MY HEART BE STILL: Recently Michael Bane, Host and Executive Producer of Shooting Gallery asserted, “We’ve seen a renaissance of interest in revolvers and revolver shooting over the last couple of years,” http://www.ammoland.com/2015/02/perf...#axzz3l40VKZBQ

This was at an event where Shooting Gallery was awarding the 929, Most Significant Handgun of 2014. “The first time I shot this Smith & Wesson revolver I was amazed at what a leap forward it created. The Smith & Wesson Revolver Model 929 is a truly unique product that literally revolutionizes revolver competition."

Are revolvers making a comeback? What kind? I would be elated but I haven't heard.

What's your take on the alleged Revolver Renaissance???

An uptick in revolver sales is not enough, it is market share that is key. Or, other metrics such as a bigger presence in competitions such as USPSA.

Used to have 9 semi's and one revolver. Now it's 3 semi's and 9 revolvers.

Other than my own, I rarely see revolvers at our local range. If they're making a comeback, I don't see it among my small group of shooting friends.

If there is a renaissance of interest in revolvers, I am not seeing it. There remains much interest in J frames for the CCW market. That said, I do not believe we will see a resurgence in mid-size revolver sales for self-defense or LE use without some strange law being passed.

Years ago, someone wrote that future revolver sales will primarily be J frames and large hunting-type revolvers. That is, in fact, what has happened.

I have even started to see articles in the last 5 years, mostly since the Shield was introduced, that pistols such as the Shield will one day eclipse even the J frames because of advantages in size, power, capacity, recoil control, etc.

Perhaps Mr. Bane is selling a product for an advertiser on his program? Perhaps he is privy to some fact others are not? I think the best way to interpret his comments is that some types of revolvers are selling, and on that show, he decided to showcase the large, sporting use type, which is not particularly useful for defense. It can be used, but it is perhaps not the ideal choice.

My revolvers have always outnumbered my bottom feeders. I have been using revolvers, almost exclusively, in local USPSA and IDPA matches and that has generated enough interest from other shooters that a few of them have tried wheelguns in competition.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

__________________
NRA Benefactor Member

I have a few circle guns and enjoy shooting them.

My often trips to the many gun shops in a 40 mile circle from my house show me they have at least 10 bottom feeders for sale for every revolver(New or used)

__________________
14 S&W Revs none with locks!

Sad truth is people are enamored with awfulmatics and Glockitis is raging.

Everything old is new again. At this point auto pistols are so common it is more interesting to read about revolvers for many people and the gun press knows it.

It kind of reminds me of the supposed comeback of film cameras in some circles I hear about on photography forums. The internet makes it possible for like minded individuals to find each other and since they all like the same thing they convince each other it is becoming much more popular than it really is.

I really like my model 69 in particular and revolvers in general. But I have not noticed an increase in the number of people shooting them. Auto pistols have improved a lot over the past few decades and are now able to serve many roles that used to be the exclusive domain of revolvers. The small 9s have replaced J-frames for many people. And compared to striker fired service pistols like Glocks revolvers no longer have a big advantage in reliability and simplicity. There are still a lot of reasons to prefer revolvers but except for firing 44 magnum and stronger cartridges it is hard to claim you need a revolver.

I think the Renaissance is only in competitive shooting where the USPSA and IDPA may be getting some more interest. As others have said, I don't see it on my local public ranges. Nor do I see it at the local gun shows.

Yeah, that's my read as well. I've noticed the big box outdoor stores like Gander Mountain and Bass Pro have decreasing real estate for revolver display cases.

Myself as well, but my 627 UDR and L-Comp tend to get some compliments from the auto guys.

Yes. But I took a little comfort when I checked today at 4:00 Central Time and there were a total of 583 viewing the three revolver sub-forums on this site.

I've seen it recently at one LGS where ownership changed hands and they have made a fundamental shift towards getting in more revolvers.

Previously their display case had just the usual over abundance of Glocks, XD's and Sigs, with a few "token" revolvers limited to Charter Arms or S&W snubs, and one or two Ruger SA revolvers.

But suddenly within the last month, they've gotten in 617's, 986's and Ruger GP100's... and not just an odd one here and there, but multiples of each.

I missed out on the 617's which went fast before I heard about them, but I did manage to latch onto the last 986 they had, and it's now in the CA 10 day wait jail. So in the mean time I'm stocking up on 7 shot moon clips and more 9mm ammo, which I highly suspect I'll need.

