I Want a Couple Revolvers, .22 & .357. Which Ones Should I Get?

Jerzsubbie

Jerzsubbie

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One gap in my collection is revolvers and I’m ready to buy a couple, but I know very little about them and know many you know a whole lot.

I know I’d like a .22lr and .357/.38, no desire to ccw either, I don’t care for special/rare/collectible/etc, don’t want the Hi-point or Bersa of revolvers, prefer the looks of stainless, and don’t think I’d spend over $1k each. A .22 that I can swap cylinders for .22lr and .22wmr would be cool but not a requirement.

I’ve been eyeing the 4” GP100 .357 and GP100 .22 10-shot. Any reason I shouldn’t buy these? Any better options without spending a whole lot more?

I’m in no rush to buy, but want to zero in on what I’m looking for.
 
I have a .357 and two 22LRs (one you can swap the cylinder to 22WMR). If you want to take any/all of them for a test run, just let me know when you’re stopping by. They’re not the GP100s, but it would give you something else to compare.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
One gap in my collection is revolvers and I’m ready to buy a couple, but I know very little about them and know many you know a whole lot.

I know I’d like a .22lr and .357/.38, no desire to ccw either, I don’t care for special/rare/collectible/etc, don’t want the Hi-point or Bersa of revolvers, prefer the looks of stainless, and don’t think I’d spend over $1k each. A .22 that I can swap cylinders for .22lr and .22wmr would be cool but not a requirement.

I’ve been eyeing the 4” GP100 .357 and GP100 .22 10-shot. Any reason I shouldn’t buy these? Any better options without spending a whole lot more?

I’m in no rush to buy, but want to zero in on what I’m looking for.
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Rugers are tanks. You can't go wrong with them IMHO. I have owned a few but they never stayed. It was more me than them.

I am on a bit of a S&W kick. I would look for a deal on a S&W for the .357/38Spl. There are still lots of good guns out there in the $500 range. I got this police trade in from Guns.com One like this would scratch the itch.

DSC_0699.jpg
 
Which one?

The answer is... unequivocally...

YES!

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk
 
I would try to rent or borrow a few different styles. As a general rule - I prefer double actions with swing out cylinders because they are easier to load. Also prefer barrels between 3-6” good balance , nice sight radius
As far as brands - hard to go wrong with Ruger and S&W.
 
I'd start with a .22. Why? easier to learn the differences in them from other guns. Low recoil, moderately inexpensive to shoot. AND if you desire to have the ability to swap from .22 LR to .22 mag,, then the least expensive, quality brand & model would be a Stainless Super Single-Six. Well under the $1000 mark. BUT it is a Single-action if that's an issue. The GP-100 10 shot isn't often found as easily, and will cost more.

Then,, if you desire a DA revolver in 38/357 the GP-100 is superb. I have shot several older Ruger DA's that were of the "Six" series. I never bothered with the GP's much. Until I handled a Match Champion GP-100 in 357. HARD to beat that one.

S&W DA revolvers are good guns as well, but many folks will tell you the Rugers are "built like a tank" because most will easily outlive us all.

Another Single-action thought. The Ruger convertible .9mm/38/.357. It comes with (2) cylinders like the Single-Six, and can use (3) calibers.

I agree that you should try & find a place to try out different guns to see what YOU like & what you'll enjoy.

If you were closer to Lake Lure,, I could arrange that.
 
Just save yourself a bunch of grief, you want a S&W 617 for 22 unless you prefer a single six with the convertible cylinder.

Can’t help you with the heavier rugers, just not my thing.

Happy to pull stuff out for you to shoot. The big field has been sold so we’d have to go to a range.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
One gap in my collection is revolvers and I’m ready to buy a couple, but I know very little about them and know many you know a whole lot.

I know I’d like a .22lr and .357/.38, no desire to ccw either, I don’t care for special/rare/collectible/etc, don’t want the Hi-point or Bersa of revolvers, prefer the looks of stainless, and don’t think I’d spend over $1k each. A .22 that I can swap cylinders for .22lr and .22wmr would be cool but not a requirement.

I’ve been eyeing the 4” GP100 .357 and GP100 .22 10-shot. Any reason I shouldn’t buy these? Any better options without spending a whole lot more?

I’m in no rush to buy, but want to zero in on what I’m looking for.
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If you want good quality without breaking the bank, the Taurus Tracker is a great 357. I’m sure I’ll get slammed for saying this, but I got a safe full of S&W’s and my Tracker will shoot as good as any of them. Taurus also has a lifetime warranty that can’t be beat. They don’t care how many owners the gun has had, just send it in and it will get fixed quick. Taurus 941 is also a great little 2k mag revolver.
 
