[SnubbyMan]

Just curious what people would choose if they were put into a LEO role and required to choose a revolver as their primary duty/service sidearm.

For the sake of this thread, the revolver can be something that is currently in production, a model that was produced in the past, or a model that has never been in production.

The only constraint I would like to impose would be it be chambered in a caliber that currently exists or was produced at some point in history. Actually, if you have ideas of some other "new" cartridge, that would be fine and interesting too.

Examples of some characteristics:
Stainless, carbon steel, alloy, polymer
fixed versus adjustable sights
caliber (considerations such as noise, effectiveness, penetration of barriers, etc.)
barrel length (including consideration such as getting into and out of patrol cars, rounds not reaching adequate potential, etc.)
capacity
weight (full-lug, partial-lug, etc.)
DAO, DA/SA, SA
speedloader versus moonclip
trigger weight
...just a few ideas...

What would be your ideal duty/service revolver?

Feel free to list a BUG too if you have any thoughts (revolvers please)...

[Kurt_M]

S&W 686+ (seven shot) PRE-LOCK. The gun shop I work at has one in the case that I want in the worst way. Seven rounds of .357 is pretty potent medicine.:evil:

[grimjaw]

S&W 686+ (seven shot) PRE-LOCK.

+1

jmm

[KurtC]

I still carry this PC tuned 625-3 when the spirit moves me.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid147/pbcb580c22b5f9b335e3173cf4cf82ad4/f6396b7f.jpg

[Dave Markowitz]

I'd take my stainless Ruger Police Service Six with 4" barrel in .357 Magnum, and load it with Winchester White Box 110 grain JHPs, or 125 grain JHPs going about 1200 FPS. Repeat shot controllability is more important to me than the last bit of MV. The Ruger is rugged, reliable, and should require minimal maintenance.

[Bronco45]

I carried revolvers in Police work for 21 years. Then I carried an issued piece of Tactical Tupperware.

If I were to come out of retirement today the gun of choice would be a Smith and Wesson Model 22 with a Tyler T grip adapter and a couple of Del Fattis Moonclip holders.

Right weight, right bbl length, right caliber and fast to reload. Did I mention accuracy, from what I hear very accurate. Double as an off duty weapon.

If this gun had been around in 1975 would have I been insightful enough to purchase and carry it? I let the 45 ACP Mtn guns go by and now I want one in the worst way.

As far as BUGs go I still have mine its a Ruger SP 101 in 357 with Pachmayr grip, Wolff Springs and a Meprolight nite site.

[TOADMAN]

S&W 686+ (seven shot) PRE-LOCK.

+1

jmm +2

[gvass]

SW 686

SW 640 backup

.357 Mag, 125 gr JHP in both.

What else?

[Brian Williams]

586/581 4" IN 41 Spec, a 210 Gr LSWC about 950 fps with a round grip frame and a short under-barrel lug.

[Vern Humphrey]

I carried a Colt Model 357 my first tour in Viet Nam, served two customers, and neither asked for his money back. That's what I'd choose.

[OH25shooter]

Was issued the S&W M10 in 1971. Did the required (strongly suggested) auto switch in the late 80's. If I went back to the revolver, I'd take my personal favorite, the S&W 686 with .357 rounds.

[Ala Dan]

4" stainless steel S&W model 66 .357 Combat Magnum~!:cool: :D

[ruger357]

Pre-lock 686. Any J-frame for b/u.

[IV Troop]

I would use a 1955 Target S&W in 45 acp cut to 5 inches. That and my 442 J frame Centenial that I have strapped to my ankle right now.

[Iggy]

I carried a S&W Mdl 58 for nearly 20 years. We both have the scrapes and scars to prove it, but we're both still here.

I retired the wheel gun when I left LE but I wouldn't hesitate a minute to wipe it off and drop it back in the holster if called upon again.

[CZF]

After carrying a .357 for many a year in uniform. I'd not shot any DA revolvers in about 10 years.

