Revolver rabbit hole!

[SQLGeek]

That sent me down a research rabbit hole. Interesting. Looks like Smith & Wesson mismarked a bunch of 681s as 68-1.

The original Model 68 was a 6" K frame chambered in .38 for the CHP to handle .38 Special +P+.

 

[toddnjoyce]

That sent me down a research rabbit hole. Interesting. Looks like Smith & Wesson mismarked a bunch of 681s as 68-1.

The original Model 68 was a 6" K frame chambered in .38 for the CHP to handle .38 Special +P+.

Pretty much that’s what I’ve found. There’s a question as to whether a recall was performed on this one. Rumor says some slipped out the door with Mod. 68 stamped, and when recalled they added the -1. Then, for the -1s that went out, there was an M added to the end and new builds were a -2.

I want to get a letter for it, but never been motivated enough.

 

[runnin2live]

Smith first, Ruger a close second


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[CodyK]

I was lucky enough to get a Smith and Wesson Model 29 today. Go big or go home!! Gonna be at the range when they open in the morning.


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[satx78247]

Decided I “need” a revolver. First thought was to get a Taurus or something inexpensive (came close to ordering a Taurus .44 magnum off grabagun) but I really want a S&W or Ruger. Trying to study up on different models, but the Smith and Wesson .357’s have me going in circles! There’s the model 19, the 60, and the 686! There are K frames and L frames! This may take some book learnin’ before I figure out what to get.


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CodyK,

Even though I've been a COLT guy since 1966, I would suggest that you find & buy a good/used RUGER SPEED SIX.

The Speed Six is UGLY & CLUNKY but it is a TANK, is AMERICAN MADE, relatively inexpensive, seldom breaks but it is easy to repair if it does & will outlast me & you both. - The Speed Six is also CONCEALABLE, when compared to many .38SPL/.357MAG revolvers.
(The RUGER SERVICE SIX is also TOUGH, CHEAP TO BUY & LONGLASTING.)

just my OPINION, satx

 

[PinnedandRecessed]

My vote would be for a 686.

Make that a 686 Plus. You get an extra round for free.

 

[Jon Payne]

If you’re going to get a wheel gun.. .


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[Moonpie]

A solid contender here is the currently made Ruger GP-100.
Ruger is now making a seven shot .357mag version.
The gun is strong enough for nuke'um from orbit loads.
I'd advise against any of the older Security or Speed Six models as they are no longer supported by Ruger. So no parts or service.

 

[Jakashh]

Dude. Come to one of our meets when the lockdown stops. You will be overwhelmed. For myself, I prefer the S&W's for their refinement. But if I had to absolutely rely on one, if take my GP100. They're built like tanks.

To add to this, I’ve owned both a Ruger Redhawk Hunter with a 7.5” barrel and a Smith & Wesson Model 29 with an 8 3/8” barrel.

The Model 29 does look nicer and more refined but it slaps like hell with the factory wood grip when shooting winchester white box 240 gr magnums.

The Redhawk Hunter shooting the same ammo on the factory wood grip was far more pleasurable to shoot, and didn’t cause any physical pain. Of course this may differ on your hands and grip choice and what not, but the added weight of the Redhawk due to its bulk really does soak up the recoil and make the gun a great shooting experience compared to the Smith & Wesson. The cylinder is also longer so you can shoot hotter loads with bigger bullets that wouldn’t fit in the smith’s cylinder and be able to close, like Buffalo Bore 340 gr +P+ magnum loads.

Both guns are accurate as hell, but I think the Ruger would be able to take more abuse all the while. I can only speak for the 44 Magnum version of the Ruger as that’s all I’ve owned from them.

 

[avvidclif]

You've gotten some good advice but I'll add a bit more. I'm a Smith fan but you can't go wrong with either S&W or Ruger. I do like shooting the GP100s as well, especially in 10mm.

Smith & Wesson revolvers have a letter system for their frame sizes.

