Anyone else? What should I buy?

How much experience do you have.
If you have little or no experience, I would suggest a revolver w/at least a 4" barrel. .357 Mag is a good choice as you can shoot the milder and cheaper .38SPL rounds thru it while you practice and get used to it. I would certainly advise working up to firing .357 mag rounds if you haven't before.
It's really impossible to tell you which make/model is right for you. Too many variables such as the size of you hands and what you can comfortably use. Not to mention your personal preferences of what styles/size and assesories appeal to you. That's why I suggest finding someplace to try out several models to see what you like best.

[Rob529]

I am a bit more experienced than beginner. I know my way around guns, and I know how to shoot, so ease of use isn't a big factor. I know I want either a .357 revolver, definitely 4" barrel. or an autoloader 9mm or bigger.

[Fatstrat]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Rob529

I am a bit more experienced than beginner. I know my way around guns, and I know how to shoot, so ease of use isn't a big factor. I know I want either a .357 revolver, definitely 4" barrel. or an autoloader 9mm or bigger.

For target shooting/home defense, or concealed carry?

[Rob529]

Well, all of the above really. I live in Tennessee, so it doesn't have to be concealed. So I guess, Target/Home Defense/Carry

[Fatstrat]

OK, just MY personal opinion mind you. I think you'd love a Rock Island 1911A1 .45ACP. Prices are crazy right now, but they should run about $400. at an honest dealer.
This is a copy of the classic U.S. military Colt 1911 .45ACP used from WW-1 thru Viet Nam. A proven design thsat is both accurate and a reliable man stopper. And all parts interchange w/Colt, so you use it as a basis for a custom build if you desire.
Rock Islands are made by Armscor in the Phillipeans. They are the cheapest 1911 models available, but well made w/a good rep for relibility.
I bought one last summer and LOVE IT. So I've put my money where my mouth is.
Pistols
I got the FS Parkerized.

[Rob529]

Alright. Thanks, I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Anyone else?

[DaTeacha]

Think of the show as a flea market more or less totally focused on shooting related items ranging from guns to ammo cans to reloading stuff. All prices are negotiable, and all items are guaranteed until you leave the table!

With rumors about tagging requirements coming down the pipe for all ammo, a revolver that doesn't spew brass all over the landscape could have advantages. It is also a weapon that is less prone to malfunction than even the best autoloader, albeit at the "cost" of holding 6 rounds per loading instead of 15 or more.

Autoloaders are very popular now, but there are a lot of revolvers doing yeoman service for a lot of people.

[Rob529]

Alright. Yeah, definitely. I'll probably end up getting a revolver.
What revolver should I really keep my eye out for? (preferably 4" .357 blued wood grips)

[KC IN TC]

In .357 you'll have all shares and sizes to choose from. Since you'll be buying used you are opening up alot of options that would be to expensive otherwise. S&W, Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson, Colt are some of the bigger names that I'm sure you've heard of and will make good choices. Stick with a 4" bbl. for a comfortable lenght for carry or hunting. Don't worry about getting wood grips right away. You can change them out at any time and if you choose you can even dress it up with some custom wood. If you're not stuck on the .357 you may wnat to look into the .41, .44, or the .45 LC. You may even see several revolvers chambered for atou cal.s such as .45 acp or 9mm, these give you a whole other realm to look into. If you decide to look at an auot check out the Browning HiPower. This is an often over looked auto that in my opinion is the most comfortable to handle and shoot. These are available in 9mm or .40 S&W. Also check out the HiPower clones by FEG. They're a little rough but are very serviceable and priced right, they also take Browning mags.

[Rob529]

Cool. Thank you very much for your suggestions. I will definitely keep them in mind...check back in a week, give or take a few days, and I will post pictures of what I got.

Anyone else have any suggestions for me?

[KC IN TC]

Have a Great time at the show!!!!

[Rob529]

Thanks! I'm sure i will! ^_^"

[Rob529]

Come on people...I need feedback. lol.

also, what kind of deal you think I could get on a good condition 4" S&W 686 .357?

[bltefft]

I went to the one here in Columbus, Ga last month.

Didn't see any deals, in fact, I was looking specifically for a "step-down" type rail to put on my carry handle. You know, the one that lets you attach your optic in front of the carry handle, down low.

I had seen one in Cheaper than Dirt for around $20. Well, I found one just like it on a table at the gun show was 35 bucks. Guy said he'd take $30, I moved on. Even with shipping the $20 one would have been cheaper.

Hack

[Rob529]

Haha...I understand it's gotta be hit and miss with the shows...

Sometimes you find a great deal, and sometimes THEY hustle a great deal...hahaha.

Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed...Anyone else?

What kind of deal you think I could get on a good condition 4" S&W 686 .357?

[Rob529]

anyone? =[

[aris_unlimited]

Well unfortunately I have a negative view of the gunshows around here lately. Everything I found there, that I wanted I could get cheaper or for the same price from a reputable shop near me. I did a little checking around and retail seems to average about $550. So if you are very lucky you might be able to find one for as little as $100 less than that.

[boomer.hide]

Rob, look into GP100 4 inch, very durable and reliable, you will never reget it

[Fatstrat]

+1 on the GP 100. At very least a good alternative to a S&W.
Go to Gunbroker.com and check the prices there on the guns you are interested in. IMO the best way to see current values.
Remember this. People who buy guns on internet auction websites such as Gunbroker, also pay shipping and usually FFL receiver fees. So many times (but not always) these dealers will offer rock bottom prices on the gun itself. So as to be competitive w/local gun dealers. Usually their shipped price pretty much equals the mark-up that local shops sell at.