A recent outing reunited me with the power of the .357 service revolver and magnum loads. Like a trip back in time!

I've had bad luck with Smith and Colt revolvers in the past, but this slicked up
S&W didn't miss a beat! Of course I had a cocked 'n locked CZ75 on my hip:)

http://www.hunt101.com/img/346818-big.JPG

My preference for a duty DA is still a Ruger Security Six or a GP100.
The winchester slivertip load gives a good balance of stopping power and
penetration.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/346819-big.JPG

[axeman_g]

I just love the gun.

SW 386 3" .357 w/ 7 rds. Carried ALL the time, shot never.

[Checkman]

I would carry the S&W Model 649 in 38 special (pre lock) as my backup serving as a patrolman or detective.

As a detective I would carry either the model 13 or the model 65 with the three inch barrel.

As a patrolman I would go with the (pre lock) Model 686 +, 4" barrel.

Now if I was to find that the Model 13/65 w/3" barrel was getting hard to find I would go with the 2.5" barrel 686+.

Good thread.

[Jet22]

I carried a S&W Mdl 58 for nearly 20 years.

I will have one someday! I will probably put a bobed hammer in it for carry. Hogues and a combat trigger also.

For backup I would use my present carry gun: S&W model 38 with a stainless cylinder...special ordered that way by the Michigan State Police in 1968 and still being used by many of them today!:cool:

[Universal]

My first duty weapon was a S&W model 67 which I liked. However, given a choice, I would prefer a fixed sight sidearm. I would go with a S&W model 64 4" heavy barrel.

[KONY]

K-frames (Smith M65/66's & Ruger Security/Service Six's) in .357 would be my choice for the best combination of durability/power/portability. However, I would be just fine with an L-frame.

[Sean85746]

Out of my safe and collection:

1. Smith & Wesson Model 625 .45acp (pre-lock of course) 5" bbl

2. Smith & Wesson Model 686 Distinguished Service Magnum 4" bbl

3. Smith & Wesson Model 66 Combat Magnum 4" bbl

4. Colt Python .357 Magnum (stainless steel) 4" bbl

My BUG for all 4 would be the Andy Cannon Smith & Wesson Model 19 snubby I bought from another of our distinguished members. It's a sweety!

DA Ruger revolvers need not apply

[LeonCarr]

4" Ruger GP-100 .357 with adjustable sights, loaded with Federal 125 JHPs. It was my spare gun...it stayed in the Crown Vic.

When cops carried .357 revolvers in great numbers, it is funny how you never heard about needing more than one round to put a bad guy down :).

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[Gunsnrovers]

Any one of a number of N frames would be on my list for a duty weapon.

My tops would most likely be a M520, a M28, a M625, or a M24/M624. Not in any particular order

[Dienekes]

Carried the Ruger Security/Service Six with .357/125s from 1981 on and still do in retirement. That's 25 years of stone reliability. Might go another 25 for all I know.

Any K frame would do nicely as well; preferably a M19 4" in blue.

Hard to beat a good medium framed wheelgun with that load. If that's insufficient a Model 870 should do it.

[Rinehartdv]

I've carried a SS Ruger Security Six/S&W 66 And a S&W 64 on duty, all 4" (Security). The first firearm I ever purchased was the S&W 66. If I had to choose now it would be a S&W .41 Mag. Mountain Gun. Ray

[Snowman92D]

4-inch Model 629 Mountain Gun with an action job.

[Stevel]

I guess a 4" fixed sight Ruger in 357. Preferably the Security Six or Service Six, whichever is the fixed sight one. If they weren't available the 3" GP would do well.

An SP101 in the same caliber as backup.

[MICHAEL T]

4" Ruger GP-100 .357 with adjustable sights, loaded with Federal 125 JHPs. It was my spare gun...it stayed in the Crown Vic.

