Best action for a first revolver?

[AZ]

I've been eyeing some revolvers lately and have decided to get one. It would be my first and truthfully I've only fired one once before. I've been looking at the Ruger Blackhawks/Redhawks and was wondering if you'd suggest a DA/SA or SA for a first revolver. I'm attracted to the SA because it seems easier to be accurate with, but on the other hand I'm concerned I'll get used to SA and compromise my technique for when I eventually by a DA/SA. What's the best action for my first revolver then?

 

[GRIZ22]

I would suggest a 4" 357 686 or GP100. About the best all around handgun made you can use for just about anything. There's a wide variety of power levels available in factory ammo. If you learn to use a DA revolver trigger everything else is easy.

 

[MrBorland]

DA/SA.

Cowboy guns are fun, but DA/SA is much more versatile. You can shoot SA if you like, but becoming proficient with the DA trigger is a worthwhile endeavor, IMO.

A serviced-sized .357mag (e.g. the 4" 686 or GP100 that was mentioned) would be an excellent choice, as you can shoot .38spl or .357mag. OTOH, serviced-sized .38spls can be an excellent choice, too (e.g., S&W Models 10, 15, 67) as they're often a little less expensive that their .357mag counterparts. You can still find them as LEO trade-ins as well.

 

[MtnSpur]

SA/DA would be my vote. Both Ruger and S&W new and used will serve you well. Depending on your budget there are more manufacturers to choose from. Your next decision will be what length barrel . Good hunting and enjoy.

 

[Kendal Black]

I too suggest the DA/SA. You can cock it with your thumb, like a SA, making it just as easy to hit with, but you also have the option of shooting it in the DA mode. Knowing how to do both is good--and I suggest DA mode for self defense.

A big factor for me is it is so much slower and more awkward to reload a traditional single action, threading 'em in and out one at a time through the side gate. With practice you can reload all six in a double action, using a speedloader, in one swipe, and be ready to go again much quicker.

 

[CajunBass]

I don't see where it would make any difference. Find one you like and get it. You can always get another one later.

By far I've got more DA/SA type than I do straight SA, but that's because I've got a small collection of Smith & Wessons.

 

[Jeb21]

DA/SA revolver in 38/ 357. I like the Rugers or a Smith L frame.

 

[CraigC]

Get the one you like best. If the single action appeals to you more, there is no reason not to get one. Don't let somebody else pick your sixgun for you.

 

[InkEd]

Go DA/SA or DAO for your first revolver.

 

[BCRider]

They can both be as accurate as you are. Suit the gun to how you'll use it in terms of your local events or hunting.

I've got both styles because I shoot in CAS club events and I also shoot the DA/SA guns in both the local speed steel monthly club events as well as more recently in IDPA club events.

One thing I've found is that the grip on the two styles is COMPLETELY different to achieve the proper "windage". I found that the DA revolvers were easy to convert to from the semi pistols I started out with. But the cowboy style grips demand a whole other style of hold or they tend to shoot WAY off to the left in a nice consistently tight little group that has no idea of where the bullseye actually resides. At least they have for me. I've recently found that holding the "plowshare" grips with my right hand twisted around so the big thumb joint is pretty much directly under the hammer does the trick. This means I'm pulling the trigger with the second joint in from the tip on my trigger finger.

 

[AZ]

Thanks for the advice, after some of the comments I'm considering a GP100 instead of the Redhawk, but I'll try how both of them feel in shop before any decisions.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Ruger GP-100 is a very good double action (DA) revolver. If you don't have any experience shooting handguns, I would rather you started out with a DA 22 revolver and move to something like the GP-100 (357 mag typically). As others have said, you can shoot DA revolvers single action as long as they have an exposed hammer. I shoot my DA revolvers more single action than double action except my carry revolver.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

DA/SA....Personally, I find the novelty of SA guns to wear off after loading/unloading about the 3rd cylinder full.

 

[AZ]

The Ruger GP-100 is a very good double action (DA) revolver. If you don't have any experience shooting handguns, I would rather you started out with a DA 22 revolver and move to something like the GP-100 (357 mag typically). As others have said, you can shoot DA revolvers single action as long as they have an exposed hammer. I shoot my DA revolvers more single action than double action except my carry revolver.

I do have experience shooting automatics, but nearly none with wheel guns.

 

[buck460XVR]

One thing I've found is that the grip on the two styles is COMPLETELY different

Same here. I just find the grip angle of DAs fit my hands and my shooting style better that SA. It also seem that I can take the recoil better with a DA grip than with a SA grip. Maybe it's in my head, but I started out on wheelguns with Ruger SAs and have since gotten rid of all of them for Smith DAs. I suggest you go to you LGS and fondle and handle as many models as you can until you find what fits your hands the best. As others have said, you can always shoot a DA in SA mode but not the reverse.

 

[BCRider]

Unless you're in love with the idea of a slow and steady cowboy gun and like the idea of seeing what it was like to shoot them I'd say that the DA gun would be more appropriate for most use. It can do time at the range for practice or fun matches and it can be put into your holster to carry if you've got the right permits and live in the right state. All in all that's a lot of flexibility.

The GP100 would be a great way to go if you're looking at a .357. That would offer you the option of .357 and .38Spl for defense or match use. The Redhawk panders to the bigger calibers which are more suited to range fun, handgun silhouette shooting and handgun hunting.

If you come across a nice S&W 586/686 or a sweet looking K frame in .357 I would not pass it by. The K frame guns are a tad lighter and more sleek than the GP or L framed S&W's. For example a nice 3 inch blued or stainless K frame would ride on your hip a lot nicer than a GP or 686. But then again you started out asking about this more for range use as I recall. In that case the GP, L or K frame guns with 5 and 6 inch barrels would all be great options.

 

[Dnaltrop]

SW Model 10 in sa/da. was my first and still favorite.

Old service ones can still be found for surprisingly little.

If it's in good shape, the action is amazing, and they tend to be wonderfully accurate.

 

[X-Rap]

I think the M19 S&W is the gold standard of potential revolver actions. Even untuned a 19 well broken in is pretty sweet. The same can be said of all the K framed blued models but the 19 offers the best versatility.

 

[BBroadside]

When I became a revolver freak, I chose to look for DAO designs for my first couple of weapons. In training, I didn't want to be "seduced" by nice light SA shooting into neglecting what I consider a more important skill. I'm never going to use SA defending myself or shooting any sort of match I'm interested (I'm interested in ICORE, which isn't shot around here, and IDPA, which is). If I DID get really used to SA, and I heard a bump in the night, whose to say I wouldn't react to stress by cocking my weapon, and then blowing away the neighbor's poodle? I like dogs!

Hunters and silhouette shooters have reasons for SA but me, I'm the easily-confused type.
None of this will be that relevant since the OP makes it sound like big revolvers are on the menu ... and I don't know too many DOA revolvers in the really big calibers.

 

[gohogs93]

get a 4" stainless SW686 in .357 mag. DA/SA