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Old 01-12-2021, 09:55 AM
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Default Is the revolver now a 'hobby gun'?

This thread is going to upset some folks; it's not my intention. But this is something that's been bothering me for a while.

I've owned A TON of different handguns over the past decade. I've always been a revolver fan. I've owned old pinned S&W's, new ones, and Rugers. I've also owned many 1911's, and other auto loaders. After my post about my brand new 629 Crack or scratch in new 629? with a line that looks like a fracture on the cylinder, it got me thinking the following thoughts:

The old moniker that the revolver is a 'six for sure' while the autoloader is a 'maybe 15 rounds' (implying the autoloaders can misfeed or stovepip) seems to be either wrong, or no longer applicable.

Out of all the handguns I've owned over the past decade, the most reliable ones HAVE NOT been new revolvers.

1) I've had a new 686 3'' fail to turn the cylinder after 20 rounds at the range (pull trigger and cylinder didn't move).New 686p: interesting event
2) I've had that 629 with the possible crack in the cylinder from the factory.
3) I've had a brand new ruger sp101 seize up after 2 rounds Brand new revolver failure
4) Not to mention the countless new revolvers i've looked at in the store with canted barrels, forcing cones with burrs that occluded the barrel, etc.

Out of all the handguns I've owned, the most reliable were /are:
1) Colt 1911s
2) Beretta 92 series
3) HK USP series

I've had many Colt 1911's (4 Defenders, 5 different gov. models, and a Commander sized), and they all ran perfectly out of the box.

I've owned 7 different Beretta 92 series handguns. Every single one was stone cold reliable, never a malfunction.

I've owned 3 different HK USP models (full sized 45, full sized 9mm, compact 45). I don't yet have as many rounds through these as the Berettas and Colts, but so far, never a problem.

This is not to bash revolvers; I love revolvers. But it seems that in today's age, revolver makers are not producing them with the mindset that first responders will use them to defend their lives (because they aren't anymore). I'm currently dealing with S&W over a brand new 629 with what looks like a hairline crack in the cylinder from the factory. I'm reluctant to carry my new 686 for defense; just having a sour taste right now.

So, here's a question to consider: is the revolver now more of a 'hobby' gun, given that many autoloaders today seem to be made with more consistent QA?

This is not a troll post; just my current thoughts.
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Old 01-12-2021, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by American1776 View Post
So, here's a question to consider: is the revolver now more of a 'hobby' gun, given that many autoloaders today seem to be made with more consistent QA?
I think it's a valid question, seems like the go-to for CC and SD are semi's of one sort or another. I like semiauto's, specifically 1911's, but I've dealt with revolvers much longer and have come to prefer them after walking on the dark side for several years. Not to say I don't carry a semiauto any more, but I'm carrying a revolver much more than I used to, and lately more often than a semi.

Capacity doesn't mean all that much to me, or not as much as it used to, as I have come to the conclusion that if in a situation where I need more than 12 (full cylinder and a speed loader), I'm not making it out anyway. I try to take a preventative attitude, which is, if it's going to take more, just don't go there. If TSHTF, then I have what I need for that scenario, I'll have more guns hanging off me than Carter has little red pills, but for simple SD and CC, my smallest wheel gun will do. As for new revolvers being less reliable, or poorer quality, I wouldn't know. My newest revolver is from 1980, and I've not had any function issues with any of them. I have, on the other hand, had a few with a couple of newer semiauto pistols, so given that, I should feel more comfortable that my revolvers won't let me down in a crunch. After all, a couple of hundred years of myriad police force use has pretty well proven they are dependable.

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Old 01-12-2021, 10:24 AM
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I think it's a valid question, seems like the go-to for CC and SD are semi's of one sort or another. I like semiauto's, specifically 1911's, but I've dealt with revolvers much longer and have come to prefer them after walking on the dark side for several years. Not to say I don't carry a semiauto any more, but I'm carrying a revolver much more than I used to, and lately more often than a semi.