J frames are the small ones, usually snubnoses and generally 5 shots in .38 or .357. They're made more for carry than extended shooting.

K frames are, as said, the next size up and were made for carrying more than shooting but will do fine with a diet of mostly .38 Special. It seems their issues with forcing cones cracking are mainly with the lighter .357 loads like 125 gr. From my reading, it doesn't seem quite as pronounced with the 158 gr .357 loads. A modern production K-frame such as a new Model 19 shouldn't have this problem.

The L frames are the 586/686 and a bit larger. They were introduced to address the K frame issues. A good revolver for shooting and still carrying if needed. The 686 is a joy to shoot. The 986 chambered in 9mm is a blast but pretty expensive. You can also get the 686+ which holds 7 rounds of .38/.357.

If you want a hard hitter, you can get an L frame Model 69 Combat Magnum in .44 Magnum.

The N frames are the big ones. Model 27/28 in .357, Model 29 in .44 Magnum. Model 625 is in .45 ACP and fed with moonclips. The Model 610 is 10mm also fed by moonclicps.

Model numbers that start with a 6 are stainless steel. Without, they're blued. So a 586 is a blued L frame .357 while a 686 is a stainless L frame .357.

A Model 29 is a blued .44 Magnum N frame while a 629 is a stainless steel .44 Manum N frame.

I would try as many as you can. If you were to pick just one, it's hard to go wrong with a 686.

You left out the last one. Those hand cannons they forgot the wheels for. 460 and 500 Smith versions. I believe they are X frame.

 

[SQLGeek]

I ignored the X frame for the purposes of that post but you're absolutely correct.

I'd classify the X frame guns as "The Monsters".

 

[SQLGeek]

I was lucky enough to get a Smith and Wesson Model 29 today. Go big or go home!! Gonna be at the range when they open in the morning.


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We need details and pictures.

Which dash model? Barrel length?

 

[CodyK]

It’s a 29-2 (3T) 8 5/8” barrel. Just got home from the range. Smiling like a Cheshire Cat!!! What a cannon! I was wondering about the target trigger it has. Are they meant to shoot more double action? I started shooting single action, and I’m guessing the pull was less than a pound! Touchy as hell! For sone reason it’s not letting me post a pic. I’ll try again later.


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[SQLGeek]

Pinned and Recessed with the Target features. Awesome. The ribbed wide trigger and wide hammer are made to shoot primarily in single action. You can, of course, shoot double action as well. They really sing in single action though.

 

[Jakashh]

It’s a 29-2 (3T) 8 5/8” barrel. Just got home from the range. Smiling like a Cheshire Cat!!! What a cannon! I was wondering about the target trigger it has. Are they meant to shoot more double action? I started shooting single action, and I’m guessing the pull was less than a pound! Touchy as hell! For sone reason it’s not letting me post a pic. I’ll try again later.


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Welcome to the club, congrats!

 

[Mohawk600]

I have had two Taurus revolvers.....a 686 clone and one of the snubnosed .357's. No longer have the 4" but still have the snubbie.....they have both been fine for me. I have a Ruger SP101 with crimson trace grips.....very solid......it's definitely a keeper forever. I also have an Iver Johnson .22 but it has to be loaded through a gate so isn't that fast but it is fun.

 

[Mohawk600]

I would love to get a .44 mag someday.

 

[Mohawk600]

You left out the last one. Those hand cannons they forgot the wheels for. 460 and 500 Smith versions. I believe they are X frame.

I've heard the 500 Smith is just a punisher and not pleasant to shoot.

 

[CodyK]

Maybe I’m a little weird, but this damn gun makes me feel so good! When I got my first 1911, I remember being really happy, but having this in my collection takes it to another level! I texted a pic to my brother, who has the Model 28 with an 8 5/8” barrel, and he’s dying to get this outta my hands! NOT HAPPENING! Not a great pic, I couldn’t get any of my others to post, but here it is!

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[SQLGeek]

Ya done good but you need the wood target stocks to complete the look.

Those are probably more comfortable to shoot though.