S & W 22 REVOLVER

[snubbiefan]

Sammy....the "bygone days" of revolvers?

I know most buyers have gotten past the lock (not all of us), but I certainly hope the bygone days for the revolver are not here......yet. All the guns out there now will be relics and collector pieces as time passes, if for no other reason than the government confiscating them, but I think the all-steel revolver has a little more life in it.

 

[DR505]

I prefer a Model 17. In my case a 17-4 with an 8 3/8" barrel. I have now put full size target stocks on it so it fits my hand better. You may like a lighter revolver, but for practice to simulate a full-size handgun, this is the ticket. It is also rock steady and very accurate. If you can shoot this one well, the lighter handguns will be a snap.

I am one of those old-school shooters that still like N-Frames, full size autos (have a safe full of 1911's), and big single actions. However, my duty sidearms are all Glocks (required brand), a Model 21 in .45 ACP, a Model 22 in .40 S&W, and a Model 27 in .40 S&W. As an instructor, I find that teaching students on a heavier frame weapon lets them concentrate on the fundamentals without the recoil being an issue. A 627-0 shooting .38 wadcutters lets them understand the trigger and how it interacts with stance, sight picture, sight alignment, etc. for accurate shooting without worrying about recoil...same with a Model 17 in .22 S, .22 L, or .22 LR.

Once you have the fundamentals figured out, branching out to lighter firearms with correspondingly stiffer recoil is a much easier transition. I like and use all manner of firearms, from very heavy to extra light. But the same fundamentals are the foundation for all.

 

[Sammy75]

snubbiefan: I describe it as a "bygone era" since the military and law enforcement pretty much turned away from the revolver, a generation ago. I was a cop and big skeptic when my agency converted from revolvers to semiautomatic pistols, 25 years ago. Once thoroughly trained, I never regretted the upgrade. Agencies switched to autos to keep up with the bad guys who carry hi-cap pistols... Yes, revolvers still exist. So do bolt action rifles. But the armed professional is carrying a semiautomatic pistol and rifle, today. His life depends on it. If he is carrying a wheelgun, it is concealed and providing a back up capability, only... The revolver will always have its historical niche and appeal to recreational shooters who are facing targets that don't shoot back.

 

[Sammy75]

I don't discount an "old school" shooter's preference for large, heavy framed revolvers. My reply to the original thread requesting information on the 317 was to suggest the Smith Model 63, instead. It has adjustable sights, a stainless "J"-frame, 3" barrel and weighs about 26 ounces. It carries eight rounds. I believe it is a reasonable fit for women and men, alike. It does not exhibit significant recoil... My contention is that this revolver's weight and size will be similar to the handgun that a typical CPL holder might purchase. Although it is more challenging to master sight picture, trigger control, stance, etc., on a smaller revolver, many shooters will never invest the time to perfect the bullseye shooting techniques taught in previous generations of law enforcement. The three pound, 8-3/8" K-22 is a marvelous example of specialized target equipment. I doubt this is what ohiocarry is looking for.

 

[snubbiefan]

I wuz yanking-your-chain a bit Sammy. Anybody can look around and see what most Police and other law enforcement agencies have on their hips. I have some semi-auto's that I am very proud of myself. They just have to be 1911's with the right name on them and all stainless. I like to see the hammer on my guns, with the exception of the Continental family of Smith's....I know what's inside of those.

317 is a tender little gun in many respects and I agree a model 63 is much more robust. When I laid the 317 in the wife's hand....that was end-of-story. I subscribe to the thought that Airlites are to be carried much and fired little.

 

[DR505]

Although it is more challenging to master sight picture, trigger control, stance, etc., on a smaller revolver, many shooters will never invest the time to perfect the bullseye shooting techniques taught in previous generations of law enforcement.

They are actually shooting techniques. Bullseye is just one application. Anyone who doesn't invest the time and effort to learn the fundamentals that underlie all applications of handgun shooting can never reach their full potential, be it bullseye, IDPA, IPSC, etc. If mediocrity is what they strive for...well that is rather easy.

 

[Sammy75]

A good, lively dialogue, I'd say. I think ohiocarry has gotten his feedback and I enjoyed the exchange. 'Thoughtful discussion with fellow shooters. Be safe.

 

[DR505]

A good, lively dialogue, I'd say. I think ohiocarry has gotten his feedback and I enjoyed the exchange. 'Thoughtful discussion with fellow shooters. Be safe.

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