hey guys just need some opinions on a future revolver purchase. currently i am a strictly semi-auto kinda guy, with very little experience in the world of revolvers. honestly the only one ive shot is my fathers ruger lcr in 38 special...in short, im looking for something that out of the box will be good for target, as well as something to switch up my idpa game. as i mentioned not much knowledge with them, so i would appreciate your opinions. my wife is also a shooter, and though calibers are not an issue(she got mad when i sold my desert eagle in 50ae) she does have smaller hands, as do i. any input would help, and price range is not an issue...thanks guys

I don't have that much revolver experience but I can tell you I bought a S&W 686 last year. It came with a hogue grip on it (I think that was standard at the time). I love it, it's great to shoot. Very comfortable, accurate and you can load 38 or 357. A few of my friends have shot it and all have loved it. Even those with smaller hands.

I have a 686 Plus with a 6" barrel coming my way if your interested

I have a 686 Plus with a 6" barrel coming my way if your interested

 

whats the price on that?

My family has been huge Ruger Blackhawk/Redhawk fans.

 

I think my dad has:

 

Ruger Single Six .22LR

Ruger Old Model Blackhawk .41 mag

Ruger Redhawk .41 mag

Ruger Redhawk .357 mag

Ruger Super Redhawk .44 mag

 

 

His favorite by FAR is the .41 mag Blackhawk. Watch my dad decapitate a chipmunk at ~50 yards with his....killed turkeys at ~80 yards with it. It's also taken many deer and a couple black bears.

I've been shooting a ruger gp100 6", and loved it so I bought a 5" one.

gp100 or 686

686+ has 7 shots but the cylinder is wider

N frames may not be good for smaller hands, so I didn't recommend the 629 or 627

you can always buy new smaller grips

or you can try them out first as a rental or at the store

 

revolvers in single action are so so accurate it amazes me everytime

gp100 or 686

686+ has 7 shots but the cylinder is wider

N frames may not be good for smaller hands, so I didn't recommend the 629 or 627

you can always buy new smaller grips

or you can try them out first as a rental or at the store

 

ha my experience with a rental revolver did not go to well...probably one of the reasons why i never sought out to buy one....i know it was an SW, couldnt tell you the model....however literally ever other shot did not fire...im assuming it was because it has not been cleaned since it was at the range, needless to say, it was a big upset

Ruger. Nuff Said!

...in short, im looking for something that out of the box will be good for target, as well as something to switch up my idpa game.

 

A lot of you offering revolvers for sale seem to have missed the above statement in the OP. IDPA requires a barrel length of no more than 4.2" and you can only load 6-rounds at a time - that doesn't preclude 7 or 8 shot revolvers, but they are a PITA in IDPA competition since you would be using only a partially filled speedloader and you would have to properly index the cylinder when closing.

 

If you want something right out of the box, I'd suggest looking at a S&W 686 SSR, made specifically to compete in IDPA - which doesn't effect its use for general range use. Or an older 6-round 686. You may even want to consider having it modified for moonclips. This modification still allows you to use it without moons or with a speedloader, which means you could shoot in both SSR and ESR.

 

I'd suggest a 625, but the "small hands" may present a problem with the larger N-frame.

 

HTH

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

+1 on the Ruger Gp100, great gun.

+1 on the Ruger Gp100, great gun.

Bob's right SSR686 is awesome too but check this out.

small grips on a 6" gp100. awesome.

I know, it's longer than 4.2 but it shows you can have small grips on a good size gun

 

I have (actually fiance does) a 686+ pro series 5". I think it's amazing. The double action feels like swiss watch craftsmanship. IMHO the double action is vastly superior on S&W compared to Ruger and the like. I find it to be the perfect revolver for range fun, except I'd prefer it to have a contrast front sight.

I love my 686!

S&W model 686 if you want something that will do EVERYTHING

 

S&W model 10 or 15 if you want something that could do EVERYTHING

686 is a great gun but if your nitpicky like I am about cleanliness get the blue model and not the stainless. Ss is a **** to clean.

Another for Ruger GP100. Colt revolvers are better than Rugers & S&W's but not real plentiful and kind of pricey. Have you considered SA revolver. Ruger Vaquero's come in just about any caliber you like and are way fun to shot.

Another for Ruger GP100. Colt revolvers are better than Rugers & S&W's but not real plentiful and kind of pricey. Have you considered SA revolver. Ruger Vaquero's come in just about any caliber you like and are way fun to shot.

 

Oh, I dunno about Colt being a better revolver. Many fine revolvers made by Colt, anf they aren't so pricey but some perhaps unduly wearing the the sky high price tag. Especially the tendency for the snakes to jump time...

Oh, I dunno about Colt being a better revolver. Many fine revolvers made by Colt, anf they aren't so pricey but some perhaps unduly wearing the the sky high price tag. Especially the tendency for the snakes to jump time...

Colt revolvers are fine pieces but I too can not justify the price.

Don't overlook used K frame S&W's like the M66. My wife has small hands and finds my 1976 vintage 6" easy to hold and shoot.

4" k38/model 15

 

4" 686

 

4" 625

Bob's right SSR686 is awesome too but check this out.

small grips on a 6" gp100. awesome.

I know, it's longer than 4.2 but it shows you can have small grips on a good size gun

 

 

Dem grip panels! Where did you get those?

 

Also, another GP100 vote. Hell of a revolver.

Having had both the Ruger gp100 and comprable smith and wessons, I've gone and sold the gp100 to afford more smiths.

Smaller hands... Ruger Security Six with 4" barrel and adjustable sights....

 

Something like this, but I would prefer stainless:

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=326998532

Great responses guys, i appreciate all the feedback....i will let you guys know what i end up with....im currently waiting for permits, and have a 1911 tacops waiting for me at heritage....so once that is squared away ill let you know my next move