Capacity doesn't mean all that much to me, or not as much as it used to, as I have come to the conclusion that if in a situation where I need more than 12 (full cylinder and a speed loader), I'm not making it out anyway. I try to take a preventative attitude, which is, if it's going to take more, just don't go there. If TSHTF, then I have what I need for that scenario, I'll have more guns hanging off me than Carter has little red pills, but for simple SD and CC, my smallest wheel gun will do. As for new revolvers being less reliable, or poorer quality, I wouldn't know. My newest revolver is from 1980, and I've not had any function issues with any of them. I have, on the other hand, had a few with a couple of newer semiauto pistols, so given that, I should feel more comfortable that my revolvers won't let me down in a crunch. After all, a couple of hundred years of myriad police force use has pretty well proven they are dependable.
I'm not concerned with capacity much. I'm also not talking about older revolvers (which seem to be much more likely to work right). Back when LEO's carried revolvers, that's all there really was (bad guys usually only had them too).

The *new* revolvers seem to be the problem. I pay 800-1,000 bucks for a new revolver, and I might get one with a hairline crack in the steel, a wheel that won't turn or will possible seize up.

I agree with you on the older models: more care and attention seem to have been given to them because they were the only game in town, and they knew that LEO's would be relying on them. Not so much anymore.
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Old 01-12-2021, 10:42 AM
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Op do you believe gun manufacturers are treating revolvers as second class citizens or are today’s manufacturing processes just better suited to mass produce semiautos?


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Old 01-12-2021, 10:43 AM
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Young people aren’t interested in revolvers. At least most of them aren’t interested. They are like leather holsters. If handguns are still around in twenty years, I think revolvers will essentially be collector’s items and curiosities us old buzzards drag into the range whenever we show up, if we’re still allowed to own and shoot them. Quality issues are just that. They have nothing to do with the soundness of the design or its utility.
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Old 01-12-2021, 10:53 AM
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I had a NIB Colt 1911 MK IV series 80 and never shot it and sold it last year.
I added the rosewood grips.



I bought this Glock M-36 4-5 years ago and it was junk and constantly jammed.
I gave it to a close friend along with the extra magazines, shoulder holster
and OWB holster who was very well aware of the issues I was having with it.



I have two S&W M&P 45s, a full size and a new Shield M2.0.
These are the only semi-autos that I own.

Both of these shoot flawlessly and I really enjoy shooting the full size one.

My EDC is a 642-1. Even the shield weighs more than I really care to carry.
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Old 01-12-2021, 10:55 AM
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Well very few, police departments or countries armed forced issue them as carry pieces. Technically the revolver has morphed into a sort of hobby class.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:00 AM
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Interesting, I'm not a fan of auto-loaders but do have a few that I like.
Most of my revolvers are 20+ years old. the 2 newer ones have had issues. S&W 625 .45acp with light strikes(not ammo related)
And a Ruger Blackhawk that had parts fly off.,, Hmmmm.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by rubiranch View Post


I had a NIB Colt 1911 MK IV series 80 and never shot it and sold it last year.
I added the rosewood grips.



I bought this Glock M-36 4-5 years ago and it was junk and constantly jammed.
I gave it to a close friend along with the extra magazines, shoulder holster
and OWB holster who was very well aware of the issues I was having with it.



I have two S&W M&P 45s, a full size and a new Shield M2.0.
These are the only semi-autos that I own.

Both of these shoot flawlessly and I really enjoy shooting the full size one.

My EDC is a 642-1. Even the shield weighs more than I really care to carry.
I had a glock 30sf (NIB) that constantly hit me in the forehead with brass (and no, I wasn't limp wristing it). Wasn't a fan.

SIG p220 (two NIB, recent models), both had stovepipe issues. Not a fan of them either.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:05 AM
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Op do you believe gun manufacturers are treating revolvers as second class citizens or are today’s manufacturing processes just better suited to mass produce semiautos?


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Both statements can be correct at the same time, and I suspect this is the case.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:06 AM
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I have Smiths that I bought used in the 1960s which have never missed a beat.
When I go ambient hopefully they will pass down in the family. I expect them to continue to be reliable.
Otherwise they will make strangers happy with more years of reliable service.
As I have posted a number of times, I bought the Blue 19 new in Guam.
First New Smith I ever bought. Carried it in SEA.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:10 AM
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All my revolvers work fine, but they're all between at least 30 and almost 60 years in age. As noted, the problems seem to be with more current production runs. I believe what I have will continue to perform admirably for as long as I need them to, and I have no real desire to buy anything new. As far as the original question goes, if something bad unfolds in my home I have no qualms about bringing a revolver into play (my 'ancient' Model 10 is in my nightstand), but since just about all LEO's and military personnel rely on semi-autos these days, revolvers may indeed be considered a hobby gun. However, if the manufacturers are going to continue to sell revolvers for upwards of $1K or more, they owe it to their customers to present a quality product.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:17 AM
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I think that very soon you will see revolvers make a strong come-back due to the more strict gun laws that are starting to be penned. They soon might be the only practical handgun we will be allowed to buy.

