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handgun?

bluecollar
What would be a good starting revolver for a moderately experienced handgunner? The biggest selling points being reliability, simplicity, accuracy I was looking at single-actions. It wouldnt be used as a carry gun so no need for a snubby, most likely for range shooting and eventually hunting. At under $450, where would be the first place to look?

"We must all fear evil men, but there is another kind of fear we must fear most...and that is the indifference of good men"
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • gap1916
    Ruger single action 41mag. S&W Model 57 41mag Hunting being the optimum word in your request. My 2 cents [8D]

    Greg
    Former Marine
    A N G L I C O
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  • ginmaster
    I second what gap1916 has advised. Can't go wrong, but be prepared to reload. 41mag ammo isn't easily found and is not as cheap as 9mm.

    Born To Hunt... Forced To Work... #@!#$!!
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  • bluecollar
    Sorry to repost on my own thread, but what would be a good barrel length? ive heard anything more than 3 to 7 1/2 the absolute minimum, but some of em sound like they have a goat that lays eggs. Is there a bottom length, or a most desireable?
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  • ginmaster
    My 41 is 4 5/8 long and it shooting pretty tight (kill zone on a deer) at 50 yrds. I have no doubt once I start reloading and shooting more ammo it will tighten up and extend out. The usual rule is the the longer the better, it gets every bit of velocity out of the powder burn and the sights are more spread apart. The results of a longer barrel is more punch and better accuaracy. You might ask why then does ginmaster have a 4 5/8 inch barrel on his 41 mag. First it's a side arm for hunting and I don't like lugging two biggins around. Second it's fun shooter and I like a challenge.

    Born To Hunt... Forced To Work... #@!#$!!
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  • gap1916
    4 to 6 inches. My 2 cents [8D]

    Greg
    Former Marine
    A N G L I C O
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  • SIRBLADE
    RUGER, RUGER, RUGER[:D] YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!!
    AS FOR CALIBER THAT DEPENDS WHAT U WANT TO HUNT.
    NOTHING BEATS THE FUN OF A GOOD OLD 357 SINCE YOU CAN SHOOT 38 SPECIAL'S FOR LESS RECOIL. YOU CAN TAKE A DEER WITH A HOT LOADED 357 BUT IT IS NOT GOING TO HAVE THE ENGERY AS A LARGER CALIBER. I SUGEST TWO PISTOLS 357 FOR FUN AND A 454 CASUL FOR DEER BOAR OR BLACK BEAR.

    RIGHT WEAPON FOR THE RIGHT JOB!
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  • gotstolefrom
    I posted some of this on a related topic yesterday.

    My key points from your post..'starting' , single actions , under 450.

    IMHO the Ruger Super Blackhawk, 44mag, 7.5" bbl. Fills the bill best for you. A used piece in good shape should be a consideration too. I say 44 mag (instead of 41 mag) because ammo is more common. Until you start reloading to improve performance you can shoot 44 spl and mag to get to know the gun. I also hold to the accuracy advantages of a longer bbl over velocity considerations. I have had other mag wheel guns, and still have a Smith that I will pass to my kids, so I am not a RUGER ONLY man, it just fits the SA - hunt - economically need very well.



    If we do not hang together,
    We will most certainly hang separately.
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  • Snellstrom
    All great guns everyone has mentioned but I need to throw in the .45 Long Colt. Ammunition is everywhere for these now ( thanks to Cowboy Action shooting ) and if you do start loading you can load a .45 up on par with the excellent .44 mag. Mine is a Ruger Blackhawk.
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  • heavyiron
    Hi Bluecollar,

    Great question and a variety of possible responses.

    Since it appears you haven't previously owned a handgun (?) and you looking for reliability, simplicity, accuracy, and a moderate price my vote would be for a Ruger Blackhawk in either 44 Mag or 357 Mag.

    If you are basically a casual target shooter (not used to recoil), my suggestion would be the 357. These are fun to shoot and can be mastered with a little practice. There is a huge variety of economical factory ammo for this caliber.

    If you plan to use this gun for hunting deer and larger animals, I would suggest the 44 Mag. It has enough power for deer sized animals, but will take a little more practice to manage the hunting type shots that will be required in the field. There is a variety of facory ammo.

    Best wishes,

    HI
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