Good first revolver

[Cuda66]

If you want .357 and not a .38...My choice (assuming you have a budget) would be a S&W Model 19, 66, 586 or 686...although there be nothing wrong with a nice older Highway Patrolman/Model 28, if you don’t mind a big ol' hogleg of a pistol.

5heres some solid deals on Model 65’s that are LE turn ins, as well...but no adjustable sights on those K-frames.

No budget? Get thee a Python.

[airslot]

As others have said, for a first revolver avoid the lightweights.

GP100 4" or 6". The 4" is easily concealed OWB, the 6" not so much. Paired with a good lever gun, in this case a Browning 92, and your GTG.

[forester58]

Not a lot of Ruger love so will add some more 357 magnum goodness.

4" Security six and 5" GP100

A pair of 2.75" speed sixes.

[msgt/ret]

For something different try the Dan Wesson pistol pac. It gives your 2 1/2, 4, 6 and 8 inch barrels all fitting the same frame.

[forester58]

For something different try the Dan Wesson pistol pac. It gives your 2 1/2, 4, 6 and 8 inch barrels all fitting the same frame.

In a fit of insanity I let one of those go that I bought new. Shame on me!

[Whammy]

Leaning pretty hard at a 357 over the 44 just because of the larger availability of factory loads. One dumb question what does the dash means like on a 15-2 what does the -2 mean.

[msgt/ret]

Leaning pretty hard at a 357 over the 44 just because of the larger availability of factory loads. One dumb question what does the dash means like on a 15-2 what does the -2 mean.

Generally it refers to a change in the original design like a -1 means a change from original model. You will see it commonly on S&W revolvers with numbers such as a Model 19-4 or 36-3 and so on.

[entertainment72]

If you reload already I'd suggest a 44 Mag and also shoot specials in it. If you don't reload probably a 357 Mag/38 SPL gun is best for you to start with.

My collection is mostly revolvers and one of the next on my wishlist is an S&W Mod 69.

[5lima30ret]

Can't see your pic, @5lima30ret ! Did you "Go Advanced" before you attached it?

Sorry fixed it!

[bmcgilvray]

Leaning pretty hard at a 357 over the 44 just because of the larger availability of factory loads. One dumb question what does the dash means like on a 15-2 what does the -2 mean.

Here's a list, gleaned from the internet, probably originally from an older edition of the Supica/Nahas "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" since it's not completely up to date. It also fails to show every single different model.

Model Number and Design Change Numbering System:

In 1957 Smith & Wesson started their "New" numbering system. Subsequent model changes are designated by a “dash & number”.

"K-Frame” Blue Models:
Model 10:
(-1) 1959 - Heavy Barrel
(-2) 1961 - Changed extractor rod thread to LH on standard barrel model
(-3) 1961 - Changed extractor rod thread to LH on heavy barrel model
(-4) 1962 - Screw in front of trigger guard eliminated on standard barrel model
(-5) 1962 - 1/10" to 1/8" front sight on standard barrel model
(-6) 1962 - Screw in front of trigger guard eliminated on heavy barrel model
(-7) 1977 - Change to put gas ring from yoke to cylinder on standard barrel model
(-8) 1977 - Change to put gas ring from yoke to cylinder on heavy barrel model

Model 12:
(-1) 1962 - Change extractor rod to LH thread, eliminate screw in front of trigger guard
(-2) 1962 - Front sight changed from 1/10" to 1/8"
(-3) 1977 - Gas ring on yoke to cylinder
(-4) 1984 - Change frame thickness to same as all K frames

Model 13:
No designation used in 1957 to avoid confusion with air force model “M-13 Air Crewman”
(-1) 1974 - Re-introduced as “Model 13”
(-2) 1977 - Change back to gas ring on cylinder
(-3) 1982 - Eliminate cylinder counterbore

Models 14,15,16,17,18,48,53:
(All received the same changes and “dash/numbering”)
(-1) 1959 - Change to LH extractor rod thread
(-2) 1961 - Cylinder stop changed, hole in front of trigger guard eliminated
(-3) 1967 - Relocation of rear sight leaf screw
(-4) 1977 - Changed gas ring from yoke to cylinder

Model 19: All of the above changes and
(-1) 1959 - Change to LH extractor rod thread
(-2) 1961 - Cylinder stop changed, hole in front of trigger guard eliminated
(-3) 1967 - Relocation of rear sight leaf screw
(-4) 1977 - Changed gas ring from yoke to cylinder
(-5) 1982 - Eliminate cylinder counterbore

“K-Frame” Stainless Models:
Model 64:
(--) 1970 – Introduced, no dash numbers used during production
(-1) 1972 - Heavy barrel
(-2) 1977 - 2" standard barrel, gas ring from yoke to cylinder
(-3) 1977 - 2” heavy barrel, gas ring from yoke to cylinder

Model 65:
(-1) 1974 - Introduced, no dash numbers used during production
(-2) 1977 - Gas ring from yoke to cylinder
(-3) 1982 - Eliminate cylinder counterbore

Model 66:
(--) 1971 - Introduced, no dash numbers used during production
(-1) 1977 - Gas ring from yoke to cylinder
(-2) 1982 - Eliminate cylinder counterbore

Model 67:
(--) 1972 - Introduced, no dash numbers used during production
(-1) 1977 - Gas ring from yoke to cylinder

“N-Frame” Blue Models:
Models 20,21,22,23,24,25 (except 25-5) 26,27,28, and 29:
(-1) 1960 - Change to LH thread
(-2) 1961 - Cylinder stop changed, hole in front of trigger guard eliminated
(-3) 1982 - Eliminate cylinder counterbore (magnums only)
(-4) 2004 - Thunder Ranch 44 Special, fixed sight

Model 57:
(--) 1964 - Introduced, no dash numbers used during production
(-1) 1982 - Eliminate cylinder counterbore

Model 629:
(--) 1980 - Introduced, no dash numbers used during production
(-1) 1982 - Eliminate cylinder counterbore

Model 25-5 (5 means 45 Colt caliber 125th Anniversary Model):
(-3) 1978 - Standard, Used a shorter than standard cylinder
(-4) 1978 – Deluxe, Used a shorter than standard cylinder
(-7) 1985 - 45 Colt, 5" barrel, unfluted cylinder


Small Frame Revolvers:
Models 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35:
(-1) 1961 - Change from I frame to J frame

Model 36:
(-1) 1967 - Indicates 3" heavy barrel

Models 37, 38, 40, 42, 43, 49, 63, 649, 650, and 651:
No dash numbers used on above numbers

Model 60:
(--) 1965 - Introduced, no dash numbers used during production
(-1) 1972 - Heavy barrel variation made in 1972, not marketed limited production only