Best self-defense revolver?

[maustypsu]

Well...

If concealment isn't an issue then I recommend a .50 or flame thrower.

I'd probably go with a .44 Mag in revolver or a 1911 in .45 ACP.

 

[GatorFarmer]

4" 629-4. I've since changed the grips back to a Hogue Monogrip. It's the only revolver that I own which I'll sometimes carry as a primary gun. I've got a drawer full of .38 snubs, but I consider them back up guns (I generally carry a Sig P229R in .357 Sig these days).

If I've got to lose capacity, then I'd prefer to have more "oomph" than what an auto provides. Big bullet, heavy, driven fairly fast... Yeah, that's likeable. It can of course be loaded with .44 Special rounds to roughly provide .45 ACP like performance.

Not quite as convenient as the old Model 58 that I used to carry for a while, but works fine OWB in an old Safety Speed Askins type holster. Weight isn't that bad, perception for me is that it is no worse than a full size steel frame 1911.

Control isn't horribly worse than firing a .357 snub. Same general problems as .357 Magnum revolvers persist - muzzle blast/flash is going to be a factor.

I should get night sights installed and have it Black T coated or a Robar finish or some such. One day I'll get around to that.

 

[Joe Kent]

My choice of the best, for me , self defense revolver is simple. For open carry with duty type belt a 686 Mt. gun 7 shot 357 mag., for lt. jacket/wind breaker type carry a 7 shot 3in. 681 performance center model, and for summer carry a 642 38 spec. with 135 gr. Gold dot. I am lucky to own these without any locks. Not included in the question but included in my carry choices are also full size 1911 45acp Gov't, 45. commander and either 32 acp Kel-tec or Ruger LCP in 380.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Cocked & Locked:

Fascinating story on the 1917 custom! Dean Grennell was one of my favorite gun writers for many years. Too bad he passed away not too long ago.

There was a Williams Gun Sight company in existance back in the day, if my memory synapses serve me correctly. I wonder if there was any connection?

Thanks again for the great additional info.

John

 

[walnutred]

I've owned many revolvers over the years. Some pretty good for their intended purpose and others not quite up to speed. If I was picking one revolver for self defense it would a Mk V Webley. I've never owned any revolver that point shot as naturally as those large frame, birds head griped Webleys PLUS they are a fairly quick reload. Yes they may be slightly less powerful that the 45 ACP, but not enough to matter.

 

[CW3PA]

325sc

I like my 325sc. Pack's well, & while hollow points might not always expand we know they won't shrink.

And then there's the "look"

No digital cameras were harmed in the taking of this photo.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I've owned many revolvers over the years. Some pretty good for their intended purpose and others not quite up to speed. If I was picking one revolver for self defense it would a Mk V Webley. I've never owned any revolver that point shot as naturally as those large frame, birds head griped Webleys PLUS they are a fairly quick reload. Yes they may be slightly less powerful that the 45 ACP, but not enough to matter.

There is something to be said for the Webley revolver, both birdshead grip frame and square grip frame models. To many they look awkward and ungainly but they handle and balance like a dream, really fitting the human hand. Extraction and reloading are most sensible.

Showed this photo before I'm sure but I snap shot this running rat with a Webley Mark IV .455 while mowing high grass at our old lake cabin some years ago. Though I might never hit one again under those circumstances, the revolver smoothly came out of the 4-inch N-Frame holster in which it was carried (and perfectly fits by the way) and sent the big slug along the left side of the rat's head, plowing a circular furrow that removed his left ear and eye.

My brother-in-law sneaked this photo of me through the window of an old hunting cabin, burning off a couple of boxes of .455 hand loads on an outing a few months back.

 

[walnutred]

Nice Webley pics!! I consider that a revolver you have to have personal experience with to fully appreciate. Another old one I always likes was the French M1874. To think the French were using a reliable, large bore, DA revolver that could be disassembled without tools while we adopted the Colt SAA is kind of humiliating. Obviously the Colt is a good SA revolver but Europe was moving past the SA by 1873.

 

[tipoc]

"Best"? Don't know, but these work for me.

640 from the Performance Center.

M13-3.

M629-2 Mag-Na-Port

M624

tipoc