First revolver, what to look for?

as you yourself said, "the sheer number of models and years"
it's a bit like asking what automotive vehicle to buy, you know

tell us a little more about your past handgun experience, ("I know all about my autoloaders") and preferences in those, might narrow the topic a bit
(presuming "my" means guns you have yourself fired, since you don't yet own a handgun, per your post)

for range and HD, no snubbie size or lite weights required
just like autos, full size all steel weight guns with 4" to 6" barrels are more shooter friendly than their smaller brethren, and adjustable sights a plus
HD mostly pretty much rules out rimfires for most folks

The most versatile revolvers, most would agree, are the DA/SA 38/357s, ie., 357s (357s can shoot any/all 38 sp and 38+P ammo). Under $400 the pickings are pretty slim for NIB guns, but lots can be found in good condition used guns, but you need read and understand the forum "sticky" on how to check 'em out. Easiest found in numbers are the S&W k frames (model 10s in 38sp, k-64/65, k-19/66 etc. in 357) Ruger old model "six" series DA revolvers also excellent, though not quite as commonly found.

for a NIB 38/357 the Ruger GP100 is tough to beat at a reasonable price, but don't think you will get it done for $400 NIB.

if not opposed to SA only revolvers, also surf around for Ruger Blackhawks

but if moon clips be your magic, (meaning DA of course) choices are pretty limited
most typical calibers are 9mm or 45 acp, and not a wealth of choices
just Google 45 acp revolver or 9 mm revolver for a quickie survey
maybe check Bud's on-line for revolvers and filter search by caliber

good luck

PS
ok, backsurfed your posts, I see where you have shot a Glock and a Ruger LCR 38
like others said in those prior treads, I would recommend a good quality 22 rimfire, I think you are under rating the real value in that, but understand you are committed to centerfire
so, I would stick with the steel 4"-6" DA/SA in 38/357.. but forget the moon clip thing, they really ain't all that 'cool'

(If you revert to autoloader choices, a reasonably affordable choice would be a full size Taurus 92 9mm, more-or-less a Beretta clone, and that particular model has a better reputation than others in Taurus' line. Ruger's P-95s are also real decent affordable 9s )

What kind of revolvers, used or new, should I look for that would fall in the under $400 range. This will mainly be for range, HD use.

Click to expand...

For what you describe, a clean used S&W k-frame revolver sounds almost perfect. They're available at that price point in 38spl (Models 10, 64, 15) and 357mag (Models 13, 65, 19) and all are fine revolvers. The 357s have the advantage of being able to handle 38spl ammo in addition to 357mag.

All are accurate, reliable, easy handling weapons. There's a reason that these were the sidearm of choice for practically every law enforcement agency in the US for over half a century.

for brand new, dont overlook the Ruger SP101. they can be had for around $400 new, maybee slightly more.under $400 used if you can find them used. people tend to hang on to them. they come in 3 different calibers and 3 different barrel lengths. solid guns, great reputation and many happy owners. me included. check ruger.com to see what they have.

For range & HD use, I'd suggest something with these features:

- steel frame
- 4" barrel
- full grip
- adjustable sights

There's no point in shooting an ultralight revolver with a stubby barrel if you don't plan on carrying it all the time.

Used, there's the Ruger GP100, S&W 686, or S&W 627. The latter is often available with moonclips and holds 8 rounds. Both Ruger and S&W tend to be of good quality, and I can't think of any particular years to avoid.

New, there's the Charter Arms target model Bulldog. Avoid anything between the mid-'90's and 2005, but their guns newer or older than that tend to be of decent quality. Most are not really pretty.

There's a checkout procedure for buying a used revolver. I can't find the link, but I'm sure you can find it via web search engine. You basically need a flashlight, pencil, and feeler gauges.

"What .22 revolvers then?"

pretty much same criteria would apply as noted for such as 38/357s
for versatility, a DA/SA action all steel 4" to 6" barrel, adjustable sights

Number one on my list (by a large margin) would be any of the S&W K-frames
6" K-22, K-17, or K-18 (the 18 is a 4" barrel), all found only in used guns, not in production anymore, other than the extra pricey 'New Classic' lineup
current production equivalent is the S&W 617
all those revolvers have a very large fan base, for good reason

But if you like smaller frames better, there is the 4" Ruger SP101 rimfire and S&W model 63 J-frame. Strive to stay with not less than 4" barrels though, large frame or small frame, better sight radius you know than 2-3" snubbies, so give yourself a little plus. Any of Taurus' current production small frame 22 rimfires are a big gamble, lots of legit complaints about them, at least be aware. Their old model 96 (k-17 clone) was a fine target revolver, but is rarely seen now.

in SA only revolvers, the Ruger Single Six is the obvious choice
(the similar Heritage Rough Rider is the cheapest, and it's cheap build quality is pretty obvious, I would not recommend to a friend, unless you simply cannot afford better)
Many of these SA rimfires come with both 22LR and 22 mag cylinders; that is something real rare in DA revolvers.
(do NOT shoot 22LR and 22 mag thru same cylinder)

Lots of great old stuff re: Dan Wesson and Colt rimfires, but it's not stuff you see just every day, and likely to be pricey.

Whatever you might be thinking for your 1st centerfire revolver, it would be a extra good idea to try and match up to, as a practice companion clone in rimfrire. Major plus, that.
(a 6" S&W model 17 rimfire and a 6" S&W model 19/66 38/357 is a pert near unbeatable combination )

do NOT expect to pay less for a quality rimfire revolver than you would for a quality centerfire revolver
cheap is as cheap does
(you could ask my three grandsons same, all in your 20-something age bracket, and they would tell you same)

PS
another good non-branded gun forum to check out "all things rimfire" is rimfirecentral.com