Best Home Defense Revolver

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Ilm

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Don't tell the Sig guys but I am thinking about making a S&W 686 or GP100 my primary home defense gun. I have had a Sig P220 .45 on standby for years but have been thinking about changing that.

Does anyone currently have the 686 or GP100 for their HD? Any other suggestions?
 
Well, no matter what, you will not do better than a Colt. The new King Cobra is excellent.

If you do not want to go with a Colt, look at the Charter Arms. Solid, reliable, lower cost and if the need arises, not real hard to let go while things are going on with officials.

Nemo
 
Those two are great choices. I like a revolver for home defense purposes because you can leave it loaded all the time without magazine or recoil springs getting compressed and worn out. You also have a lot of latitude to go between 38 SPL and 357 mag.
 
Since you already like .45ACP how about a revolver in that caliber. And it gives you the opportunity to load nice large meplat semi-waddcutters. :)

S&W Performance Center Model 325 Thunder Ranch​

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Or a Jerry Miculek special...
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Question isn’t really answerable without some info:

Why? Is this an affectation or are you looking at a revolver for a specific reason?
What’s your budget?
Any caliber preferences?
What size hands do you have?
Do you live with anyone else that might need the gun?
If so, what size are their hands?
Would you expect this be a dual-use gun (e.g. hiking, hunting, carry)?
Can you shoot a revolver well enough to warrant switching?
If you end up buying used, do you know how to inspect lockup and timing?

Editing to add: I am a big revolver fan but they are not for everyone. I keep a D-frame loaded with wadcutters in the nightstand with a flashlight. I carry and do all my travel with a customized 340PD and a load of wadcutters. I also shoot service revolvers at a reasonably high level in NRA/CMP competition and have run them successfully in IDPA.

They take less effort to maintain and operate than a typical pistol, but they take probably three times the work and effort to shoot as well.
 
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JRV said:
Question isn’t really answerable without some info:

Why? Is this an affectation or are you looking at a revolver for a specific reason?
What’s your budget?
Any caliber preferences?
What size hands do you have?
Do you live with anyone else that might need the gun?
If so, what size are their hands?
Would you expect this be a dual-use gun (e.g. hiking, hunting, carry)?
Can you shoot a revolver well enough to warrant switching?
If you end up buying used, do you know how to inspect lockup and timing?

Editing to add: I am a big revolver fan but they are not for everyone. I keep a D-frame loaded with wadcutters in the nightstand with a flashlight. I carry and do all my travel with a customized 340PD and a load of wadcutters. I also shoot service revolvers at a reasonably high level in NRA/CMP competition and have run them successfully in IDPA.

They take less effort to maintain and operate than a typical pistol, but they take probably three times the work and effort to shoot as well.
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I have had the 686 and GP100 in the past. Was able to shoot them with no issues. Have also had other revolvers such as LCR, etc. I have been on a Sig kick for a number of years and they have been very reliable. However, have been thinking about eliminating potential issues such as failure to feeds, etc for my primary HD gun. Will still have the Sig as backup.

Just me shooting it.

Regarding calibur, etc. More than a 9mm but less than a .44 :) I think I know what I want to do, but, figured I would see what comments came up. That 325 pictured above is nice!
 
All those guns you mentioned are ok for home defense as long as you do not worry about over penetration through sheetrock walls. As for myself, I prefer a pump 12 gauge with birdshot. Over penetration is negligible, birdshot will turn any intruder in to ground chuck, and cheap 12 gauge pumps are plentiful and cheap to replace if the authorities take your gun after a shooting. Why tie up and expensive gun that will be confiscated after a shooting which you run the risk of either never getting back or will be returned to you as an eligible C&R by the time the authorities return it to you.
 
