".a renaissance of interest in revolvers. . ." Michael Bane. You think that's true?

[USARMYSPEC4]

At 70 years young, I got another revolver for my 70th B Day from my wife. It's a 986, has no problem with canted barrel and with only a few $ in springs my arthritic fingers can shoot it just fine at the steel events it was bought for. Started with wheel guns when I was in my teens and still like them. I do have two Colt Semi's for self defense, but really like sport shooting my wheel guns. Just to keep with the original post, I think the are on the upswing, and believe that will continue seeing younger folks at the range with them.

 

[frankcr]

Funny thing, but no one has ever come by my shooting bench to see the semi I was shooting. With the revolvers, people do come by and comment.

I think it is curiosity over something they are not familiar with to be truthful.

No idea if there is more or less interest today and actually do not care what someone else might prefer. I just enjoy the revolver, both single and double action type more that a semi. It just shouts class and workmanship.

 

[dwever]

I was done thinking about a plastic pistol when the Leo's were experiencing the magazine's coming apart on there very first new glocks with the bullets all over the ground. Someone forgot the glue I guess.

When a gun doesn't work it becomes a throwing piece plastic guns aren't heavy enough to do any damage.

For revolvers to be recognized as the capable platforms that they are, it's probably not necessary to scoff at other capable platforms.

"In the hands of knowledgeable persons the revolver is more than an equal of any other defensive handgun." Thunder Ranch

 

[eTripper]

There's a lot of 'ways' you can look at the "Revolver Renaissance" topic. Mostly, it comes down to 'personal taste', philosophy of use, and economics. Let's face-it, each platform has it pluses, and minuses. The revolver has very-strong points in it's favor: ease of operation, accuracy, versatility, and reliability. Equally, the automatic has things in it's favor: hi-cap, quick-to-reload, narrower foot-print, can be suppressed, more fire-power in a smaller package. Both have aesthetic 'charm', and can be employed for either defense, or used as hunting arms. Either platform can be tailored for, and personalized by their owners. Maybe, people that have never considered a revolver before, are waking-up to the real 'punch' a big-bore can deliver. Whether, or not there's a 'renaissance' for revolvers, it's hard-to-say. I like both platforms equally.

 

[7shooter]

We just did the annual retired cop national carry permit class. Out of 19 cops there was one revolver. Some years there are none. Years ago there were more but those guys were getting pretty elderly and no longer show up .

 

[Checkman]

I'm a revolver fan and own far more wheel guns than semi-autos. But as a police officer I carry a Glock 19. The last time I saw an officer (here in Idaho) carrying a revolver as his primary sidearm was in 2003. I was a detective then and attending the basic investigators course at Idaho P.O.S.T. He was a detective from one of the sheriff offices up in the northern part of the state. He had to get special permission from the sheriff to carry it. It was a 3" Model 65. That was over thirteen years ago. I believe the semi-auto is the design of choice for most people. However the revolver still has it's fans. Many years ago a poster here on this form said that the revolver has been moved to boutique status and I have to agree. Never thought I would see the day that I would be a boutique shopper, but here I am.

 

[jessebogan]

If you REALLY want to get funny looks at a range, take out your revolver and sit and shoot at the 50 or 100 yard line. I am still working on the ins and outs of "long distance" shooting with my Model 28 (usually), but most pistol shooters seem happy at 10 to 15 yards...

 

[usmcchet9296]

I have more revolvers than semi-autos
revolvers are just cool

 

[jtcarm]

I only see it in carry guns, pocket revolvers.

I'm hoping the 2 3/4" model 66 is a sign of interest in medium frame carry revolvers that could lead to a scandium K-frame, i.e. a model 319.

 

[Bullzaye]

Threads such as this make me chuckle. Lots of opinions about the superiority of revolvers, and the inferiority of "bottom feeders".

I own quite a few revolvers. Multiple Dan Wessons & Rugers, a respectable collection of S&Ws, and a smattering of Colts. I don't keep track of the numbers, but I suspect my semi-autos outnumber my revolvers. I love my revolvers, and I truly enjoy shooting them. The power and accuracy are great. I rarely, if ever, go shooting without taking along at least one revolver.

But...lets keep things in perspective. Semi-autos are popular for a reason. They're generally lighter, slimmer and more compact, easier to carry, spare magazines are slimmer & easier to carry than speedloaders, reloading is quicker, and requires less fine-motor-skills, which is a boon in a high stress situation...and of course, they generally hold more rounds. They come in powerful chamberings, and are plenty accurate.

You can call the semi-autos "bottom-feeders", "Glock-a-matics", "Jammamatics", or plastic toy-guns all you wish. But...they're here to stay. The semi-autos currently available are reliable & accurate, and easy to carry & conceal.

