What should I get as first Revolver?

[usmcveteran]

I realized that I don't have any revolvers! Just wondering what you all would recommend for one? I would like its purpose to be as much of an all around pistol as possible. Something that I could conceal and also take hiking for personal defense.

I am also open to caliber as well.

I would like for it to be DA/SA though. So what do you recommend and why?

Thanks!

[BuellSix8]

Well, I'm a huge fan of my Ruger LCR. Came from factory with crimson trace grips. It's in 38 Special however, if I could do it all over again, I would of gotten it in 357mag this way it can shoot both 38sp and 357.

I still may sell itmtomget the 357mag but may go the Gunner route and have both lol.

It's light, shoots well and shoots +P ammo. I mean it's pretty awesome. Conceals easy and along with my XDs, is my summer carry.

[Guest]

My first purchase in 98 was a S & W mod 60 snubby..added a crimson trace..i loooove her..

[masterswimmer]

Like Buell I also have the Ruger LCR .38 +P. Nice, light, internal hammer (no clothing snags), good shooter, easy to conceal.

[usmcveteran]

How is the Ruger LCR to shoot? Is it fun or a ton of recoil? If I were to get one I would probably go with the .357 as well.

[BuellSix8]

Honestly it's great. The grip is by no means full size and I have large-ER hands and it's good to go. It's more accurate then you'd think.

I'm all about versatility which is why I'd like the 357 in order to shoot both.

[HighlandLofts]

For a first centerfire revolver I'd recommend a stainless Ruger GP100 or a S&W 686. They run a little more then the LCR, but are better quality built guns in my honest opinion. I have two GP100s a 357mag and a 327 Federal Mag and I'll be picking up my 686 here shortly. My first GP100 in 357mag cost me around the $400 mark, the 327 was around $500 after you figure in the laser grips, reloading dies, holster, primers, bullets, and loaded ammunition that came along with the gun. The 686 was $599 & sales tax.
These guns are well built will hold their value and are a pleasure to shoot. Classic firearms at an affordable price. I personally like stainless handguns over the blued models.
The 4" models are concealable, accurate, have great reviews from hundreds of people, very affordable, great re-sale value, easy on the recoil and are CLASSICS!

Before you buy, you should try them out so you can see first hand what your getting for your money. With the hassle of buying the handgun, getting it on your permit, buying the ammo and any other items you might want then trying it out and then decide you don't like it you'll have to go through the New Yorkistan Hassle to sell it so you can buy another one.
There's got to be someone close by that has these revolvers that are being reccommended to you. If you get close to my place (Seattle area) you can try out about fifteen different makes, models & calibers of revolvers plus there are twon shooting ranges close by that has 50 plus range guns each for $25 for the day, use all of the range guns, just buy range ammo.

[usmcveteran]

Thanks, I know a new range open up relatively close to me (The Firing Pin) and I believe they rent firearms, will have to see what they have. Ideally I am looking for something that is a pleasure to shoot as well unlike the Keltec PF9 (I know its semi) lol.

[Cgrutt]

My first purchase in 98 was a S & W mod 60 snubby..added a crimson trace..i loooove her..

Oh God, mine too ex the crimson trace. A lot of punch in a little package. Not for the timid.

Personally I'd look into one of the Ruger Red/Black hawk Alaskans just because they're cool, lol...

[usmcveteran]

I will eventually probably get this one later on down the road lol

Until then though I want something manageable lol.

[Lord Timelord]

Smith & Wesson Model 340PD in .357 Magnum @ 11.4 Ounces is a BEAST! My Dad carries one for Self Defense in case he runs into any Bears or Mountain Lions. The .357 Magnum is powerful enough to take a bear down if the right load is used, and you score a direct hit with their Central Nervous System (Head/Spine Shot). It would make an excellent carry gun as well. The 340PD is the most expensive model because it has the Scandium Frame and Titanium Cylinder, but there are two cheaper models made with heavier materials that can bring the cost all the way down to under $500.00 bucks for the heavier all-steel budget model.

This is a GOOD READ for what bullets and calibers are good for self defense from large predatory animals.

[HighlandLofts]

Guns are like women, every one has personal choices on what they like about them and how they feel in YOUR HAND! By far my favorite centerfire handgun for shooting is my 6" stainless Ruger GP100 in 357 magnum. For shooting targets I load it with 38spl. FMJs, when I'm through target shooting I'll run a few cylinders of 357 mag through it. For wood, hiking,fishing I have it loaded with Hornady Critical Defense Loads.
I picked up the S&W 586 - 357 magnum that I had on lay-away this morning. This gun is in to good of shape to carry, I'll shoot it - but only when I'm at the outdoor range. My outdoor range is a small gravel pit six miles back in the woods on BLM land. I'm curios to see how it shoots.
I have a bunch of centerfire handguns and for me nothing tops the 357 GP100. Great gun for $500 to about $650 for a good used stainless steel model.

[Cgrutt]

BIL was at gun show in PA on Sat and said his friend picked up a GP100 for $300. He said it was a grest deal. Not sure if it was blued or stainless.