a revolver........so what

marlin60

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Not to be a tool...I am still quite new to this..

But what is it about revolvers. My PAL instructor suggested a 586/686 S&W as our first gun, to shoot .38 and .357.

I'm a big fan of the .357, but semi autos (esp in 9mm, just got a SP01) are so ###Y.

I intend to own a .40 and .45 over time, but a good revolver has to be part of a decent collection.

Are they easier to shoot...easier to aim...what is up with them anyway....and why aren't ALL pistols...semis.......:eek:
 
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The only good revolver worth having might be a 4inch Python Stainless . But most cant get 4 inch guns, so your limited.
 
Yeah, the 4 inchers are the pretty ones for sure.
There is one for sale on the exchange and it is beautiful.

When I was a kid I preferred the 9mm of Starsky (Starsky and Hutch), but that 6" Python of Hutch...HEAVY (so I'm old).

I'd love to own a 4", but I've shot a few rounds out of two 6" .357 at the range, and I can live with them easy.
 
Revolvers can be almost magical with their accuracy...but I found that after 3 or 4 cylinder-fulls, that was it. They ended up gathering dust in my gun safe, so they're all gone.
If I was to buy just ONE to keep, it would be a Ruger GP100.
 
most people tend to be more accurate with revolvers than semis…

if you don't think revolvers can be ###y you probably haven't seen a Raging Bull. I'll admit buying one sight-unseen just because I thought they look cool.:D I didn't have a revolver and figured everyone needs a hand cannon, so I got one and can’t think of another revolver I would like to have instead.
 
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I have 6 of the puppies and at the moment I'm using 2 more than the rest. My 2 1/2" and my 4", both used in IPSC and IDPA.

A good choice for a first revolver and first handgun.

RePete.
 
I own a 6" GP100 - a .357 revolver makes a great pistol to learn on. There's a lot to be said for a firearm that recoils almost as soft as a .22 with .38spl, but can be loaded up with .357 when you want something spicier.
 
My first .357 was a 586 and I still favour it today. I also have a 4" Python, which, I admit, does have a nicer trigger, and a 4" GP but there's just something about that 586 that doesn't let me leave it in the safe when I hit the range.

If you're new you probably don't have 12(6) status so a > 4.25" 586 or a Python would both be excellent choices.

dorm
 
I personally just like the mechanical "action" of the revolver ie. loading/unloading. Guess that's why I also like pump SG's, bolt and lever action rifles. There's something about manually handling these types of firearms that I enjoy.
 
Automatic pistols are "teh Srexay", but it requires a bit more knowledge and training to effectively operate one.

The example I always use is that with a revolver, if the revovler fails to fire, you simply squeeze the trigger again and if there is a live round in the next chamber, you'll most likely get results. With an automatic pistol, if you have a failure to fire, you're going to do two things, hit the back of the slide to "positive assist" the slide and hopefully put the round into battery, and if that isn't the problem, you're next option is to work the action. So much more can go wrong with an automatic than with a revovler. Operator knowledge has to be greater in order to effectively operate an automatic pistol than with a revovler.
 
I've got one revolver in my collection.
A S&W Model 19.
I shoot a nice mild 38sp.wadcutter out of it.
It is accurate,and a beautiful gun,but it doesn,t get the range time my semi autos do.
To me,i get the biggest enjoyment shooting a 1911 style pistol.
Shoot what turns your crank,not what somebody tells you that you
should be shooting.
To each,their own.
Try one out.See if you like the feel.
 
I don't know of any single action trigger on an auto loader that is as crisp and light as on my 686. It's also nice to not have to chase brass. I tend to shoot my revolver all winter while the auto's sit at home.
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It's also nice to not have to chase brass. I tend to shoot my revolver all winter while the auto's sit at home.

Oh no, I think like Hitzy, except I have a 6" 586 and a 4" 686 that I tend to shoot more in the winter. You need both autos and revolvers to have a complete collection.
 
"...Shoot what turns your crank, not what somebody tells you that you
should be shooting..." Exactly. The only caveat is that you need to pay more attention with a semi as it's loaded and ready to go bang when you're finished with the follow through of the last shot. Mind you, if somebody asks you where the safety is on a semi and you say, "Between your ears.", you'll be fine.
A .357 revolver loaded to .38 Spec. velocities can be a bit less expensive to shoot, but reloading with cast bullets for a 9mm or .45 isn't much more expensive.
 
I own all different types of handguns, modern pistols like the HK USP and Beretta 92, single action pistols like my Para P14-45 and a revover, SW 629 with a 5"bbl. I have shot just about everything out there but will always pick a good quality wheelgun over a semi anyday. They both have their pros and cons and the subject has been beat to death. I have always liked the action and double action trigger of a wheelgun and have shot a number of practical shooting matches and leo style combat competitions, always with a six shooter. I have never had any problem going toe to toe with someone toting a semi with 10 shot mags and in some of cases could reload and be back on target faster than shooters with semi auto. Just takes practice. My most accurate shooting has always been with my issue S&W mdel 64 .38spcl. I think you should try to shoot as many different types of handguns as possible and pick one that best fits your needs ie budget, ammo availability and intended use. If you question what can be accomplished with a modern revolver check out some of the video footage of Jerry Miculek. There is a clip of him firing six, reloading, firing six (all A-ring hits) in an amazing 2.99 seconds. (S&W model 625 .45acp with full moon clips)
 
.... Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I never felt "outgunned" with a .38 Spl.,loaded with decent ammunition! It's really a matter of personal taste ! Me, I've a 686 that my wife kept beside the bed when I was away, or working night shifts. It's worked over, and admittedly, the 3" barrel is nice ! 'Also have a Series 70 Colt in 45ACP and a PPK 380, all have their places and uses ! If I had to have only one handgun, it'd be a tough choice to make, looks sentiment, utility etc.etc. !!! For realistic versatility, it's hard to beat a good quality, 357 or even a 38Spl. (Target shooting, Action shooting, and just fun shooting with both 38s and 357Mag)Both are easy to reload for, and "brass" doesn't wander away and hide ! A .22 Revolver,IE a Smith & Wesson K22 , would be really nice to have ! ..... David K.
 
You won't know if you're predisposed to prefering to shoot revolver versus semi until you have the chance to shoot both. For me the beauty of revolver steps forth when the gun uses moon clips. That way all the ammo you have, 300, 400, 500 rds or more is all loaded on clips and ready to slap in the cylinder.

Alone at a range with lots of hanging steel, you keep shooting and shooting and shooting, with only the risk of burnt skin holding you back, or too much smoke to see the targets anymore if it's not windy.

With a semi, you'd only have usually 50 to 100 rounds in mags ready to pop. Also, when you finish, no hunting for brass, the empties are easy to pick up, still on the moon clips.

I have a dozen or so revolvers, 2 of which, a 1917 and 610, take moon clips, and tommorrow I'm closing the deal on a sweet 4in. 625. Life is good.
 
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