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

[Blade37db]

This thread has been a great read. Now I know I'm not alone. I'm getting close to the big 5-Oh. Here's my $.02 FWIW.

My uncle, who was with the NYPD, took me shooting for the first time in the mid 80s. I believe he brought a Model 10, a Model 36 and a 3XXX series 9mm semi. I loved the revolvers more than the semi.

About 20 years later I got my CCW permit. My first purchase was a nice, used Colt Detective Special. My second purchase was a Model 64 with a 3 inch barrel. Over the years I stupidly traded those (and other revolvers) to try to keep from needing to buy bigger safes. In the years since I first got my permit, I've bought 5 semis (all 9mm) and probably 3x that in revolvers. All of the Smiths (except 1) were pre-lock & stainless Js, Ks & Ls. I have one with a lock that was a factory replacement for a defective J frame replaced under warranty. I'd probably be banned from this site for the stuff I've traded (and I'd probably deserve it).

The last semi I bought was 4 years ago and I have since traded that. The only 2 I have kept are my 2 3rd Gen Glock 19s. They may not be pretty nor feel the best in hand, but I shoot them oh so well and have a bunch of grandfathered 15-rounnd magazines for them. They've never failed to go bang. I do CC them about 25% of the time, usually when I'm going somewhere where I need more rounds to feel comfortable.

My revolver collection is about 3x that. The other 75% of the time, I CC a J-frame. I've determined that my love is stainless, fixed sight Smiths. Rugers just didn't do it for me. When I go to any gun store, the first place I go is to the used counter to look for used revolvers.

Do I think there has been a renaissance of interest in revolvers? Maybe, but for me, the interest never left.

 

[jtcarm]

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.

I guess I'm lazy all the time, then[emoji47]

I've been trying to get the hang of my Glock 22, but I'll only shoot it on my club range which is 45-minutes away, so I can pick up my brass.

 

[filthyj24]

Something I've been thinking about a lot recently. People like to debate about ammo capacity and reload speed of revolvers vs semi autos. What they're really talking about is the reload speed of a magazine vs a speed loader or speed strips.

Imagine a shtf scenario where you have a box of 50 rounds and only one magazine for your Glock or 1911 or whatever semi auto you chose. Which can you reload faster, a 7-17 round magazine or a 5-8 shot cylinder? I know personally I can drop a few rounds into my 360 m&p and close the cylinder a hell of a lot faster than I can eject the mag out of a Glock, load it, slap it back in and chamber a round.

When spare magazines are not available the revolver wins hands down in terms of getting back into action faster. Unfortunately this is commonly overlooked.

Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

 

[Texas629]

A LGS bought a lot of model 10-6's from a local security company. Most had a lot of holster wear. Bought 4 for $250 ea. 2 went to grand nieces who are attending college/university or first job and needed a self defense pistol. They grew up shooting and needed a brief range session. a dab of flat white paint on the front sight to improve the sights. Good deal for less than $300 for pistol, ammo, cleaning kit and case.

 

[Jerryatric3]

Right tool for the job.....

Awhile back went to the "dark side" and bought my first plastic guns for carry and home defense. M&P CORE 9L with a light and RMR red dot. Love it...shoots well and has everything I need for home defense. The Shield 9 to go with it didn't do any job well. 100% reliable but hard to carry (pocket) and no fun to shoot. It is gone...

For everyday carry and FUN it's revolver time. Much prefer carrying J Frames and shooting the L's...1911's rarely make it out of the safe anymore. So much easier to just reload one caliber too, lazy.

 

[Drago17]

Sadly today's shooters are enamored of the plastic fantastics to the point they think anyone armed with a revolver is helpless.

 

[Hunter991]

If anything, i think its because there are alot of new shooters and new CCW types just getting into guns. Especially under the current administration. Revolvers are just so much easier for any newby.

 

[Jerryatric3]

Sadly today's shooters are enamored of the plastic fantastics to the point they think anyone armed with a revolver is helpless.

