First Revolver

[Rock185]

I've had 4" and 5" GP100s in 10MM, and several 686s, with 2 1/2"- 4" barrels. My personal preference for all around use are the 4" barrels. I'd say handle both if possible, and go with the one that feels "right" to you. Other than that, I guess I'm in the "you-can't-go-wrong" camp....

 

[DWFan]

Nothing against Ruger or S&W, but if I were looking for a first revolver, it would be a 6" Dan Wesson M15-2 with an EWK barrel under the stock shroud. For a range gun, the DW single-action trigger is second to none and the accuracy is stuff of legend. Now that CZ is building them, service and parts are available. Look for a Monson-built revolver.
The EWK barrel is 1:12 twist compared to the factory 1:16 and is great for both target load cast bullets and heavy bullet hunting loads.
As an option, buy a 4" M15-2 and an 8" EWK barrel & shroud set; the 4" barrel for carry and the 8" if you ever get the urge to use it for hunting.

 

[American Finn]

I didn't see if this has been mentioned but my advice is to find a range that rents both the Ruger and Smith; shoot them both then make your decision. As for myself I have found S&W triggers to be smoother but the Ruger is less expensive and just as accurate. I also found the Ruger to be easier to take apart to service over the S&W.

 

[WestKentucky]

Why are the older S&Ws better? I’ve heard this a few times from people and reading online.

There is a lot more hand fitted parts in the older guns. That generally makes a well cared for classic feel better than the newer guns. Highly polished steel also looks better than the newer bead blast matte mess. There is just a good feeling knowing that something that looks good and feels good was built by a true craftsman and an artist who truly understands the tool being built. New guns get slapped together by button pushers running machines.

Functionally, the new guns may be every bit as good, but they don’t look as good, they don’t feel as good, and there is no excitement about them. It’s a CNC machined block with some stuff piled into it and a molded rubber grip. It’s basically a fancy hammer. It has nothing left that made S&W what they are today.

If buying new... go with a fancy version of the GP, or pony up for a cobra or k6s.

 

[ozarkhillbilly]

The 686 4in barrel is the perfect revolver because while it is not perfect at anything it is good for everything its the perfect compromise for everything it dose. That said the 586 is better looking.

 

[cdahl383]

For a .357 magnum that may never see much time in a holster, I'd pick a 6" barrel. Longer sight radius, softer felt recoil, and potentially more bullet speed for those that are interested.

6" full lug barrel .357 magnums make a fine all purpose target gun as long as you have the arm and hand strength to hold them up for a while. If muzzle weight is an issue, then I'd look for an older styled gun with only enough underlug to cover the ejector.

For the person that may never choose another revolver, being able to use .38 Special/.357 magnum in the same gun is a good thing. Besides the increase in ammo variety, being able to load some softer shooting cartridges for the kids or wife to shoot can give them the centerfire revolver experience with much less worry on their part.

Of course, there is always the option of getting a good .22 LR revolver. But once your heart is set on a centerfire revolver, sometimes it's best to just follow through and get a centerfire revolver.

Thats what I read. You can shoot either .357 or .38 special. So you could shoot .38 for fun and then .357 for more fun haha!

I’m no bodybuilder or anything, but I’m about 225-230lbs and have a pretty decent build. I’m sure I could handle the weight snd recoil of the gun. I think shooting slugs from my 12 gauge is fun and those don’t bother me at all.

The 6” barrel is certainly intimidating. I highly doubt I’d ever carry the gun. I have a compact 9mm semi auto for that.

I have a Ruger 10/22 that I love to shoot. .22 is probably the most fun to shoot out of everything I’ve tried so far. It’s cheap, no recoil, accurate, etc. So while it’s fun, I don’t have much interest in getting a .22 revolver as my 10/22 sort of fits that bill.

 

[Cump]

Thats what I read. You can shoot either .357 or .38 special. So you could shoot .38 for fun and then .357 for more fun haha!

