What should my first 2 revolvers be?

[pine creek]

Hi,

I am a beginner with firearms and have a NRA pistol course scheduled soon. I would like my first two handguns to be 2 revolvers....a .22 and a .38 or .38/.357.

For the .22, I really like the S&W Model 617, stainless 4" and for the .38, I like
the S&W Model 67 4" stainless or the Ruger GP100 4" stainless.

Would these models be great choices? Or can you give me other suggestions?

I really dont plan on shooting .357 rounds, to me .357 is just too crazy, loud and not very fun.

Thanks!

[Howard Bullock]

If you use of the .38/.357 is not concealed carry, I would like to recommend a 6" stainless .357. The .357 gives you the flexibility of shooting .38's or full .357 cartridges. If you get into reloading You have a load of fun using .357 brass and varying the charge and bullet weight for a variety of shooting experiences.

I soon plan to pick up a 6" S&W 686 to replace the two Colt .357's I foolishly sold many years ago.

[Xringshooter]

Any of the guns you list would be fine. The 4" .38/.357 is a good alll around gun. I agree with Howard, if you're not going to carry the .357 for protection, etc. and plan on just going to the range for now, you might be better suited with a 6" .357. The longer barrel will help with the sight alignment and if you decide to shoot some magnums the extra weight will help tame them. .357 Mags really aren't all that bad. With the right gun, you'll feel the difference between .38's and the magnums but is not going to tear your arm off.

[rwb1500]

I think you answered your own question.

Great choices. If you can afford them, pick em up, especially the 617. I'm looking for one myself.

[Rundownfid]

I think you answered your own question.

Great choices. If you can afford them, pick em up, especially the 617. I'm looking for one myself.

Ditto, great choices, can't be substantially improved on.

[harold63]

I think you answered your own question.

Great choices. If you can afford them, pick em up, especially the 617.

+2 on the opinion poll

[ksig1869]

S&W 686 or GP100 would be a great choice in my opinion. I've shot both and they are great. Though the 686 is at the top of my list

[Dave_n]

I will make a third for the S&Ws, though if you can find one, the Model 17 in blue with a 6" barrel and 6 x 0.22 LR is superb, plus again if you can find one, its "stable mate" the M14 in 0,38 special with a 6" barrel is the same weight and sight radius as the M17. I have both (from the late 1950s when Smith really made guns) and will not part with them. Very accurate and they evince quite a few "questioning looks" when I show up at the range with them. Dave_n

[hzox221]

My favorite revolver is a S&W M19 4". The gun is a great all around gun at range, carry or hunting.

[Neko456]

I like the 66s and 19s but they are limited to how many 357mags they can shoot. I'd opt for a 4' 686 or 586 usually a smooth trigger and a gun that was made to shoot 357magnum all day long and can shoot the 38spl if you want to.
This gun can be used for hunting (6" is better), range, conceal carry(3" is better), home protection, target shooting or anything you want to use a 357 for the 4" fits all purpose. I've always wanted a 586 to go along with Colt king cobra and 686.

2nd gun get one of the snub nose 357s Ruger or S&W. Colts cost too much now days.