Soliciting advice on choosing ONE handgun...

[Lloyd Smale]

you didnt mention big game hunting so i will recomend a round i usually dont care for. The 357 mag. If i were you id find myself a 686 smith 4 inch.

...for several roles.  Home defense, non-competitive target shooting, predators bothering goats and chickens, etc., etc.  You get the idea.  I'm also on a budget, so I'm looking in the $400 range.  I'm still undecided about auto vs. wheelgun.  For simplicity's sake, I'm considering a SAA clone in .357 or .45 colt.  On the auto side, a P-series Ruger is a possibility, a Taurus DA auto might fit the bill, and then there's the S&W Sigma which seems to be a good value.

What do you like for gun/caliber combinations where cost has to be kept down and versatility is an issue?

[Will_C]

I'm  with Lloyd. Finding a 686 for $400 might be tough, but it would be worth the search. My first handgun was a 686 6", and I have never regretted it.
Will

[warrior1]

azmark, before you bid on one of them net guns be sure to check the shipping costs and what your local ffl will charge for a transfer. sometimes these costs can add another 25 - 40% to the costs of a gun.Still, there are  some good deals to be had on one of the aforementioned auction sights. one last thing , if you are thinking 38 special
get a 357mag ,then you have the flexibility to use either 38special or 357 mag. good luck,dan.

[azmark]

Hey, guys, if I get a gun that needs refinishing, is that something I can expect to be able to do myself at home?

[blhof]

I've bought at least 2 guns and several barrels from Gunbroker;  I always check the feedback of the seller.  I've had no bad deals and even got a Ruger advertised as like new in the original box and unfired.  Even after transfer fee, I saved over $150 from what they were selling locally.  Also the transfer fee may be less than the sales tax in your state.  I've also shopped on Auction arms and GunsAmerica; again I check the sellers feedback before bidding.

[Ak.Hiker]

The 4 inch Smith & Wesson model 10 would be a very good choice. Loaded with the 158 LSWCHP +P it will take care of your needs. I would also keep an eye out for a good used 4 inch 357 Magnum.

[azmark]

I've been off the forum for a while...I'm in MD on a business trip (can't avoid work) so I haven't had much spare time.  Taking a break right now from meeting prep.  I've been able to check auctions and I may be able to get a decent model 10 for not much over $200 + delivery and transfer fee.  I've also looked into .45s.  I went to m1911.org, and there seems to be lots of positive feedback on the Rock Island Armory 1911 mil-spec.  Belleshireguns on gunbroker is selling them for $360 new.  After reading what people had to say, I may put them on my short list.

[SHOOTALL]

find a store that deals in police trade in guns , around here they are in the 225- 375 range for 357's some ruger most S&W ! good luck ! check sales papers , auctions and news paper also .

[tallpaul]

If only ONE  pistol I  can NOT see or justify a model 10... I have a few and LOVE EM- BUT if I only want one it would be a .357 for the versatility and the ability to shoot more ammo. You can shoot the .38's and the longer mags. I shoot alot of .38 through my mags. A model 65 or 13 have all the features of a model 10 but are chambered for the mag. Also a .357 mag will be legal for big game in some areas where a .38 won't

[sidekick]

S&W 629 with 4 inch barrel is my preference, though admittedly more than necessary for varmints, and probably over $400 used. Any quality DA revolver .357, 4 to 6 inch barrel, preferably SS, would be an acceptable choice in my opinion for your expressed uses, and cheaper, more available, etc., than a used 629.

[jsoukup]

Wasn't there a 357 version of the 10, like a 13? Same configuration, heavy barrel fixed sights, lots of police guns.

[azmark]

I found 2 police trade-in model 65s today at a local shop.  They were asking $385 each.  The one I handled must have been dropped because it had a chip in both front and rear sights and the checkering on the hammer was scuffed.  Other than that, it seemed like it just needed a good cleaning.  The price seemed kind of high considering the damage, even though it was minor.  Can anybody guess what a reasonable price might be?  I don't own a blue book.  I've been watching model 10s, too, and I'm sure I can get one for $300 or less even with shipping and transfer.

[buck460XVR]

I'm  with Lloyd. Finding a 686 for $400 might be tough, but it would be worth the search. My first handgun was a 686 6", and I have never regretted it.
Will

I hafta agree with both of the above posters.......after owning several different handguns, if i could only have one for a all around gun for most everything but CCW, it would be a  6"  .357, preferably  a 686. JMHO.

[Tom W.]

I'd say go with a Ruger .357 d.a. revolver if you can, preferably in Stainless. They can be found, if you're not in too big of a hurry to get one.


I have a Colt Government model that I like to carry, but more and more it stays home in favor of my Security Six 4" stainless... There's a lot less that can go wrong with a D.A. revolver...

[SHOOTALL]

I saw a S&W 66 for 329.00 in good shape

[usbone1]

I own a Smith Scandium .45 for concealed carry in Floriduh and possess a .357 Ruger GP (stainless six inch).   At night my Ruger is loaded by my bed, with speed loaders available.  The only time I pulled it out for real, I learned I needed night sights installed yesterday.  Am looking now for a smaller Ruger 101/331 to wear concealed. 

Find a stainless revolver (either .38/.357) and a gunsmith you trust.  I don't want to be hit in the chest with today's .38 special ammo, much less .357 rounds. 

[SHOOTALL]

usbone1 tell us about those night sights . Were they easy to install ?

[usbone1]

Have not gotten night sights on my Ruger GP yet...still researching for the simple/best avenue.  I don't like flashlights at night, and am in need of some serious study.

[SHOOTALL]

i had a S&W 19 with factory night sights once , i will look also you have a good idea !