I’m no bodybuilder or anything, but I’m about 225-230lbs and have a pretty decent build. I’m sure I could handle the weight snd recoil of the gun. I think shooting slugs from my 12 gauge is fun and those don’t bother me at all.

The 6” barrel is certainly intimidating. I highly doubt I’d ever carry the gun. I have a compact 9mm semi auto for that.

I have a Ruger 10/22 that I love to shoot. .22 is probably the most fun to shoot out of everything I’ve tried so far. It’s cheap, no recoil, accurate, etc. So while it’s fun, I don’t have much interest in getting a .22 revolver as my 10/22 sort of fits that bill.

I think your caliber choice is good, and I don't think you will be startled by the recoil out of the GP or 686, especially in factory loadings. Now 357 out of a jframe or lcr takes more practice, and it's harder to get through a box.

In a world that we carry and shoot service calibers out of pocket pistols, 357 out of a gp100 or 686 is not heavy perceived recoil.

 

[LaneP]

I own more Rugers than any other brand but when it comes to a decision like this, I personally lean to the S&W simply for aesthetics and handling feel.

Regarding bbl length, that often comes with its own set of personal reasoning but I've never cared for the shorter bbl .357's. Short barrel's carry well but they cost you performance (velocity) and greatly increase blast. As alluded in previous posts, the .357 began life primarily as a law enforcement cartridge and these days is probably not the most versatile cartridge there is but it is still great fun to load and shoot for and I will always own one (or three). Good luck on your decision.

 

[bannockburn]

ozarkhillbilly

That said the 586 is better looking.

I would say they're both great looking, each in their own way!

 

[chicharrones]

Thats what I read. You can shoot either .357 or .38 special. So you could shoot .38 for fun and then .357 for more fun haha!

I’m no bodybuilder or anything, but I’m about 225-230lbs and have a pretty decent build. I’m sure I could handle the weight snd recoil of the gun. I think shooting slugs from my 12 gauge is fun and those don’t bother me at all.

The 6” barrel is certainly intimidating. I highly doubt I’d ever carry the gun. I have a compact 9mm semi auto for that.

I have a Ruger 10/22 that I love to shoot. .22 is probably the most fun to shoot out of everything I’ve tried so far. It’s cheap, no recoil, accurate, etc. So while it’s fun, I don’t have much interest in getting a .22 revolver as my 10/22 sort of fits that bill.

You don't have to be a muscle man to handle a 6" GP100. I alluded to weight because it is a heavy gun, but easily held by many.

My first revolver (handgun for that matter) was and is my 6" GP100. Got it when I was maybe 29 or so years old when I was maybe 5' 9" and 155 lbs.

26 years later, and I've added 30 lbs. In mostly the wrong places.

 

[wiscoaster]

Sorry if it's been mentioned, without rereading the whole thread, but ... the best way to decide is to try shooting each. Is there a range near the OP that rents guns where the choices could be shot side-by-side?

 

[Waveski]

Everything is right about this revolver - balance , function , natural pointing , aesthetics.
Nothing is wrong.

The Smith and Wesson Combat Masterpiece .38 special
(later , model 15)
I cannot imagine a better first revolver.

 

[UncleEd]

View attachment 964456


Everything is right about this revolver - balance , function , natural pointing , aesthetics.
Nothing is wrong.

The Smith and Wesson Combat Masterpiece .38 special
(later , model 15)
I cannot imagine a better first revolver.

Well stated! The Combat Masterpiece remains
my favorite Smith revolver despite the fact
nowadays I do most of my .38 shooting with
Model 19 Classics which are every much as
slick as the older, non replaceable models.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

This will be an unpopular opinion to many but unless you think this will be the only revolver you ever own I would skip the 357 Magnum. 357 Magnum is a jack of all trades and master of none. It is versitile but rarely the best choice for any given job/use and there are so many more interesting revolvers and cartridges available out there. I am partial to revolvers in rimless cartridge on moonclips and shooting practical pistol matches with them but there are also the big bore revolvers to explore. For the budget minded a 38 Special will be cheaper to buy and feed. Just something to consider, don't get the 357 Mag tunnel vision many new revolver shooters get themselves into, there are lots of good revolver cartridges out there.

