suggestions for a PPC revolver

A

andre66

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2007
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hi folks,
I took a private introductory shooting lesson last week so i could get some pointers on shooting as well as try a bunch of different handguns.
I had a great time, the instructor was very knowledgeable and gave me a bunch of great tips, well worth doing if anyone is thinking about lessons.
Anyway, it confirmed my inclination that i am more of a revolver guy than a semi-automatic guy, i tried both but i really enjoyed the revolvers.
I am now wanting to get a revolver suitable for PPC. What are the models and calibres that are suitable for this shooting sport? Oh yes, they have to be Smith&Wesson.
Thanks
Andre
 
Register to hide this ad
Hi folks,
I took a private introductory shooting lesson last week so i could get some pointers on shooting as well as try a bunch of different handguns.
I had a great time, the instructor was very knowledgeable and gave me a bunch of great tips, well worth doing if anyone is thinking about lessons.
Anyway, it confirmed my inclination that i am more of a revolver guy than a semi-automatic guy, i tried both but i really enjoyed the revolvers.
I am now wanting to get a revolver suitable for PPC. What are the models and calibres that are suitable for this shooting sport? Oh yes, they have to be Smith&Wesson.
Thanks
Andre
 
http://www.eohc.ca/ppc.asp

http://www.shooter.org/ccsc/WHATSPPC.HTM

No expert, but of the guns in the 2008 S&W catalog I would pick a 686 or the 686 SSR. The standard 686 has good weight forward balance, the SSR comes with a forged trigger and hammer and a "tuned action" but has a 4" light weight barrel. Most serious ppc guns are built up by a gunsmith on K or L frames with seriously heavy barrels with specialized sights. You might find a good used one you could pick up.
 
A MODEL 64, PRE MIM BUILT BY BOB JONES OF JACKSON MISSISSIPPI. THERE IS NO MORE BILL DAVIS NOR RON POWERS. AT THE N.P.S.C. AT LEAST 90% OF THE TOP SHOOTERS ARE USING BOB JONES. JP
 
The old ones was made from a model 10 and a barrel was added along with a Bow-mar rib. Here is the one I made, has a stainless cylinder for easy clean and stainless trimmings.
PPC-1.jpg

ppc-38001.jpg
 
Bullseye, this is going to be a stupid question, but I'll ask it anyway. Why is the Bow-mar rib a better option than standard target sights?

I've never shot ppc and I'm curious.
 
The rib adds weight that steadies the gun and holds down what little recoil the .38 wadcutter generates. (In addition to the usual bull barrel.) The Bomar sight blade is wide and flat for better visibility and the adjustments are crisp and precise.
Unfortunately, Bomar is out of business due to the demise of the owners. Nobody has come up with the price demanded by the heirs for the equipment, parts on hand, and the name. The closest thing I know of is the Aristocrat rib.
 
Standard 6" 686 six shot is what you want. If it "needs" an action job out of the box, someone knowledgable in the S&W action can improve it in about 30 minutes.
 
There is no doubt in my mind that the 686 was influenced by PPC, but in my opinion it's a poor choice for the sport. Most shooters looked for a used model 10 because they were cheap and the gun was going to be totally rebuilt. That is the first thing you will need to decide, are you planning on shooting a stock revolver or one that is purpose built. The second problem with the 686 is it's a magnum. The ammuniton used in PPC is a very lightly loaded .38 spl. Using .38 specials in a magnum cylinder will leave an unsupported gap that will hurt accuracy and that is what the game is all about.

If you want to shoot PPC any .38 spl. will do. If you want to win in PPC I would take a look at that model 64 above. You are taking a large number of very skilled shooters and the difference is often decided by the equipment used and a little luck.
 
I have a Bill Davis PPC bull barrel that I bought in early 1980's. I sold the rib and put a red dot sight on top to shoot the Bianchi Cup. I never made it back to the Cup so it was shot very little. I may be interested in selling. If interested, shoot me an e-mail and we can talk. Thanks Jim
 
Originally posted by Jellybean:
There is no doubt in my mind that the 686 was influenced by PPC, but in my opinion it's a poor choice for the sport. Most shooters looked for a used model 10 because they were cheap and the gun was going to be totally rebuilt. That is the first thing you will need to decide, are you planning on shooting a stock revolver or one that is purpose built. The second problem with the 686 is it's a magnum. The ammuniton used in PPC is a very lightly loaded .38 spl. Using .38 specials in a magnum cylinder will leave an unsupported gap that will hurt accuracy and that is what the game is all about.

If you want to shoot PPC any .38 spl. will do. If you want to win in PPC I would take a look at that model 64 above. You are taking a large number of very skilled shooters and the difference is often decided by the equipment used and a little luck.
Click to expand...

+10 and very well said.

I shot PPC for about 10 years in the 80's, and all of the successful (i.e. state and national champions) used a K frame 38 special Smith and Wesson as the foundation for their match gun.
icon_smile.gif
 
Thanks Bob. I shot a lot of PPC in the 1970's. I shot a Ron Powers gun which I still have. I went to the Bianchi Cup one year and decided I need a special gun. A friend had just got this Bill Davis Gun and needed money quick...so I bought it, put a sight on it shot it a little...then got transferred and it has been in the gun safe since. Never did go back to the Cup.
 
If you are just getting started the 686 6 inch is the best deal, have it cut for moon clips and you will be set, then you can build a gun. I had to quit because of my hip's. It was great, and the old way was a neck hold to get a good score. Have fun.
Now Guys don't make fun of my spelling, but there was a guy down south by the name of: Strayhand (?) that built a Smith with a coil main spring. Dang that was some action now. Wish I had some PIC's of the inside, because I would build one.
 
I will probably get the 686 or the model 19, depends whichever one i find that is in the best condition and price.
Thanks everyone
Andre
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

matteekay
  • Locked
SOLD: Custom Smith & Wesson 10-7 .38 Special, PPC/competition-ready (cut for moons)
Replies
0
Views
703
matteekay
matteekay
Tom_R
Smith and Wesson got them right! The 586 and the 686 L Frames. Range Report
2
Replies
29
Views
2K
HOUSTON RICK
H
T
10-6 PPC
Replies
5
Views
2K
twofish
T
M
Should I or not? An old PPC Model 13-1
Replies
6
Views
3K
MG-70
M
8-Shot
Best gun to build PPC Revolver
2
Replies
23
Views
16K
Sammy
S

Latest posts

Back
Top