Not having to chase brass is a luxury that comes with shooting revolvers and at my age with the onset of arthritis and suffering from "dunlap disease" (you know... belly has dunlapped over my belt), shooting the bottom feeders has become less enjoyable and I've really slacked off on shooting them... so much that recently, I've actually started to contemplate culling my pistol herd down to just a few key players that we're the most difficult to obtain, like my 1006.

Maybe that goes towards providing a partial explanation as good as any why a revolver renaissance appears to be taking shape... old fat guys are coming to the realization that they would rather spend their range time shooting than chasing/sweeping brass?

__________________
Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

I handload all my shells. I like my model 27. shoot the gun drop the shells in my gun box. Digging 9mm brass off the ground is not for me.

I'm usually the only guy at the range shooting a service or sporting sized revolver. Lots of j frames though.

I have rediscovered the Browning Hi Power and really appreciate Blazer ammo with aluminum cases. Just leave them where they fall. :-) My shooting buddy spends about 15-20 minutes chasing his .45 brass.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

If there is ,no one is capitalizing on it.Cant find a new revolver for sale anywhere.The only place I see wheel guns talked about is right here.

Considering that Ruger spent years and dollars to engineer the LCR, to compete in J-frame territory, I suspect there is 'something' to his assertion. Cobra has come out with J-frame clones (in appearance) of their own fairly recently. Armscor's importing that cruddy little D-frame-ish snub.

I see lots of wheelguns for sale in MN at the shops and gunshows.

More plastic autos of course, but plenty of new and used revolvers.

__________________
Co-Owner NoDak Spud LLC

Plenty of interest in Colorado. All the shops I frequent have extensive selections.
Personally, I've seen increased interest. I just picked up a model 10 trade-in and will be sending a MO tomorrow for an H&R topbreak that I bought on this forum. I already had a 686+ and Ruger Single Six. I can't seem to get interested in semi-autos these days. In my pistol classes, I almost always have at least one wheelgun show up, and usually two or three. Lever action rifles have been taking up more space in my safes lately, also.

__________________
Fight socialism. Never stop.

I must have missed the part where revolvers went out of style!

I love revolvers so that makes my opinion biased. When my wife did her CCW class out of 30 students she was the only one with a revolver,her 637-2 J frame. She had a Ruger LCP and had trouble cycling slide and didn't enjoy shooting it either.

My only centerfire semi auto pistol is a 9mm Ruger SR9C, great gun. Reload for all my other centerfires both revolvers and rifles but I can't reload for the $10 box of 50 Walmart is charging for aluminum cased 9mm Federal ammo.

Even if I were so inclined, there is so much brass lying around at the range that I use that trying to find my 9mm among all the others would be a real pain in the butt and really not worth the effort. Range is OK with you policing your own brass but sells leftovers and doesn't appreciate you scavenging other's brass. I have no issue with that. Don

In the past couple years we went from none to six...and there's a few more to be had yet...

A decade ago I had a couple and sold them off. The chances of that happening now are pretty slim.

My autos have increased by merely one in comparison. Where the revolvers used to be a challenge to shoot double action, I do just as well with them than the autos these days and they are simply a pleasure. It's practical handgun shooting in its purest form.

Was teaching the other day with a model 65 in my holster. 5 of our new officers didn't even know how to open the cylinder. I would love a come back but just don't see it. All the better for me though as prices are lower.

I’m not seeing a great increase in the popularity of revolvers.

I shoot at an indoor range/club in Florida where the average age of the active shooters seems to be around 60-65. The membership demographic includes a pretty good segment of transplanted Yankee retirees (and many are retired law enforcement that served when the revolver was standard issue). From what I’ve seen of the active shooters, self-loading pistols outnumber revolvers by a considerable amount. When you do see a revolver on the firing line it is most often a S&W J Frame or small frame Taurus or Ruger LCR.

I think revolvers got a big bump in popularity/sales with the rise of Cowboy Action shooting but that seems to slipping with the popularity of 3-gun, IDPA, etc. They also got a bump with the introduction of the X-Frame Smiths and Ruger-made hand cannons and “Judge” 410 revolvers.

Out of curiosity I did a quick check of my inventory and I’m almost equally divides between revolvers and autos.

