[jdhermit]

Just a question (or four) for revolver crowd. I used to have a Ruger SP-101. Shouldn't have traded it, but I did.
Couldn't shoot it that well. Now have all semi-auto's.
Have decided that I like VERY reliable firearms only.
SO I miss my Ruger. Rather, I miss a revolver.
I couldn't shoot that well with it.

1) Can I learn to shoot them better? I shoot very well w/ auto's, so I'm assuming its my technique.
2) Do ya'll carry revolvers? If so, how? IWB seems like it would be rather thick compared to semi's...am I wrong? I'm used to IWB, so OWB seems like it would be harder to conceal. Again, am I wrong?
3) Can I conceal anything bigger than a J-frame size? I really like the 686...can this be carried? If so, OWB, I assume?
4) How is the 686 with 7 in the cylinder? Intriguing to me.

thanks in advance
jdhermit

[Mike Irwin]

Answers to your questions...

1. Yes, you can. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

Then, when you're done practicing, practice some MORE.

2. Yes. I've carried revolvers almost exclusively for nearly 20 years.

3. Yes. I freqently carry a Model 19 2.5" (K frame). I've also been known to carry a 4" Model 28, or even a 4" Model 58.

4. Don't know. Haven't messed with one.

[Standing Wolf]

All hand guns are difficult to shoot well.

In my experience, there's no substitute for practice, practice, and more practice, although good coaching helps a great deal.

Two tricks I was taught by an old timer:

1. Dry-fire your gun with dummy ammunition every day. 50 rounds a day for six months will show up in lower scores—if you're persistent and consistent.

2. When you're at the range, shoot blank sheets of paper as well as targets. See what happens. Learn. Shoot more blank paper.

[Old Fuff]

First question: When you say you can't shoot a revolver very well are you refering to double action, single action, or both? Double action shooting is difficult, and a custom trigger tune-up can do wonders.

Larger revolvers: the larger framed guns have the line-of-bore high above the hand. Combine this with a powerful cartridge and the the recoil causes the gun to twist in the hand, thereby slowing down recovery for accurate follow-up shots. Depending on your hand and wrist strength you might be better off with a "K" rather then a "L" frame gun.

Double-action revolver shooting is a skill in itself. First learn the proper technique and then, and only then, practice, practice, practice.

Choice of holster: A lot depends on your body build. Experiment a bit and then decide.

[EJ]

Yup

[CZ 75 BD]

Snub 44spl. Like the other posts, practice....

[635 PCSO]

I am no gun expert, but I got into patrol 3 years ago. I have shot every popluar auto ther is in the LEO feild. I carried a Glock 21 for a while and I was okay with it. I usually qualify higher than the rest. A few months ago I picked up my old 686 4 inch. I qulaified last Saturday with the highest score I had ever shot with this gun.

A old school cop showed me the light one day at the range. He had a old 41 magnum I had my 21. He outshot me all afternoon, and he was handloading. He had to use his sidearm twice in the line of duty, it worked each time. He told me stories of Dan Combs. Back in the day this guy could fire six rounds load six by hand and fire six in three seconds. The old cop was fast and accurate. He based his success to practice, tons of it. I was educated

I decided to go to 686 because I can buy 1000 rounds of 38 practice ammo for 75 bucks. It does not jam, and I can dry fire practice much easier with a revolver than an auto. I purchased 18 snap caps and practice every night with them. I am not a speed demon at reloading yet but within the year I will be. I pick a spot on the wall dry fire six then put the safariland speedloader to work. I do this over and over until my forearm begins to get tired.

I have a long way to go, but I am improving every week. My scores are getting better. I picked up the 686 for 225 bucks it was an officer trade in. I have not started to carry it on duty yet because I am not fast enough. Within the next three months I should be ready for duty. I am 26 years old I knew everything about guns and stopping power before I got to know the old man. I found out how stupid I was after seing him shoot. I think officers and civillians who are aware of the world focus on "tactical equipment" more than necessary. We should get something that works and focus on range time. Cops hit the bad guy a little over twenty percent of time. Something is wrong here and 15 rounds in each magazine wont fix that.