When cops carried .357 revolvers in great numbers, it is funny how you never heard about needing more than one round to put a bad guy down :).

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

Yep no 10 officers fired 350 rounds and hit suspect in foot Other suspect still remains at large . Offcers fired 70 rounds a man traped in foyer Subject surrendered unharmed.
Almost all the policemen I knew as a kid were shooters,hunters. oh yes and vets.

[JMusic]

Carried the S&W Model 15 with 125 grain Super Vel's. Graduated to Model 27 - 5''.
Custom tuned. Still have it in the presentation box. Carried a Colt detective as back up.

[Seven High]

I carried a S & W 681 in four inch for approximately 10 years. It had fixed sights. It was a great weapon. Very rugged. The only problem that I had was cleaning all the lead out of the barrel after shooting school. They would buy the cheapest lead .38 spl reloads for training. The weapon worked great as a sap when needed. :)

[RWMC]

It would be one of what I would call the Smith & Wesson "Stainless Service Series" revolvers. The calibers available would be .45 Colt, .45 A.C.P., .44 Magnum, .41 Magnum, 10 m.m./.40 S & W, and .357 Magnum. The revolver would be a matte finished, stainless steel N-frame, with the rounded grip configuration. It would have a 4" full under-lug barrel with low profile Novak style rear night sights, along with a white dot front sight to give you the 3-dot sight picture. It would have a smooth combat trigger. There would be no other options available. The cost should be no more than $450. I personally believe Smith and Wesson would sell a ton of them!

[nitesite]

I'm a big fan of the .45ACP cartridge, so I would carry a Birdsong BlackT finished 4" Smith&Wesson N-frame with fixed Novak-style tritium sights dovetailed into the topstrap and a tritium patridge front sight. Oh, the gun would be stainless and would remain silver around the muzzle crown "for effect". Four full-moon-clips would on my rig, plus the six in the cylinder.

And for those who could handle it, a like version in 10mm or .45LC would be sweet.

What do you think about that!

[Beachcomber]

I would choose the time proven pre-lock Model 65 w/ 4" bull barrel. As an off-duty carry... a 3" model 65... and as a back-up I would choose a Model 640.

[fastbolt]

I've carried a variety of personally owned revolvers, and a couple of issued revolvers (M66 & M686, both 4").

Given my druthers nowadays, if I were going to carry a revolver in uniform again ... my first choice would be a M627 5" 8-shot .357 Magnum, and my second choice would be a M619 4" 7-shot .357 Magnum.

I once came close to switching over to a personally owned .44 Magnum while working a rural beat, where my cover was 30-60 minutes distant ... but that was then, and this is now ... and I'd settle on a nicely balanced 4-5" barreled S&W wheelgun with 7-8 round capacity chambered in .357 Magnum.

[Revolver Justice]

I would carry my S&W M64-3 and M60(no dash) loaded with the FBI load with two speed loaders for the M64 and a dump pouch for the M60. Come to think of it that is what I carry every day now. Got to love those S&W six-shooters.:D :D

[41 magnum fan]

My first choice would be a S&W 41 magnum Mountain Gun loaded with 175 grain silvertips. Second choice would be a S&W 625 Mountain Gun in 45 ACP loaded with 230 grain gold dots.

[cookekdjr]

Make mine:

1. A S&W;
2. with a 4" barrel;
3. stainless steel;
4. In caliber that begins with a "4" :)

All the rest is details.
And yes, I do realize this eliminates my beloved Model 10 and its kin, as well as the tank-built Rugers.
-David

[ChristopherG]

8 shot .357 stainless mountain gun w/moonclips (which doesn't exist, but should).

[hoek48]

Out of my current guns I would choose my 64-3, 4" or my 66-2, 4". I used to carry a GP100, 4" but foolishly sold it. If new on the current market, probably th S&W 620 and put some type of night sight on it.

[ChristopherG]

If new on the current market, probably th S&W 620 and put some type of night sight on it.

