Revolver With A Purpose:
Reader Recommendations

Last week, I shared the story (“Revolver With A Purpose”) of assisting an older gentleman interested in a multi-purpose .357 Magnum revolver — and boy, did I strike a chord! After asking for your wheelgun recommendations, I received more than 50 emails offering suggestions and kind words.

To summarize for those who may have forgotten or haven’t read it yet, a man living in the rural Colorado foothills came into my retail store seeking a revolver for home defense and backcountry carry. After listening to his needs for something long, but not too long, with a large frame and capacity greater than five rounds, I suggested he look into three specific models — Smith & Wesson Model 686/Plus, Ruger GP100 and Taurus Tracker 627.

Below are some of your responses, as well as additional context about my conversation with the gentleman.

Great Choices

While not everyone agreed, many of you supported my revolver recommendations, even sharing personal experiences with one, two or all three models.

“All three revolvers would have been great woods/house guns that would have helped mitigate the recoil of the .357 and .38 for his wife. I carry the GP100 as a woods gun and a house gun myself.” — Hayden Hodges

“I would have recommended the Taurus after listening to him. I think it would have been his best choice, especially since his wife might shoot the gun.” — Michael Brandt

“You mentioned the S&W 686 Plus but didn’t mention that the Ruger GP100 is also now available in a 7-shot. I had been looking for my perfect .357 for several years and once Ruger released the 7-shot GP100, I had found it.” — Shane Rowden

“I had this same problem myself a few years back. I was hunting and came across a deer up in a tree — obviously a large cat kill. I quickly left that area and went to my local gun store where I ordered the Tracker 4” 7-shot in .357 Magnum. I carried that when hunting for the next 8 years or so. I never had to use it for any cat problems, but it gave me peace of mind.” — Gene Yohannan

“It would be hard for me to pick just one of these wonderful revolvers as I already own one of each. To have to keep one and give up the other two would be like giving up two of my children, or two grandchildren or two great-grandchildren. I love them all. Guess we think somewhat alike in choosing a revolver.” — Harold Roeder

Other (Older) Options

Personally, I prefer new production firearms over those that are used. Call me a snob. While both can have their problems, I at least know what a gun has been through when I open up a fresh box. However, now is not the time to be picky when searching for a gun, and readers pointed that out, offering up various Smith & Wesson models.

“I have an old S&W Model 10-6. It shoots as well as my 686 Plus. Both have 4” barrels, but the Model 10 is lighter and easier to draw.” — David Neidhardt

“I would suggest a 3” S&W Model 65. It has worked very well for me.” — Dave Hemphill

“I would have recommended searching for a used Model 66 in good condition. In my opinion, this is the most versatile handgun. With a 4” barrel it still concealable and light enough for extended carry.” — David Greene

“One of the most attractive, easily carried, with a wide range of holsters for all occasions, is the Smith & Wesson Model 19. I have carried one for 50 years in Alaska as a pilot. Loaded properly, it is perfect for home defense, plinking, target shooting and survival, plus it’s a real eye-catcher in your gun case.” — Eric Johnson

Beauty in Options

The same reason selecting a firearm can feel overwhelming also makes the process beautiful. As a gun owner, options are a great thing, and as this example proved, there is no shortage of guns for every purpose — or opinions on which are best.

Thanks to all who emailed and shared their thoughts and recommendations! Feel free to send a follow-up or your own suggestions to [email protected].