Crazy Carl said:
Any interest in single actions? Ruger Single Ten .22 & Blackhawk .357 convertible with 9mm cylinder.
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Do you have that Blackhawk? I’m curious what size barrel they used.
 
JimB said:
Do you have that Blackhawk? I’m curious what size barrel they used.
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I do not. Pretty sure they use a .357 barrel. I've not heard of accuracy issues with 9mm past that you're never gonna shoot bullseye competitions with it. I personally don't get it, but some folks seem to like it. My .357 Blackhawk is a blued 6.5"er. @Jerzsubbie mentioned stainless, so I threw it out there. Ruger's currently showing stainless .357s in 4 5/8" & 6.5" & there have been distributor exclusive runs of the .357/9mm convertible in 4 5/8", 5.5" & 6.5".
 
here are the ones I have 1st ruger single six 22lr/22wmr and a ruger blackhawk convertible 357/9mm or Dan Wesson 22lr and 357
 
I don’t want a “cowboy style” gun like the Single Six or Vaquero. I’ve shot a handful of different revolvers and did not like the grip shape or position relative to the barrel of those. So I think that rules out single action for the most part.

I’ll get whichever I can find first, but I would prefer the .22 since I have a ton of ammo and only 1 box of defensive .38.

I’d love to spend closer to $500 but it seems like prices are closer to $800+ these days on Rugers and Smiths. @wvsig that Smith LE trade in deal was tempting but I couldn’t bring myself to gamble on the condition gun I’d receive. I usually buy new for this reason.
Taurus has some $500 or less but I’ve always thought of Taurus as being pretty low end. I do like the more modern look of some Taurus models but quality>looks. @Etruett thats the kind of feedback I was hoping see, someone who has both. I’m curious to hear what others think as well. For the price, I could get a Taurus in addition and wait for a 617 to pop up.

@JimB The 617 is high on my list but they seem almost impossible to find. I did see that a nice one popped up here not too long ago. If I see one priced well I’d grab it though.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
I don’t want a “cowboy style” gun like the Single Six or Vaquero. I’ve shot a handful of different revolvers and did not like the grip shape or position relative to the barrel of those. So I think that rules out single action for the most part.

I’ll get whichever I can find first, but I would prefer the .22 since I have a ton of ammo and only 1 box of defensive .38.

I’d love to spend closer to $500 but it seems like prices are closer to $800+ these days on Rugers and Smiths. @wvsig that Smith LE trade in deal was tempting but I couldn’t bring myself to gamble on the condition gun I’d receive. I usually buy new for this reason.
Taurus has some $500 or less but I’ve always thought of Taurus as being pretty low end. I do like the more modern look of some Taurus models but quality>looks. @Etruett thats the kind of feedback I was hoping see, someone who has both. I’m curious to hear what others think as well. For the price, I could get a Taurus in addition and wait for a 617 to pop up.

@JimB The 617 is high on my list but they seem almost impossible to find. I did see that a nice one popped up here not too long ago. If I see one priced well I’d grab it though.
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What are you looking to spend?
 
JimB said:
Do you have that Blackhawk? I’m curious what size barrel they used.
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I had one for a time. It's the .357 barrel. I didn't shoot a ton of 9mm while I had it but I didn't notice any significant difference in accuracy between .358 and .355 boolits.
 
wvsig said:
Rugers are tanks. You can't go wrong with them IMHO. I have owned a few but they never stayed. It was more me than them.

I am on a bit of a S&W kick. I would look for a deal on a S&W for the .357/38Spl. There are still lots of good guns out there in the $500 range. I got this police trade in from Guns.com One like this would scratch the itch.

View attachment 448594
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Another vote here for the Guns.com police trades. Nice guns at reasonable pricing. I got a model 64 (.38, not .357) and it is no less than beautiful. Thread on them here: https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/s-w-65-police-trade-ins-499-now-450.108425/
 
wvsig said:
What are you looking to spend?
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As always, as little as possible! :) From my searching it seems like the market is in the neighborhood of $800 with Rugers being on the lower end and Smiths being on the higher end. I’d go up to $1k if I needed to and was convinced it was a good buy. But I have zero desire to buy something that has moderate collector value, the premium isn’t worth it to me.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
As always, as little as possible! :) From my searching it seems like the market is in the neighborhood of $800 with Rugers being on the lower end and Smiths being on the higher end. I’d go up to $1k if I needed to and was convinced it was a good buy. But I have zero desire to buy something that has moderate collector value, the premium isn’t worth it to me.
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Do you "need" it to be .357 or with 38 Spl scratch the itch?
 
wvsig said:
Do you "need" it to be .357 or with 38 Spl scratch the itch?
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.38 will do. .357 is just a nice to have since I noticed many allow for both.
I briefly considered the guns.com deal and having it bead blasted if the finish isn’t great but idk.
 
