revolvers......

[TARHEEL]

with all this talk about glocks, 1911's, etc etc......does anyone out there still shoot revolvers??? not to knock autos ( i carry a P228 ) but i'm thinking about a .357

[Kodiac]

357 huh... How about a Sig P239 in .357 Sig?
Nice, compact... similar power levels...

Ruger revolvers are probably the best for there rugedness... but they have less than ideal triggers. I have gotten rid of all but one revolver... and it is going to be going soon. Call it evolution.

[4V50]

Tarheel,

In my safe, there's room for everything and I'm very happy that my revolvers and autos are peacefully coexisting.

For training new shooters, it's hard to beat a revolver for mastering a flinching problem. Also, you don't have to worry about magazine bans or scambling for your brass.

Personally, the Python is my favorite for silky smooth triggers in both DA and SA. Only my (old) CZ-75 comes close and my other autos, Sig-Sauer, S&W (auto), Glocks, Walthers, Berettas, etc. are in another league. Good 4140 steel in those Pythons and Colt revovlers with similiar lockwork. The Diamondback .22, which appears to be a scaled down Python, is a favorite 22 revolver and a real shooter at the range.

For ease of servicing S&W revolvers are great (though I don't know how to work on the newer guns with MIM parts). Since S&W went to that stamped out sear (decades ago), you have to put in a lot more work to get the DA trigger worked out than before. My newest S&W is that 8 shot 22. Bought it too soon and really wanted a 3" barrel with adjustable sights. They produced it about 4 months after I got my 2".

Kodiak is right in that Rugers are the most rugged. However, they also have the worst trigger. The transition of pressure as you press the trigger rearwards isn't as gradual as the Python or the Smith. To their credit though, Rugers revolvers will absorb more abuse than a Python or Smith will. Ask them folks in Texas who dragged one behind a pickup truck. They went over dirt, gravel, mud and cactus and it still was able to get all six shots off.

As you've guess, I've got several of all three makes (and even a .455 Webley) and am not dissastified with any of them.

To heck with all those gunwriters who argue revolvers v. semiautos. They're all fun and there's enough room for all of them.

[This message has been edited by 4V50 (edited 10-25-98).]

[This message has been edited by 4V50 (edited 10-26-98).]

[Daryl Waldron]

I have semi auto's,, but I love revolvers, Simple and safe. I carry a revolver (Taurs M85 UL 38 spl.) over a semi auto for one reason,, Trust. Most of what I shoot at the range are revolvers. But, to each his on....
Happy shooting to all.

[Roy]

I too like revolvers. I carry a Ruger SP101 357 mag as a backup gun. Years ago I sold a Smith and Wesson Model 19. I have been sorry ever since. I plan on getting another soon.

What I like about wheelguns:

1. No safety, just point and shoot. Same trigger pull everytime.

2. Have you ever seen the one shot stop numbers for 357 mag? They are 90%+.

3. Most gunfights are over in 3-4 rounds. By then everyone is dead or running for cover. I often wonder if the 10+ rounds is more for the range than the street.

4. They are fun.

[Hal]

Tarheel: Yes I shoot a revolver. Why? Because I find that I can shoot it better than an auto. YMMV, but I find my Smith 19 to be my perfect gun, with my Smith 29 being a very close second. A very distant 3rd is my Browning Hi-Power. Semi auto's are great for those that can shoot them, I own a few myself, but I just feel more comfortable with the Smith. One feeling I can't shake with the semi auto is that of the whole thing coming apart in my hand then going back together again, I even experience that with a .22. I just find the holes in the paper are closer together, and the shots take less time with a revolver in my hands. Course I prefer thin crust pizza too, so I guess it's just me. Best advice I can give is shoot what you like best. Tests show that a .357 and .45 are pretty much equal in getting the job done.

[longhair]

i carry both. i like my 45 auto, but i also
like the taurus 44 mag. i usually load the taurus w/ 44 spls. it all depends on what i'm
doing, and where i'm going. i like both wheel guns and autos, and think both have a place.
longhair

[chargar]

Yes...there are many revolvers shooters around. I love my S$W N frames and will neve let them go. For huntng, plinking and wandering around the brush..a revolver is tops.

For serious self defense I carry a Glock 23, but I have no deep affection for it. It is simply a tool to preserve my life and limb. If it is lost or stolen I won't grieve one second...I will just replace it with another tool.

[Mikie]

When my family moved from a condo into a big colonial and I needed the money I sold the following: a 6" S&W 29, 9mm Belgium Browning, 4" S&W 66, 6" S&W 17(.22LR), and a 2" S&W 49. However I kept the second gun I ever bought which is a 6" Model 19(circa 1974). It has the mahogany reddish goncalo alves grips, with standard hammer and trigger. I had to replace the barrel after about 10,000 hot loads because of a cracked forcing cone. The cylinder has drag marks on it so it isn't very nice looking but the DA is smooth as silk and the SA breaks like glass. I will probably never sell it because of sentimental reasons as well as the fact it shoots great(fist-sized groups at 25 yds, rapid fire). I wish I still had the S&W 29 and the Browning.

