Revolvers

[Ratdog68]

the gp100 doesn't weigh that much its weighs 40 oz unloaded which is about the same as every other steel frame 4" barrel .357 mag. thats also about what a steel 1911 weighs. yes you can get lighter weight pistols but i dont think i'd want a lighter .357 mag i enjoy shooting my guns i can put about 100 rounds through my gp100 before my hands starts shakeing i doubt i could put anywhere near that amount through a lighter weight .357 plus a good belt helps the weight

Yup... that's why I have my "target" tools and my "Carry" tools.  My MkIV Series70 Govt. model in all steel definately weighs more than my Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II which weighs in at a svelt 27oz with its aluminum frame and Officer's model length slide/frame/barrel.  However... of the two .45s  the big ol' heavy one is a JOY to shoot in comparison.       LOVE my 4" 686... but I carry my Taurus 85 5shot snub .38.  I've harvested caribou with the 686 up in Alaska... head/neck shots with hollow points worked just fine for it.

[runamuk]

runamuk... sounds like you have what works for you.  If you're not pleased with the double action trigger pull, you could have it worked over... and if you're shooting it "double action"... why not look into having the hammer bobbed so it is less likely to snag on something as you deploy? 

I have a new concealment vest coming... should arrive Monday.  "Options" are nice when it comes to packin'. 

actually it is a single action blackhawk and the trigger is hard to pull as usual.....the mark III trigger has a hell of a lot of creep or whatever it takes forever to break and I will get both fine tuned eventually...and my rifle also ruger   had a trigger job done thanks to a member here it is a fabulous trigger and I love it makes a huge difference......and I will continue to buy rugers because overall I really like them....

I did get to handle but not shoot a lcr if you want light that is a light revolver and the gal shooting it loved it she bought it for home protection and carry she liked it a lot and enjoyed shooting it which again means she was more likely to have it when needed and be comfortable using it.

[Ratdog68]

runamuk... sounds like you have what works for you.  If you're not pleased with the double action trigger pull, you could have it worked over... and if you're shooting it "double action"... why not look into having the hammer bobbed so it is less likely to snag on something as you deploy?  

I have a new concealment vest coming... should arrive Monday.  "Options" are nice when it comes to packin'.  

actually it is a single action blackhawk and the trigger is hard to pull as usual.....the mark III trigger has a hell of a lot of creep or whatever it takes forever to break and I will get both fine tuned eventually...and my rifle also ruger   had a trigger job done thanks to a member here it is a fabulous trigger and I love it makes a huge difference......and I will continue to buy rugers because overall I really like them....

I did get to handle but not shoot a lcr if you want light that is a light revolver and the gal shooting it loved it she bought it for home protection and carry she liked it a lot and enjoyed shooting it which again means she was more likely to have it when needed and be comfortable using it.

Well... there ya go.  I was under the impression you were talking about a GP 100.  Disregard.  Hmmm... no complaints from me on my trigger for my "old" (3 screw) Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum (7 1/4").  Love that ol' hog leg, and I refuse to send it back to Ruger for their "safety recall".  I likes it just fine the way it is, thank you very much.  

[Kent Hunter]

Ratdog. She's shot the 38 Special rounds out of it also. She handles the recoil just fine with the 357 loads also. You make some good points. Thanks for the ideas.

[cohoho]

I have all Smiths for revolvers, from the carry 642 with laser grips to my side kick Mountain Gun in 44.  Ratdog had some great reasons to stay the same, guess I did that without thinking about functionability and familiarization.  Got a super cool t-shirt from 511 that has a built in holster.  It works perfectly for bike riding, walking, etc and holds the gun (642 - 2 inch barrel) without any wiggle at all..

[ing]

Check out the Ruger GP-100

[AWS]

Many years ago I carried a S&W 28, a big N frame 357, mostly it stayed in the truck because it was so heavy.  Up graded to a Model 13 4" heavy barrel with adj. sights added, it was a great gun, heaviy enough to control and light enough to carry.  Used to shoot bowling pin matches with it, 200gr Lead RN's would pop pins off the table like a 45.  Instead of a reload I carried a second gun a Ruger 101 4" nice gun but didn't compare to the Smith.  Got out of handgun games and just carry a Taurus Tracker 41 mag now.

AWS

[FC]

If you don't mind an opinion from an FNG, I would go with a Smith. I have fired a fair number of pistols and revolvers and my observation is that the Taurus' that I have handled prior to firing have about a 1/3 hand back ratio as they don't seem to lock up tight and I'm not firing something I don't consider safe. Rugers are very strong and that should be no mystery as they are usually huge and very heavy with triggers that leave much to be desired. Smith revolvers in my experience have all been surprisingly accurate, reliable and easy to maintain with outstanding triggers.

[Jburke]

I have a s&w 686 with the 6 inch barrel.  Not a light weight concealer by anyones standards.  I love the gun but would not recommend it for the purposes you stated.  I would go with no longer than 4 inches.  I also have a ruger lcr in 38.  It shoots surprisingly good for a snub nose and is barely noticed when your carrying it.  With some good 38+p loads it will be adequate for defense situations.  Like the others have said though, it's hard to beat a s&w in overall quality but the rugers are still very good guns.  Taurus makes a decent gun too, but I'd opt for the ruger or s&w.  Either of which you can find at used gun shops or pawn shops at very reasonable prices.

[44 Flattop]

So I'm just starting the process of looking for a revolver. I've never owned a handgun but have been involved in a few events in the last year that have caused me to want one.

If by events you are talking about crime and the world ills at large, a good double action, such as a Ruger GP100 as has been mentioned, is an excellent place to start.  No matter how much you shoot, you'll still be able to pass it on to your heirs.  Offered in both 4" and 6", either is great.  I've had a few and some friends have them also and it took nothing at all to build a load that would stay inside 1 1/2" at 25 yards.

I've decided that I want a 357 but haven't decided on barrel length or model. I'm definitely a fan of Ruger firearms (own several rifles)

I'm a huge fan of Rugers also and have been for 35 years.  For a beginner to handguns it is really tough to go wrong with a single action Ruger Blackhawk.  Nearly indestructable, very user friendly, usually very accurate, light enough to pack all day, these are really great learning revolvers.  99% of the time I have a Blackhawk with me, sometimes even as my concealment gun.  My all time favorite is the old 1956-1962 .44 Flattop, but I am learning to LOVE the new 4 3/4" Flattop Ruger Blackhawk in .44 special

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