Practice, Practice, Practice with whatever platform you like. The 686 works for me.

[WebHobbit]

I carry a 640 Centennial .357 snub.

http://www.webhobbit.net/pics/gunpix/galco.jpg

[MikeJ]

1. If you can shoot well with an auto you can shoot well with a revolver, it just takes some getting used to. I practice with mine in the DA mode 80-90% of the time and the "secret" is trigger control. I'm not claiming to be a great shot by any means just that a revolver can be handled quite effectively with some practice.

2. I carry a S&W 640 Centennial .357 loaded with Speer Gold Dot 125 grain .38 +P's.

3. I find concealed carry to be a very difficult thing to master and very uncomfortable for the most part. The 640 is as big as I want to go in a revolver for concealed carry.

4. I've never shot one but a friend said he had trouble getting used to its timing.

[Dave Williams]

1) Yes, I personally shoot K Frames the best of all the handguns I've tried
2) Yes, IWB is a good option, but OWB carry, like WebHobbit does(nice pic WebHobbit, a friend of mine uses that exact same holster, only for a 642), is a good option
3)Yes, you just have to dress around the gun, I used to carry an N Frame concealed
4)No experience


Dave

[WebHobbit]

Thanks Dave, a buddy (glocksman on this board) took that pic.


As for comfort it all depends on body type. I find IWB carry possible but very unpleasant. OWB is no problem for me. I just always have either a jacket or a vest. I have about 10 different vests of various colors and weights. Some are made like a wind-breaker while others are traditional tan photog style.

Even in 100 degree weather I have a suitable vest.

[DennisE]

Yeap, a S&W Model 66 with a 2.5" barrel. Looking forward to getting a new Milt Sparks IWB holster for it. Dennis

[VictorLouis]

"Have decided that I like VERY reliable firearms only." :D


1) Can I learn to shoot them better? I shoot very well w/ auto's, so I'm assuming its my technique.

My buddy is accurate as all get out with all manner of 'crunch-n'-tickers'. He slows down somewhat with my revolvers, but skills are skills, IMO. So yes, it's not a difficult transition.

2) Do ya'll carry revolvers? If so, how? IWB seems like it would be rather thick compared to semi's...am I wrong? I'm used to IWB, so OWB seems like it would be harder to conceal. Again, am I wrong?

What little bit of extra thickness there is is made up for by the stability of the rig, and the fact that the revos mass is lower down in your waist. Revo grip sizes are almost always less bulky than autos.

3) Can I conceal anything bigger than a J-frame size? I really like the 686...can this be carried? If so, OWB, I assume?

I've got an L-frame IWB under a polo. With many of my shirts with more drape, I'd carry the N-frame. Haven't sprung for a 'good' holster for it yet.

4) How is the 686 with 7 in the cylinder? Intriguing to me.

It is, but there's a different 'feel' to it than a sixgun for many of us. That may not be a concern for you, as you're acclimated to pistols right now. If you buy one, make sure it's timing is perfect on all chambers. There's been 'some' teething issues with it in that respect.hanks in advance

[Tamara]

I carry a 296 every day.

[P95Carry]

Summer carry is my M85 Taurus.

Practice of course -- only way to go. Snap caps and speedloader practice .....

[braindead0]

When I'm out of this crummy state, I carry a 4" GP-100 in a Fist holster, high and tight. Of course, it's easy to hide on my 6'2" 250# body ;-)

Woo hoo, just noticed this is my .357'th post:neener:

[10-Ring]

Try as I might, I keep going back to my j-frame revolver :cool:

[hawk0484]

I only carry revolvers, either a model 60LS or a model 65LS in a belt/fanny pack. I am looking at a model 637 now for summer/pocket carry. I recently sold the only auto I ever carried (a Beretta Tomcat)---also pocket carry. It's looks never did anything for me, and I didn't shoot it well. Along with whichever revolver I carry, I also carry a speedloader.

Becky

[Poohgyrr]

1. Yes; good practice will improve performance. I started working on smoothness, and lots of dry fire. Grins, I was absolutely terrible when I started. I'm better now, but I worked at it.

