Looking for a self-defense revolver

[Radtgaeb]

Hey all! I was referred to this site by my roommate and just thought I'd post a question:
I'm looking for a good carry revolver. I'm pretty set on having a revolver due to reliability purposes. However, I wouldn't be opposed to getting an automatic if it's truly worth it.

I know the advantages of automatics: faster ROF and higher capacity magazine. However, I don't know like the possibility of it jamming. As far as automatics go, I like the price on the CZ-82s that AIM surplus has.

But, as I've made clear, I truly like revolvers. My question is what caliber would be best? I'm kind of strapped for cash, so something below $600 is ideal. Are the Mosin-Nagant pistols any good?

Thanks!

 

[Joe Williams]

Don't depend on a Mosin Nagant pistol for defense.

There are lots of VERY good revolvers in your price range. My recommendation for caliber is .38 Special/.357 Magnum. If you get a .357 you can shoot .38 Specials and .38 +Ps in it also. The reverse is NOT true.

One of my favorite guns of all time is a 3" Ruger SP101. A review I wrote can be found here:

Ruger SP101 w/ 3 1/6" Barrel Review

The 5 shot capacity is a limitation. You have to decide for yourself if you are comfortable with that. The GP100 is an excellent revolver but bigger and heavier. S&W revolvers are also excellent.

 

[IDCC]

You can find several brand new revolvers for less than $600. 357Mag/38Spl The Ruger Gp-100 and SP-101 and several S&W's . You can find Glocks and S&W M&Ps around $500. Right now other than capacity the main problem with revolvers is that 357 mag/38spl is a lot more expensive than 9mm and a little more than 40 cal.

 

[Archbishop]

Mosin Nagent is a collector's piece more than a carry piece. That being said I'd use if I had to. $600 will buy you a pretty nice revolver. I know some will chime in for S&W, but for my money, $300+ will buy you a nice taurus 85 38sp. What size you should buy has a lot to do with what you're comfortable with. I suggest taking a basic class and see if you can also get a chance to handle different pistols. That way you'll have the safety and operation AND get a chance to try different guns. I personally carry a 357 when I carry revolver. To each their own though.

 

[Radtgaeb]

Thanks for the replies!

That Ruger looks *right* up my alley. I was considering Taurus's CIA line...however, I have rather large hands and wonder if that'd be a little unwieldy. I'm a big fan of Taurus's pricing. How do you all feel about the 410 Judge line?

 

[TopDog]

Don't depend on a Mosin Nagant pistol for defense.

There are lots of VERY good revolvers in your price range. My recommendation for caliber is .38 Special/.357 Magnum. If you get a .357 you can shoot .38 Specials and .38 +Ps in it also. The reverse is NOT true.

One of my favorite guns of all time is a 3" Ruger SP101. A review I wrote can be found here:

Ruger SP101 w/ 3 1/6" Barrel Review

The 5 shot capacity is a limitation. You have to decide for yourself if you are comfortable with that. The GP100 is an excellent revolver but bigger and heavier. S&W revolvers are also excellent.

With everything said. Unless you are going to open carry solely, then the GP100 is not a great choice. If you going to go as large as a GP100 the S&W 686 is about the same size, a bit more expensive but I think you can pick one up in your price range.

 

[Eiffelman]

Sounds like an excellent revolver although a little on the heavy side. I wonder why Ruger just can't make a 6 shot SP101.

 

[cce1302]

My vote goes to the 4" GP100. It's a brilliant revolver. Don't worry about the cost of ammo. I never spend as much money shooting my .357s as I do when I shoot my automatics. Probably something about the nature of the revolver makes me take my time when I'm shooting, reloading more often, etc. I can really go through ammo with my 9mm because I have 4 15 rd magazines. Load up the magazines, line them up, empty them, and that's already more than a box of ammo in about 2 minutes. with the GP100, you load 6 rounds, fire them, load 6 more, shoot. you get more than 8 cylinders from one box of 50.
What part of Indiana do you live in? If you're around South Bend, I can let you shoot my GP100 some time before you buy.

If you're not opposed to buying used, there are plenty of used S&W .357s in your price range as well. I don't think you can go wrong with the quality found in either S&W or Ruger revolvers (and both are made in USA!).

 

[Bigg Dogg]

Ruger SP101 no doubt. Plink with 38 carry 357 best all around in my opinion.