Like I stated in another recent thread - time to practice better techniques and hit more with less rounds.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:19 AM
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IMO, the revolver is by no means a hobby - different niches, but not done. Kimber’s foray into revolvers, and Colt’s return, show there’s a market...and then there’s the Korth crazy train. If QC on a new gun is an issue, that’s a point of sale issue (canted barrels, fit & finish); mechanical issues are a return once, refund after the repeat fail. The design issues are not confined to revolvers; ask Sig about that 320 drop test thing.

As far as self-defense goes, the market has spoken; the reliability of modern semi-automatics, capacity, and price, wins. The revolver remains capable, but in my view, the post-war years through the 1980s were the peak of the revolver’s utility. After that, the rise of the less-expensive polymer guns, hi-cap mags, better SD ammo, and CNC manufacturing, moved the SD market away from revolvers. Spray and pray aside, The better mousetrap wins.

I hope your 629 cylinder is a cosmetic issue. I’d return it; the odds of an inclusion or crack are low, but why chance it? If it’s cosmetic, that will buff out. As for the other reliability issues, some are individual ones, and then there were the Lear Siegler years.

In the end, it’s more a matter of what the buyer is comfortable with, the price, and the application. Hunting remains a primary niche for revolvers; SD is certainly viable. The inherent machining and assembly costs for revolvers sets a price point (I’m looking at you, Taurus); after that, it’s what’s available, and affordable. To me, the P&R revolvers are the S&W quality models; after those years, technology and costs moved the market away from revolvers in general.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:26 AM
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Another revolver fan here. I've done the semi thing, but found that revolvers were more enjoyable. The newer revolvers don't reflect the quality and pride of workmanship that the older revolvers do, and semis are just guns without personality. It wouldn't surprise me that revolvers will be the only guns available in the future.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:35 AM
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I trained with the M1911A-1 .45 pistol in the Army and carried one in combat. Then I joined the police and was required to use a revolver, so I did for many years.

After retiring from law enforcement my usual choice was a 1911-style .45 pistol. I also own and use Browning Hi Power 9mm, Sig P229 .40S&W, and several others fully capable for defensive carry.

Over the past couple of years I have experienced serious and painful conditions that have limited my strength and range of motion in the hands, arms, and shoulders. I questioned my abilities to handle semi-autos. Surgery has partially solved some of my problems, but not completely.

For everyday needs I have been using a 40-plus year old S&W Model 64 2" .38 Special revolver. No worries about strength or dexterity to clear a feed jam, racking a pistol slide against heavy spring pressures, loading magazines with stout springs, etc. I have enough experience and "muscle memory" with the revolver that I can easily turn in a good score on the range.

I don't consider self-defense to be something for a "hobby gun".

My point is that it is not necessarily one or the other, semi-auto or revolver. There are plenty of legitimate uses and needs for either type.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:50 AM
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I trained with the M1911A-1 .45 pistol in the Army and carried one in combat. Then I joined the police and was required to use a revolver, so I did for many years.

After retiring from law enforcement my usual choice was a 1911-style .45 pistol. I also own and use Browning Hi Power 9mm, Sig P229 .40S&W, and several others fully capable for defensive carry.

Over the past couple of years I have experienced serious and painful conditions that have limited my strength and range of motion in the hands, arms, and shoulders. I questioned my abilities to handle semi-autos. Surgery has partially solved some of my problems, but not completely.

For everyday needs I have been using a 40-plus year old S&W Model 64 2" .38 Special revolver. No worries about strength or dexterity to clear a feed jam, racking a pistol slide against heavy spring pressures, loading magazines with stout springs, etc. I have enough experience and "muscle memory" with the revolver that I can easily turn in a good score on the range.

I don't consider self-defense to be something for a "hobby gun".

My point is that it is not necessarily one or the other, semi-auto or revolver. There are plenty of legitimate uses and needs for either type.
I have no issues with the older revolvers that you are discussing. I had two model 58s that worked perfectly. Same with a 1960's era model 36.