One of the LGS that I frequent keeps a good supply of used, realistically priced, handguns but used Colt, Ruger and Smith revolvers just don’t stay on the shelf. So, somebody else besides me is buying them.

Call me a "Renaissance Man"

When I go to my range, I am usually the only guy with a six-shooter. Most of the others are plastic semi-autos. Many of the shooters are fascinated by a model 1917 or a Python, and I am always willing to let them try one out. Many of them bought a plastic gun as their first one and have never fired a revolver. I get many different types of reactions, from wow to no big deal. I don't know about a comeback for wheel guns, as long as there are much cheaper plastic alternatives. Shoot what you like, and like what you shoot.

I am finding myself shooting more with the revolvers, they are just cool mechanical works of art in a way, and the versatility of shooting mild hand loads works great for my bad back. I have sold most of my plastic guns. Kept the 1911's and sig's.

I let a friend of mine shoot my python and 629dx the other week at the range, I think I may have converted him, or at least cost him some $ as he wants a 357 revolver now... next time I'll let him try a L frame s&w and see if that makes him buy one. Best thing to do is share the hobby, I always get a kick out of letting someone try a revolver who has never shot one.

While there is much more space devoted to semis, my LGS has a 6' 3 shelf cabinet dedicated to new revolvers. They run heavily to J-frames, BGs and LCRs, with some SAs and hunting stuff. Used revolvers rarely stay a week.

I wouldn't say renaissance, but the revolver is far from dead for particular applications, IMO.

__________________
I need ammo, not a ride.

My experience as well. There is one shop in my area that is known for having a very good consignment selection (made even more so after July 2013 when our law changed mandating ffl/background check for transactions not between blood relatives). While they always had a nice selection of wheelies (especially S&W) it's greatly increased. As far as the new stuff the semis considerably outnumber the revolvers.

I think the only area where revolvers are popular are with pocket guns like the j frames and hunting handguns. I think revolvers are fascinating to younger adults who haven't shot one. Although I'm from the days when revolvers ruled the earth, I'm convinced that autos are hard to beat these days. They are very reliable, reasonably accurate and carry more ammo. Ammo for autos has vastly improved in performance over the years.

I feel that way too. Maybe I am living in the past? I think revolvers will always be with us, but in a different capacity. As Shawn alluded to, J-frame guns and sporting revolvers probably are the future for revolvers and the self-defense market, which is all the rage to talk about and undoubtedly must dominate sales (but is basically uninteresting), will be dominated by high-capacity autoloaders - unless operation of law prevents that.

Revolvers generally seem to be most interesting to handloaders and to shooters interested in precision and marksmanship. The folks I see at the range and in gunshops these days don't appear to even be aware of either of those things. I think Bane must be referring to the interest he may be seeing in younger shooters in the large hunting revolvers. That's a great thing and I hope he is right.

I have been shooting revolvers since the early 1950s and owning them since the early 1960s. I have more revolvers than semi-auto handguns. Most of my semi-autos are government model 1911s. I only have two plastic guns which are a Glock G20 SF 10mm and a G35 .40 S&W.

Most of the revolvers I see young people buying today are Taurus, Charter Arms, and Rugers in smaller calibers for concealed carry. The Smith & Wesson and Colts are purchased by older shooters, collectors, or hunters.

My favorite LGS has two display cases of revolvers, two display cases of plastic semi-autos, one display case of Sig Sauers, and one display case of 1911s.

__________________
U.S. Navy - U.S. Army, ret

Have you seen the prices for new & used revolvers on gunbroker?

This indicates to me a steadily growing interest in revolvers. If not, prices would go... down. Supply & demand.

It's true for me. I often get a double take when I show up at the range with my Model 10 or Ruger Blackhawk. I've always loved the wheel gun. A previous post commented on the skyrocketing price of revolvers, and it's true at least for new revolvers. But over the last two or three years I have been able to take advantage of the fact that shooters REALLY want semi-auto pistols. The LGS that I frequent has been giving people 50 cents on the dollar (not uncommon in gun trades) credit for their revolvers towards new Glocks, M&Ps, etc. They mark them up a little bit and sell them. My favorite example is a 95% Smith & Wesson model 36 no dash that I paid $339 for. I also got a 90% 30-1 for about the same price. I have a few auto pistols myself, but I reside in revolver heaven.

Numbers don't lie:

https://www.atf.gov/file/3341/download

Indeed. And elsewhere on the ATF site, you can find the comparison of the numbers over time; see snip below.

Revolver production has grown, but is dwarfed by pistol production growth. Any recent turn-around, as apparently diagnosed by the guy quoted by the OP, would have had to be pretty sudden.

Attached Images

ATF firearms manuf..jpg (85.1 KB, 132 views)

WE OLD GEEZERS THAT FREQUENT THIS FORUM LOVE OUR WHEELGUNS. WE LIKE THE SIMPLICITY, THE PRECISION, AND THE AESTHETICS OF WOOD AND STEEL……

THE YOUNGSTERS THAT I ENCOUNTER ON THE RANGE, SEEM TO LIKE THE TUPPERWARE 9s (THE CHEAPEST AMMO TO SHOOT, CURRENTLY), AND THE 40s IN DA ERGONOMIC STYLES. I STILL LOVE MY COLT 1911s---A DESIGN AND A CARTRIDGE THAT HAS REMAINED RELEVANT FOR OVER 100 YEARS. I SEE VERY FEW 1911s, EXCEPT AT PIN SHOOTS, AND FEW REVOLVERS ON THE LINE…..

IF THERE IS A RESURGENCE IN REVOLVERS, I WOULD CONCUR WITH OTHERS, THAT IT IS IN J FRAMES, AND LARGE HUNTING CALIBERS. OTHER THAN THAT, I DON'T SEE IT. NONE OF THIS CONCERNS ME. I HAVE ALL OF THE GUNS THAT I NEED OR WANT TO SHOOT. IF THE KIDS DON'T LIKE WHEELGUNS, THERE ARE MORE OF THEM FOR US. AS LONG AS S&W CONTINUES TO BUILD GUNS WITH THE DISFIGURING IL, MY UNMOLESTED EARLY MODELS WILL CONTINUE TO RISE IN VALUE…..

I MUST MAKE ONE MORE STATEMENT REGARDING THE COLT 1911. AS MUCH AS I LOVE THEM, YOU MUST SHOOT THE .45 ACP OUT OF A REVOLVER SUCH AS MY 4" 625--MODEL OF 1989, TO FULLY APPRECIATE THE CARTRIDGE. THE ACCURACY IS PHENOMENAL, AND THE FACTORY TUNED TRIGGER IS THE BEST OUT OF THE BOX, OF ALL MY S&W REVOLVERS. AN ADDED BENEFIT IS THAT THE EMPTIES DROP IN A NEAT LITTLE PILE ON THE BENCH…...

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

i am relatively new to shooting (15 months) but i got the bug bad..

within 4 months, i had 3 9 mm, 2 .40's and 2 .45's, along with a couple of AR's. around the end of last year i decided i wanted a revolver.. i got an M&P R8, and loved it, couple months later bought a 629-6, followed up by a JM 625, now i am down to 1 9mm 2 .40 and 1 .45,, and the revolvers are the only ones that go to the range... go figure, so it seems i may be a renaissnace man....

__________________
Dave T

Maybe they were talking about Renaissance Wax.

I never knew there was a dark ages for revolvers! And now there's a Renaissance? Awesome!

__________________
I'm gonna grow fins.

My last two purchases were Redhawks; Backpacker in 44 and the 45/45 ACP model. Yes, I am over 60.

I have been shooting wheel guns since the early 60's, and my latest buy was a 986 9mm. I use it for steel shooting and just love it. The nice thin is you can reduce the powder and get a shooter with very little recoil.
I have a couple all steel semi colts for personal defense, but for fun and a lot of enjoyment, there is nothing like a good wheel gun. Just my dimes worth.

__________________
Nam '66-67

All I know is that I have 8 steel plates at 25 yards they start at 12" Plates and go down to 3" plates. I have 5 semi auto's and 5 Revolvers. If I want to hit any of the smaller plates at 25 yards I have to use my revolvers or step closer for the smaller plates with the auto's.
I like both and they both have their place but you can not beat the feel of a good 6" .357 / .38 in you're hand.

Guys, it's not just the "geezers" here that like revolvers. I'm not quite 40 and most of the handguns on my "buy on sight" list are revolvers. I'm not even a collector per se.

To me a well-made revolver is like a Rolex. Rolex is not going to go liquid crystal or link their watch up to satellites. The technology is set. People that buy them want something that's timeless, high quality, and yes...they get a kick out of being a bit of an anachronism (double entendre alert) with their $5,000 wrist-clock.