What about something like this?
Jerzsubbie said:
.38 will do. .357 is just a nice to have since I noticed many allow for both.
I briefly considered the guns.com deal and having it bead blasted if the finish isn’t great but idk.
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The reason I ask is Model 10s are cheaper than 357s. I bought this model 15-1 for a lot less than people sell Model 19s.

IMG_4448.jpg

I know where there is a 19-4 that you could get for probably get for $800 shipped to your FFL.


download.jpg
 
I'm a S&W fanboy, but I've owned my share of Ruger revolvers too.

Both are good! A Ruger GP100 is a handloaders friend, because it can take just about anything you toss at it. In my experience, they don't feel as 'refined' as a Smith, but they're very accurate and the trigger isn't bad. You get more grip shape options with the GP100 because it uses a peg instead of a traditional grip frame.

S&W revolvers feel more refined in the hand. They're also lighter than a GP100. In my experience, the triggers tend to be very good, and the lock time is faster. You have your choice of "square" or "round" grip frames, and that will effect the grip styles you can put on the gun later on.

If I had to have just one revolver, it would be a Smith 686 with a 4" barrel.

As far as 22 revolvers go, there are tons to choose from, and I've shot very few bad ones. The Ruger SP101 and the S&W 617 are both good. I've found I get better accuracy from my S&W Victory, but it's a semi auto.

If you want to test the waters with something cheap, try a Heritage revolver. You can find them at gun shows for about $120, and most come with dual cylinders so you can also shoot 22 mag. They're accurate, and have decent triggers, but unfortunately, do not have adjustable sights. That might not be an issue for you, but I'm a right handed, left-eye dominant shooter, so adjustable sights are a must for me.
 
wvsig said:
What about something like this?


The reason I ask is Model 10s are cheaper than 357s. I bought this model 15-1 for a lot less than people sell Model 19s.

View attachment 448694

I know where there is a 19-4 that you could get for probably get for $800 shipped to your FFL.


View attachment 448695
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Good to know. I hadn’t looked enough at the different Smith models to know there’s a price difference between .38 and .357.
I appreciate the lead on that 19 but since I’m just starting my search, I’m going to hold off on making any buying decisions for now, unless everyone is screaming at me that I’m an idiot for not jumping on a deal. I like to do my research and become very familiar with the category before I buy.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
Good to know. I hadn’t looked enough at the different Smith models to know there’s a price difference between .38 and .357.
I appreciate the lead on that 19 but since I’m just starting my search, I’m going to hold off on making any buying decisions for now, unless everyone is screaming at me that I’m an idiot for not jumping on a deal. I like to do my research and become very familiar with the category before I buy.
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Researching the market and determining what is a good deal is the smart way to go. There are lots of members here who can help you with that. They have helped me a ton as I only recently started down the S&W rabbit hole. LOL
 
Ok, you have tried the SA handguns a bit & didn't like the grip feel. To expound upon that,, I'm ASSUMING you tried the standard "plow handle" type. Have you tried the Bisley grip frame type? Or,, heck,, going a bit further,, there is a fine gentleman in Texas making several different g/f designs that many are adding to their SA's for a more comfortable feel. Ronnie Wells Grip Frames.

Ok, that aside.

DA in a 22 cal. Ruger makes a SP-101 in .22, as well as the GP in .22. Usually a bit less expensive than the S&W .22's. As noted,, the trigger feel is different but it's a simple matter of the fact that they are of two different designs. Again, Rugers are very well built & sturdy. But,, getting a convertible in a DA Ruger is a custom route.

And the GP in .357,, well, again, a sturdy gun that will outlast you.

The thought of a .38 spl only gun is a possible idea. BUT,, if you ever decide you want or need to step up in power,, you'll have to get a .357 anyway. The additional weight of a .357 helps control recoil when shooting .38 spl ammo.
I recently shot an older Ruger Redhawk in .357 that was a large handgun. It handled .357 Mag ammo as if it were a pussycat. But those guns aren't easily found, (the earlier 6 shot versions,) and expensive when found. My point is the size & weight of that made it obvious as it handles recoil.