Agreed--if we had to choose a real current production gun.

[Mr_Moore]

Ok, what does BUG stand for? Big Ugly Gun?

[ChristopherG]

Back Up Gun

[ewb45acp]

I like the Ruger GP-100

If I can have anything, I've got a thing for the Colt Trooper. What great revolvers they were.

[pezo]

3" ruger gp100.

[Ken Rainey]

The one I used before, my S&W 4 inch model 66-2...smooth, reliable and accurate.

[W Turner]

SW Model 610 4" barrel with a front night sight


backup would be a SW model 638


W

[MR.G]

S&W 686P with a 4" barrel would be my choice. A model 649 in .357 for backup.

[chaim]

If I was to become a cop and was allowed (forget required) to carry a revolver I would. In that situation a revolver on the hip just is more classic, more dependable, and IMHO a 4-6" (concealability isn't an issue and up to 6" shouldn't make sitting difficult) 6 shot revolver with JHPs showing in the cylinder is just more psychologically impressive over just about any auto. So, I'd go with a revolver and a Kahr PM9 or P9/40 Covert as backup with extra mags in case I did need the quicker reload of an auto.

Now in your hypothetical where one can only carry a revolver, including as backup, it wouldn't be too hard- just make the backup a S&W 642/442 or Taurus 85CH (preferably aluminum) in the pocket or on an ankle holster.

In either your scenario or mine, the primary would be (in order of preference):
1) A 4-6" S&W 58 or 57. Six shots of .41mag should be plenty for most situations

2) A 4-6" S&W 24. Six of .44spl (a very underappreciated round) should be plenty, and those are some impressive looking JHPs the BG is looking at (same with the .41mag but a bit more here).

3) A 4-6" Taurus 608. Eight shots of .357mag is pretty darned strong medicine. Only problem, might be a bit heavy.

4) A 4-6" S&W 686+ or Taurus Tracker in .357mag. Seven shots of .357mag is pretty darned nice.

5) Pretty much any 4-6" six shot Taurus .357mag or .357mag S&W K-frame.

6) A 4" .38spl. I wouldn't feel undergunned with a S&W K-frame or Taurus .38 loaded up with +Ps.

[oldtrooper]

We were first issued the Mod. 27 five inch and carried that until 1968. In 68 we switched to the 4" Mod 19 and carried that for a few years and then switched to the Mod 66 4", I guess the department decided the stainless would be less likely to rust. I never let my Mod 19 rust so it's only a problem if you are lazy. Truth is 90% of LEO's see the sidearm as only a tool and groan when told to report to the range for firearms training.

It's more of a personal preference but any good .357 four inch would be ideal. With Fuzzy Farrant grips the Mod 19 fit my hand perfectly. He knew the secret to getting the correct grip angle on a revolver. When you grip the revolver let your trigger finger lay along the frame below the cylinder. Slowly rotate your wrist and see how your trigger finger rests in relation to the barrel. If your trigger finger is on the same plane as the barrel you can draw and point at the target and you will get a hit up to around 25 feet. Anything hotter than a Federal 125gr HP .357 is sort of over kill but shoot what you are confident with.

With the .357 you can practice more because wadcutters are less expensive and even more so when reloaded. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Jordan and talking with him at length on several occasions. The NRA PPC chanpionships were held at The Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy from 1968 until 1980 and he put on shooting demonstrations representing the NRA there for several years. From talking with him and reading his book a few of the troopers I worked with started using his wax bullets. That is a safe way to learn to draw, fire and hit what you want out to around 20-25 feet. Getting the muscle memory down is the thing. When it hits the fan you'll do it the same way with that .357 round and get the desired results. With the wax loads you can practice in the garage at home. The name of his book is "No Second Place Winner".

