New user Revolver selection for target shooting

Wendell said:
I'm biased too, but I'd suggest that you consider the rules of IDPA and IPSC when deciding on a particular revolver.

A six-shot cylinder and a 4.2" barrel is what I'd choose, and it would keep more options open to you.
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A six shot revolver is a good gun for IDPA where no course of fire can exceed 18 rds. In IPSC the max is 32 rds so you see lots of 7 and 8 shot revolvers. I shoot my 6 shot revolvers in IPSC with guys shooting the 7-8 rd guns and they have the edge when it comes to making up missed shots or going for a better hit.

I recently acquired a S&W Pro Shop 686-6 with 5" barrel. Nice gun but I shoot my K frame guns better after years of familiarity.
 
An alternative to a .22 revolver is a 9mm Alfa Proj. 9261 Revolver. It's a great revolver for a new shooter, much more affordable to shoot than a .38, .357, or .44. I have one that I bring to the range along with my semi-auto's and usually end up putting 24-30 rounds through it. A revolver is a fun gun to shoot, and can be very accurate when shooting in SA for a new shooter.
 
Here are some of my revolvers. Starting at lower left, a model 13 modified for 1500 PPC, a stock model 15 for Distinguished Revolver, a 929 I sometimes run in IPSC, and a 686 just for fun ��

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Nice brood!

I was recently in a gun shop looking for L frame speed loaders. The clerk said - "Speed loaders? Who shoots a revolver these days?" and showed me his favourite Glock. I think I offended him when I laughed. I told him that I was aware of more ND/ADs with Glocks than any other hand gun. Answer - "Yeah, but they were cops."

I then told him I owned several 'bottom feeders' but they were all steel framed guns. He snorted ....
 
Decided to take a couple in to the range today. At 10m, the 4.25” 686 is only at a small disadvantage to my model 64 setup for PPC. I think the bigger difference is the big blocky iron sights on the M64. 18 shots each with 148gr HBWC. DA for the M64, I cheated and did SA for the 686 as I’ve left it a stock 12lb trigger pull

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I buy my springs from Wolfe in bulk lol. I have my 610, 625, and 929’s down to a 6lb trigger pull as I compete with them. The real work is reshaping the rebound bar so it resets smoothly with the lighter rebound spring. For those rounds I reload with federal primers. This 686 is just for fun and good dry fire practice ��

Sharps '74 said:
That 12 lb trigger pull is easily cured by installing a new hammer spring and rebound slide spring from Brownells.
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My 1942 Smith & Wesson Model 10 Victory British Service Revolver, chambered in .38 S&W, quickly became my favourite handgun after I bought it. Shoots like a dream and very accurate. Made a revolver fan out of me! ����
 
Enthu said:
Hi there,
No experience with any firearm whatsoever. I am taking CFSC and CRFSC and then will work towards RPAL.
Having said that , once all these things are done, I am inclined towards target shooting on the range. My personal liking is revolvers because they are so classic.Currently I am not interested in Semi Auto.
For the experienced ones out there, is there anything incorrect in having a bias towards revolvers. Should I be open for other hand guns too?
My liking is SW 686 Plus( 7 round) 5 inch barrel.
by searching online, I could only find it on Tenda Canada. What are the other options? Any feedback on this selection.
Sorry if my questions are stupid. I am a newbie.
Thanks in Advance.
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If you really mean target shooting then get a .38 Spl revolver that will be accurate out to 25 yards. A used Smith & Wesson K38 / Model 14 with target sights is easy to find and will work well. Easy to reload. Like others here I'd recommend getting a .22 with could be a K22/Model 17 (which will have the same weight and balance). But also consider a good semi auto for the .22 (lots of choices on Trade Ex). The Smiths I'm referring to are the old blued ones. The later ones, with a full underlug, you may find too muzzle heavy.
 
Sharps '74 said:
A six shot revolver is a good gun for IDPA where no course of fire can exceed 18 rds. In IPSC the max is 32 rds so you see lots of 7 and 8 shot revolvers. I shoot my 6 shot revolvers in IPSC with guys shooting the 7-8 rd guns and they have the edge when it comes to making up missed shots or going for a better hit.

I recently acquired a S&W Pro Shop 686-6 with 5" barrel. Nice gun but I shoot my K frame guns better after years of familiarity.
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I shoot PPC, and 6 rounds at a time is the limit. You don't want an empty chamber screwing you up in rapid fire.
 
Some will argue that one is better than another, but so far, I am very happy with my Ruger GP100 4.2" barrel. Revolvers can be a bit fussy when it comes to proper crimping and primer seating, but reloading is still the way to go. I load mostly light target loads for competition and practice in .38 special; and .357 magnum loads for fun once in a while.
 
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