---
I agree. The OP, cdahl said, "This gun would just be for fun, target shooting, etc. I don’t plan on carrying it."

To me, that means a fun gun to show off and enjoy, not a working man's tool. If you're choosing between a plain-Jane Sierra 1500 and a drop-top Corvette, which are you considering more for fun and which is more for work? Don't get me wrong. I enjoy ripping all Hell through the dirt and mud every once in a while, too but, that's not what a work truck is for. And it sure isn't what a Corvette is for. In case it isn't obvious, Ruger = work truck and S&W = sports car.

I'd also ask if you plan to reload or strictly use off-the-shelf ammo. If you're reloading, maybe you can come up with that perfect mellow, accurate, and fun .357 load for your gun and budget. If you're strictly buying boxed ammo, the choices for light, accurate and easy on the budget get real slim.

Like mcb said, the .38Special is a fine, accurate, easy on the budget and very fun cartridge in a K/L-Frame Smith&Wesson or a E/I-Frame - or even a good D-Frame - Colt's revolver. The Model 10 Classic is an elegant, simple weapon you will never be ashamed to bring to the range. Ditto for a Colt's Official Police or Police Positive Special. Not many revolver chamberings are more accurate than the .32S&W Long - except maybe the .22LR. Also good choices.

If you're fixed on a 586 or 686, get the one that looks sharpest and fits your hand best. It's for fun, not work. And start reloading if you don't already so you can make some pleasant-shooting target loads.

 

[Kleanbore]

This gun would just be for fun, target shooting, etc. I don’t plan on carrying it.

Try shooting some some revolvers.

The 686 would serve, and so would a Ruger DA, but .38 Special loads would be more 'fun" for everyone around you.

Perhaps you would enjoy a Ruger SA.

Good luck!

 

[stonebuster]

OP mentioned he thought the Smiths are slightly better looking and had heard their triggers were smoother. I'd add the GP100 trigger pull is longer especially after lockup(at least to me). Some like it and the ability to stage the trigger more easily and some don't. I think that would be the biggest determining factor if I was the OP unless the slightly better fit and finish are more important than the few dollars saved. The only way to know which trigger he likes best is to try them both. On the other hand, if he doesn't have the opportunity to try both he'll most likely be happy with either.

 

[cdahl383]

You don't have to be a muscle man to handle a 6" GP100. I alluded to weight because it is a heavy gun, but easily held by many.

My first revolver (handgun for that matter) was and is my 6" GP100. Got it when I was maybe 29 or so years old when I was maybe 5' 9" and 155 lbs.

26 years later, and I've added 30 lbs. In mostly the wrong places.

I see, I misunderstood. The 6” barrel sure looks cool!

 

[cdahl383]

Sorry if it's been mentioned, without rereading the whole thread, but ... the best way to decide is to try shooting each. Is there a range near the OP that rents guns where the choices could be shot side-by-side?

None of the ranges near me rent firearms currently due to all this COVID crap. Previously they did rent firearms though.

 

[cdahl383]

---
I agree. The OP, cdahl said, "This gun would just be for fun, target shooting, etc. I don’t plan on carrying it."

To me, that means a fun gun to show off and enjoy, not a working man's tool. If you're choosing between a plain-Jane Sierra 1500 and a drop-top Corvette, which are you considering more for fun and which is more for work? Don't get me wrong. I enjoy ripping all Hell through the dirt and mud every once in a while, too but, that's not what a work truck is for. And it sure isn't what a Corvette is for. In case it isn't obvious, Ruger = work truck and S&W = sports car.

I'd also ask if you plan to reload or strictly use off-the-shelf ammo. If you're reloading, maybe you can come up with that perfect mellow, accurate, and fun .357 load for your gun and budget. If you're strictly buying boxed ammo, the choices for light, accurate and easy on the budget get real slim.

