Looking for a revolver

mtmorto · Mar 29, 2013

Hey all,

I'm looking for a revolver to use for concealed carry. I'm trying to decide what brand and model to get. I've narrowed it down to a Taurus Model 85, Ruger SP101, and a S&W Model 637. I'm a college student so I don't have a ton of money, so the purchase would be used. I've got a couple questions for you guys. First: does anyone here have experience with any of the above revolvers? I am looking for a snub nose so it's easier to carry. Second: Does anyone in the Greenville/Clemson area have one that they would be willing to let me try out? I'm trying to do as much research as possible to make an informed decision. I keep flip-flopping between the three models mentioned above. Thanks in advance.

bilall · Mar 29, 2013

I have a Taurus Model 85 Stainless Ultralight .38 Special with +P capability.
It is very inexpensive as revolvers go, usually under $300 new.
It has a 2" barrel and an exposed hammer. Some people do not like exposed hammers for CC. I like it because it lets me shoot single action when I want to.
I'm not wild about the color of the finish, but it's not really too bad.
I've put several hundred rounds through this revolver and all I can say is that it performs flawlessly. Accuracy is excellent, and recoil is not an issue with standard .38 loads. I shoot mostly 125 grain FMJ for practice.
I've used the S&W Model 642 and the Ruger LCR and the Taurus 85 compares very favorably to them at significantly lower cost.
About the only change I would consider is changing the grips to something a little larger if you have big hands, but larger grips affect CC.
You might want to visit the SCACA Gun Show in Greenville on April 6-7 at TD center to look around.

PANZER22 · Mar 30, 2013

I have a like new Smith and Wesson mod 36 "Chiefs Special" 38 special cal with the 3 inch barrel and 5 shot cylinder........This is a fantastic carry gun............I don't know how available these are, but it wouldn't hurt to try and locate one....

I have posted a pic of mine in "Show us your revolvers" pg 3

TheSwampFox · Mar 31, 2013

I have the taurus 605 which is the 85 chambered for .357. My only complaint is the heavy trigger pull. After about 50 rounds I'm tired of shooting it so getting decent practice in is hard. Its around 12# so I have a wolff 9# spring on the way. As far as accuracy and reliabiliity go I haven't had any issues. I too like an exposed hamer. For the money I think its a good gun.

Tigerstripe · Mar 31, 2013

easist to carry is my S&W 386. 7 shot 357 Airweight/titanium cylinder. weighs 17 ounces but now they cost about a grand.

Chili · Mar 31, 2013

If you plan on keeping it for a very long time, I'd go with the Taurus. The Smith should be the lightest if your gonna carry it in your pocket.

bigfutz · Apr 1, 2013

I don't have personal experience, but I hear good
things about the 327 Federal Magnum. Smaller and less recoil than a .357
but with similar results. I know both Taurus and Ruger make them. I have seen Taurus models on CDNN (though they are on my gouger blacklist).

Dave29461 · Apr 1, 2013

I bought a Ruger SP101 in .327 Mag. for my wife's house gun. With a 3" barrel, it is easy to conceal and is very manageable to shoot. My wife started with .32 S&W Long followed by .32 H&R Magnum then .327 mag. Rounds. She had no problem shooting accurately. It is more than powerful enough to use for CCW. I'll bring it to Shootzenfest and you can try before you buy.

Dave

mtmorto · Apr 11, 2013

Thanks for all the replies, guys. I really appreciate it. Dave, what is shootzenfest and when and where is it? I assume it's a type of gun show/range time or something. I'm new to all this haha.

Tigerstripe · Apr 11, 2013

we havent set a day yet.

its where we get together and shoot up all the newest members ammo. :lol:

Dave29461 · Apr 11, 2013

ORRRRRRRRRRR It is where you can try out some firearms you've never had the opportunity to shoot. If you bring good quality ammo with you in popular calibers you can shoot just about anything. If you want to try a caliber that is not high on the food chain I don't believe anyone I've met at a Shootzenfest would say no. Of course, you can always offer to pay for the rounds you shoot. 338 Lapua is around 10-15 dollars a pop.

We have great people on this Forum who enjoy sharing almost as much as shooting. Hope to see you there.
Dave