I love my revolvers. I have no plans to sell any of them...and I hope to acquire at least a few more. But, my daily carry gun is a semi-auto (with a 642 as a BUG, frequently), and I don't see that changing. I guess my point is...isn't it possible to enjoy our revolvers, without having to dump all over the semi-autos? Just sounds like sour grapes.

Tim

 

[Apples]

BobT

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

SLT223

Yeah I know what you mean. Back in 2001 I had one revolver and one pistol. Now I have 24 revolvers and two pistols.

Me three.

5 yrs ago I had two 1911 and no wheelguns. Now I have three 1911 and nine whirlenpoppers. One might call me a recent convert.

 

[HorizontalMike]

I don't do "pistolaros" so I am NOT sure of what you are talking about. Bought my first revolver in 1986 and still have that and a few other revolvers. IMO, you must be confused... or having buyer's remorse because you bought into the wrong fad, or sumpin'...

You need therapy, but there is still a chance you will see the light... Only time will tell...

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I hope so, but I have not seen it. I am almost always the only one with revolvers or wood stocks on the firing line, either of which are items of wonder for the younger shooters.

 

[HorizontalMike]

I hope so, but I have not seen it. I am almost always the only one with revolvers or wood stocks on the firing line, either of which are items of wonder for the younger shooters.

BTW, in my CCClass of ~40, only I and the instructor had a revolver for carry. ALL of the others had pistols, yet there was quite an interest in seeing my little SW642. You woulda' thunk it was gold plated...

 

[Birdgun]

Threads such as this make me chuckle. Lots of opinions about the superiority of revolvers, and the inferiority of "bottom feeders".

I own quite a few revolvers. Multiple Dan Wessons & Rugers, a respectable collection of S&Ws, and a smattering of Colts. I don't keep track of the numbers, but I suspect my semi-autos outnumber my revolvers. I love my revolvers, and I truly enjoy shooting them. The power and accuracy are great. I rarely, if ever, go shooting without taking along at least one revolver.

But...lets keep things in perspective. Semi-autos are popular for a reason. They're generally lighter, slimmer and more compact, easier to carry, spare magazines are slimmer & easier to carry than speedloaders, reloading is quicker, and requires less fine-motor-skills, which is a boon in a high stress situation...and of course, they generally hold more rounds. They come in powerful chamberings, and are plenty accurate.

You can call the semi-autos "bottom-feeders", "Glock-a-matics", "Jammamatics", or plastic toy-guns all you wish. But...they're here to stay. The semi-autos currently available are reliable & accurate, and easy to carry & conceal.

I love my revolvers. I have no plans to sell any of them...and I hope to acquire at least a few more. But, my daily carry gun is a semi-auto (with a 642 as a BUG, frequently), and I don't see that changing. I guess my point is...isn't it possible to enjoy our revolvers, without having to dump all over the semi-autos? Just sounds like sour grapes.

Tim

I can't argue with one thing Tim said. All is true. Well said, Tim!

For me, there is just something "more" about the revolver which the plastic semi-auto just doesn't have. It's hard to explain and I'm not dumping on semi-autos. The best I can come up with is this: A fine revolver has a "soul."
Silly, I know. But to me, it's one of those irrational intangibles.

Maybe someone more poetic than me can explain it better.

 

[apollo99]

I have my 1911s, a Glock, and a bunch of revolvers, I reload and when I feel lazy, I shoot my revolvers, easier to recover my brass.

 

[snowman.45]

The older I get and the longer I'm retired, the more appreciate my revolvers. Maybe I'm just getting nostalgic for the the old days, but I carry a J-frame (640-1 or 340 M&P) more than anything else. I recently got a Shield .45 and really am impressed with it and the way it carries and shoots. However, I still prefer the .38/.357 or .38 J-frames.

 

[Mistered]

Lot of potential reasons for a resurgence of interest in revolvers but I am hoping it's a move toward 'quality' shooting and accuracy as opposed to just 'slinging' as much lead as one can with a semi-auto. Personally where I live am seeing a lot less of 'black gun' shooters out in the woods than I used to and quite frankly I hope a lot of the 'fad' aspect of 'black guns' is waning. Price of ammo is no doubt one reason for the interest but I am certainly hoping it is a move back to the interests of 'traditional' shooting with revolvers, levers and bolts once again becoming the 'norm'.

 

[Bullzaye]

I can't argue with one thing Tim said. All is true. Well said, Tim!

For me, there is just something "more" about the revolver which the plastic semi-auto just doesn't have. It's hard to explain and I'm not dumping on semi-autos. The best I can come up with is this: A fine revolver has a "soul."
Silly, I know. But to me, it's one of those irrational intangibles.