S&W's are fine feeling handguns as well. SOME models (such as the M-19) are known to wear out sooner when fed a steady diet of full power loads. But you've mentioned stainless guns,, so stepping up to a S&W 686 might be another option. Good solid guns in general. A bit larger than the m19's,, and built to compete with the similar sized Rugers.

Again,, it might be best if you could find someone or somewhere that you could "test drive" several guns to see what you'd prefer.
 
vaskeet said:

GunBroker.com - Error

www.gunbroker.com
dan wesson 22
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Jerzsubbie said:
Are DW revolvers on the same level as their 1911’s?
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They’re WONDERFUL. The tools you see in the first photo allow for changing barrels (various lengths), adjusting the forcing cone to cylinder gap and changing front sights. If you look closely, you’ll notice the colors of the frame and barrel don’t appear to match. That might (underline MIGHT) indicate the 4” barrel isn’t what it originally shipped with. That means absolutely nothing in terms of the gun’s performance.
 
the dan wesson 22 is built in the model 15-2 357 frame it has the Dan wesson interchangeable barrel system which along with a superb trigger pull make the some of the most accurate revolvers made here is a good article https://www.danwessonforum.com/the-dan-wesson-firearms-story/ mine is a 22 pistol pack with 2, 4, 6 and 8 inch barrels I also have a dan wesson model 15-2 357 and multiple barrels for it and another article https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/fightin-iron-the-dan-wesson-revolver/
 
SINNER said:
View attachment 448673
+1 on the GP100… if you have baby hands then get the SP instead of the GP.
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That’s a good point. I do have smaller hands and I haven’t handled the GP vs SP side by side. I should stop by a LGS to do that. It seems like grip options are plentiful for many guns so that will give me some wiggle room too.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
One gap in my collection is revolvers and I’m ready to buy a couple, but I know very little about them and know many you know a whole lot.

I know I’d like a .22lr and .357/.38, no desire to ccw either, I don’t care for special/rare/collectible/etc, don’t want the Hi-point or Bersa of revolvers, prefer the looks of stainless, and don’t think I’d spend over $1k each.
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Jerz, I am very grateful for this thread of yours.
I'm in exactly the same shopping stage: same reasons, same goals, same timeframe.
Learning a lot here, questions I didn't even know to ask.
 
I recommend staying away from the Ruger sp101 in 22 cal I own one and the da trigger pull is terrible
My 617 on the other hand no complaints
 
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I collected and have owned over a dozen revolvers... my first love was ruger single actions, the OM unconverted which means you could only carry 5 with the hammer on the empty cylinder. My collection got a little plump and after the election and by that I mean the last real one... I sold off some of my pride and joys by early 2017 when the gun market crashed. Last 2 years the value of revolvers and lever guns skyrocketed and even though things are calming down, prices are still elevated.

The difference between a ruger and a s&w is usually the trigger and often times a nicer finish on the smith. The old rule of thumb was the price difference usually correlated to the price of a trigger job. New Rugers are much better and I still have a Wiley Clapp. Not the one pictured above, mine is black and has a gold bead front sight vs the fiber optic but it has a sweet factory trigger. I highly recommended that gun or a 3" GP. Hogue sells grips that tame the recoil and fit most hands. I sold a 4" 686-4+ model... arguably the zenith of the s&w 357's. Beautiful gun but was uncomfortable to carry owb in/out of the truck and I limited myself to 3 revolvers.

I also kept my 1970 unconverted blackhawk convertible w/ the 9mm and 357 cyclinder and 4 5/8 barrel. Love that gun and think everyone should have a single action.. they are fun a bring a smile to everyone's face. Lastly I kept my 7.5" Ruger SR in 454 Casull... that one hurts but one day I'll take it pig hunting. I sold a 29-2 w/ 8 3/8 barrel and a Ruger SR Brassie w a 7.5" barrel. Both those were prettier than the Rugers I kept but you really can't kill a ruger...

Rugers come with a lifetime guarantee... DW are awesome and even Taurus seem to do pretty well. Just stay away from any of their cheapo airweights etc. They guarantee them but I've seen too many lock up or frames crack etc.

A 4" gp100 or security six etc would be my recommendation.
 
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10-shot 617 is super fun.

6 shot .22’s not as fun of you are doing any plates or speed shooting.
 
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