Revolvers. I need ideas 💡

[Talyn]

Diamondback SDR 3-Inch Review: Timeless Reliability

Running a revolver for self-defense is not a handicap, and the Diamondback SDR proves it.

gundigest.com

SDR

diamondbackfirearms.com

HOME

Featured SALES 25% OFF SALES DB15 .223 Wylde Diamond Series 18″ Upper Assembly w/ 15″ M-Lok Anti-Rotation S Rail, Black $309.00 – $438.98 SDR 3″, UM Tactical Qualifier Holster, AMBI, Black $49.00 SDR-A 2″, DeSantis Nemesis N38 Pocket Carry Holster, Black $34.99 DB15 5.56 NATO DIAMOND SERIES 16″...

diamondbackfirearms.com

 

[Jsimon78]

Yes, I highly recommend that she try some rental guns first.
There are tons of good revolvers out there. They come in all sizes and weights. S&W, Colt and Ruger are at the top of the list. But for something that she won't shoot a lot, there are other cheaper options.
There are tons of good used revolvers out there. Don't be afraid to buy used if you know how to check one over properly.
Generally, for a woman's home defense revolver, I recommend a medium frame revolver in .38 Special. The S&W "K" frames and similar being the perfect candidates. I try to stay away from the small framed guns. Especially for a beginner. Most find the recoil is too much and won't practice with them enough to learn to shoot it well. Large framed guns may be too heavy or unwieldy for them to shoot well. I've noticed that several people are recommending the S&W "L" frame guns. Great guns to be sure but they may also fall into that too heavy category for her. Same for the Ruger GP-100. However, some women will surprise you and take to a certain gun you never expected. So its best to let her try several and pick her own.

That’s where I’m at currently. My other problem is finding places out here to rent them. I started looking and found a place or two. My only problem is they aren’t open on Sundays.

 

[Jsimon78]

just sayin' too that the GP 100 that i have, holds 7 rounds

i forgot to mention that ealrier.

Something is better than nothing.

 

[Grayfox]

That’s where I’m at currently. My other problem is finding places out here to rent them. I started looking and found a place or two. My only problem is they aren’t open on Sundays.

Do you have shooting buddies that own revolvers? Most shooters are pretty friendly. I sure if you asked someone at the local range that they'd be happy to let your Mom try whatever they have.

 

[Musashi]

Having just purchased a 686 plus and putting 200 rds thru it the other day, I can attest that it is a beautiful piece. I love the boom. However, my wife has a hard time overcoming that first pull at 9-10#’s on her Python. She shoots it single action and prefers 38 special. Both of ours are 4”. I might also consider a 22 mag for a woman.

 

[Jsimon78]

Do you have shooting buddies that own revolvers? Most shooters are pretty friendly. I sure if you asked someone at the local range that they'd be happy to let your Mom try whatever they have.

Not really. I kinda like the lone wolf idea. All my friends are severel hours away. The only reason I started going back to Iowa again is because of my mom. I’ll be blunt on this. I’d go somewhere else if I didn’t work so much and have her try stuff out.

 

[Jsimon78]

Having just purchased a 686 plus and putting 200 rds thru it the other day, I can attest that it is a beautiful piece. I love the boom. However, my wife has a hard time overcoming that first pull at 9-10#’s on her Python. She shoots it single action and prefers 38 special. Both of ours are 4”. I might also consider a 22 mag for a woman.

That’s worth a try.

 

[Annihilator]

I’m going to be a little different, I love the S&W 686, owned several over the years, but for mom, I will suggest S&W K frame, maybe like a model 10 in .38 or a model 19 in 38/357 both with the 4” barrel, these are somewhat lighter in weight the the S&W 686, like it was said, try to rent one if possible…..btw, I love my Rossi RM66 also

 

[HayesGreener]

I would steer clear of Airweight revolvers. They are painful to shoot. An all steel or stainless J Frame or K Frame will absorb much of the recoil. L frames as well but we are getting heavier. I would have my students handle an assortment until they found one that felt right in the hand

 

[WellArmed]

There's only an approximate 1 to 2 ounce or less difference and you get an extra round with the L-frame versus going J-frame. If you go with the L-frame Mountain Gun or Night Gaurd, it will have an extra round and be lighter than K-Frames. Plus, the L-frame will be more robust.

That said, I highly doubt mom will like a gun as big and heavy as a GP100 or K- or L-frame.

 

[Old_Me]

I would steer clear of Airweight revolvers. They are painful to shoot.

yes, yes they are.....i had one.......ordinary 38 specials made my hand hurt....

cleaned it, dumped it.

all steel for me.

 

[Retired Bum]

My wife loves her Smith model 60 with pachmayr grips on it...

That is only one of 25 to 30 Smith revolvers that are in the house. I have everything from 22lr snubbies to the monster 10 inch bbl 44mag. Before I could make the recommendation, knowing how much you want to spend will be helping me with what will fit best.

 

[Wirenut]

That’s where I’m at currently. My other problem is finding places out here to rent them. I started looking and found a place or two. My only problem is they aren’t open on Sundays.

If you want to make the drive, Range USA in Shorewood have some revolvers in their rental case, last time I was there.
Mostly .38 and .357, the also if you choose, they have one .50 cal.
Might give them a call if you never have been to any Range USA, they have a few quirky requirements, must use factory ammo, no reloads.
A couple of decent restaurants nearby.