My original post, asking if the revolver has become a 'hobby gun' refers to the new production revolvers, being sold for 800-1000 dollars, many of which may or MAY NOT work out of the box.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:54 AM
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My solution?
Buy pinned and recessed Smith and Wesson revolvers.
They work.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:59 AM
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My solution?
Buy pinned and recessed Smith and Wesson revolvers.
They work.
Yes, I agree with this. However: I've been burned before trying to buy these. (sellers who lie and misrepresent the condition of a gun). I've also had many good experiences, and regret selling the ones I had.
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Old 01-12-2021, 12:04 PM
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Yes, I agree with this. However: I've been burned before trying to buy these. (sellers who lie and misrepresent the condition of a gun). I've also had many good experiences, and regret selling the ones I had.
Your in a big club there, friend!
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Old 01-12-2021, 12:16 PM
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Op do you believe gun manufacturers are treating revolvers as second class citizens or are today’s manufacturing processes just better suited to mass produce semiautos?


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semi’s have to be easier to produce. Compare a glock or recent M&P semi to the internals on a j-frame (my only revolvers). The semi’s would be way easier to mfg.
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Old 01-12-2021, 12:20 PM
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I carry a revolver everyday. Been buying guns since the early 1970s. First semi auto pistol bought in the 1990s and it has been a mix ever since.
Never had a problem with revolvers but had several semi autos jam. As far as functioning (not talking accuracy) properly ammo can cause problems in semi autos but about the only problem in a revolver would be a high primer.
For SD I'll go with a wheelie most of the time.
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Old 01-12-2021, 12:21 PM
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Now might also be a good time to procure a few common wear items that need replacement on Revolvers from time to time. Also a great time to learn about fixing things yourself as shipping and costs will be more problematic and expensive in the near future.
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Old 01-12-2021, 12:24 PM
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I no longer have any semis, and only five revolvers remaining out of a couple of dozen that I acquired. Newest revolver I ever owned was a 2000 Python Elite. (Still recall it fondly as I sold it for over four times what I paid for it.)

Where I am now, this residence, I have two revos, a 1958 Colt DS and a '70s 4" M65. I EDC the Colt and keep the Smith bedside. (At another residence, I have a 50's 4" Colt 357, a '60s 4" M10, and a 640-1.)

I've owned a couple of high end 1911s and a Belgium Browning HP, but I never shot them enough to feel fully comfortable with them. While I took a three-day SD course with a revolver some years ago, I shoot them rarely, too.

I suppose my revolvers are a bit of a hobby for me. I like having them around. I like the workmanship, the quality of the older guns. But I do have them for SD as well. I like the simplicity, the ease of handling, and the safety of a DA revolver.

I think for a guy like me, for my lifestyle, interests and level of shooting ability, they're a better choice than a semi.

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Old 01-12-2021, 12:32 PM
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It's certainly not the majority, but I still see a fair number of lightweight J frames and Ruger "plasteel" 5 shot 38's on a lot of ankles and laced on to duty boots. Some vintage (guns and officers) and some not.
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Old 01-12-2021, 01:12 PM
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I have many semi-autos. I have many more revolvers. I often carry a Smith 66-3,
(black) 2.5 inch revolver. When not carrying the 66, I carry 642 or a 442 nickel plated, or a 10-5 hard chromed. I shoot semis very well, but being an old coot I learned to shoot revolvers at an early age, I shoot revolvers better. I carry revolvers for self defense. I shoot both as a hobby. However, when my kids, grandsons or sons-in-laws visit and we venture out to shoot, they mostly gravitate towards the semis. They seem not to want to take the time to learn the basics of revolver shooting. I suppose the revolvers are not "woke" enough for them.
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Old 01-12-2021, 01:33 PM
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They are all hobby firearms to me, but short reset trigger is easier for me to consistently operate rapidly. Hence the semi-auto preference for CC.

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Old 01-12-2021, 01:57 PM
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Parts fall of Harley Davidsons all the time.
Guys that love them figure out a better way to bolt them back on and move on.
Nothing in life is gonna be perfect so you just got to figure out what is worth the effort , to you , and work the bugs out.
Cars ,trucks, women and guns may take a little effort to sort out . If not that important to you ,,MEH,, try a different direction.
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Old 01-12-2021, 02:05 PM
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The only autos that interest me are single action (1911, M41, Hi-Power, etc.). I shoot them far more often than my revolvers.

