Gungirly, my apology for starting a new post, but previous is just too long.
The first revolver? Depends what do you want. If you want just to punch the paper, one of those S&W 22 LR is the way to go. If you want the second revolver, or the just one for every type of shooting, including fascinating silhouette shooting, you have to consider reloading first. Once you are in reloading, you are not limited to any calibre, you buy brass and bullets in bulk anyhow. But, before making any decision, go on the range and make sure that you try one of those revolvers that might interest you. Leave the calibre issue for later. Make sure that you also shoot one of large frame S&W and Rugers. Later ones both; double action Redhawk and Super Redhawk, and single action Blackhawk and Bisley. There is the reason why so many shooters like those large frame revolvers. Although, I prefer Bisley grip to any other one, for the practical reasons, nothing could beat DA revolvers with swing out cylinder like S&W and Ruger revolvers; easy to check is firearm loaded, easy to load and unload, and you don’t have to chase brass around like when you shoot semiautos. Next issue is the calibre: for a single revolver my vote is for 41 magnum. Don’t get me wrong, I have 41, 44 and 45 LC, but for general shooting I prefer 41 above all others. Why 41? It has that fine balance of power, weight and handling, you can shoot hundreds of rounds (220 gr at 1200 fps) in a single day without fatigue. And, according to a number of gun writers (and many other shooters who shoot this calibre) it’s inherently the most accurate calibre in revolvers. Also, revolvers in this calibre are at least 25% stronger and usually last much longer than same revolver in 44 bore. This is not issue with Rugers, but it could be with S&W, especially earlier ones. However, be aware that you have to shoot a LOT of full power rounds before 44 S&W gets loose. As for ergonomics, my vote and final choice is S&W M657 in 41 Magnum, stainless, especially later models with so called “Endurance Package” (41 Redhawk is rare, out of production). With this revolver you have everything you want and need, including superb trigger, something that you usually don’t get with Ruger. On top of that, the selection of aftermarket grips for N-frame S&W is almost unlimited. Important note; used 657 or blue 57 are regularly cheaper than 629 or 29 in 44 magnum, but when you sell it, the same rule applies. And if anybody thinks that 41 Magnum is on the weak side, please see these articles first: http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41magnum.htm , http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41heavy.htm , http://leverguns.com/articles/41data.htm
Just my .2 cents. Regards, Onty.
P.S. If run across S&W 657-s, please don’t by all of them, leave at least one for me.
The first revolver? Depends what do you want. If you want just to punch the paper, one of those S&W 22 LR is the way to go. If you want the second revolver, or the just one for every type of shooting, including fascinating silhouette shooting, you have to consider reloading first. Once you are in reloading, you are not limited to any calibre, you buy brass and bullets in bulk anyhow. But, before making any decision, go on the range and make sure that you try one of those revolvers that might interest you. Leave the calibre issue for later. Make sure that you also shoot one of large frame S&W and Rugers. Later ones both; double action Redhawk and Super Redhawk, and single action Blackhawk and Bisley. There is the reason why so many shooters like those large frame revolvers. Although, I prefer Bisley grip to any other one, for the practical reasons, nothing could beat DA revolvers with swing out cylinder like S&W and Ruger revolvers; easy to check is firearm loaded, easy to load and unload, and you don’t have to chase brass around like when you shoot semiautos. Next issue is the calibre: for a single revolver my vote is for 41 magnum. Don’t get me wrong, I have 41, 44 and 45 LC, but for general shooting I prefer 41 above all others. Why 41? It has that fine balance of power, weight and handling, you can shoot hundreds of rounds (220 gr at 1200 fps) in a single day without fatigue. And, according to a number of gun writers (and many other shooters who shoot this calibre) it’s inherently the most accurate calibre in revolvers. Also, revolvers in this calibre are at least 25% stronger and usually last much longer than same revolver in 44 bore. This is not issue with Rugers, but it could be with S&W, especially earlier ones. However, be aware that you have to shoot a LOT of full power rounds before 44 S&W gets loose. As for ergonomics, my vote and final choice is S&W M657 in 41 Magnum, stainless, especially later models with so called “Endurance Package” (41 Redhawk is rare, out of production). With this revolver you have everything you want and need, including superb trigger, something that you usually don’t get with Ruger. On top of that, the selection of aftermarket grips for N-frame S&W is almost unlimited. Important note; used 657 or blue 57 are regularly cheaper than 629 or 29 in 44 magnum, but when you sell it, the same rule applies. And if anybody thinks that 41 Magnum is on the weak side, please see these articles first: http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41magnum.htm , http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41heavy.htm , http://leverguns.com/articles/41data.htm
Just my .2 cents. Regards, Onty.
P.S. If run across S&W 657-s, please don’t by all of them, leave at least one for me.