 

[clt46910]

Everyone has their favorite. I like the S&W Mod 19 or 66 in a two and a half inch round butt. I have one of each.

I practice with 38's and carry .357's.

 

[clt46910]

My pair to give you a idea. With your larger hands you might like one with the larger grips.

 

[mrjarrell]

Taurus makes some solid revolvers and they're at a good price point. I've got a 23 year old .357 from Taurus and it's been a champ. I also carry a S&W in .357. It's a good one, too. Most of the time, tho I carry a Charter Arms revolver in .44 Special. It's become my winter gun. Take your time and search around the gun shows and shops. Better to find just the right one for you than to hurry up and get the wrong gun.

 

[wtfd661]

As everybody else has recommended go with the .357 mag. great SD round. My choice would be the Ruger sp101. I had one and it is a fantastic revolver. A little on the heavy side but it will last forever. Just make sure to get a good holster and use a belt that is made for carrying guns (I have a belt from Cabelas that is double thick leather and it does make a difference). You can carry reloads in either a speed loader or on a strip. Make sure you post what you bought with some good old fashioned gun porn

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

+1 ON the gun porn!! Show us when you get it! The others are right. Smith, Ruger, Taurus, find what you like. Do consider whether you want to carry concealed, or just plink and defend the fort. That will help you determine best size. Try 'em out at shows and shops to see what FEELS best. If it don't feel right and carry comfortably, you won't carry it, if that's one of the things you want to do. Just take your time, and be sure to show us what you end up with.
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[Joe Williams]

Sounds like an excellent revolver although a little on the heavy side. I wonder why Ruger just can't make a 6 shot SP101.

They do, in .327 Magnum. I would recommend that, except ammo is something I've only seen in stores a couple times around her, and I've not actually shot one. I would really like to have one, though.

There are 3" GP100s out there, also, that can make excellent carry guns if you don't need deep concealment. They have fixed sights, a half lug, and the SP101 grip frame, very popular with those who have them, and another gun I'd like to get my hands on someday.

 

[Joe Williams]

My pair to give you a idea. With your larger hands you might like one with the larger grips.

Those are some beauties!

 

[Radtgaeb]

My pair to give you a idea. With your larger hands you might like one with the larger grips.

Too right! I really like that blued one, the grip looks just my size. What's that exact model?

 

[ludlow]

I agree with the .357 idea (can shoot .38 spcl and .357). Taurus pieces are reasonably priced and not bad for what you pay. For your price range you can find some nice used, S&W guns as well.

 

[redneckpastor]

Don't depend on a Mosin Nagant pistol for defense.

There are lots of VERY good revolvers in your price range. My recommendation for caliber is .38 Special/.357 Magnum. If you get a .357 you can shoot .38 Specials and .38 +Ps in it also. The reverse is NOT true.

One of my favorite guns of all time is a 3" Ruger SP101. A review I wrote can be found here:

Ruger SP101 w/ 3 1/6" Barrel Review

The 5 shot capacity is a limitation. You have to decide for yourself if you are comfortable with that. The GP100 is an excellent revolver but bigger and heavier. S&W revolvers are also excellent.

true story here, but first off i dont like revolvers mainly because of the recoil, and less rounds! BUT with the 357 i highly recommend shooting the .38 with it it cause anything bigger and your taking your hand for a ride!

 

[Mgderf]

They do, in .327 Magnum. I would recommend that, except ammo is something I've only seen in stores a couple times around her, and I've not actually shot one. I would really like to have one, though.

There are 3" GP100s out there, also, that can make excellent carry guns if you don't need deep concealment. They have fixed sights, a half lug, and the SP101 grip frame, very popular with those who have them, and another gun I'd like to get my hands on someday.

Taurus also makes a 6-shot .327 federal magnum, and it is great! BUT, it DOES kick like a mule! That, and ammo availability is sporadic at best.

My everyday carry piece is a Taurus model 605 .357mag 5-shot in total titanium. It weighs just 16oz empty! I swear, adding 5 rounds of SJHP's almost DOUBLE the weight.

I used to carry a Taurus model 607 .357mag 7-shot, which MAY fit your larger hand better, but rather feels like you have a brick strapped to your belt!

You can get a brand new Taurus, most ANY model, for that $600.
I like the Judge, and I own a nice one, but I would NOT recommend it for a carry piece. It's just WAY too big!