Far from helpless with the J Frames. Shoot them much better than the Shield I just sold. Hopeless? Maybe, but not helpless.

 

[petewoodland]

Revolvers Rule

Here in Tucson the gun stores have an ample and ever changing supply of revolvers. Most of the old timers, myself included, have a revolver or two on range day. My EDC is a Sig 238 as it is easily concealable and a bit slimmer than my model 60 which I carried for nearly 50 years.
Range day always includes one of my 625 Mountain Guns in 45acp and a basket of pre loaded moon clips. Hardly anything is easier and faster to reload. For sheer fun I bring a 617 10 shooter and a Speed Bees speedloader with a couple of their loading blocks. Trying to insert 10 tiny 22s with arthritic hands makes the Speed Bees a Godsend.
When my wife comes with me she brings her 6 inch Highway Patrolman with which she cam outshoot some of the guys.

 

[KertP]

I grew up with revolvers and still have more revolvers than semi-autos. Both have their place, but a revolver is actually more versatile if you could only own a single handgun. Fortunately, we aren't limited to just one. Revolver renaissance? I'm still waiting to pick a one of the new Kimber K-6S revolvers. Since Colt won't restart manufacturing their Magnum Carry, the Kimber will be the only revolver of its kind on the market. Oh...and its the first revolver for a company that has only produced semi-autos in the past. So, at least one company thinks there is a place in the market for a new revolver. Now, if S&W would just get rid of those confounded keylocks! Ever had one lock up on you when shooting? I have. A 638 on the 3rd round of standard .38 special in a cylinder. When I got home, I removed the locks on all of my S&Ws that had them, and I won't purchase any new ones with the lock. I routinely take along a 296NG filled with shotshells when going hog hunting in Texas. It would really piss me off if it locked up when I needed to use it on a rattlesnake.

 

[Mr.Harry]

I have 2 friends who work for Sig Sauer here in beautiful NH. They have both mentioned at different times that there was an ongoing discussion at work about coming out with a line of revolvers and grabbing a piece of the market. I'm not saying this is something that is GOING to happen, nor am I into rumor-mongering, but I can't believe there would be any discussion going on about it if a growing market wasn't being perceived.

 

[LeftHand-Fu]

A renaissance of interest in revolvers? "I resemble that remark!" Lots more wheelguns than semiautos in my safe. I see quite a few revolvers at the local ranges around here too, and mine regularly attract attention from young Glocksters in adjoining lanes. Not just because of the .357 boom factor, either. Accuracy too: a .38 factory revolver compares well to the sloppy lockup of an average 9 mm rental semi.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

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.

They are not in this forum(probably not in any other forum as well);they are probably not either at a shooting range practicing!Do they think that their Hollywood inpired stunts will magically come to their help if ever(God forbids)they need to use it?
Qc

 

[haywood]

I tried to like Semi-Autos. From 22-45. Never really liked them for long and whent back to Revolvers every time. Still stuck on Revolvers.

 

[PMWIZARD]

I have always shot revolvers better than pistols. My first gun purchased was a s&w 686 + seven shot revolver. Love that revolver and it is my hd weapon.

 

[LT7d103]

I have owned wheel guns for years, back to 1976 when I got on the job. When we transitioned to Glocks in the 90's I was skeptical at 1st, but learned to appreciate it as I had no choice in the matter. I still own a number of revolvers, a few Glocks and I have no idea how many 1911's... If I am just running out to the local stop&rob I grab my S&W 442PD and put in my pocket. Light, small, 6 rounds, hides in anything. Whats not to love? Yea, yea I know its only a 32H&R Mag, but I would not want to get shot by it.

 

[Sal1950]

Revolvers Rule

Pretty even draw in safe count here, with wheelers outnumbering the autos by only 1. But when it comes to range time the wheels rule the roost. I probably shoot them about twice as often and enjoy them more.
I used to just chalk it up to not having to chase my brass at the range but truth is to me they're just more fun.