I think manufacturing tolerances are such that it is easier to build an auto than a revolver. An auto seems to be able to have much more slop and still function reliably.

Revolvers are more reliable in theory, but when they do malfunction, I think it is harder to recover from it. For example, get some unburned powder under the ejector star and bind up the cylinder.
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Old 01-12-2021, 02:11 PM
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I guess YMMV is the key to these sorts of topics. I really don't have much to say except that I never had trouble from my NEW revolvers. I trust them to go bang when I need them to. I wouldn't be concerned about CC'ing any of them...and that's precisely what I do.
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Old 01-12-2021, 02:27 PM
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OP - You didn't upset me, so its my turn to try.

My perception is that in the olden days people took more care in shooting. They practiced a lot and became proficient. Today, rather than try and aim carefully, because you only have 6 shots, carry 17 shots and then just spray them all and hope for the best. (that's not a stereotype comment)

I think the manufacturing processes are ALL good and do not lean toward making one or the other product higher quality.

I also think that, in general (not absolute), that many companies are putting less R&D effort into revolvers. It's a business, and supply and demand rules profits.

My experience with RECENT autoloaders has not been that good. Except for a Glock (that's 100%) and a couple Ruger .22's (both 99%) I would not want to rely on a semi.
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Old 01-12-2021, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by American1776 View Post
Both statements can be correct at the same time, and I suspect this is the case.
Generally speaking a simpler explanation is more likely to be true.

In other words modern production techniques are probably better suited to semi-autos than revolvers, rather than their also being some fiendish plot to intentionally sacrifice quality on revolvers as they are no longer used in law enforcement.

On the one hand, the vast majority of pistols (by make, model or just plain numbers and percentages) are also not used by law enforcement.

There are between 600,000 and 700,000 law enforcement officers in the US in any given year. The number of new officers issued or existing officers re-issued a handgun is a lot less. If the average LEO stays in law enforcement 7 years and each officer is issued a new service pistol, that's only 100,000 pistols per year.

Since there are about 4.5 million pistols made in the US each year (compared to about 850,000 revolvers. The odds of a pistol being used in law enforcement are still only about 45 to 1.


On the other hand, Modern MIM and CNC processes mean that reliable pistols can be made without significant hand fitting. The 1911 is a great example, as you can now get a reliable 1911 from various manufacturers using low skilled labor that are quite reliable. That was not the case in the past, where a high level of precision machining and hand fitting by actual humans was required.

I'll argue the same is not the case for a double action revolver, where hand fitting is still essential. I refuse to buy a current/recent production Ruger double action revolver based on 2 out of the last 3 I bought being improperly fitted with 1 of the 2 being returned to me twice, before they replaced it (all over an improperly cut forcing cone).
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Old 01-12-2021, 04:05 PM
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I am neither a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but I believe that we will see a revival of revolver popularity in the future.
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Old 01-12-2021, 04:07 PM
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I think a big part of it is how guns have 'devolved' from a sporting/hunting/self-defense position to how they are seen now (by a large population of owners anyway) is for self-defense only.

I have talked to many people who believe there is no reason to own guns except for self defense.

Given that position ammo capacity is probably the most important requirement for these people (not all - or me however) and semi-autos are the only way to maximize ammo capacity.

Next seems to be the gun's action and simplicity of firing and safeties.

Heck, capacity has even ruled out the 1911 for many as a serious carry gun, along with it's single action design.

This has effectively ruled out revolvers as a consideration for MANY as a primary carry gun however I think like many here, I.E. capacity is NOT an issue and revolvers being as effective as ever for primary carry.

The industry has a lot to do with it as well, promoting semi autos along with high capacity, as them being the 'only' practical consideration as a carry gun.

