Best Revolver for a Son?

[BE Mike]

As a keepsake that he could be proud to pass down and the fact that he has large hands, I'd suggest a pre-lock Smith & Wesson Model 27-2. It was made when a lot of care was given to quality. The .357 magnum caliber is very versatile and it is capable of shooting .38 SPL ammo. Engraving would negatively affect the value.

 

[Creedmoor]

As a keepsake that he could be proud to pass down and the fact that he has large hands, I'd suggest a pre-lock Smith & Wesson Model 27-2. It was made when a lot of care was given to quality. The .357 magnum caliber is very versatile and it is capable of shooting .38 SPL ammo. Engraving would negatively affect the value.

Why do you say that having it engraved will be a negative?

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I kicked around getting the stainless until I saw the blue, then I jumped on that one like a jungle cat, licked it so nobody else could call dibs, and then did my "I saw it first" dance.

I'm not allowed back in that gun shop.

BBIs and 2 fellow detectives describing how they drive their Chargers with the quickness of a jungle cat when a Wiley Clapp is in stock.

 

[sailordave]

A 4 inch S&W K frame pre-lock.

Exactly my thoughts !

 

[MinuteManMike]

6" .357 magnum.

I want to second this. I bought a (I think) S&W 686 Plus 7 rounder in .357 last year. Really fun.

But if your son is a big guy to go with his big mitts, I'd suggest a .44. The specials are nothing, recoil-wise. And the hot loads are fun too. I kind of wish I'd waited and gone .44 instead of .357.

 

[rugertoter]

Keep sake- not necessarily a carry but something he will enjoy and know the old man loves him. Might have it engraved. Caliber agnostic.

S&W Model 686 Deluxe.

 

[BE Mike]

Why do you say that having it engraved will be a negative?

It i a pre-lock revolver. They are a collectable. Anything done outside of the factory impacts the collector value.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

My dad didn’t. My Dad in-law did… A S&W model 10 with the advice of don’t ever let anything happen to my little girl.

 

[Creedmoor]

It i a pre-lock revolver. They are a collectable. Anything done outside of the factory impacts the collector value.

I'm not so sure, I'm gonna say that if it was done with any true Master Engraver it's a huge plus to the price tag.
So many Masters will do work for many different companies and still do work at home for other customers.

 

[BE Mike]

I'm not so sure, I'm gonna say that if it was done with any true Master Engraver it's a huge plus to the price tag.
So many Masters will do work for many different companies and still do work at home for other customers.

I was basing my opinion on the OP's $1,000 budget.

 

[DadSmith]

My son loves his Ruger Vaquero 45Colt.

Ruger 5104 Vaquero 45 Colt (LC) 5.50' 6 Round Rosewood Grip Stainless Steel

<p>Ruger's Vaquero features a handsome, larger crescent-shaped ejector rod head that boasts traditional form, which makes it perfect for every cowboy or cowgirl. Its patented reverse indexing pawl allows for easier loading and unloading, while the traditional beveled cylinder simplifies...

www.familyfirearms.com

$738

 

[Mike Maddox]

User needs to try several, for carry all four of my daughters are using J frame Smiths. As an instructor, I send a lot of time and effort getting people to explore and experience all options.

 

[1nderbeard]

A year ago I would have said Ruger over S&W. But the last few pistols from Ruger (SP 100 and SR22) have been sent back to the factory for work.
I think the older Rugers would be good, or the pre lock S&W.
As of now there is a Ruger 357 in the classifieds that would be good (Edit - this probably isn't what you would consider "really nice." I was thinking more of a utility gun).

With that said, for any carry application you should seriously consider a reliable semi auto.

 

[Creedmoor]

As a keepsake that he could be proud to pass down and the fact that he has large hands, I'd suggest a pre-lock Smith & Wesson Model 27-2. It was made when a lot of care was given to quality. The .357 magnum caliber is very versatile and it is capable of shooting .38 SPL ammo. Engraving would negatively affect the value.

I was basing my opinion on the OP's $1,000 budget.

Because pre-lock 27-2's that are worth buying are priced under $1,000 lol

 

[Creedmoor]

Nice = $1k, doesn’t have to be new, but would lean that way. The kid has large bricks for hands. More of a gift that he will enjoy and hold onto forever. Maybe an engraving.
Not necessary a carry.

I asked my sons what handguns that had been gifted to them have they enjoyed and used more over the past 5-7 years.
One said the SR25 "he wishes" an the other said the 41 Smith that I bought for him.
At a Tipton show I bought him a 99.7% 5 1/2" new model 41 for either $925.00 or $950.00
Great pistols.

 

[way2good4u95]

Before my grandfather passed, he gave me his S&W 686. With a 6 inch barrel, I cannot fathom trying to carry it but I love taking it to the range. Before that, I had a taurus model 66 with a 4 inch barrel and I love that revolver too.

 

[BE Mike]

Because pre-lock 27-2's that are worth buying are priced under $1,000 lol

Because pre-lock 27-2'sg that are worth buying are priced under $1,000 lol

There's one right now on Gunbroker for a buy now price of $1,000. It pays to shop around!

 

[Creedmoor]

There's one right now on Gunbroker for a buy now price of $1,000. It pays to shop around!

Boy you showed me, with that honey of a specimen.

 

[Creedmoor]

Because pre-lock 27-2's that are worth buying are priced under $1,000 lol

There's one right now on Gunbroker for a buy now price of $1,000. It pays to shop around!

Boy you showed me, with that honey of a specimen.

Your worth buying and my worth buying are miles apart.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

There's one right now on Gunbroker for a buy now price of $1,000. It pays to shop around!

I haven't looked yet. Was it tied to a bumper and driven down 15 miles of gravel road and then buried in a salt pit? originally barrel swapped out for a Taurus? Price includes the electrical tape on the grip frame to replace the missing wood?

*edit*

Ok, I looked. Not *that* bad at all.