My dad said i can post this on this site. I'm 13 years old and have been saving my money to buy a handgun. We have disscused the issue and have decided on a used S&W. I was wondering what the best meidium framed (l frame) handgun whould be for a reasonable price. I know i'm not old enough to own one yet, but i'd like it to be in good shape when i am old enough to get one. I would use lite loads in it mostly so i would like a 357 mag (38 slp). thanks, Bryan

Probably an S&W 686 or 586. These have the underlug (like the Python) and are strongly built. However, they are a heavy gun. I have one, a 6" and love it.
Peter.

Hello Bryan, the older 'L' frames are the 586/686. They are still made today along w/ diff. alloy models (scandium & titanium). If I was getting one today I would look @ a 4" M686P. It's 7 rounds of .357mag & you can shoot .38sp. to learn on. Good luck w/ your purcahse & welcome to the shooting fraternity.

Hi Bryan!

Welcome to the forums!

If you are OK with a used handgun, look for a Model 19 or Model 66. They are the same gun except the 19 is in blue and the 66 is a stainless. They were the workhorse for the Smith & Wesson line for many years. (I carred a model 66 for a lot of years as a cop!)

These models are a smaller frame than the 586/686 so they would be much easier for your to shoot (the grip size is the same). Plus, like the 586/686 the dual calibers of .38 Spec and .357 Mag make them more versatile.

Good luck!

JDS

Bryan, if you do not already have a 22 rimfire I recommend you start there. After that the S&W 686 is as good as any and better than most. In my estimation the neatest one is their seven shot Mountain Gun with the skinny four inch barrel. You'll want to handload if you intend to become a skilled centerfire pistol shot so start saving for a Dillon Square Deal as well. Good hunting! mb

Mb, yes I do have a .22 rimfire and am ready to step up to a bigger caliber. I have been reloading with my dad for years. So i could load them down. We are set up for 357 mag and 38 spl. SO that is why we are looking into this frame size. thank you all for your replies. This website is soooooooo cool i have learned alot about guns from all of you experts. bryan

I am a traditionalist so I would recommend a Model 19 (blue or Nickel finish) or a Model 66 (same gun Stainless steel). The K frames were available in 2 1/2, 4, 6, and 8 3/8 inch barrels. Depending on how strong you are a 6 inch or 4 inch would probably be the length I would recommend. Ask your dad is he has any shooting friends who have one for you to hold -- you can get a feel for what feels good. Good luck!

Hello 257 Rock. I think the 357 would be a great second handgun after the 22. With you and your dad reloading, you can load them to what ever is comfortable. It's important to shoot what your comfortable with instead of developeing a flinch. Remember to wear ear plugs. The S&W 357's are all pretty good, the 686 will help on recoil with the underlug. I like stainless for the ease of maintenance. I think I'd look for a 4". A 6" would be okay also, but I'm thinking the longer barrels would be harder to shoot off hand while your learning. I have a Ruger GP-100 4" and really like it. For christmas, I got my 16yo son a Ruger blackhawk in 45 colt with 4 5/8" bbl.
Good luck.

Hi & Welcome

Am very fond of the model 19 but it depends on what you intend to shoot through it and how big your hands are. If you can get a 686 that is the way to go - cut the grip down until your hand fits it perfectly. The current S&W grips on their new guns have far too much filler behind the trigger guard for fast shooting.

Also invest in some of those speer plastic bullets and cases- (powered by the Primer) They are very economical and a lot easier to reload than the old wax bullets that I learned with.

Hi Bryan;
Welcome to Handgun Lovers Inc.!
You have lots of good advice here, and I wil just reinforce it. The model 19, to me, was the very best revolver S&W ever made. Several here have told you that the 686 is the same gun, and it is, except that the stainles guns are SO UGLY.
The 19 (and its clones) are among the best shooting handguns made, and with properly loaded 357 Mag rounds is a reasonable hunting handgun.