C Islander
Member
I'd like to have a revolver specifically for shooting bowling pins. I currently use a M65. What do I need, and how should I set it up? I'd prefer to stay .357.
Revolver for bowling pins
- Thread starter C Islander
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The two games I like most are Bowling Pin Matches, and IDPA
Bowling Pin Matches we shoot are broken into 2 classes, automatic & revolver. The matches are two shooters side by side, 5 pins each on a table at about 35 feet, first shooter to clear all pins off his table wins. Deadwood doesn’t count! We shoot 5-7 strings depending on how many shooters are there. The round count is about 50 rounds for each class, some use more.
Heavy bullets seem to work better than fast but that is just my opinion. I think the 45ACP is the round for pins. I have tried 180gr 357 mag and 38 spl. I also tried a 40S&W with 210gr SWC but it always seemed a little weak when the pins start getting heavy. The 44 mag with a 240 going about 800 or so works pretty good too but if you have to reload a moon clip is the fastest way for me.
I think having a red dot sight on whatever gun you choose is also going to be a major factor in how fast you can get them off the table. Lining up front, rear & pin takes time.
My favorite revolver for pins is a model 25-2. It reloads very fast if you can’t get it done with 6.
I also like this Redhawk. A medium load knocks the pins right off.
We always start with fresh pins so I start with a light load so follow up shots are faster. 230gr conical flat point over 4.5 of TiteGroup to start both revolver and auto.
When they start getting heavy I switch to 5.0 of titegroup.
For shooting the automatic class I use this Kimber Classic Custom Target series I. The dot makes things go pretty fast.
Bowling Pin Matches we shoot are broken into 2 classes, automatic & revolver. The matches are two shooters side by side, 5 pins each on a table at about 35 feet, first shooter to clear all pins off his table wins. Deadwood doesn’t count! We shoot 5-7 strings depending on how many shooters are there. The round count is about 50 rounds for each class, some use more.
Heavy bullets seem to work better than fast but that is just my opinion. I think the 45ACP is the round for pins. I have tried 180gr 357 mag and 38 spl. I also tried a 40S&W with 210gr SWC but it always seemed a little weak when the pins start getting heavy. The 44 mag with a 240 going about 800 or so works pretty good too but if you have to reload a moon clip is the fastest way for me.
I think having a red dot sight on whatever gun you choose is also going to be a major factor in how fast you can get them off the table. Lining up front, rear & pin takes time.
My favorite revolver for pins is a model 25-2. It reloads very fast if you can’t get it done with 6.
I also like this Redhawk. A medium load knocks the pins right off.
We always start with fresh pins so I start with a light load so follow up shots are faster. 230gr conical flat point over 4.5 of TiteGroup to start both revolver and auto.
When they start getting heavy I switch to 5.0 of titegroup.
For shooting the automatic class I use this Kimber Classic Custom Target series I. The dot makes things go pretty fast.
A .45 acp with 230 hps will take them right off the table.
K&Nframe
Member
If you want to stay with a 357, I would have it modified to use moon clips.
Kevin
Kevin
Bullseye Smith
Member
One of two in 357, #1 686 SSR cut for moon clips. #2 627 8 shot that is cut for moons. I have a hard time with my bad hand loading the 627, so I would pick the SSR myself, or any 686.
Samuel Adams
US Veteran
Our club had a pin match last month. I cleaned up on a few 1911 shooters using a S&W 67-1 with open sights shooting 160gr Billy Bullets. It's all about bullet placement.
keithherrington
Member
Made for Bowling Pins
Gun is a Model 28, converted to 45ACP, and using a barrel made by Cloward back in the 70's specifically for bowling pins. It started out on a Model 58 chambered in 45 Colt that I rescued and had Bowen customize for me. The barrel is admittedly too heavy for bullseye shooting. I tried it and never used it well enough, but the extra weight is critically important for fast and accurate bowling pin shooting. The Nill grips also help put the gun at a better angle for fast accurate shooting. From the ready position or from the holster, using two hands when shooting, this is a very effective package. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for a scope should one be needed.
Gun is a Model 28, converted to 45ACP, and using a barrel made by Cloward back in the 70's specifically for bowling pins. It started out on a Model 58 chambered in 45 Colt that I rescued and had Bowen customize for me. The barrel is admittedly too heavy for bullseye shooting. I tried it and never used it well enough, but the extra weight is critically important for fast and accurate bowling pin shooting. The Nill grips also help put the gun at a better angle for fast accurate shooting. From the ready position or from the holster, using two hands when shooting, this is a very effective package. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for a scope should one be needed.