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Old 01-12-2021, 04:40 PM
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I'd say that depends on who you ask and what you're using it for. First, what is a "hobby" gun anyway? I'd would suggest that is a gun that is used for playtime only. Take it to the range, fiddle with it at the bench, etc., but don't use it for serious purposes. If that's the definition, I would personally say revolvers have not become hobby guns, even the new ones, because I use them often for serious carry, primarily when I am in the mountains. They make perfect sense in that environment for many reasons I won't go into here. Some autos work well too - the Glock 20 and the Colt Delta come to mind - but I prefer the revolvers and the autos don't offer any real advantages in any likely scenario. On the other hand, if you ask the guys who teach handgun defensive courses for a living, most will tell you that they believe the revolver is "obsolete." Most of them see no advantage in the revolver as a weapon carried specifically for defensive use, especially in an urban environment. I taught with John Farnam for years and I know that in the last 10 years I worked with him we didn't see a single revolver in a single class that I helped with. That would probably have encompassed around 300 students including cops, US Marshals, military and civilians. Had a revolver shooter showed up he would have had a hard time keeping up with the class. And reliability with quality autos these days is pretty much a non-issue. They all work about as well as can be reasonably expected and at least as well as most revolvers. So, I would say that among those who view the handgun as reserved largely for serious social use (a very narrow limit) the revolver is, indeed, a "hobby" gun. That's my thinking. Others may disagree.
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Old 01-12-2021, 05:00 PM
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Not very many semis come anywhere close to the beauty of the revolver. Even a well used one. You just can’t beat them.
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Old 01-12-2021, 05:13 PM
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Will chocolate ice cream eliminate the demand for vanilla?

Revolvers of all stripes are just as viable as ever for whatever purpose a handgun is needed for. I doubt that they are going anywhere.
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Old 01-12-2021, 05:29 PM
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Gypsum Jim started the train here and I'll ride it a little farther: people in the past took more care in their shooting (to paraphrase). I think it is true in part because people were more likely to own only one gun (or only one handgun). That leads to familiarity: only one manual of arms, one sight picture, one trigger pull, one draw sequence. The greater variety of guns available today and the economy that makes the "one-gun man" an historical curiosity makes even training a hobby, regardless of the platform.

I own and shoot plenty of guns of both varieties. I COULD carry any of them. In normal practice I DO carry either a 642 or a 9mm Shield. Neither has ever failed to feed, fire or eject.

I recently realized that I was spending more range time shooting my "hobby" guns (revolvers and semi-autos alike) than the two that I depend on for my full time job: staying alive. Changing that is as close to a NYs resolution as I have made.
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Old 01-12-2021, 05:33 PM
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I have many revolvers...only one with a 'lock". no real problems with any. I recently sold(traded)a Kimber micro 9 that was not very reliable but I didn't give it much of a chance to work the kinks out. The only other semi auto I ever had a problem with was an Auto Ordnance 1911 that had about every part that could fall off do so. Re did it all as it happened and it was probably the most accurate 1911 I ever had...but when the rear sight came off I fixed it and sold it to a fellow that just had to have it. I still have the original green grip panels from that gun. I mostly carry semi autos but still have a few revolvers I like to have on me too. Almost all S&Ws
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Old 01-12-2021, 05:37 PM
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Revolvers are by no means just a hobby gun. Yes, some new guns have QC problems but that doesn’t dictate their use. Law enforcement transitioned to plastic years ago and that had nothing to do with QC problems. Revolvers are now a niche platform that are used for CCW, home protection, competition and hobby collecting. I seriously doubt the quality on new revolvers has somehow gone down compared to ‘back in the day’. Modern metallurgy, modern manufacturing, reduced hand fitting, tighter tolerances, improved designs, etc. all would promote improvements in new guns. Anyone looking to carry should put some serious test time into whatever they are planning to carry. I wouldn’t carry anything that I have’t put several hundred rounds through.

Having said all of the above, i have had great luck in all my gun purchases...revolvers, semis and long guns. I have not had a single problem in the 20-25 I have bought new. I am planninf to add a few revolvers this year and I will buy new.
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Old 01-12-2021, 05:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by American1776 View Post
Yes, I agree with this. However: I've been burned before trying to buy these. (sellers who lie and misrepresent the condition of a gun). I've also had many good experiences, and regret selling the ones I had.
And that has nothing to do with the gun itself, just the manner in which it is purchased. There are manufactured items I absolutely refuse to buy without a Mark 1 eyeball, hands-on inspection, and a firearm of any type is at the top of that rather long list. If I miss out on a few great online deals, that's okay with me. I've still found the ones I've wanted.