I have a 3" 60-10 J frame that I put a number of hours in on the action. It's smooth as glass with a 2 1/4# SA & 9# DA break. I load 357 very light for a low recoil, NICE.

King Of The Safe is my 5" 460V X frame. Don't have to tell anyone who's been around X's the ruckus they always raise at the range. Drop the hammer and it's always *** was that. Do love it's versatility, being able to load 45 Colt, 454 Casull, and 460 for the same gun. Sold a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt to get it and thats the first gun I've ever sold in 50 years of collecting. LOL

Yep, autos can blaze thru the ammo but Revolvers Rule!

 

[henry1089]

Enjoy them there revolvers

Well as for me, I have two plastic guns, an M&P and a G43 and probably 30+ wheel guns in various configurations and a few 1911's. I do not care for the M&P much at all. The G43 is a competent CC gun, as are all the J frames i have. The Smith revolvers are IMHO are nothing short of mechanical art, made from wood and steel. Accurate, well made, classic in design, very functional, and fun as all get out to shoot. The epitome of American manufacturing prowess I like 1911's as well, but I'll always go with the wheel gun in most cases.
When i visit the range about once a week i almost never see any revolvers (if ever) I have really enjoyed meeting young guys and gals at the range who have never fired a revolver and i am always willing to let them shoot a cylinder full and they always leave with a smile. Especially the younger guys when they fire off a few 44mags and get to handle what a real gun feels like
Most people will recognize the classic look of a 1960's corvette and the same applies to an older Smith/Ruger six shooter. As for a Renaissance.... not sure about that? That said, here in Colorado at the local shops, Smith Revolvers don't stay on the shelf long,..... even the beat up ones
enjoy what you have, and be thankful for having it

 

[icabodcrane]

This subject would be interesting to ask of forum members in more gun restrictive states. If magazine capacity is limited,and concealed carry is hard to obtain in these states, a handgun will be used most likely for defense of home or business. In this sense, doesn't a six or seven shot revolver become more practical.

 

[LeftHand-Fu]

This subject would be interesting to ask of forum members in more gun restrictive states. If magazine capacity is limited,and concealed carry is hard to obtain in these states, a handgun will be used most likely for defense of home or business. In this sense, doesn't a six or seven shot revolver become more practical.

Greetings from the Left Coast. California magazine capacity is indeed limited to 10 rounds, but IMHO five- or six-shot revolvers are enough to settle such situations or allow a retreat towards a shotgun. (Ithaca Model 37 here. I do like me the mid-century classics.)

 

[Chipperxd]

Greetings from the Left Coast. California magazine capacity is indeed limited to 10 rounds, but IMHO five- or six-shot revolvers are enough to settle such situations or allow a retreat towards a shotgun. (Ithaca Model 37 here. I do like me the mid-century classics.)

Same here in NY. If I lived in a state with no restrictions I would get a high cap plastic gun. but since we don't have that luxury, I have my 10 round EMP 4 and 627 8 shot snub as my carry, that is when I get my restriction lifted on my permit.

When I was in WA, my main carry where Glocks. I get that 6 shooters can get the job done but I always live by the rule that I would rather have it and not need it over needing it and not having it.

Everyone here has love of wheel guns, or we probably won't be on this forum but to knock a polymer gun as being junk is as ignorant as it gets.

 

[exdetsgt]

In the fifties, when I became an LEO, I was issued a well worn S&W Model 10 with a 6" pencil barrel. Not knowing any better I considered it a work of art and precision. Back then I was just a kid with eagle vision and made the department handgun team with it. I must have truly had eagle vision considering the "sights" on a box-stock Model 10!

Then I made detective, no more uniform and a Model 36 in a cross-draw.

I'm an old man now and I have yet to encounter a slicker trigger than those two revolvers had (some 1911's excepted).

 

[shouldazagged]

In the fifties, when I became an LEO, I was issued a well worn S&W Model 10 with a 6" pencil barrel. Not knowing any better I considered it a work of art and precision....I'm an old man now and I have yet to encounter a slicker trigger than those two revolvers had (some 1911's excepted).