Carmoney
Member
I finished 2nd overall at the 1993 Second Chance pin match using a 7-shot Baumannize S&W 27 with the stock 8-3/8" skinny barrel, and 230-grain cast bullets (the ones we called "Lincoln Logs"). I bought the gun from Brian Enos, as a matter of fact. That year Jerry Miculek was right behind me in 3rd place using nearly identical equipment. We actually had an identical aggregate time, and I got lucky and beat him on the tie-breaker.
It goes to show you don't need anything real fancy to shoot pins, but load selection is very important. Those 230-grain .357 were the absolute best for shooting bowling pins. I'm pretty sure H&G discontinued the mold, and I think the only company still selling the bullets is GAT Bullets out of Louisiana.
It goes to show you don't need anything real fancy to shoot pins, but load selection is very important. Those 230-grain .357 were the absolute best for shooting bowling pins. I'm pretty sure H&G discontinued the mold, and I think the only company still selling the bullets is GAT Bullets out of Louisiana.
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I love the bowling pin matches, we have a weekly match here at the local range. 3 classes: semi auto, revolver, and .22 class. Any round works well, it is all about the shot placement as noted before. I usually shoot in the 22 class and sometimes the semi auto too. I have better pin knockdown with the 22 personally. We do two flights one person at a time to use as a qualifying measure on the the 4 fastest times. The top four then go to a dueling shoot off until one guy wins the last round. Some say the centerfire rounds are better because they pack more punch, others say the 22 is better due to the lower recoil and quicker target sighting after the first shot. It is fun either way!!! I would suggest going with a 22 or 17hmr in the revolver class so you have more rounds in the cylinder before having to reload(if you don't go 5 for 5)
For pins, my number one choice would be to be shooting my 45ACP model 625
My second choice would be a 610 in 10MM. Probably the 4" over the 6 1/2" just to reduce weight.
357 Magnum would really be down my list for pins. However if it had to be 357 Magnum, then I would be shooting one of my 8 shot model 627s. This one is wearing three dot night sights for rapid target acquisition.
My second choice would be a 610 in 10MM. Probably the 4" over the 6 1/2" just to reduce weight.
357 Magnum would really be down my list for pins. However if it had to be 357 Magnum, then I would be shooting one of my 8 shot model 627s. This one is wearing three dot night sights for rapid target acquisition.
OP
C Islander
Member
Thanks for the suggestions and pictures. I was thinking a 6" 66. You've given me some ideas. My clubs season dosen't start until April, so I've got some time.
tomcatt51
Member
Bowling Pins is great fun. I use a 625 with Winchester 230 HP's loaded to +P+ velocities or a heavy barreled Lew Horton 627 with 230's in 38 special cases. Carmoney's "Lincoln Logs". Gatt bullets doesn't make the .38 230's anymore, I checked, but I think Penn Bullets does occaisionally. What you load depends on where they're putting the pins on the table. At the front of a 3 or 4 foot deep table or at the back for the "little girls" version.
CrossRifles2008
Member
Use a 44 Magnum. 
Bob R
US Veteran
I am getting set for a fun pin match soon. I will be using a 255gr LSWC over 10.5g of HS-6. That should be a fairly effective load.
bob
bob
YogiBear
Absent Comrade
Aloha,
I use a Model 57, 4" for pins.
210 gr SWC over 7 gr Herco at about 900fps or so.
Shot placement is King
Just Below the belly of the pin will knock it down and off the table cleanly.
I use a Model 57, 4" for pins.
210 gr SWC over 7 gr Herco at about 900fps or so.
Shot placement is King
Just Below the belly of the pin will knock it down and off the table cleanly.
John Eilertson
Member
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I'd have to choose between my 6 1/2" .44 mag and my 6" 25-5. For speed's sake I'd likely use the .45. Plenty big bullet and less kick.
Bowling Pin Gun
I use my 586 L Comp with a gold bead front sight and Blazer 158 Grain FMJ's. Between the power port dampening recoil to .38 like levels, and the 3inch barrel with goldbead for quick acquisition There is no faster gun back on target.
I just had mine refinished by Robar with NP3 Plus and i will post some pictures as soon as i can.
I use my 586 L Comp with a gold bead front sight and Blazer 158 Grain FMJ's. Between the power port dampening recoil to .38 like levels, and the 3inch barrel with goldbead for quick acquisition There is no faster gun back on target.
I just had mine refinished by Robar with NP3 Plus and i will post some pictures as soon as i can.
one eye joe
US Veteran
I like the 4" Model of 1989 in .45 ACP. VERY accurate, easy to reload, plenty of power.....
dentkimterry
Member
I shoot bowling pins at my gun club where they don't really care about the caliber you use. I was using my 686 and 625 for the competition but noticed many were using 22's. Yesterday I brought my 6" 617 and did very well. My fastest times ever. The non existent recoil allowed for faster target acquisition. I was very fun and I'll bring it next time too!