I recommend the L-frame S&W .357s. They have more weight to absorb full-house loads and they are half the price of the Colt Pythons, which I admit have the best DA pull. However, my near antique S&W 19 is comparable without any tuning and the cost of a new Python. My original cost of the new 19 was $150. To replace the barrel was $75.

[JBP]

I have always preferred wheel guns to semi-autos although I have both. Reason being, none of my wheel guns has ever met a round it has not liked. Can't say the same for some of the semi-autos I have owned.

My main home defense gun is my Taurus Model 65 in .357 Magnum. If I ever could get a CCW in Maryland (not in this lifetime) my carry gun would be my Taurus M85CH .38Spl. I also shoot on a regular basis my Super Redhawk .44 Magnum, 1873 Uberti .45 Colt, and once in awhile my H&R 929 .22.

Still hoping that Ruger will come out with a .454 on Super Blackhawk frame soon. I also like the S&W 610 if I could get a tool that would make loading & unloading those darn full moon clips easier.

But don't anyone to think I'm against semi-autos. On Saturday I ordered a Ballester-Molina 1911.

[This message has been edited by JBP (edited 10-26-98).]

[Steve Koski]

I've fired a few rounds out of a couple different 2" barreled 5 shot 357 mags. Ouch! Not fun. I used to own a 2" 38 special that was not fun to shoot except with very light loads (mostly due to poor grip design). My recommendation is that you rent the guns you're considering at a range and fire 50 full power rounds through each one. If you don't like the experience then you're probably not going to train with the gun. It's a bad idea to carry a gun you don't like to shoot and train with.

The longer, heavier 357's seem to be much more comfortable to fire the full house loads through for two reasons. One: The grips are generally bigger and fill the hand better. Two: The gun weighs more so it (the gun) has less momentum (therefore velocity) when the round is fired. I had a 4" Smith in 357 that was fairly comfortable to fire lots of 357's through.

This begs the question: If I'm serious about learning my firearm and training with it why would I carry a 4" revolver in 357 when I could carry a Glock 23, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, Sig 229, or Sig 239 in 40 or 357 Sig, etc., etc.? All of these guns are chambered in rounds which are very comparable in effectiveness to the 357 mag, are very similar in size to the 4" barreled revolver, and they hold considerably more rounds than the revolver.

If I were to carry a revolver it would be the S&W Mountain gun in 44 mag with a 4" barrel. It would be primarily used for back country activities. In this application I think no auto can match the 44 mag in a medium size revolver. I would stoke it with full power Elmer Keith style 250 grain bullets.

[Rob Pincus]

I saw a revolver in a movie once...

[DRenn]

I carry both self-loading pistols and revolvers. I alternate based on the weapon I used during my last practice session.

I recommend revolvers for novice/new shooters. If a shooter can effectively master the trigger stroke of a modern double action revolver, they can effectively shoot any pistol.

That said, I believe that revolvers are on the way out for general self defensive purposes. The manufacturers are catering to military, police and law enforcement. These professionals can't accept an unreliable pistol. As a result, modern self-loading pistols have greater reliability than ever before. You will also note that self-loaders are getting simpler to operate. These 2 factors spell doom on the revolver as a self-defense weapon. However, don't expect S&W, Ruger et al to drop their revolver line for many years to come.

Watch yer 6!

[DIRK]

I am a huge revolver fan. But I am not going to say that a revolver solves every problem.

I would say the the advantages of a revolver are the simplicity of operation, the consistant trigger and the versatility you get with ammo. There are not many autos that will let you load a light weight magsafe and then take you over a 350gr bullet. You can do that with a .44 or a .45 Colt. However, all of mine are .357magnum. For the shooting I do, it will cover all the bases nicely.

Autos are easier for the average person to shoot quickly, they are generally easier to conceal, they offer the potential of a much better trigger pull. There is also a larger variety of guns and of different rounds they will shoot.

It really depends on what your looking for in a gun. But I say, why worry yourself over which one should you own, get one of each.

[Mute]

At home or in a situation where I don't have to carry concealed, my first impulse is to grab - other than my shotgun - my 6 inch Python. I shoot more accurately with that stock Python, than many customized 1911s. I am 100% confident with that revolver.

Also, out in the woods. The Python is my first choice, with a mix of 125gr hollowpoints and 180 gr. FMJs.

[HK40]

I usually carry my HK USP Compact 40, but when I am in a hurry I grab for my S&W M66. I like both revolvers and autos. I know everyone says that revolvers are more reliable, I sorta agree, but I sorta disagree. I think that if you buy a quality auto and maintain it properly, then that auto will be just as reliable. The biggest thing that I like about revolvers over autos is the ease of loading and unloading. You just swing open the cylinder, shove in 6 rounds, and off you go. There are no mags, racking of the slide, etc... I think they both have a place, and I will always own one of each.