You were right about the Model 10. It is a work of art. So's the little 36.

Me, biased? Certainly not.

 

[prairieviper]

Although I still love revolvers and I shoot a revolver (S&W 617) more than any gun I own, I'm not seeing them at the ranges that I go to and personally don't believe that there will ever be any kind resurgence of revolvers. The advantages of modern semi-autos are many and revolvers hold no advantages that I see, other than hunting applications.

My second most fired gun is my EDC, which happens to be a SIG P938. Go figure.

 

[blues7]

It must be true...

...I just ordered myself a 642 Airweight (no-lock) this morning!

Who could resist? And now I at least begin to fill the hole left behind when I sold my model 36 twenty years ago.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Although The advantages of modern semi-autos are many and revolvers hold no advantages that I see, other than hunting applications.

With all due respect, I beg to differ. Here are a few advantages that immediately come to mind:

1. Immensely different power levels and loads can be handled with aplomb in a revolver - not so in a semiauto.

2. The revolver does not fling empties into the air. While this is a convenience, it can also work out to being a tactical advantage - no trail of cases during or following a justifiable shooting.

3. Reliability is not as much of an issue as it used to be when considering revolvers vs. semiautos, but still, I have 99.9999% confidence that when I pull the trigger on a revolver, it will go "bang." Even more important, successive shots will also go "bang," unless you have a dud round, in which case, the drill is to simply pull the trigger again. Clearing a dud or a jam with a semiauto is a bit more involved and time-consuming.

4. Considering pin-point accuracy at longer range, the revolver will have a slight edge. With most semiautos, the sights and the barrel have a tenuous relationship - in short, there will usually be some slop in the system between the two.

5. Is it loaded and ready to fire? With a revolver, just look. With a semiauto, looking usually involves a press-check, or the added complexity of a loaded-chamber indicator. Even with a notch in the barrel hood, you might need a strong light and a magnifying glass.

6. The intimidation factor. The person on the other side, when confronted with a revolver, will see immediately that he is facing a loaded firearm - no doubt about it.

7. Condition of readiness is simple. Once loaded - all you have to do is pull the trigger. No worrying about manual safeties, magazine disconnect mechanisms, loose magazines, or not being fully in battery.

8. Don't worry about leaving the gun fully loaded for long periods of time. There will be no compressed springs to lose their power over time. It will be as ready to go 20 years from now as today.

9. With a semiauto, a dropped magazine will result in a 1-shot wonder, or a poor substitute for a hammer. No sweat with a revolver - it doesn't HAVE a magazine.

10. With some revolvers, they can be fired multiple times while still in a jacket pocket - the Centennials and shrouded hammer models most certainly. After the first shot with a semiauto, I can almost certainly guarantee a jam, precluding any further immediate use.

Your honor, I rest my case.

John

 

[75Vette]

VERY well put John. Thank you!!

 

[exdetsgt]

Yes, and everyone of the 10 points you touched on is valid.

My EDC is still a Shield 9 (8+1), but I'm preparing an SP101 (lighter springs, action job, better [wood] grips, Wright Leather Works Predator holster) and when it's ready I'll switch. I'd rather it would be an old Model 36 but can't find one, though the option of shooting .357 is nice with the Ruger.

 

[SeamasterSig]

Are revolvers making a comeback?

I hope not! That would just make them more expensive for those of us who have liked them all along But truth be told, I haven't noticed an increase or decrease in interest in wheel guns in the last few years.

 

[Sal1950]

The advantages of modern semi-autos are many and revolvers hold no advantages that I see, other than hunting applications.
.

IMO it's not so much about any "advantage" as it is fun in the shooting. How much of what we do really depends on a tactical advantage? Going out in the field plinking or to the range target shooting takes a big place in many handgunners life's.
I also enjoy an afternoon of shooting my 1858 Rem or 1860 Colt repro's. There's a certain something about stepping way back in time a dueing things the way the REAL cowboys did it.