Some people my age give a little thought about what they're going to leave their kids or grandkids...but sadly most just have the "inexpensive toy" mindset like their $499 Black Friday special LED TV or $249 Kel-Tec P11. Both work but aren't something you're looking forward to handing off to your progeny.

I've always been into revolvers. Anyone who hasn't been hiding under a rock the past several years knows the most sought after guns right now are Colt snake guns, particularly the Python. Just like decades ago when you'd hear everyone quote Dirty Harry movies and say, "Is that a 44 mag?", I'm hearing people compare every revolver they see to the Python.

If there's a renaissance it's probably more toward appreciating and owning the older revolvers. But the new ones I see are also very cool. I have a few newer models on my wish list but they're all Ruger's.

__________________
Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

Hands down regular practice shooting a revolver Double Action has made me a much better shooter. Every shooter would benefit greatly if they own and practiced with one.

I am now at the point where I shoot revolvers better than I shoot semi-autos. And I have quite a few of each, and I shoot both kinds every week.

Getting into revolvers the last few years and lots of practice has increased my shooting ability many fold.

If there is not an upswing in interest in revolvers (which I don't think there is), there should be.

I'm thinking that it's J-frames and older guns that are predominating in revolver sales (there are always revolvers on the auction sites), but the larger revolvers used in hunting clearly sell to a certain extent and, as long as the sport of cowboy action shooting exists, single action revolvers will remain somewhat reasonably good sellers.

Colt's snake guns are all "older guns". Popular in the past, more popular now. Kind of like buying a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado or a 1965 Mustang.

Here on this Forum one should expect a predominance of revolver enthusiasts. That does not have to translate to the rest of the shooting world. I probably have 3 or 4 revolvers for each automatic pistol that I own (yes, yes, that's what we used to call them back in the day!). But that's what makes me a S&W person, actually.

I think they are being rediscovered. While they will never be looked as "six for sure" being the only guaranteed reliable platform, Revolvers have a mechanical coolness to them.

They are versatile in that they can be loaded with the weakest wadcutters all the way to the highest plus p 38 specials suitable for home and personal defense. If you have a 357 you can proceed to hunting capabilities.
Revolvers can be purchased in shrouded hammer configurations making them a pregnant and powerful five shot derringer that may be shot from a pocket without the risk of a slide or hammer induced malfunction!
Revolvers are the only fire arm that allows the person on the visual side of the barrel to see all of it's arsenal at once. A loaded revolver is intimidating!
Revolvers do not function based upon ammo power or feed profile.
Revolvers will function after long periods of neglect. Not properly lubed and no spring replacements will not effect it reliability.

While the ranges may still be dominated by semis I notice that manufacturers such as Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, Charter Arms as well as newer actors coming onto the scene, are making more and more varied, interesting and custom models!

I own 3 semis and will soon own a revolver. I've had plenty in the last and I miss having one!

I'm seeing more & more revolvers in my area ranges lately.

I think one of the reasons being that some of my local ranges are adding revolver classes in their weekend shooting events.

With the cost of ammo going up & brass getting harder to find at a reasonable price I find myself shooting more & more revolver classes just so I don't have to chase brass around (I reload all my ammo)

Couple that with (2) indoor ranges near me making policy that any brass that hits the floor is theirs (so I help them out here by casually tossing my cracked cases & steel cases on the floor for them to sort out)

I still shoot a lot of semi-auto at my home range, carry a semi-auto pistol, & compete with one at most events.

BUT- I have found that shooting a double action revolver also helps my semi-auto shooting & follow through.

Deep snow here in the winter so I mostly shoot revolver in the snow as no lost brass that way.

You see very few magnum caliber semi-autos with very few SA's used in hunting. I must confess I keep a plastic 9mm in my truck, but my home defense hand guns are .357, .44, and .44 mag (all revolvers of course). I don't expect a running gun battle at my front door. The tactical shotgun only hold around 6 rounds but are quite effective. What might you need at Wally world or the local gas station? I'm guessing most gun fights here in the U.S. are over after 3 or 4 rounds. I'm just not seeing an advantage to semi-autos in most situations. In 1969 we would start the day taking off in a UH-1 with 3000-5000 rounds of 7.62x51 but that was very different from driving around your home town. To each his own.