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What should be my first revolver?

So far torn between these Revolvers.

  • Total voters
    48
You'll find things you like and don't like about sw 686 and gp100. Both are fantastic guns. Sadly I've sold all my wheel guns because they are just to damn expensive to shoot. Even .38 special is ridiculous and it's not even as fun as .357. They are by far my favorite style of gun but there really isn't any practical reason for most people to have one. Although they carry there value they are pretty difficult to sell. Most people are going to get a modern gun if they're going to spend 1k+. Just food for thought. But fun fun fun and $$$
 
SmitVerga said:
Smith 686 is your answer. Fits everything your asking for, and shoots like a dream. Especially with 38 ammunition. Four inch if not carrying or backpacking in the woods, 3 inch if carrying. Can't go wrong with 7 rounds of 357 magnum. If you are ever wanting a revolver for ccw, look into the kimber k6.
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I bought my first revolver this year. SW TRR8 357 with a 5” barrel. Very little recoil even with 357. Especially if you mount a TLRX 9 light.
It also has a crazy “WOW” factor being all tactical looking and what not. And as you already know it carries 8 shots. Almost as much as any other auto loader.
 
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I'm a Colt guy and love my wheel guns, but since you're looking at smith's I'd look at a 586 L-comp.
Those are really nice, almost bought one myself.
If it's for nostalgia, I'd highly recommend get a C&R revolver, the feel is just different.

686 will have the most support for parts and holsters though.
 
gunsgunsguns said:
Unless you’re scared of black bears in which case only a 500 magnum will do.
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LOL, I am scared of black bears but don't need a gun for them. In fact, I am so scared of them, I stay out of their territory.

Scared Eyes GIF
 
To be serious, my collection of revolvers is strictly "old" and family pieces. Varied calibers from 22 to 45 long colt in single action. I think I have one double action, it is a 357 highway patrolman that has been refinished to like new probably back in the 60's.
 
If you just want a reliable modern revolver, 586 - short barrel, combat grips. If you want to own a little piece of Rhapsody in Bluing, get your hands on a pinned and recessed model 27 or 19. You won’t be able deny the allure of vintage bluing (no longer possible for environmental reasons) or the OCD thrill of rounds sitting flush inside the cylinder (S&W just got lazy on that one.) Revolvers are a disease and I’m sick bad.
 
357 is the prefect revolver round. 44 mag has a lot of bite if you enjoy that, but I’d say 357 for the average person. I have a few 686’s and they balance very well
 
Gawernator said:
I mean that’s fine but it’s objectively worse lol. Small capacity
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The capacity argument is valid if you’re looking for a fighting handgun, but not everyone’s interest is solely the tactical side of firearms. One advantage revolvers have in the defensive context is the ability to fire extremely spicy calibers compared to autoloaders. Sure, modern advances have made 9mm an extremely capable caliber. But those same advances have also been applied to 357 and 44 Magnum, as well as 45 ACP for that matter. The energy dump and expansion of 357 or 44 Magnum HST rounds is just insane.
 
dvoncock said:
The capacity argument is valid if you’re looking for a fighting handgun, but not everyone’s interest is solely the tactical side of firearms. One advantage revolvers have in the defensive context is the ability to fire extremely spicy calibers compared to autoloaders. Sure, modern advances have made 9mm an extremely capable caliber. But those same advances have also been applied to 357 and 44 Magnum, as well as 45 ACP for that matter. The energy dump and expansion of 357 or 44 Magnum HST rounds is just insane.
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Revolver would make an ideal backup piece or if you need some power off the bat I feel. I'm still so torn on what to get...
 
dvoncock said:
The capacity argument is valid if you’re looking for a fighting handgun, but not everyone’s interest is solely the tactical side of firearms. One advantage revolvers have in the defensive context is the ability to fire extremely spicy calibers compared to autoloaders. Sure, modern advances have made 9mm an extremely capable caliber. But those same advances have also been applied to 357 and 44 Magnum, as well as 45 ACP for that matter. The energy dump and expansion of 357 or 44 Magnum HST rounds is just insane.
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You sound like my dad lol, one round of .45ACP and the guy explodes! Revolver is for the vibes but it's objectively worse lol sorry, slow to reload, low capacity, more recoil
 
Maybe I’ll buy a Ruger Super Wrangler for my first revolver. Ability to alternate between 22lr and 22WMR sounds fun for the range.
SmitVerga said:
Revolver would make an ideal backup piece or if you need some power off the bat I feel. I'm still so torn on what to get...
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if you’re looking at is as a back up then I would think a J Frame or LCR are really the only options that make a lot of sense.
 
Take a look at the Diamondback SDR ( self defense revolver). I like the push button cylinder release. Korth has this feature too. Wish S&W would adopt it.
 
Gawernator said:
You sound like my dad lol, one round of .45ACP and the guy explodes! Revolver is for the vibes but it's objectively worse lol sorry, slow to reload, low capacity, more recoil
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Your dad is right, 9mm can kill the man, but 45 ACP will kill his soul 🤪

My dad says the same thing about 357 Magnum. He carried a Model 19 on backpacking trips in bear country when I was a kid.
 
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