No revolvers in the PNW?

[Dave]

I moved to Washington state from Texas 3 years ago. Since then, I have been shooting at several ranges, and I've noticed two things that strike me as odd.

First, I've have yet to see a revolver on a range that wasn't mine. What is going on here? Even the old timers out here seem to shoot bottom feeders exclusively. And mostly plastic ones at that! I get weird looks from some of the younger folks, and one range officer commented to me this afternoon that he was "glad to see someone still shoots revolvers".

Second, I've noticed that almost no one sets their targets up at the 25 yard line anymore. Everyone blazes away at 3 or 7 yards. I grew up shooting on a range where the close range pistol targets were at 25 yards, and long range at 50.

Not sure where I'm going with this post, I guess I'm just feeling like an anachronism after today's range trip. On the plus side, I finally got my .41 Special 586 out to the range and it shoots like a dream. Seems to really like 5.5 grains of Unique under a 215gr SWC.

 

[twodog max]

I know what you mean. Around here revolver shooters are becoming more uncommon each year. The masses have totally bought into semi auto hype and close range shooting. I have gotten completely out of the semi auto pistol business and don't intend to go back especially polymer striker fired versions.

 

[Marshwheeling]

I rarely see revolvers at the range where I shoot. Once a woman came up to me to ask what I was shooting (Single Six and Model 60). When I was done I had to pass her lane, and saw she was shooting some pretty good groups with a 686. She was pleased to stop and chat for a minute.

 

[Donn]

Like the OP the, (long gone), outdoor range I frequented for years had a 25yd pistol range. It was a different ball game back then. The Army had taught me to shoot off-hand, slowly. That's what I did, as did most of the others. Either off-hand or seated bench rest. And, almost everyone had a revolver. It was back in the Dirty Harry days, so L frame S&W's along with Ruger Black and Red Hawks were all the rage. Occasionally, we'd bring a 1911, but those were about the only auto pistols people had. Fast forward to now. The only revolvers are J frames people are struggling to shoot half way decent. Pretty much everyone has 18+1 plastic fantastics, (before you flame me, I've got several M&P's, I EDC a Shield), and if left on their own, spray and pray at 7yds. Despite my eyesight not being what it was, I still like to put the target out to 25yds, especially if I'm rocking my Model 29. Touch that 44 magnum off and I get everybody's attention.

 

[Bkreutz]

I think the main reason you see mostly striker fired semi autos at the range is that most of the shooters are new to shooting and cost of getting into a modern (plastic) semi auto is a lot less than a revolver. A lot of new shooters don't want to put down the extra money for a revolver, plus all they see in the video games and movies are black semi auto pistols. (I'm guessing here, I don't do video games or watch many "shootem up" movies ), There are revolver shooters around the PNW, but most of them don't spend a lot of time at a public shooting range standing in a lane. (a few do, but not a lot). Most revolver shooters are members at club ranges and normally don't shoot on "public shooting" days. There are also a number of very good competition shooters in the area who shoot revolvers in USPSA. (are you reading this Michael? )

 

[JK-linux]

Mostly semi-autos here at the range I frequent in the West Minneapolis suburbs. However I do see at least on wheel gun in addition to mine when I go. Granted, I usually go first thing in the morning on a day off, so the folks there with me are generally "your father's Oldsmobile" crowd, and I like it that way. It's a more sociable group and an "old timer" I didn't know and haven't seen again since introduced me to 148gr semi WC ammunition which is great stuff!
I generally bring a 1911 or Glock 26 and a K/N/J frame with me each trip. I shoot mainly quick groups at 21 feet because I mainly own guns that I can or do carry, and I weight defensive range practice heavily. Low ready, two shot groups; left hand 50rds no sights, right hand 50rds no sights, both hands 50rds with sights; same routine for both guns I bring with me. About 300rds in an hour or so. Probably seems like spray and pray to whomever else is there. I usually do a few mags/cylinders at 25 yards at the end for fun, but it isn't any sort of volume of fire.

 

[lrrifleman]

I think that Bkreutz hit the nail on the head. Most of today's new shooters are pointed towards polymer guns, mostly (affordable) wheelguns are not on the shelves. Additionally, unless you are watching the Western Channel, all you ever seem to see are Glocks and other polymer framed wonder guns, unless you watch Rick on TWD with his Python.

Earlier this year, I took the mandatory handgun safety class to use the county police range on weekends. There were about a dozen people in the class. Besides one gentleman with a Single Six and, myself with my K22, we were the only people with wheelguns, and we drew a lot of looks from our "classmates". Because we had the wheelguns, the instructors seemed to spend less time with us, and more with the newbies with the plastic guns.

Considering the current economy, I don't envision the neophyte gun owner buying a revolver. Take for example the listings for a popular online seller in Minnesota. They offer for sale at least 44 new domestic and imported rimfire AND centerfire handguns for under $315, while EAA, Charter Arms, and Taurus centerfire revolvers start in the ball park of $300, while a S&W J frame starts at $400. Money talks, and when you have sales driven by two major factors (fear for one's safety, or the fear of wide reaching gun bans) people are going to purchase on the spot, and not wait to save up the cash for a more expensive, quality gun! Many buyers are driven, and want it NOW!

 

[Kanewpadle]

I've been shooting at various indoor and outdoor ranges here in Washington for twenty years. I see revolvers every time I go. But of course there are more semi autos.