Like mcb said, the .38Special is a fine, accurate, easy on the budget and very fun cartridge in a K/L-Frame Smith&Wesson or a E/I-Frame - or even a good D-Frame - Colt's revolver. The Model 10 Classic is an elegant, simple weapon you will never be ashamed to bring to the range. Ditto for a Colt's Official Police or Police Positive Special. Not many revolver chamberings are more accurate than the .32S&W Long - except maybe the .22LR. Also good choices.

If you're fixed on a 586 or 686, get the one that looks sharpest and fits your hand best. It's for fun, not work. And start reloading if you don't already so you can make some pleasant-shooting target loads.

I have no clue how to reload. I just got into guns this past June, so I’m pretty green still. I just buy ammo online.

I like the idea of being able to shoot both .38 and .357. The 586 just looks awesome, such a nice looking gun.

 

[WestKentucky]

I like the idea of being able to shoot both .38 and .357. The 586 just looks awesome, such a nice looking gun.

Then the decision is made on make and model. Now you just need to pick barrel length. I tend to go 6” for anything more than 38spl just for a bit better sight picture which means better down range precision. I prefer longer, but the 8-3/8 guns are expensive and rare, long barreled colts are even more expensive and rare, and this old boy is not made of money.

 

[brutus51]

Always been a big Colt fan and currently have four in my collection, that's not to say I have anything against Smith's they were top notch before the politicians had their way with them. I have no use for a revolver with a lock in it and resent having one forced upon me, hence no new Smith's are in anyway desirable, to bad because I really like the two pre-locks I own but Colt, Ruger and Dan Wesson will be first choice over them.
As to more capacity, well those just ain't six shooters, need I say more?
As to my first, saved forever to get a Colt Python, still have it, still use it, never part with it.

 

[Tallball]

For possible SD I prefer a 4" barrel.

For range use I prefer 6".

The Smiths and the Rugers are both nice.

It's win/win.

If I could only have one handgun, it would probably be a medium-framed 357 with a 4" barrel.

I have three favorite 357's:

The N-frame Model 28 fits my XXL hands better than the K or L frames. The trigger is exquisite.

Smith And Wesson Model 28

• Tallball
• Mar 15, 2019

I really, really, really like SA revolvers.

Ruger Blackhawk 357 Magnum

• Tallball
• Jul 30, 2018

And just to twist some tails, this Taurus Old Model 66 is an outstanding shooter with a great trigger.

Taurus Model 66

• Tallball
• Jan 6, 2018

 

[Mosin Bubba]

I've got a 4" GP100 with the wood-insert rubber grips that feels perfect to me. 4" is a little shorter than ideal for 357 ballistics, but it's as long as I care to go before the full underlug starts getting heavy.

It has plenty of weight to soak up 357 recoil, and the big soft grip helps too. You'll definitely know it when a magnum goes off, but the GP100 makes going through a box of 50 of them easy. 38 Spls feel like a 22.

The S&W 586/686 is nearly identical in size and weight and handles magnums just as well.

The big difference between the S&W 686 and the GP100 IMO is the double action trigger. Ruger's is horrible; mine is nearly unpullable. The Smith's is pretty nice. For slow-fire target shooting, I'm absolutely fine thumb cocking the Ruger every time, but it's not something you'd want for self defense. I use mine as a range shooter, and it sounds like you will too, so in that case I don't have much to say that's negative about either.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

My vote is for a 6 or 7 inch 686.

 

[Reloadron]

Your gun so your choice. A few years ago for Christmas I gave my son-in-law a S&W Model 15 which is a nice not to costly revolver. However you are limited to 38 Special. I have a S&W Model 586 which I really enjoy shooting and pretty much as has been mentioned and in my opinion while I find the trigger on the 586 a little more nicer than the Ruger guns like the GP guns the Rugers come in a little less costly. I am very fond of my Ruger Redhawk in 45 Colt. So if you want a 357 magnum revolver either the Ruger or S&W gun should do fine. Get what works for you, what just feels right in your hand.

Ron