2. I used to carry a 4" 686 in a Sparks SS-2 without much trouble; it is very comforting at times ;)...

3. I like IWB and it works for me. Others use OWB. And FWIW, unless there is some medical issue or something, a 3" to 4" N frame, with a good pistol belt & holster combo, is much easier to carry than I ever thought possible. Any good K, L, or N frame S&W can be pretty comforting at times.

[braindead0]

with a good pistol belt

Bear in mind that 'good' is subject to interpretation. A lot of people would have you believe that you cannot carry without some 'high tech fancy gun betl'. That is not the case at all, it depends on the holster. I use a cheapo belt I got somewhere years ago, it works as good as anything else (and yes, I've tried some expensive 'gun belts') on all of my holsters.

I could see the need for a stiffer belt for certain types of holsters, but not pancake or paddle... Or you might need one if you like you're belt loose, but I don't.

[JohnGill]

Yep, Just picked up & fired my new used police trade in Model 10
w/4" HB. Both double and single action triggers are incredable..
now I can understand what all the talk about a well tuned revolver is about. Must be shot to appreciate!
Fired 100 rounds, ALL fired, 100%. I am still stunned by the accuracy. Now I want the "thin tube" model. Great pistols, get one!
Greetings,
John

[rgc]

Thanks, thanks a lot for bringing the 296 up. Every time I go in my local gun shop I pick up a 296 and drool. I can’t help it, there is just something different (dare I say “special”) about that gun. So light . . . such a big bore . . . it just feels right in my hand. Some day I will have the extra income to get one, heck, someday I will actually shoot one. But for now I just fondle and drool. I think subconsciously I am just hoping that once I get drool stains on it they may give it to me. Ohhh the wonderful 296 (yes, it is a true infatuation). :( . . . :) . . . :(

[Dr.Rob]

Conceal a 686??

Planning on wearing an overcoat?

Seriously, most folks packing a wheel gun concealed are using a k frame (CR Sam excluded) or smaller.

On fast and accurate DA revolver shooting, STACK your trigger, this is sort of saying pull the first part fast, the last part slow. it takes practice, a lot of it. Dry firing is essential.

[ruger357]

Yes. S&W 637.

[Tamara]

Ohhh the wonderful 296 (yes, it is a true infatuation).

Yup! It's so hideous that it's actually cool! ;) :D

(There's also a 442 in my jacket pocket right now; the 442 in my pocket and 296 in my purse make good companions for the 1911 on my belt. :D )

[P95Carry]

Tamara .... I do declare, you's under-armed!!:p :D :D

[bpisler]

yes i do,everything from a 3" model 60 to my 625 45 colt mountain gun.Of course at 5'9" and 315 pounds i can concel about anything.

[rgc]

Wow Tamara! I am right now laying the ground work to convince the wife I need to buy a 637, next up will be a .45 acp to replace the 19 on my hip right now, and well you already know about my feelings regarding the 296. Colour me green. :)

[yotehunter]

I carry a S&W 629 Mountain Backpacker with a 3 in barrel, I also have a 629 Trail Gun 3 inch barrel and a 696 44 spl. Being 6ft and 160lbs its a little tricky to conceal but its not that hard with alittle planning and a vest. I used to always carry semis but they always seem to act up at the most inopertune times so now its revolvers for me. Plus I like the big bores.

[denfoote]

Before last weekend, I didn't. I then was given a Taurus M85UL (First generation Ultra Lite) by my loving wife!! (Don't all of you wish you had wives like that??!! :) ) I had not carried a revolver seriously for at least 10 years. Oh, I had a couple of snubs that I sold to buy her a K.T. P32, but they had languished in the safe, unused and un-shot. I bought a couple of boxes of ammo and went to the range, figuring I would be so lousy that I would be to embarrassed to leave the premises. I guess that shooting a double action revolver is like riding a bicycle. You never forget how to do it. The first 50 rounds went pretty much as I expected. By the second, I was hitting the target pretty regularly. Then on the next to the last string, I put three rounds through the same hole!! :what: :D

This little revolver is so light, that I don't even notice it's presence. It truly is a joy to carry. :cool:

I'm fixing to buy myself another .357 snub. Probably another Taurus M605!!! :evil: