Our good friend mc5aw, recently posed the question of which is better for a combat revolver, 44 or 45. I stated that neither 44 or 45 ,in my humble opinion, was the best. Without hijacking his thread , I will give you my thoughts, and would like to hear yours, on what comprises the design of a good/best "fighting" revolver. Keep in mind probably the best combat handgun is still an autoloader, but for 44years I have carried and trusted revolvers in the mud the blood and the beer , since I first strapped on a Model 19 in 1969 . The first thing is caliber, 357 magnum in the modern loadings works and is a good size for handguns. Second , it allows 7 rds in L-frame and 8 rds in N-frames, a decent capacity. Rivaling the 45 Gov't out of the gate{much slower at best on the reload however}. Now for the design , and keep in mind doable with existing guns on a semi-custom basis. For an L-frame , start with a 681, cut the barrel to 3 1/2 inches{full extraction] use 1/2 underlugged barrel ie. Model 27/ 38/44hd profile , fit 7-shot cylinder and round the butt and install big dot front sight with glow in the dark feature, tailor the trigger guard to Bill Jordan profile{narrow}, bob the hammer and make smooth trigger and adjust trigger pull wt to lowest possible setting and still have 100% reliability with all brands of ammo. For an N-frame Revolver, do the same modifications , only start with the older NY model 520 and install an 8 shot cylinder. These are my thoughts on the BEST Combat revolver for a serious Mud , The blood and Beer revolver. I should say if 4 legged defense is needed ,I would not argue against using 44 or 45 caliber guns and truth be told, I have been known to use one of those new fangled Gov't 45 1911 Cavalry pistols for defensive use , but at heart I am a "revolver" guy.
Best "Combat Revolver"
- Thread starter Joe Kent
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keith44spl
Member
Now Joe,
Ya know I'm a .44, er mabee a .45 caliber kinda guy....
Oh,,,,,,I've may have used a .357 a time er two my ownself as well.
Pick one..........
.45 Long Colt, .44 Special, .357 Magnum
Su Amigo,
Dave
.
Ya know I'm a .44, er mabee a .45 caliber kinda guy....
Oh,,,,,,I've may have used a .357 a time er two my ownself as well.
Pick one..........
.45 Long Colt, .44 Special, .357 Magnum
Su Amigo,
Dave
.
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mc5aw
Member
Joe ... Of my various K/L frame .357s, I have a 65 3" with low profile fixed sights that is as perfect a "fighting" revolver as I've owned. What's your preference between K/L and N frames for .357?
Mc5aw, I agree with you and for years carried both 3in 13's and 65's but have now gone to a 681 3in performance center model with the 7-shot cylinder. The "feel" is much the same and in concealment holsters the wt. seems the same{even tho it is slightly heavier} The main reason is seven shots rather than six. It reloads as fast and with Farrant checkered palm swelled stocks absolutely does not move under recoil. When I carry an N-frame it typically is a 44 or 45, and do not get me wrong, I like those calibers but they are heavy guns and are usually carried in a heavy holster and gun belt much like those that Keith44spl makes. {they make carrying a heavy gun easy} I should also mention, as posted above by Dave, I have a hard time arguing Calibers with a man that I suspect has been "over the hill and seen the elephant " a time or two. But , this is a discussion among good friends who enjoy each others Posts and company.
S. Hammer
Member
I'd go with a later stainless Ruger Security Six 4" .357 with the heavy barrel. Easy enough to holster carry and it would last forever.
breakingbad
Member
Joe Kent is correct ... for a COMBAT REVOLVER the .357 magnum is the best. However, Joe complicated it by adding a lot of really cool customization. Fine if you feel the need.
The best Combat Revolver ever made is the Smith and Wesson Model 686+ Mountain Gun.
The '+' model adds an extra round and the Mountain Gun utilizes a thinner, lighter barrel than standard Model 686.
Case Closed
Thank you.
The best Combat Revolver ever made is the Smith and Wesson Model 686+ Mountain Gun.
The '+' model adds an extra round and the Mountain Gun utilizes a thinner, lighter barrel than standard Model 686.
Case Closed
Thank you.
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jlrhiner
US Veteran
Now Joe, you know you can't use anything for gunfighting that dosen't start with a ".4". Look at how "outgunned" all those poor LEO's were for all those years.
Seriously, though, I would not be uncomfortable with a .357. I personally think the .44 or .45 is a better choice. More of a personal comfort zone, I guess.
Seriously, though, I would not be uncomfortable with a .357. I personally think the .44 or .45 is a better choice. More of a personal comfort zone, I guess.
kraigwy
US Veteran
Need I say more?
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
If you read that thread of Mc graws you seen my .44s and .45s I posted along with my ideas. Okay, here are my .357s. I also have more .44s and .45s in longer longer barrels and also in colt and ruger single actions but didnt post those as he wanted short barrels and just double actions.
Through the years I have owned and sold many six guns. I never noticed that it was such a passion of mine while I was doing it untill I got old, looked at what I have accumilated and thought of ones I let go.
Wonder if any carpenters or mechanics spent much time discussing what brand and weight of hammer or wrench was the best or would do a better job? What color fly swatter is best?
Truth is any .38, (maybe), .357, 41 mag, 44 spec, 44 mag, 45 acp or 45 colt will do the job. Any finish, pacs, stags or ivorys wont change the outcome. Also I doubt the outcome will be different if you are useing a smith, colt or ruger. Its how good YOU are with it and your mind set. Its what you can shoot the best with. I never shot anyone so dont consider myself a expert. Who knows? Maybe I would freeze up?
Anyway, here are my .357s. What would likely kill me is takeing the time out trying to figure out what gun to use! I aint showed you my .38s yet either!
Right now I dont have my old model colt trooper in .357 in 4", but I carried it the most on my job and there was something about it that I liked the best. Really, it was the same as a python but without the extra weight of the heavy lugged barrel. I will show a .38 version of it in the last picture that allen frame sold me a few years ago, Thanks Allen!
Through the years I have owned and sold many six guns. I never noticed that it was such a passion of mine while I was doing it untill I got old, looked at what I have accumilated and thought of ones I let go.
Wonder if any carpenters or mechanics spent much time discussing what brand and weight of hammer or wrench was the best or would do a better job? What color fly swatter is best?
Truth is any .38, (maybe), .357, 41 mag, 44 spec, 44 mag, 45 acp or 45 colt will do the job. Any finish, pacs, stags or ivorys wont change the outcome. Also I doubt the outcome will be different if you are useing a smith, colt or ruger. Its how good YOU are with it and your mind set. Its what you can shoot the best with. I never shot anyone so dont consider myself a expert. Who knows? Maybe I would freeze up?
Anyway, here are my .357s. What would likely kill me is takeing the time out trying to figure out what gun to use! I aint showed you my .38s yet either!
Right now I dont have my old model colt trooper in .357 in 4", but I carried it the most on my job and there was something about it that I liked the best. Really, it was the same as a python but without the extra weight of the heavy lugged barrel. I will show a .38 version of it in the last picture that allen frame sold me a few years ago, Thanks Allen!
cmort666
Member
If I needed to shoot somebody, my choices of revolver would be either my 3" 65 or my 4" 29.
One of these days, I've got to make a concealment holster for my 29.
mkk41
US Veteran
A true fighting revolver has fixed sights IMO.
Someone here coined the term "fightin' 58" and I gotta agree! A bit heavy on the belt , but very comforting.
Wouldn't mind having a nice 3 or 4in Model 65 to fill this gap!
But for when I can make due with something a bit smaller , my 3in HB 36 or 2in Airweight Chiefs fill the bill.
And certainly these guys have proven themselves worthy in combat the likes of which I'll undoubtly never see , but stand readily and ably by.
And last but not least , a good SAA in .45 Long Colt has saved as many lives as it has taken.\
Someone here coined the term "fightin' 58" and I gotta agree! A bit heavy on the belt , but very comforting.
Wouldn't mind having a nice 3 or 4in Model 65 to fill this gap!
But for when I can make due with something a bit smaller , my 3in HB 36 or 2in Airweight Chiefs fill the bill.
And certainly these guys have proven themselves worthy in combat the likes of which I'll undoubtly never see , but stand readily and ably by.
And last but not least , a good SAA in .45 Long Colt has saved as many lives as it has taken.\
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Never having been in combat I can't give expert advice. However I've shot a lot of 357 and 44 mag. The 44 is just too hard to control for rapid fire. My choice would be .357 or maybe .44 sp if I had plenty of reloading supplies.
breakingbad, I do agree with your choice of the 686 Mt. Gun {pre-lock of course} and have a pair of them, they are favorites. The edge in a perfect world still goes to fixed sights on a combat revolver. I have knocked the hell out of S&W adjustable sights getting in and out of cars {wearing Sam Brown Blk Basket weave belts and Jordan Holsters}. The same with enclosed ejector rods. Believe it or not, I've got a pair of fixed sight Model 19P's that were developed and sold to a South American Police force and when I asked S&W's foreign salesmgr. why they didn't just buy Model 13's he said the Chief said he needed enclosed ejector rods because his men sometimes used the revolver as clubs. These features were the criteria for a "perfect" fighting revolver. All my very best, Joe.
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jlrhiner, Jim I've used that line myself any number of times in the past right up to the time in a squad room where a good friend and police trainer was making the case for 45's when a grizzled old gray haired detective raised his hand and when recognized made the factual statement that the last 3 guys he shot with a 38 Special went down with one shot each. He was one cool under fire vet who had seen more than his share of up close and personal combat in both WW11 and Korea. I always listened to his advice and counted him a good friend up until he passed.
rockyrider
Member
Man O' Man, you guys have shown some of the best carry Combat revolvers I've seen. This is what i have to offer in pairs.
2 chiefs specials, side by each in a Kramer T- shirt.
a Smith 3914 and a Sig 239, same holster
2 Colt Detective Specials, same place.
S&W model 411, and a Walther P88.
S&W model 39, and a Beretta 96, 40 cal.
well that about it.
2 chiefs specials, side by each in a Kramer T- shirt.
a Smith 3914 and a Sig 239, same holster
2 Colt Detective Specials, same place.
S&W model 411, and a Walther P88.
S&W model 39, and a Beretta 96, 40 cal.
well that about it.
doublesharp
Member
This 681 pc sounds like the op's favorite. Cut for 7 shot moonclips, too.
Any gun is better than none. A .22 beats the heck out of a pocket comb under any circumstance! I regularly carry a 442, which is a fine revolver designed for concealed carry, and with modern ammunition is a great SD gun! I am a fan of .45 ACP or Colt, and my mountain gun does great service, both for in town or woods defense, depending again on the load being used. There is nothing wrong with .357 either. I like the 8 shooters, but it doesn't take all that long to reload if necessary, and as I've said several times, if you need more than 6 you're hangin' out with the wrong crowd! As far as semiautos go, 9s have the round count advantage, .40 has great street cred, and who in their right mind would argue with a .45? Keep in mind that it's all about shot placement. Quite honestly, I have most recently shot my best with my 19-3.
In a factory gun, with fixed sights, bbl length usefull for a quick draw and long enough to shoot well, cartridge large enough for two or four legged critters and we are with the mod 58 and any other contenders far back.