Maybe someone more poetic than me can explain it better.

Thanks!

You said it well...if not "poetically".

I believe that at least part of the attraction, for me, is the mechanical complexity, and the more "manual", less "automated" operation of the revolver. It's the same as enjoying a fine mechanical watch, such as an IWC, Bell & Ross, or the like...or appreciating a fine automobile or motorcycle. One enjoys the intricacies of the mechanism, and appreciates the artistry and craftsmanship that went into its construction. We find Bugattis, TVRs, Paganis & Lotus to be fascinating cars, even though they are impractical on many roads, for most of our daily needs...and we'd rather have a Patek Phillipe mechanical on our wrists than a Timex digital, even though the Timex is 1/100th (or less) of the cost, and likely more accurate.

Tim

 

[jessebogan]

I like accurate guns. (Not that I am the best shooter mind you). But I also think anyone that collects guns should have a 1911, and a Garand...I have mostly revolvers in my very modest collection. But I have 3 22 cal autos, a 92F and I just had a chance to handle a S&W model 52....Oh my! I have never shot a plastic pistol of any sort. Not that I wouldn't, just haven't. Heck I like guns. Some I like better than others I guess, but I have only ever had one I actually disliked. I disassembled it and thew the parts in a pond...

 

[Mistered]

My take on guns:
Steel is REAL
Blue is TRUE (but recently three SS guns have came my way and I can 'adapt' - but they are still STEEL)
Wood is GOOD

 

[Practical]

California's allowed gun sale shows a LOT of approved S&W revolvers.

I think there will be sales because it's the only option for S&W's other than some shield and some SD types.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Most new shooters show up with a semi-auto;it generally is in 9mm and of the polymer frame type.They post a target at 5 or 7 yards and start peppering it.Most will show up 4 or 5 times a year.Those who really get the shooting bug will pretty soon walk up to any oldtimer shooting a revolver at 20 or more yards away and eventually ask to try it.
Pretty often,these guys will show up a few weeks after that with a wheelgun,95% of the time a .357Mag.My last such guy tried my 586 no dash and showed up a couple weeks later with a brand new 586.
I like semi autos,even own half a dozen of them(all steel frame though)but a revolver doesn't balance the same in my hand.But then,I'm only an oldtimer!!!
Qc

 

[_Luna]

A few years ago I got my 1st pistol.
I didn't want to get to fancy on my 1st handgun, so I ended up picking up a new Springfield XDM 4.5 in 45 ACP.
I like it. It feels good in my hand, accurate, fun to shoot.
A few months ago I decided to added a Revolver to my little collection.
I made a trip to a LGS, struck gold w/o knowing it, and adopted a used S&W Model 66-6 F-Comp.
I went a few years between purchases after picking up the XDM. A few months after getting the Model 66, Im already thinking about getting another Revolver. They're just more satisfying to shoot IMO.

 

[Mistered]

I recently bought these from an estate sale - to go with the ones I already have - any question about interest in revolvers?

 

[Tom S.]

Another series of Dirty Harry films might help.

Seriously though, Bullzaye summed it up very well. There will always be a nostalgic desire for revolvers, and a few who like them because they are different, but we are living in a semi auto world and always will. 50 years ago, who would have ever thought Colt would one day stop making revolvers? Likewise, 50 years ago, who would have thought that semi autos would become 75% (give or take) of S&W's production numbers? Who knows, in another 50 years, none of the major arms companies will make revolvers, and the gun magazines will be talking about whether Start Trek type phazers will replace semi autos if makers can increase battery life to provide more than one or two shots.

 

[rich5674]

Its All about the J frames for many ccw holders

I have autos and revolvers. I like the simple drill and ammo variabilty of a 357. My wife likes the simple drill of the revolver and has trouble pulling back the slide on a 9mm. I have a feeling many of the new CCW permit holders (many of them women) like the light,cheap, simple to use J frames. In my LGS Smiths start at about $400.
Me, to carry in my pocket, it would be a 360j. If I'm expecting trouble its going to be a 9 shot 9mm or a 8 shot 45.

 

[Checkman]

I recently bought these from an estate sale - to go with the ones I already have - any question about interest in revolvers?

You got your primary and your back-up there. A police officer from 1976 would feel right at home with that battery. Very nice and congratulations.

 

[GCF]

They're just more satisfying to shoot IMO.

That pretty much nails it...

 

[jandr272]

I was the only revolver in my CCW class in 2005, and I was the only in my class again this year. (I had to take the class again due to letting my permit expire)

Outside of this forum, most people are very surprised I carry a revolver.