People don't shoot 25 yards much. I suspect that more people are geared towards concealed carry where 7-10 yards makes more sense. And very few own guns that will group consistently at 25 yards either because of their ability or the gun.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Been shooting at public and private ranges here for three years, and seen other shooters with revolvers twice. One guy had two L an one K frame, and the other guy had a Match Champion.
The son of the range owner brought in a SAA for me to try, when I had expressed interest. That's it.

Evolution has blessed us with polymer, but when my herd gets thinned, they will be the first to be culled.

My husband and I took separate CC classes, with about 30 participants each. We were the only revolver shooters in both sessions.

As for short range target shooting, it's because of practicality. The 8" targets that fit in my range bag, disappear behind the front sight at 25 yards, and targeting that far strains my old eyes.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I think the main reason you see mostly striker fired semi autos at the range is that most of the shooters are new to shooting and cost of getting into a modern (plastic) semi auto is a lot less than a revolver. A lot of new shooters don't want to put down the extra money for a revolver, plus all they see in the video games and movies are black semi auto pistols. (I'm guessing here, I don't do video games or watch many "shootem up" movies ), There are revolver shooters around the PNW, but most of them don't spend a lot of time at a public shooting range standing in a lane. (a few do, but not a lot). Most revolver shooters are members at club ranges and normally don't shoot on "public shooting" days. There are also a number of very good competition shooters in the area who shoot revolvers in USPSA. (are you reading this Michael? )

I'll back this up. I belong to a private range in WA. I shoot a M625 and a M19 as much as I shoot anything else. It's an outdoor range and I don't shoot with the general public.

Most of the shooters on the pistol range, probably 85%, shoot auto loaders and they shoot at 7-15 yds. 15 is probably the most popular. Very few shoot at 25 yds.

People who are getting started with handguns lean toward inexpensive guns and inexpensive ammo. 9 mm is very popular with young and old shooters alike and there really aren't many revolvers in 9 mm. Just yesterday I came in as a group was leaving. They swept up all of their brass and dumped it in the case bucket. I collected (300) 9 mm cases out of that bucket.

Most shooters just don't shoot enough to become proficient punching paper at 25 yds.

 

[Old cop]

Love to shoot both my 4" heavy barrel Model 10 & its snubby little brother, both of which were carried during my LEO days. I'm so busy concentrating on what I'm doing if anyone is looking at my ancient guns I don't notice.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Try shooting a 32-20 K frame... Common remark: "That sure is a sharp report for a .38"

Sent from my SM-J700T using Tapatalk

 

[galena]

Like the song says; "the times they are a changing"........pretty much changed already. I shoot both revolvers and semi-autos. I carry a semi on duty due to dept policy. I attended a POST firearms instructors course several years ago and they do not even teach revolvers any more. Their manual includes a section on revolvers but they weren't mentioned in the physical instructions. Our new folks basically know nothing about revolvers and some can't even clear a revolver when required. I very seldom ever practice at any distance less than 25 yrds. Our present qual course is everything from arm's length to 20 yrds. Even worse, at one of our last range sessions a brand new instructor made the statement that he doesn't care about accuracy, more specific - accurate groups. He just wants as many hits on the target as possible and speed is his mantra. I just shut my mouth and began to think about retiring. Like the old cowboy said; "the reasons for staying with this outfit are gettin' fewer and fewer." Revolvers............shoot 'em if you've got 'em.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

 

[k22fan]

I'm in the damp corner of the PNW. Locally, the majority of matches are run "revolver friendly," meaning no more than six cartridges can be loaded into any hand gun. Our better revolver shooters kick butt.

However, in stores autos predominate sales and private instructors focus on very short range defensive skills. I have a long drive to bullseye leagues matches but they are still run. Timed action matches are more popular.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

J frames and their equivalent are about all that I regularly see at the range.

Try shooting a 32-20 K frame... Common remark: "That sure is a sharp report for a .38"

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I have a lot of fun shooting my 32-20s, and for folks paying attention they get a lot of attention. Granted, mine are loaded to roughly 38 special ballistics, but of course are supersonic at typical bullet weights.

I went to check out at the indoor range a while back, and one of the employees asked me if I'd been shooting a 32-20. When I replied in the affirmative, he reached under the counter and handed me a half box of recent production Remington. Apparently someone had been there shooting "grandpa's gun" and had left it because they'd had their fill(I can't imagine leaving half a box of any ammo behind, much less a nearly $50 box). I'm not nuts about the current Remington factory ammo, but I prefer Remington brass since they're the only ones that make it in the "correct" length. Both Starline and Winchester are short per the cartridge specs.

 

[the ringo kid]

Guns made of wood and metal for me, I hate plastic-sweaty hands controlling a gun, is difficult. I know as I used my Walther P-38 yesterday, and it was hot as hell in their range. Im surprised nobody shot themselves. P-38s come with Bakelite (plastic) grips. Sometime soon, I aim to have Henry make me a pair of grips for it--out of maple.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I just always assumed that SmithNut owned almost all the revolvers in the Pacific northwet

 

[Cardboard_killer]

My range is mostly old farts, so my revolvers are joined by many others. However, the young folk shoot autos, as sometimes I do. Blackpowder season is on, so there were some c&b revolvers out last week.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I've recently moved to Texas from Az . NO permit needed in Az to ccw or open carry , LOVED IT !
I'm going to get my permit for Texas . I have been told by several that if you show up at the class with a semi auto , then your license is restricted to semi auto only . I am a revolver guy so I will show up with a revolver . Then my permit is good for both types , I am told .
The " tupperware " guns are definitely cheaper , makes sense why everyone owns/ shoots them .