TexasCHLforum.com

Looking to purchase a revolver that will give me quality range time and serve as a nightstand piece.

I like the Ruger Blackhawk Convertable 357/9mm but i worry about the SA feature if i need in in the middle of the night.

Suggestions?

A good quality 4-inch .357 Magnum chambered revolver from S&W, Ruger, or Taurus would fit the bill. Unless you really WANT something different/unique, why not go with tried and true.

S&W K-frame revolvers sell used for about $400 depending on model, features etc.

S&W L-frame (686/586) can also be found around $400 used - about $700 new I believe

Ruger GP-100 about same price; Taurus a bit less

Still decent police trade-ins around on all of the above.

Also if you're OK with "only" a .38 in a mid-size 6-shot frame, JG guns out of Arizona still has plenty of trade-in K-frames for less than $250 - models 64, 10, etc. A lot of guys buy these for basic plinkin'/range time and even make good IDPA SSR class guns.

For your stated purpose, I too would go with a DA. You can still fire SA at the range, just as you would have to with the Blackhawk, but also have the advantage of DA if you needed it in the night. I don't know if it is available as the .357/9mm but you can use it as .357/.38.

Another vote for .357/.38 DA.
S&W makes some beauties, especially the 686 if you like stainless or 586 if you like blued.
Dependable, smooth action, accurate.

Look into a S&W 625. You can use .45 ACP out of it (which you probably already have) and if needed reloads can be done with moon clips which are easier and faster.

I'm kicking around the idea of getting a full-size S&W .357 for the same purposes....and *possibly* as an open carry rig (maybe, if that ever happens, I'm still on the fence, but that's a discussion for another time/place)...but it would be a nice carry rig around the house. Of course, my issue with S&W is the "infernal/internal lock" on the new models. I know, I could buy used...but I'd rather buy a new one (without a lock) if possible. A bunch of different models out there.

I've had my eye on a 686 plus lately saw a very gently used one for 599 the other day

I like the Ruger sp101 with a minor fixable twist.

I think the grip is a little undersized. A good hogue grip might be the fix.

Buds Guns has police trade in S&W Model 10's .38 Special with 3" barrels for under 300.

jason237m wrote:Look into a S&W 625. You can use .45 ACP out of it (which you probably already have) and if needed reloads can be done with moon clips which are easier and faster.

This. I have an old S&W M1917 that is a near-perfect nightstand gun. I acquired it specifically so I could have a wheel gun and wouldn't have to stock another size of ammunition. The fact that it's my favorite to shoot is just a bonus. 45 Auto out of a revolver has to be tried to be appreciated.

A-R wrote:
Also if you're OK with "only" a .38 in a mid-size 6-shot frame, JG guns out of Arizona still has plenty of trade-in K-frames for less than $250 - models 64, 10, etc. A lot of guys buy these for basic plinkin'/range time and even make good IDPA SSR class guns.

Thanks for that, I took a look and the price is right on those. Unfortunately, all of them have bobbed hammers.

had an opp to shoot a sp101 last weekend

I am a semi auto guy but I am considering picking up the sp101 to go along with my lcr

buddy had the houge grip on his (similar to the lcr grip) which made it more comfortable shooting some pretty hot loads.

I bought a S&W K98 Target Masterpiece last year for $400 in great shape.
It's the most accurate pistol I own, and I have ...several. It's a pleasure to shoot.
I would recommend it as the ideal weapon for your purpose.

I picked up a 3" SP101 DA/SA last fall and it's been my every day "work" gun and night stand gun ever since. It's one of the few revolvers that my short fingered chunky paws can handle, and the gun just outright points natural. If it wasn't for the fact that I wanted it as a daily carry (to replace a long list of former j-frames), and is limited to 5 rounds, I would probably opt for a GP series or RedHawk. One thing I have really come to appreciate is the simplicity of design of the Rugers which makes detail stripping so easy. In overall quality, the older Smiths and Colts are great, but considering all the new models (price, construction, design) I would have to go with a Ruger.

surv

Well for a nightstand and range only gun I would look no further then a Ruger GP-100, Great gun and built like a tank. If this was ever to be carried on your person, SP-101. No matter how many revolvers I own I always come back to my Rugers as the best bang for the buck in a handgun.