[MCgunner]

Much as I love a good .357, I'd have to go with a 625 smith in .45 ACP with moon clips cause I aint worth a danged with HKS speed loaders...:banghead:

[John C]

I'm a history buff, so I'll break up my choices into different eras:

-Prior to 1919: 5 inch Colt New Service in .45 LC or as a distant second place, a S&W 2nd model hand ejector in .44 spl. I think the S&Ws were better revolvers, but I would prefer the .45 Colt with smokeless ammo.

-1919 to 1950 or 1955: S&W M1917 revolver in .45 ACP. You can't beat the reloading ability of moon (I guess half moon clips, when did Full moon clips come out?). I've often wondered why old timers didn't use these revolvers. You could even keep the clips in the old dump pouches for fast reloads. Since I have big hands, I would special order a target grip, which I'm not sure came on all Model 1950 or 1955's.

-1950 or 1955 to 1988: Move over the pinnacle of revolver design; the S&W N frame target sighted pistol, again in .45 ACP with moon clips.

-1988 to 1996: With the advent of the S&W 625, move over to stainless. I've always preferred stainless pistols, not so much for the ease of care (I live in a dry climate), but I HATE it when I do stuff that rubs the bluing off my guns. I'm WAY too protective of my guns to feel good about carrying a blued gun on duty.

-1996 to 2004: Split evenly between a S&W 627PC or a 610. Maybe, just maybe, a 646. I think the 10mm in the proper loading approximates most .357 loadings and the edge would go to the 627, with 2 more rounds. However, I think the 610 is built on an L frame, which is a bit easier to pack. Cheaper, too.

-2004 to present: By this time, I figure I'm pretty much ROAD--Retired On Active Duty, so I'd probably downscale to an S&W 386 or 325. The edge would go to the L frame of the 386. As a desk jockey running the range or working in procurement or something, I'd need a light weight pistol that still meant business. :D

As you can tell, I'm REALLY like the idea of moon clips. In the last 25 years or so, speedloaders have come close to moonclips in terms of speed and reliability, but I thinkthe round retention and simultaneous ejection that moon clips offer is clearly superior. The only downside is the possibility of bent moon clips, but I can't really assess the field risks, since I don't actually carry one.

-John

[Johnny Guest]

I was required to carry a revolver for my first several years with a badge. I ran the S&W gamut: Highway Patrolman (pre-M28,) a nickeled .357 3-1/2" (pre-M27,) Model 19, and then a 1955 Target (pre-M25) custom cut to four inches.

After that I worked as a prosecutor's investigator and could pack an autoloader - - I stuck pretty close to the Colt .45s (Nat'l Match, Gov't Model, and Commander the entire time until I retired. This was both from my personal liking for the design and an appreciation for their efficiency.

Over the past ten years or so, I came to appreciate that good training and mindset mean more than specific equipment. I could probably defend my person pretty well with a four-inch .38 . . . .

If I came out of retirement for a job that required me to carry a revolver now, I'd probably go one of three directions - -

1. In uniform, an M65 four-inch. In plain clothes, same with three-inch barrel and round butt.

2. If worthwhile to have some custom work done, I'd start with an S&W 1917, cut the barrel to four inches, round the butt, and open up the rear sight groove a bit. The older pattern .45-frame revolvers were noticibly lighter than the modern N-frames, and this would do for either uniform or plain clothes. I'd carry it with Auto Rim cartridges, handloaded with 250 gr SWCs at around 800 fps, with moon-clipped ACPs for reloads - - Full moons in uniform and half-moons in plain clothes. I'd also want one dump pouch with additional AR rounds - - I don't like the idea of being bound to the idea of firing a couple of shots and needing to replace all six in the cylinder. It is obviously a good idea to top off during a lull in hostilities, but if you run short and need to go back to a partially expended full-moon, it can be difficult to re-insert with some empties still clipped up.

3. What I'd really like is a four-inch, L-frame size, six shot .41 special. (I doubt there would be room in the cylinder for that many.) Ammo 210 gr SWC at about 1000 fps. Yeah, I know that nothing of the sort is available, and it would probably be prohibitively expensive to acquire a one-off example.

