I am attending a gun show in OC AZ this Sat and taking an older couple of friends that I have been teaching about the hobby. My gentleman friend is a sharp older fellow and has decided he wants to add a .357 revolver to his self defense collection. I have suggested a 6 shot Ruger in stainless as a sweetspot between quality, value and ease of maintenance + he can practice with it using .38s. He is 75, not a hunter and will target practice with me at the range enough to become proficient. I don't think he is interested in concealed carry unless necessary. I am thinking something in the 4 - 6 " range preferably with adjustable sights. So do y'all have any recommendations for what Ruger Revolver to look for? Newer model, older model etc. I have been out of the business for a long time and not familiar with what is out there. Thanks Dach.
I am a very long time owner of Ruger revolvers. I have two Blackhawks, which are both single action, which you said he did not want. I also own a Ruger GP100, which is just as robust as the Blackhawks. Mine is a 6" barrel version, but it also comes in a 4.2" barrel version. If he shoots only or mainly .38 special, the 4.2" version should be fine, but if he shoots .357 Mag's at all, then I would recommend the 6" version. The .357 mag round can have quite a kick, depending on what type of round he uses.
I have used a local FFL that is in Chandler, AZ, and they were great. I order the gun from online - Gun Broker, so I do not have first hand experience on how you use an FFL if you buy a gun locally at a gun show. Also, their fee is only $15. Here is the name and phone number of mine:
CHANDLER TACTICAL FIREARMS LLC
590 NORTH ALMA SCHOOL STE 30, CHANDLER AZ, 85224
Phone: (480) 219-5831
I am also 76 years old, and I go shooting at the outdoor range at
Rio Salado Sportsman's Club, Inc.
3960 N. Usery Pass Road Mesa, AZ 85207
Phone (480) 984-9610
This place is great AND super safe. They have about 25 stations, and you must wear eye and ear protection, and watch a 10 min video on their safety rules if you are new. There is NO time limit, and I usually spend about 2 hours shooting each time I go there.
If you or your friend are interested in finding and buying ammo at the best prices available. I have an ammo file that covers 35 handgun calibers and 25 rifle ones, with over 3,500 entries, where each entry has the ballistics of that ammo, and an online link as to where you can order that ammo. I list 224 .357 Mag entries, and 162 .38 Spec ones, all with links to buy that ammo online. There are no restrictions on ordering any ammo online if you live in AZ. If interested, just message me. I will send you this file via email, or show you where to get it online from my webpage. I send out this free file in PDF format, so anyone can read it and use it, but it is a bit too big to view with just a cell phone.