Still have a GP100 I bought years and years ago. Infinitely reliable. I put a Wolff spring pak in it and some trigger slick. Ruger SP101 as well. Had an old Ruger Security Six 4" 357 in my bedside table for years. Now I have what amounts to a semi automatic revolver, Sig P250 in 45acp. DAO system. The gun the militrary should have bought. I keep one in my vehicle too. Off body carry. THey are no longer made but are out there in the used market. Sig has parts, grip modules, mags, etc. Uses same mags as the P320. Sold my SP101 and Sec Six. Shot autos so much, revolvers felt alien to me.
 
ncspeedsix said:
Those two are great choices. I like a revolver for home defense purposes because you can leave it loaded all the time without magazine or recoil springs getting compressed and worn out. You also have a lot of latitude to go between 38 SPL and 357 mag.
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Ok, no, recoil springs and magazine springs don’t take a set and get worn out. Plenty of information out there refuting this old wives tale.
 
georgel said:
Since you already like .45ACP how about a revolver in that caliber. And it gives you the opportunity to load nice large meplat semi-waddcutters. :)

S&W Performance Center Model 325 Thunder Ranch​

3244607_1007-768x768.jpg


Or a Jerry Miculek special...
160936_01_lg.jpg
Click to expand...
I like the idea of a 45 acp revolver for your application. Home defense so size doesn’t matter, 45 acp is going to give you faster follow up shots vs a similar sized .357 and with full moon clips you have a much faster reload.
My home defense gun for many years was a Webley Mk VI and while it has been replaced by more modern and more capable firearms I still would feel confident with the old girl if it played out that way.
 
There's a 38 revolver in every room of the house, the main reason is my wife doesn't shoot a automatic well and I don't want her far from a firearm she's comfortable with
There's only she and I in the house so over penetration isn't a that much of an issue these firearm are loaded with 110 grain lead wad cutters
I've personal experience with what a 45 will do to sheetrock walls and it's a real eyeopener.
Also have personal experience with how far a 158 grain 357 hp will travel after going through a metal door a glass storm door and 2x4
So if there are other people in other rooms you may want to take these factors into consideration when making your decision.
 
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If I heard a bump in the night I'd want more than 5/6 rounds in my firearm.

The # of perps in home invasions has been on the rise. Last class I took this fall, we talked a lot about 3 stories out of Winston Salem from just a month or two before of home invasions with 4-6 perps each.

There's also the issue of illumination, everyone should have a good handheld light beside the bed, but I also like the option to have a good WML, as just that, another option.

If you want a revolver just buy a revolver, but it's honestly a mediocre to poor choice for a HD gun.
 
S4f said:
There's a 38 revolver in every room of the house, the main reason is my wife doesn't shoot a automatic well and I don't want her far from a firearm she's comfortable with
There's only she and I in the house so over penetration isn't a that much of an issue these firearm are loaded with 110 grain lead wad cutters
I've personal experience with what a 45 will do to sheetrock walls and it's a real eyeopener.
Also have personal experience with how far a 158 grain 357 hp will travel after going through a metal door a glass storm door and 2x4
So if there are other people in other rooms you may want to take these factors into consideration when making your decision.
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Just a note tests show 38 wadcutters, even from a 2” barrel, meet the FBI standard for 12’ penetration in ballistic gel. I am no scientist but I am pretty sure 2 pieces of sheet rock aren’t as tough.

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Cole_McD said:
…

The # of perps in home invasions has been on the rise. Last class I took this fall, we talked a lot about 3 stories out of Winston Salem from just a month or two before of home invasions with 4-6 perps each.

…
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This ^that^ is an important trend to be aware of, as we all bear witness to the further rending of our societal fabric … it is a trend that will not be going away now, regardless of how any future election goes … very worthy of discussion with family, etc. (At least those without their heads in sand or up their, err, in their back pocket …)
 
keepcalmandcarryon said:
Just a note tests show 38 wadcutters, even from a 2” barrel, meet the FBI standard for 12’ penetration in ballistic gel. I am no scientist but I am pretty sure 2 pieces of sheet rock aren’t as tough.

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None of these loads are for a 110 gr wad cutter.
While my ammo isnt by any means perfect.As you go up in power factor penetration or the risk of over penetration increases.
Even in a self defense situation you own every round you fire so if it leaves the premisses and kills the neighbor then that's on you. Its just something that needs to be added to the equation.
Live in a crowded neighborhood or an apartment these factors should be added in to your selection of a hd weapon but this is my opinion so your milage may vary
 
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When I saw this thread,, I KNEW there would be all kinds of responses.
Home or self defense has many variables. And as such, there are a LOT more people with their own idea of what is best. As an old saying goes,, "Everybody has an opinion."