An interesting topic, this.

Best,
Johnny

[ChristopherG]

I think the 610 is built on an L frame

No--though the 646 is. The 610 is an N, and a heavy N at that--usually being a full-lugged beast, and often with unfluted cylinder, AND with smallish holes. Nice to shoot, I'll warrant, but a bit of a beast to pack.

What I'd really like is a four-inch, L-frame size, six shot .41 special. (I doubt there would be room in the cylinder for that many.)

Now that would be a sweetheart. And, since they could do the 646 in an L-frame, it's got to be possible to do the .41 special, with its lower pressure, right? (of course this assumes you could actually get commercial & SAAMI standardization and recognition for a .41 special, and get the chambers cut to a length that would prohibit .41 mags from chambering, and etc. But that's all a great idea anyway, yes? :D )

Get right on that, would you, Johnny? I'll be first in line!

[Dave Williams]

I would carry a Smith M14 full underlug 6" with the FBI load, and my 442 for a BUG.

Dave Williams

[revolvergeek]

Me, I'd go for a threesome.. :cool:

-S&W 686+ PRE-LOCK on belt
-S&W 640-1 .357 in vest strap holster under shirt for right handed superman draw
-s&W 642-1 .38 in left hand pocket holster

[sgt127]

Back when NYPD was allowed to carry revolvers, a few of them went with the 3" 64. Same gun for on and off duty. I wonder if the guys that did that were really serious shooters or just too cheap to get two guns. The idea of "One gun, 24/7" is very appealing. I might have to go with that theory if I could and opt for a 3" 65.

[ducktapehero]

Smith 625 with a 4" barrel. 1st choice even in this day of autoloaders.

[mbt2001]

Just to be a jerk, I will say a Colt SAA in .45 LC.... :neener:


Actually, I ruger GP 100 (.357) with a 3" barrel and a smoothed over action with a Ruger SP101 in .357 shooting standard 145 grain Winchester silver tips. The El Paso saddelry #77 tortillia in floral stamping with the backup set on the El Paso cross draw rig.... Hell, throw in a belt to with the floral stamping. Don't forget the stetson and some Lucchese boots.

[dpote]

32388
You did say imagined, right?

Be safe,
Dave

[roo_ster]

Duty/Plainclothes
S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt (the rimmed revolver version) with a 4" bbl.

I would send it off to be modified to use the moon clips with .45 Colt cartridges, .45ACP, .45 Autorim, & .45Automag.

I would carry Remington Golden Sabre 230gr HP in the revolver and in most ammo carriers/moonclips. In one carrier, I would carry a heavy cast bullet load in case serious penetration is needed.

My backup would be a S&W638 stoked with .38spl+P 158gr LSWCHP.

Off-Duty
325PD 2 1/2" bbl with same cartridge selection.

My backup would also be a S&W638 stoked with .38spl+P 158gr LSWCHP.

[ChristopherG]

I would send it off to be modified to use the moon clips with .45 Colt cartridges, .45ACP, .45 Autorim, & .45Automag.

I would carry Remington Golden Sabre 230gr HP in the revolver and in most ammo carriers/moonclips.

Why bother with .45 colt, if you want to carry a .45 acp bullet? Even those cast loads can be very nicely done with a stock 625 in 45acp and autorim ammo.

[roo_ster]

Why bother with .45 colt, if you want to carry a .45 acp bullet? Even those cast loads can be very nicely done with a stock 625 in 45acp and autorim ammo.
If it were my $$$, that is what I would do, but if it is the dept's $$$, I'll want the extra oomf that .45 Colt can bring to the table WRT hefty loads.

Also, did S&W produce any of the 625 mtn guns in .45ACP? I thought they weren all .45 Colt.

[ChristopherG]

Yes, they did make a limited number of 625 .45 acp Mt. guns. Very nice handling pieces--at least the one I've shot.