Revolver caliber recos

[peterfun]

I’m pretty new to revolvers and when I was browsing at a local store, it looked like the only calibers on display were .22 LR and .38 Special. I’m sure there are some other options out there so I came here to find out what else is available.

 

[Billybob44]

Pete, first of all=WELCOME to the forum..

You are right on what you see most...

The S&W 'K' Frame are the most popular out there==I would say the S&W Model 10 in the .38Spl. is the King of S&W's production over the years.

For your first revolver purchase, it would be hard to beat a S&W Model 19, in a 4" barrel for the best overall use==.38Spl. and .357 Magnum.

After revolver purchase, you would be wise to learn how to reload ammo to keep your 'K' Frame running...Bill.

 

[Frontiersman]

So many. Good all around would be a .38/.357 revolvers.

I’m partial to the .327 magnum. .32 H&R magnum.

 

[BarryinIN]

What else is available? I can think of current production revolvers in:
.22
.22 Mag
.22 Hornet
.32 H&R Mag
.327 Federal Mag
9mm
.38 Spl
.357 Mag
.40
10mm
.41 Mag
.44 Spl
.44 Mag
.45ACP
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.460 S&W
.475 Linebaugh
.480 Ruger
.500 S&W
Plus some more offbeat ones like .30-30 and .45-70.

What should you start with? That’s a different question.
I’d say .22 if you want to learn the ins and outs of revolvers. Ammunition is the relatively cheapest of any, and accuracy should be excellent.
Or if you have any plans of self defense carry, .38 Spl or .357 Mag, or maybe .32 H&R Mag. A .357 Mag can shoot .38 Spl, which I would strongly suggest for starters.

 

[duane_wade]

For a beginner getting into revolvers I'd suggest a .22LR either a S&W or Ruger. I personally have never owned a S&W .22LR revolver but have a Ruger SA and love it. IMNSHIO shooting a revolver is totally different than a semiauto. I like my .357 revolvers too as they are one of the most versatile loads to shoot. You can run .38 target loads up to loads for deer and black bear and pigs.

 

[Frontiersman]

I support the S&W for beginners, mostly because you can get the same frame and configuration in several calibers. All that muscle memory and foundational instinct isn’t lost just because you move up from 22, 32, 38