Out with the auto, in with the Revolver

[American Eagle]

I am 23 years old and my first gun was a Walther semi-auto. I was very happy with it until one day at the gun range a man let me fire his 357 magnum and 5 shots latter a whole new world had opened up.

I ditched my auto and ran to my local gun shop and found a Smith & Wesson 642NLS with a Rosewood handle. This is not the "Lady Smith" but rather a 642 with the same rosewood handle as the "Lady Smith", except that it doesn't say "Lady Smith". This model is so uncommon that the owner of the gun shop told me he only sees one per year come in, this despite this being one of the best stocked and better known gun shops in our city.

He offered it to me at a great price, $450 USD :D
Not bad for such an uncommon and beautiful version of the SW 642

Tomorrow morning am picking up my new revolver and I cant wait. I don't know what it is about revolvers, but once i tried one my Walther semi-auto felt cheap in comparison. I know some may think Revolvers are old school, but not me. There is just a certain feeling I get holding a revolver that I cant seem to find in a semi-auto handgun. Am already planning to buy an N frame revolver

[Dave85]

Welcome to the forum, and to the wonderful world of practical anachronisms!

[Rocked]

Im only 22 and the first handgun purchased by me, was a S&W 66. I know revolvers are more or less thought of "old guy guns", but the smart young guys are the ones that know the old guys use them for a darn good reason. The only semi-auto I own is a Ruger Mk 2. But do plan on purchasing a Glock 19 for a truck/carry gun.

Otherwise, Revo's all the way.

[vsgonzo]

just turned 26 and got passed down some weapons (11) that haven't even been fired in 20+ years till the other day :D

anywhoo out of those 11 3 are revolvers

Mod 66 4 inch
mod 66 2 inch
charter arms *Undercover* snubnose 38spc


I really like how well they shoot. Especially the 2 inch. by the way I got passed down like 4,000 rnds of ammo. 2,700 of 9mm and the rest mixed of 38spc, .357, 30-06, 12 guage slug.

so yea the revolvers are very nice and that under cover is very nice for pocketing. Do I like how they fire *Hell yeah*, do I like the idea of having just 5-6 rnds.... um no... Might consider carrying as a back up weapon. Last resort kinda thing... I just got an xdm .40 and I love that thing to pieces. I also have the xdm 9 but have not fired it yet. Dad is keeping that by the bed at his house since retiring and misses the security of the duty weapon by the bed.

Other than that... Glad you enjoy your revolver. Invest in some hks speedloaders and always and I mean always carry one or two of those little babies with you. Never know

[Winchester_73]

I'm 23, and I have 9 handguns and 6 of them are revolvers. One of my revolvers isn't in shooting condition however. I don't regret having more revolvers at all. Of course, I want more semi autos, but at the same time I would like a few more revolvers. Theres just something about a quality revolver to me. I think it really depends on what you're looking AND the quality of the pistol or revolver. I would trade some of my revolvers to get a SIG P210 for example. Its personal preference and I disagree with the notion of a revolver being an old mans gun.

Am already planning to buy an N frame revolver

I recommend a model 27, 28 or 29/629. There are other N frames, but like a model 24 for example, only shoots 44 special. The three I mentioned offer some versatility. I heard a lot of good things about model 57/58s as well, but I think those guns cater more to towards reloaders due to price of ammo. Model 22s are cool which is a 45 acp revolver. I believe all of these models were ressurected in the S&W classic line. Another N frame which I'd like to get is a 627 (stainless N frame 357 with a 6 or 8 shot cylinder). Also look into a 610, which fires a 40S&W or 10mm with moon clips. Theres just so many quality S&Ws out there, bet you can't buy just one ;)

[The Great Mahoo]

Wow, I am a bit surpised that everyone posting here is of the younger sort. So am I! :D I'm 24, and while I like my autos, I am enthralled with revolvers these days.

I grew up shooting autos and cowboy-sixguns. My father collects(ed) guns, but never really had much in the way of modern double-action revolvers about, so I just never got into them. There was just something about DA revolvers that I didn't care for the looks of. I guess I was just used to my single-action six-guns, which have always held a warm spot in my heart. After a while I started to come around and now half of my handguns are revolvers. I even hope to add 2-3 more soon, though I can't afoord it :(

[Willie Lowman]

My first handguns (my parent's not really mine) were a Ruger Redhawk .44 and a .45 SAA knock off. I learned to shoot handguns with that .44 magnum :eek:.

When I turned 21 the magnum became mine, shortly thereafter I went over to the world of the "bottom feeder." After two 1911s, a 22/45, three Glocks, a Beretta, and a Sig... I saw a flick at a friend's house called "Sultan Sea" (I think). In it, the 'good guy' has a eight shot Performance Center snubbie .357. I had to have one but with a 5 inch barrel.

Now, if you guys like wheel guns, get yourself a Performance Center. Feel the double action pull on one and you'll see what I mean.