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Originally Posted by NYlakesider View Post
Well very few, police departments or countries armed forced issue them as carry pieces.
And what, do you suppose, are the reasons behind it?
1-cost
2-gotta have the newest model and biggest capacity magazine or latest "best" caliber.

It has little to do with the actual long-term quality of the gun, because in 2-4 years, they'll be swapping them out again.
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Old 01-12-2021, 06:10 PM
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I've never had a failure with a revolver, and never had a pistol that hasn't.


That said, with age and infirmities, I'm down to carrying a Sig P365 because of the world we live in today.
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Old 01-12-2021, 06:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wyo View Post
On the other hand, if you ask the guys who teach handgun defensive courses for a living, most will tell you that they believe the revolver is "obsolete." Most of them see no advantage in the revolver as a weapon carried specifically for defensive use, especially in an urban environment. I taught with John Farnam for years and I know that in the last 10 years I worked with him we didn't see a single revolver in a single class that I helped with. That would probably have encompassed around 300 students including cops, US Marshals, military and civilians. Had a revolver shooter showed up he would have had a hard time keeping up with the class.
This makes me want to follow thru with my idea to take some defensive pistol courses with my 3" M629. My handloads are light magnums, and I shoot them well enough to think it would be pretty fun to pit my skills against guys shooting autos.

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I've never had a failure with a revolver, and never had a pistol that hasn't.
This has been pretty much my experience, except I've fiddled with a few revolvers until they became unreliable, and I've had a couple of semis (a Para 1911 and a FN Hi Power) that haven't malfunctioned. YET.

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Old 01-12-2021, 07:02 PM
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"Given that position ammo capacity is probably the most important requirement for these people (not all - or me however) and semi-autos are the only way to maximize ammo capacity."

Sadly, I believe that's an accurate statement. What amazes me is that I can not imagine a civilian situation in which I have time to fire more than 6 shots and still be standing.

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Old 01-12-2021, 07:53 PM
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Hand guns are a hobby of mine that come with diverse benefits, shooting for fun and hopefully never ever in a poo hits the fan situation. For many years handguns meant semiautos for myself, my favorites were full size model 1911's. I bought a 6.5" model 629 a few years back and wondered what took me so long.

I have yet to have any issues with the 6.5" model 629 or the subsequent S&W revolvers. The same can't be said of the 1911's.

I don't see revolvers going the way of the carrier pigeons.
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Old 01-12-2021, 08:05 PM
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Have not read all the responses, so sorry if I am repeating other thoughts.

In consideration of any firearms purchase, the need is to be defined clearly.

When I began in law enforcement, self loading firearms (rightly or wrongly) were thought to be less reliable than revolvers. So most officers I worked with carried revolvers with the raging debate regarding brand, caliber, sights, etc.

In the 80’s with the introduction of the wonder 9’s the self loading firearm came into it’s own.

My journey was changed by a chief that decreed we could not longer carry 357 magnum rounds. Accordingly, I chose to carry a S&W 4506 in 45 ACP.

Until I retired, I carried a 640-1 as a second gun, the M&P in 45 ACP as my duty sidearm.

I believe the revolver will evolve into a category like the single action revolver.

We will probably see fewer choices, noting the 45 ACP is no longer available in new production.

It is sort of sad to witness the decline, but it is the way of the world.
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Old 01-12-2021, 08:48 PM
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The 642 on my hip right now is not there for a hobby.
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Old 01-12-2021, 09:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gregintenn View Post
My solution?
Buy pinned and recessed Smith and Wesson revolvers.
They work.
Well, if you do that, you limit yourself to magnums and rimfires.
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Old 01-12-2021, 11:48 PM
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Are there ANY American law enforcement agencies ordering new revolvers? Any? I'd say that there are good reasons for that and it's not because they have succumbed to some sort of collective craziness or that cops today are inferior to cops of old.

Outside of a very small niche area (BUGs), revolvers, like bolt action rifles (even sniper rifles are mostly semi-auto), are sporting items now (even if you can often defend yourself with either).
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Old 01-13-2021, 12:28 AM
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If the revolver is a hobby gun then that must be why I like my hobby so much. No one my age cares about revolvers so it’s hard to find someone to talk to but that may be the only downfall. I’ve tried semis and realized I don’t like squishy triggers and I don’t like chasing brass.

Before anyone says it yes I have a 1911 but I also have glocks and one Springfield XD. The 1911 trigger is not the norm
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