[Bubba]

I took Jim Crews Intermediate Handgun class this past weekend. I did it with my HK .40. I learned a lot and found myself shooting it much better by Sunday night.

To pass the class, the student must negotiate the takedown of a BG who is holding a hostage. When I saw the test my very first thought was "Oh my gosh, I REALLY want my Python."

Bottom line, in a situation where I must place shot after shot in a tight group with the stress level off the chart, I want my Python. I could have passed that test with out a second thought with that gun. I passed it with the HK. But my heart was about to come out my throat.

Bubba

[Gino]

I live in a low threat area, so I do not plan on multiple opponents. For both bedside and carry gun I use a revolver. The simplicity of use and reliability are the reasons. In a low threat environment, I see no need for a lot of rounds, and more rounds is the only advantage that an auto has over a revolver. Now, if I were to move to the "big city" I would prob switch.............

[Bill Mitchell]

Let's not forget that not all revolvers are double actions. The Cowboy Action Shooting boom has mirrored the resurgence of the single action. You can buy a replica of just about every famous single action-Colts,S&W Schofields,and- my personal favorite-Remington 1875's. Also,cartridge conversions are the newest rage. Cimmeron Firearms is even replicating Colt's first true cartridge pistol- the 1871-72 Open Top. And let's not forget the Ruger Vaquero and Bisley Vaquero. And you can still buy a new Colt SAA-for $1200. Thanks,but for that price,I'll stick with the replicas.

Bill

[Salt]

Most of my guns are revolvers. I even use the reproduction 1860 Colt cap-n-ball revolvers for woods carry sometimes.

[Robert Foote]

For various reasons, a K frame revolver is easier to train new shooters with than anything else (especially when you start out with a .22 K frame). This same gun will also shoot fast and accurately enough to challenge the very best shooter living. As Jerry Miculek says, 'The gun is always waiting on me.'

Oh, and one other thing. Over many, many years on the range as an LEO firearms trainer, I saw a lot of guns malfunction--with factory ammo, no less. Only ONCE did I have a revolver go down for any kind of mechanical problem. When you combine that kind of reliability with a .357/125, you're well armed.

In a military scenario I would opt for a good semiauto; but for 'normal' use the revolver gets the job done just fine. I predict they'll be around for a long, long time.

[Mike Irwin]

Still shoot them?

I don't know...

I've got something like 20 of them...

My house gun is a revolver.

My car gun is a revolver.

The gun I'm carrying right now is a revolver.

Revolvers remain EXTREMELY popular as general shooting and CCW guns...

If they weren't, would all these new models have been introduced over the last 10 years, including Titanium and Scandium?

So many people are quick to write off the revolver as anything other than an anachronism, but the sales figures don't lie... And the manufacturers know that...

[jar]

As a certified SiGaholic I love revolvers. If you need speed and power, the revolver is the way to go.

[C.R.Sam]

House, car, target, shoulder, pocket, belt and ankle guns are revolvers.

Other than that I don't see much use for em anymore.

Sam

[Mal H]

Well alrighty then!

We have a new record for the oldest thread dredged up from the past - 3 years and 5 months! I think the previous record was only a little over 2 years. Congratulations?

[Mike Irwin]

HOLY SNOT! :eek:

I did NOT notice the origination date when I posted my reply!

Who says the past doesn't repeat itself, Mal? :)

[Tamara]

Can't stand 'em, m'self...

http://216.227.40.145/images/allsixguns.jpg

...and my 640 and 296Ti didn't even make it into that pic. ;)

[Salt]

Tamara,

Is that a .36 caliber Pepperbox? I am thinking it would be good for the pocket pistol sidematches in Cowboy Action Shooting. It is period correct.

BTW, Are you into Cowboy Action Shooting?

[Tamara]

That is indeed a Pedersoli 4-barrel .36 cal. pepperbox. Fun noisemaker.

Am I into cowboy shooting? I've given it serious thought, but came to the reluctant conclusion that I need another expensive hobby like a hen needs a flag. ;)

[Hal]

Tamara,
A Colt Navy would fit in real nice in that picture.
;)

[Archie]

that is quite an eclectic collection of revolvers.

I am impressed.

[BlackJack]

The ONLY think I don't like about revolvers is that they are such an "ess oh bee" to clean, if you like to keep them sparkling clean like I do. Takes a lot longer than a semi-auto.

[jar]

Since you like SiGs, you might wand a J. P. Sauer & Sohns revolver. ;)

Top is a Sauer in 45LC, middle Sauer in 44MAG and bottom is a very old (pre-WWII) Schmidt in 357MAG.

http://www.fototime.com/609A5DCE13A7EFE/standard.jpg

and a knife just to keep Tamara happy.

http://www.fototime.com/55971DD54597C37/standard.jpg