[Tom2]

My first revolver was more along the size of a K frame. I don't know if I would recommend someone's first revolver be a magnum capable snubbie or lightweight model, though. If someone bought a LW snub or mag version and it pounded the **** out of their shooting hand and made their ears ring, they might gain an early negative image of wheelguns and not get to enjoy something that is nicer to shoot for long periods. The snubs are backups or CCW guns and a comprimise to allow CC convenience versus shooter enjoyment or comfort. But if you like it, try a bigger model some time.

[Chesster]

I'm 53 and my first revolver was a dual cylinder Kimel .22 followed by a dual cylinder 6.5" Ruger Blackhawk 357.

Welcome to the forum and nuthood.......er, brotherhood.

[levrluvr]

do I like the idea of having just 5-6 rnds.... um no...


practice, practice, practice. You'll eventually need just one;)

[abber]

Now you'll need that N frame, or 2 or 3 N frames, K frames, L frames, X frames, MAYBE a J frame or 2, I have lived without any J's in the safe. Also, Rugers.....SP, RH, SRH, GP, not to mention the SA units (I have also gotten by without any SA revolvers, so far).

Can you tell I am a revolver addict? All styles of guns are cool, but like you intoned, there is just something about a revolver that gets ya (or not). I was bitten by the revolver bug many moons ago. I have a couple of autos, and I like them both. But I LOVE my revolvers.

[The Great Mahoo]

I saw a flick at a friend's house called "Sultan Sea" (I think). In it, the 'good guy' has a eight shot Performance Center snubbie .357. I had to have one but with a 5 inch barrel. The Salton Sea was a good movie, though I don't remember the specifics of any of the guns in it. I'm sure the PC with a 5" is a very nice gun to shoot. I have been thinking about getting a new .357, so I may just have to look into them.

[protectedbyglock]

I have always been an "all auto" guy myself.
My best friend in high school had all revolvers.
We would switch off and try each others stuff.
I must admit that although I have many autos, and like them very much, I find myself spending more and more time by the revolver cases.
I had an SP101 out the other day. Very neat.
I think I'm gonna end up with a Ruger GP, though, in stainless..

[ZEBRARANGER]

I own and love both semi auto's and revolvers, but each for different reasons. Its good see you young guys enjoy both types. Also, its good for the handgun industry in general for obvious reasons. Just something about the way a revolver feels in hand when shooting. Im definitely more accurate at distance with my Colt King Cobra 6" or The Ruger 6" GP100 than any of my semi autos, I always bring both to the range which makes range time more fun. I also enjoy the attempt to be proficiant with both.

[CMKiefer]

Same story - different decade.
Back in the late eighties (I was in my early twenties) I had a Walther PPKS .380 that I was not happy with. It worked fine, but I wasn't too impressed.

I had it for sale at the giant flea market in Colorado Springs (remember those days when you could display a gun in public let alone sell it?) and it attracted a woman's attention. She happened to have a S & W model 28 Highway Patrolman and we made a swap - even up. I never tried to figure out if one of us got the shaft and I've never regretted the trade.

My current go-to gun is a 1911, but I still have that Smith and still love the feel of it in my hand and the feel of shooting it.

[cracked91]

Revolvers shoot way way smoother for me, I am pretty sure the reduced recoil was because the slide does not have to rack back, but my .357 S&W 66-5 shoots way smoother than either my dads Springfield GI 1911 A1, or my friends Sigma 9mm. The my 66 was the second handgun I ever owned, my first being a hi point c9, so naturally I fell in love with it. That being said I do own a few more autos now, A bersa .380, Walther P22, and Ruger 22/45. I prefer different guns for different purposes, when I am going hiking, hunting, or just into the mountains, I always take my .357, but for self defense in the city, I prefer autos. They are lighter, easier to manuever, and most hold more rounds (though none of mine do). My next purchase is going to be an EAA Witness in 10mm, which is a great general purpose gun. After that Im going to save for an Alaskan in .454:D

[abber]

Same story - different decade.
Back in the late eighties (I was in my early twenties) I had a Walther PPKS .380 that I was not happy with. It worked fine, but I wasn't too impressed.


Mine was a Sig Sauer P230 .380 auto, and I traded for a model 13 in nickel. It had an action job, narrowed and jewelled trigger and hammer, so I guess I got an even trade. I didn't really care though, because I hated that .380 Sig. I think it was a caliber issue more than an auto issue. I have a Sigma .40 that I enjoy a lot, and an old mkI standard that has seen more action than anything else in the safe. And, I still have that 13.

I've been thinking of replacing the Sigma with an XD, Glock, or M&P. Not sure yet which it will be. The .40 is a fun target gun, but I'm ready for something with a nicer trigger. What can I say, I got the Sigma for 99 bucks.

[rclark]

Just some thing about revolvers. Never could get into bottom feeders. Give me a Single Action any day. BTW, really only '1' shot is necessary if placed right. And then you have 4, or 5 to back it up.... No need to 'spray and pray' :p .


I ain't got no safe queens. I shoots em all... Ditto :) .

[Russ5924]

Ok you young guys go back to your automatics and leave all the junkie revolvers for us older folk:rolleyes: Thing is I have gone the other way and the last two guns I bought was a Glock 19 and a S&W M&P 9 compact, but find those magazines a pain in the butt to keep loading:eek::) After shooting that compact went to shoot my .357 and never realized they were that heavy:eek::)

[Webleymkv]

I'm 22 and while I own and enjoy both types, I much prefer a revolver. There's just something about a S&W K or N Frame that fits my hands like a glove (though I own and have owned other brands and they were nice as well).

