IF you ever think you'll want to carry said revolver:

I'd recommend either a 3" SP101 or 3" GP100. The downside for your across the board usage would be that both are fixed sight guns. That doesn't mean they aren't accurate, just means you won't be able to adjust sights to load (as easily), you'll have to adjust loads to sights.

IF carry considerations are not a concern:

I'd recommend a 4" GP100 with adjustable rear sight. Absolutely a dream to shoot with .38's and with hot .357's is very manageable. But it's a little on the large/heavy side for routine carry.

If you're inclined more toward Smith and Wessons then a good older K-frame would be nifty as well.

 

IF you ever think you'll want to carry said revolver:

I'd recommend either a 3" SP101 or 3" GP100. The downside for your across the board usage would be that both are fixed sight guns. That doesn't mean they aren't accurate, just means you won't be able to adjust sights to load (as easily), you'll have to adjust loads to sights.

IF carry considerations are not a concern:

I'd recommend a 4" GP100 with adjustable rear sight. Absolutely a dream to shoot with .38's and with hot .357's is very manageable. But it's a little on the large/heavy side for routine carry.

If you're inclined more toward Smith and Wessons then a good older K-frame would be nifty as well.

The above! ^^^^^^^ in that order!

 

4" GP 100 is a real gem....

 

The main thing is having a gun that you're confident with in an emergency. I'm partial to S&W's but that's just me. Ruger makes an excellent revolver too. If you're going to be doing alot of target shooting and/or plinking a 6" barrel would be nice.

 

Thanks.

I appreciate your input. Just scanning over pics, etc.; the two that caught my eye were the gp100 & the King Cobra. Carrying won't be a consideration. I've just been issued my 'permit to purchase', but I'm not considering a conceal carry. Target shooting/plinking will be my primary use, but I like the looks of the 4" ones over the 6".

 

Just one? That's a hard decision between S&W & Ruger. If you can find one, get an older 4" K frame S&W. I have a pinned and recessed 4" model 66 and it's one of the best I own. Great classic S&W styling and there increasing in value as time goes by. Also, good accuracy with .38's and .357's. Only thing about the older K Frame's is your not supposed to feed them many 125 gr .357's, they [older K frames] had problems with the forcing cone cracking with the lighter bullets. Stick with 158gr .357's and you will be good. Mine loves the 158gr American Eagles made by Federal.

That being said if you can't find a one/don't like S&W's then you cannot go wrong with a Ruger. As RantingRedneck said, 3" SP101 or 4" GP100. Ruger revolvers are built tough as nails and they will hold up for a long, long time to come.

 

The King Cobra has been out of production for a number of years now, along with all the rest of Colt's DA revolvers. As such prices have gone up (some more than others).

Also of consideration are parts and factory support should there be an issue......

 

4" GP-100

 

I really like the S&W 686 2.5" but, the 4" is nice too.

 

Ruger GP100. If you decide to reload your own ammo, the Ruger has a nice strong cylinder that will hold up to plinking or self defense loads just fine.

 

Ditto for the Ruger GP-100 - It's built to last and is more cost effective than a S&W

I have a special spot in my heart for the Smith and Wesson 686. It will probably hold it's value better if that is a concern for you.

I have a S&W 360 AirLite .357 snubnose. It is punishing to shoot and definitely not a target pistol.

 

I LOVE collecting old S&W revolvers...I think they're classy and stylish and awfully fun to shoot.

that being said, my "woods gun" is a 3" SP101, and a 4" GP100 is my nightstand gun. They are just absolutely indestructible.

The 3" SP101 and a 2" J Frame are neck and neck for the perfect CCW revolver.

 

The 686 will handle anything you put in it and is heavy enough that the recoil won't punish you. Plus, if you get the combat grips, its rock solid.

 

An N-frame S&W .357 will stand the test of time...

 

5"

What about a 5" (gp100)?

 

What about a 5" (gp100)?

I had a 5" Gp100 and absolutely KICK myself for selling it. Order it up from Davidson's (gungenie.com) and don't look back. Perfect balance, dead nuts accurate and solid as a rock.

I sold it when I was going through an "S&W or nothing" phase.

EDIT: would be a royal PIA if you decide to carry. Custom holsters only; nobody makes a production holster for the 5"

 

An N-frame S&W .357 will stand the test of time...

C&L....trade ya a super nice, practically pristine 6" M27 for that worn out good for nothing snubby. Just 'cause I feel sorry for you not having a full size gun....:wink:

 

I had a 5" Gp100 and absolutely KICK myself for selling it. Order it up from Davidson's (gungenie.com) and don't look back. Perfect balance, dead nuts accurate and solid as a rock.

I sold it when I was going through an "S&W or nothing" phase.

EDIT: would be a royal PIA if you decide to carry. Custom holsters only; nobody makes a production holster for the 5"

Now you see why I got that S&W vaccine!

 

You can't go wrong with a S&W model 586, 686, 66 or 27 in a 4" to 6" barrel.
Great shooters and reasonably priced with lots of accessories available in the aftermarket.

 

A Ruger Security Six with a 4in barrel

 

If I could only have just one I'd search till I found a Dan Wesson Pistol Pack:
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=9491504.0

Prefer stainless to Blue.

Others would be:
S&W 66
S&W 686
Ruger

Your have to handle all of them to decide which feels just right to you. just like Goldilocks.

 

I'd look around for a 4" S&W 686 7 shot without the internal lock. If I could not find one of those I'd buy a 4" Ruger GP100 with the original style grips.

<><Fish

 

I wanted a .38 spcl/.357 last year and shot the GP100 and the 686. I really liked em' both in 6" configuration.

I don't think you would go wrong with most anything that has been mentioned.

The new GP's and 686's come with Hogue Rubber grips (very comfortable for most). Both are on the heavy side and little to no recoil is felt with the .38 special round. The .357 magnum recoil isn't bad either, but much more noticeable.

 

And of course there are other options as well...

 

357

May I respectfully recommend a 2.5" S&W Model 19. I carrried one for a long time. Heavy enough to absorb some recoil and comfortable enough to wear all day. They are pretty accurate.