Me included.

The OP has asked about (2) specific guns,, so we are good people who should respect HIS thought process as to which one would be best.

Yes, many people feel a revolver is not a good choice for SD,, yet a few facts come into play. Fewer things to operate or go wrong with a good DA vs a semi-auto. One thing seriously overlooked by many in this discussion is the potential of the necessity of operating it one handed. A DA revolver,, like what the OP is looking at, can easily be operated one handed with fewer potential issues than a semi-auto.
But I too have thread drifted.

Of the (2) guns listed,, I think both could be a good candidate. In a .357 revolver,, you have MANY different ammo choices,, and even more if you handload. A very big plus. You can also have a set of grips custom fit to your hands a lot easier.
But I have to agree with the quote, by cubrock; "GP100s are nigh on indestructible. They are hard to beat if a man wants just one revolver."

So, to answer the OP's question,, I'd prefer the GP-100.
 
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contender said:
When I saw this thread,, I KNEW there would be all kinds of responses.
Home or self defense has many variables. And as such, there are a LOT more people with their own idea of what is best. As an old saying goes,, "Everybody has an opinion."

Me included.

The OP has asked about (2) specific guns,, so we are good people who should respect HIS thought process as to which one would be best.

Yes, many people feel a revolver is not a good choice for SD,, yet a few facts come into play. Fewer things to operate or go wrong with a good DA vs a semi-auto. One thing seriously overlooked by many in this discussion is the potential of the necessity of operating it one handed. A DA revolver,, like what the OP is looking at, can easily be operated one handed with fewer potential issues than a semi-auto.
But I too have thread drifted.

Of the (2) guns listed,, I think both could be a good candidate. In a .357 revolver,, you have MANY different ammo choices,, and even more if you handload. A very big plus. You can also have a set of grips custom fit to your hands a lot easier.
But I have to agree with the quote, by cubrock; "GP100s are nigh on indestructible. They are hard to beat if a man wants just one revolver."

So, to answer the OP's question,, I'd prefer the GP-100.
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As I was reading the responses I thought the same as you - but then I re-read the OP and saw that he asked, "Any other suggestions?" So I think that kinda' opened the Pandora's box of 'Best Home Defense Gun' opinions. That is such an old and big discussion, with so many personal variables - so I'm not going to comment on what I think is best for anyone else.

The beginning of the OP asked about S&W 686 or GP100. I own both and to me, they are both excellent revolvers and while they have differences, I'm not too sure they're that different to matter in a home defense situation.
 
I have revolvers here & there in the house, as well, as semi-auto. IMHO there are some more important issues then a gun... caliber, recoil, ability to make fallow up shots. the bigger caliber you are going to use, the bigger problem you are creating for yourself. "stopping power" is a myth. you could only stop attacker to move with a proper shot placement (brain or central nervous system). what difference would it make: with what caliber you had missed. HD is not a range shooting. You, probably, is going to use one hand. big recoil - big possibility to miss or (and) damage your hearing and hand/arm joints. so, you will not be able to make a fallow up shot. also, think about wall penetration. you do not want to kill someone outside your house.
how to lower recoil? use smaller caliber, bigger gun. I have very close to me a .22 Magnum 6" SW 648 revolver. I know, with this gun I could get reach my stronger one (SWR8 in .38 Special/hollow point)

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I'm also a big revolver fan and that's actually what I learned to shoot handguns with. If you're also a sig fan, the sig p250 is the closest thing to a revolver I've found in the semi auto world and might fill that role well.
My first thought with a HD revolver would be the lack of a light. S&W does make a pretty cool wheel gun with accessory rails though so maybe check out the S&W M&P R8.
 
