Revolver for bowling pins

[cbore]

I used a 6 inch. 41 mag model 58, I almost always shoot single action for what I always made up with using only 6 rounds and no reloads. I would go with JM 645 today.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

I don't shoot bowling pins(but intend to correct that mistake in my life experience next summer)but I have a .45 bullet mould made by Saeco that has a huuuuge nose in swc form.They call it ''bowling pin'' bullet(guess they don't pay their guy head of marketing dept too much!).
I think that's what I'll use in my .45 revolver.I'll probably launch it at around 850 to 900 fps.The bullet comes out at 215 gr with my alloy.

 

[colt_saa]

Revolver Pin Matches . . . That goes back 15 or 20 years now

Initially I used the original 5" Smith and Wesson Model 625 that was released in 1988

In 1999 I switched to the 4" Smith and Wesson Model 625 V-Comp

While the factory sold both of these as 45 ACP revolvers, I was running 45 SUPER through mine. The hand loads were Winchesters 230 grain JHP leaving the 4" revolver right at 1000 FPS loaded into 45 SUPER brass.

When my stockpile of Winchester projectiles dried up I switched to the Hornady 230 JHPs

The large diameter, heavy projectile removed a pin from the table with Authority and this load was controllable in either revolver. The 625 V-Comp made my follow up shots even faster.

I probably could have achieved similar ballistics using the 45 Auto Rim cartridge, but I would have lost the ability to use the full moon clips.

The full moon clips made for positive extraction of all empties and a fast reload. Against shooters of comparable skill, blowing a reload will loose the match

 

[RGVshooter]

I have my heart set on a 6" S&W mod 629 44mag. I shot a friends 629 with his downloaded 44 mag reloads and they blew the pins off the table yet the recoil was tamer than full power 357 magnum.

 

[one eye joe]

Reading thru that bowling pin thread got me all pumped up and since our club regularly shoots bowling pin matches every week I'm feeling this burning itch to get a new revolver. For some reason I keep thinking about a 41 magnum or 44 magnum next. At least 6" barrel and adjustable target sights. I already own a 4" 686-6 but I'd like a little bit more horse power in case I every take the thing out hog or varmint hunting. For bowling pins I can always reload lite 44 specials. I have a buddy that shoots a 44 magnum for bowling pins but full magnum loads are kinda overkill but there's no question they leave the table in a hurry if hit square.

Any suggestions as to which revolver model to get next? 41 or 44 magnum? Classic 29 or 629? Model 57?

I WOULD SUGGEST A 4" M629. THE CHAMBERING IN .44SPL/.44 MAG, GIVES YOU THE MOST CHOICES IN AMMO---OF THE GUNS YOU ARE CONSIDERING. THE 4" LENGTH IS MOST VERSATILE, AND IS AT HOME AT THE RANGE, IN THE FIELD, OR CARRIED CONCEALED......

THE STAINLESS STEEL 629 IS THE MOST DURABLE, AND WEATHERPROOF. MOST BLEMISHES CAN BE ERASED WITH AN ABRASIVE PAD, OR MOTHERS MAG WHEEL POLISH, AND A LITTLE ELBOW GREASE......

 

[RGVshooter]

I WOULD SUGGEST A 4" M629. THE CHAMBERING IN .44SPL/.44 MAG, GIVES YOU THE MOST CHOICES IN AMMO---OF THE GUNS YOU ARE CONSIDERING. THE 4" LENGTH IS MOST VERSATILE, AND IS AT HOME AT THE RANGE, IN THE FIELD, OR CARRIED CONCEALED......

THE STAINLESS STEEL 629 IS THE MOST DURABLE, AND WEATHERPROOF. MOST BLEMISHES CAN BE ERASED WITH AN ABRASIVE PAD, OR MOTHERS MAG WHEEL POLISH, AND A LITTLE ELBOW GREASE......

I already own a 4" 686 357 magnum. I'm leaning towards a 6" 629 because chances are I most likely won't add it to my carry rotation. I will be on occasion using it also on feral hogs we have running wild in Texas. But I will consider the 4" version as well. Thanks!

 

[revshtr]

My 625 5 inch awesome pin g

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[nachogrande]

DITTO,pretty much.

I have a older 4" model 10 and a 4" 686-6. that I've used for bowling pins. The sights on the 686 are far much better than the fixed sights on the model 10. I have a pal that has a performance center model 327 TRR8 357 mag that sparked my interest.

A 681 & model 10 here, using the same using 38 special "powder puff" 148 gr DEWC over 2.7 ish gr's of bullseye in each gun. It hits the pins surprisingly hard & people often ask if I'm using 357's. You COULD use a 41 or 44 mag but IMO you would be better off loading it DOWN. We place the tables only 10-15 yards away, & I happen to like fixed sights for closer ranges. Not to mention the smaller/lighter cast 38's cost less than the larger/heavier 41's / 44's. I also use a Sig P220 45 acp & like that too.

 

[lrrifleman]

Back in the '90's, an indoor range I belonged to had Wed night fun matches (rotating, one night: PPC, plates, pins, bullseye). I tended to lean towards my revolvers. For pins, I would use either my Model 27 (8.375"), or my Model 57, always fired single action using SWCs (usually clearing the table of 5 with just 5 shots).

For my 41 loads, I usually loaded my "41 Special" load: 215gr cast SWC, LPP, and about 6.5gr WW231.

 

[nachogrande]

PINS "GENERALY" AINT FREE.

Reading thru that bowling pin thread got me all pumped up and since our club regularly shoots bowling pin matches every week I'm feeling this burning itch to get a new revolver. For some reason I keep thinking about a 41 magnum or 44 magnum next. At least 6" barrel and adjustable target sights. I already own a 4" 686-6 but I'd like a little bit more horse power in case I every take the thing out hog or varmint hunting. For bowling pins I can always reload lite 44 specials. I have a buddy that shoots a 44 magnum for bowling pins but full magnum loads are kinda overkill but there's no question they leave the table in a hurry if hit square.

B/P IS A HOOT, & IMO the most fun event with the most laid back, down to earth shooters. The variables/luck/chance give an above avg Joe a chance to be competitive with & maybe beat a "superior" shooter. You don't need to break the bank with the latest/greatest gear either. The 686 is a popular & excellent choice. Wide meplat/heavy/flat nosed bullets at slow-moderate velocities work very well. Your buddies hot 44 mags MAY get him DQ'd & asked to leave "in a hurry". "IF HIT SQUARE" applies to any gun used. The 4" barrels are much more popular, among seasoned shooters & winners. The 6" may cost you some extra time.

 

[RGPM1A]

I have always used a Model 610 with a Wichita slab comp on it loaded with 200 grain Hornady XTPs going about 1250fps. They always blow the pin off the table - even when they are lumpy and full of lead.

With the slab comp its like shooting a light 38spl.