Y'know, a thread like this just isn't complete without some pics.

Currently owned

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u34/Webleymkv/BuffaloSabresGame054.jpg
S&W M28-2 .357 Magnum

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u34/Webleymkv/BuffaloSabresGame72.jpg
S&W M66-2 .357 Magnum

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u34/Webleymkv/Nickgunphotos005.jpg
Colt Cobra .38 Special

Previously Owned

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u34/Webleymkv/64.jpg
Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u34/Webleymkv/Nickgunphotos003.jpg
S&W M21-4 .44 Special

I also own a 4" S&W 629 .44 Magnum and a 6" H&R Model 999 Sportsman .22LR but I haven't gotten around to taking any pics yet.

[stevieboy]

I'm an old guy (63) and after having read this thread I feel a lot older:o My first handgun, which I bought only a few years ago, was a revolver. I'd tried out lots of guns, including a Glock (everyone told me to buy it!!) and what I fell in love with instantly was a Smith 686. Nothing else quite felt like that gun. In the few years since, I've accumulated a small but growing collection, all double action revolvers. In the last few weeks I've fired a Springfield XD, a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-auto, a Kimber 9mm 1911, a Ruger PD, and a Smith M & P in 9mm. People keep telling me that I need to buy a semi and I keep humoring them by firing their guns. Some of them are ok, others I hate, and none of them are as comfortable or shoot as well for me as my revolvers.

[mrt949]

I have owned more revolvers than autos. REVOLVERS.always go bang.bang .bang.bang.bang bang.AUTOS go bang click oh sxxx. .Revolvers are MORE dependable .:D

[American Eagle]

MRT949, the main reason why I chose to buy the SW 642 as my conceal/carry gun was because I had a Springfield 9MM semi-auto jam on me 3 times at the range the other day.

If my friend still wants to carry that gun around as his c/c, good for him, but that experience in combination with shooting a 357 magnum was all I needed to make the decision to go with a revolver.:D

[mrt949]

AMERICAN EAGLE . When my dress code let's me. I carry a smith m 60 38 special. I have cc since 1983. BY THE WAY WELCOME:D

[christcorp]

This is a revolver forum; and I LOVE revolvers. And if I could only afford 1 gun or was only allowed one gun, I guess I would trade a Walther semi-auto for a 357 magnum. especially a Smith. And especially if the Walther was a 380 or a 9mm. Luckily for me I'm much older and have worked long enough to have more than one gun. Now; while I consider my S&W Model 13-1 close to being my most favorite gun of all; I really doubt I could get anyone to get me to trade or sell my SigSauer P220 45acp. And while some revolvers could make some semi-autos feel cheep, there's no feeling cheap with a a Sig or even my Springfield Armory 1911A1 45acp.

So yea; there are some really sweet revolvers out there. Especially the Smiths. And in my opinion; the older "K" frames. But there's also a semi-autos out there like Sig, certain glocks, colt, and some other. But I will say the weakest revolver is still a decent gun. With all the moving parts and such in Autos; a cheap auto is risking your life. I've got some old H. Schmidt 22 lr SA revolvers. Very cheap revolver. And yet the darn thing keeps going. On the other hand; I've seen a lot of Bryco, Jennings, Lorcin, and so on that I sure wouldn't bet my life on. So, to each their own.

[batmann]

Welcome to the forum---- Thanks for making me feel a lot older too!!!!!!! LOL
You have a fine revolver and it will give you many years od faithful service. Soon, you find you need something just a little bigger, with better sights and then the real game begins!

[Ichiro]

My two Smith J-frames developed a nasty habit of going bang, bang, click, bang, bang with all varieties of ammo. My two Ruger revolvers also froze up regularly before I sent them back to the factory for new cylinders. I used to support the 5 or 6 for sure mantra, but now I just don't believe it.

The only handguns I've owned that haven't ever failed in any way are my Sig 226 and my XD 9.

[kmrcstintn]

welcome!!! you are among good company; despite a hunkering for 9mm and especially the Beretta 92 & Ruger P89, I have come full circle with revolvers!

S&W 629 PowerPort in .44 mag; S&W 642 in .38 spl +p; Ruger GP100 in .357 mag; Ruger Security Six in .358 mag; Uberti Cattleman Hombre (Colt 1873 SAA clone) in .45 colt;

I feel old but not because I prefer spinners :D

[relee]

Welcome to the club! Always had a thing for the wheel guns...an elegant weapon from a more civilized day.

Bob

[ghh3rd]

When I turned 21 in 1974 I purchased my first handgun - a .22 Ruger Super Single Six (22 and 22 mag cylinders) revolver for $98.00 at Bill Jacksons sporting goods. I used that gun heavily for many years, and still use it frequently.

I just purchased my second wheel gun - a S&W 642 .38 snub (1 7/8" barrel). Although it's a short range self defense gun, I can't believe at how accurate that thing is at 10 yards!

Randy