SergeToll said:
I have revolvers here & there in the house, as well, as semi-auto. IMHO there are some more important issues then a gun... caliber, recoil, ability to make fallow up shots. the bigger caliber you are going to use, the bigger problem you are creating for yourself. "stopping power" is a myth. you could only stop attacker to move with a proper shot placement (brain or central nervous system). what difference would it make: with what caliber you had missed. HD is not a range shooting. You, probably, is going to use one hand. big recoil - big possibility to miss or (and) damage your hearing and hand/arm joints. so, you will not be able to make a fallow up shot. also, think about wall penetration. you do not want to kill someone outside your house.
how to lower recoil? use smaller caliber, bigger gun. I have very close to me a .22 Magnum 6" SW 648 revolver. I know, with this gun I could get reach my stronger one (SWR8 in .38 Special/hollow point)

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Speak of the devil. Impeccable timing
 
Ok, I'll admit my mistake on the "Any other suggestions.?" I overlooked that in my quick read, thinking about just the revolvers. I try to look at a post with the OP's thoughts in mind, and he specifically mentioned the (2) revolvers. MY MISTAKE.
With that, I guess the Op shouldn't have asked anything,, as you can look at all the varied suggestions to see the multitude of totally different directions people went. No way he could get much of an answer because of all the variables for home or self defense. NONE are right & NONE are wrong. As I mentioned,, everybody has an opinion INCLUDING ME!

Dan0311 was right, a Pandora's Box was opened with the "Any other suggestions?"

So, I'll just say; "I agree with cubrock."
 
I think @JRV asked some of the many questions that need answered to correctly respond. I know many discount the suggestion I made of a Taurus Judge but one must consider the flexibility of a reasonably inexpensive wheelgun.

*There are 3 or 4 different grips available for different hand sizes/comfort

*There are a multitude of shot shells from light BB loads to multiple balls to disk/ball combination rounds to controller both penetration and recoil.

*And then there are slugs and .45 long colts to stop the tweekers that might bust in your front door.

I only wrote this post because this thread seemed to evolve to some petty pricey toys! A Judge is IMHO a reliable and reasonably priced self defense weapon easily fired single action by those not skilled in revolver use. A well placed first round will most likely allow time for trigger reset I would think.

OK, you got my $0.02 from this old fat guy now I’ll shut up now.

ps: I like them better than a S&W Governor too.
 
I Love revolvers...I have one on my hip right now....BUT...I'm inside The gates. I am in recreation mode. I also like Hackathorn's Dictum...Plan for The Probabilities not The Possibilities.......And Remember..Murphy Is Alive.
S4f said:
There's a 38 revolver in every room of the house
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Here's a man with a real plan. I like it.
JRV said:
I am a big revolver fan but they are not for everyone. I keep a D-frame loaded with wadcutters in the nightstand with a flashlight. I carry and do all my travel with a customized 340PD and a load of wadcutters. I also shoot service revolvers at a reasonably high level in NRA/CMP competition and have run them successfully in IDPA.
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Here's a man with not Only a plan, but the wherewithal to use Anything he puts his hands on.
sgtgeorge said:
All those guns you mentioned are ok for home defense as long as you do not worry about over penetration through sheetrock walls.
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sgtgeorge said:
Why tie up and expensive gun that will be confiscated after a shooting which you run the risk of either never getting back or will be returned to you as an eligible C&R by the time the authorities return it to you.
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Neither of these are a consideration where I live.
Cole_McD said:
If I heard a bump in the night I'd want more than 5/6 rounds in my firearm.

The # of perps in home invasions has been on the rise. Last class I took this fall, we talked a lot about 3 stories out of Winston Salem from just a month or two before of home invasions with 4-6 perps each.

There's also the issue of illumination, everyone should have a good handheld light beside the bed, but I also like the option to have a good WML, as just that, another option.

If you want a revolver just buy a revolver, but it's honestly a mediocre to poor choice for a HD gun.
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RE-Read every line here^^^ All good advice
contender said:
As an old saying goes,, "Everybody has an opinion."
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True!!! OH So true!!!! I prefer Jim Higginbothom's line....We Must All Seek Our Own Salvation.
cubrock said:
GP100s are nigh on indestructible. They are hard to beat if a man wants just one revolver.
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JRV said:
Sounds like you want a GP100 in .357 mag. I’d take a modern Ruger over anything coming out of S&W these days. Fewer chances of getting a dog.
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Both^^^^^ Manna from Heaven
Frack N Cylons said:
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Me Too!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Cole_McD said:
If I heard a bump in the night I'd want more than 5/6 rounds in my firearm.

The # of perps in home invasions has been on the rise. Last class I took this fall, we talked a lot about 3 stories out of Winston Salem from just a month or two before of home invasions with 4-6 perps each.

There's also the issue of illumination, everyone should have a good handheld light beside the bed, but I also like the option to have a good WML, as just that, another option.

If you want a revolver just buy a revolver, but it's honestly a mediocre to poor choice for a HD gun.
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Cole already answered this the way I would have. My answer to the question of "best home defense revolver?" is "none of them. Don't do it." The strengths of a revolver in ECQB make it a great backup/groundfighting gun, but with the number of reports of multi-perp home invasions on the rise, I strongly recommend an autoloading pistol with at least 15-17rd magazines, with lots of mags staged around your house for mobile use, if you're going to use a pistol for home defense.

My full-size revolver is just a target pistol for me. Yes it goes bang every time I pull the trigger, yes it's classy, looks cool and 357magnum is very powerful. It's a lot of fun. But 17rds before having to reload, and reloading significantly faster, is simply superior to 6rds.

Now on the question of 686 vs GP100? They're both great guns. The 686 is a finer shooting revolver, so you may find it easier to shoot more accurately. The GP100 is a nearly-indestructible tank that can take high-pressure loads and abuse like a champ. You just have to decide which one you care more about, precision/smoothness/finesse or raw durability.
 
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Get what you can shoot accurately whether a pistol or a revolver. I can shoot my revolver pretty accurately at home defense distances but many semi-auto pistols are much harder for me to shoot accurately. Everyone is different in this respect. Whatever you choose, make sure you practice with it regularly. I shoot my handguns every week, rotating the ones I depend on for security often. I have two Smith and Wesson revolvers I can shoot very accurately, a Model 10 38 Spl. and a Model 65 .357 Magnum. Both have 4" bull barrels. That's what balances best in my hands. I would try a bunch of options you are looking at before making a final decision. Some ranges have a good assortment of handguns you can rent to try out.
 
As some have said above … the best one to fight your way to a bigger gun if you are able. The old saying … use a handgun to fight to a bigger gun to hold ‘em off while up you call in an air strike … makes sense. Now that would lead me to choose a mediumish to large frame 4”ish revolver in .357mag (… preferably a matching pair for “expedited reloading”). After that I’d go an older Gen of a S&W686 or any GP100 would top my list.
 
keepcalmandcarryon said:
Ok, no, recoil springs and magazine springs don’t take a set and get worn out. Plenty of information out there refuting this old wives tale.
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I’m sure there are many people who have different opinions on modern steel springs and their reliability. I come at this from the vantage point of limiting the number of variables that can go wrong. I’ve seen mag springs and recoil springs go bad and cause reliability issues. I’ve also had moon clips get bent and affect the primer getting properly struck. Therefore I like revolvers without moon clips in my house.
 
Revolvers are inherently easier for anyone to pick up and shoot than any auto. They do have less problems than autos and when they do have problems the revolvers are easier to get to the next round. Just pull the trigger again, no taping, racking, or scratching your head trying to diagnose the problem.

Revolvers to have a place in home defense. Sure there are better options, for some people, out there but revolvers shouldn't be discounted as useless for HD.

Worried about not having enough shots, multiple cheap revolvers can be purchased for the price of one good auto. Anybody notice that cheap revolvers are just as reliable as expensive revolvers? Unlike autos where there are multiple threads on how quality vs price vs reliability.
 
JRV said:
Sounds like you want a GP100 in .357 mag. I’d take a modern Ruger over anything coming out of S&W these days. Fewer chances of getting a dog.
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And if the GP100 is too big for the hand, go with SP101. They easily can be made really good; I have two
 
Red Marley said:
And if the GP100 is too big for the hand, go with SP101. They easily can be made really good; I have two
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I have a friend who stopped a home invasion involving two armed intruders with one round from a sp101.
Cause as soon as he fired one round from that 357 the fighting stopped an the running started. 😂
 
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