1st time with Revolver

[Tired_and_hungry]

I've never shot a revolver before and the range that I frequent was having a "old timer style" police match where contestants shot a pre 1970s .38 special revolver using 30 rounds without speedloaders at a target at 25 meters from the standing unsupported position using both hands. The time alloted to shoot the 30 rounds including reloading time was 75 seconds.

I paid the competition fees twice and whilst my first grouping was awful, I have attached my target sheet from my second try. How did I do?

The gun in question was an old and rusty S&W model 14 target masterpiece from 1955 and the rounds were 158gr JSP calibrated out of a 6" barrel at 900ft/s.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Looks pretty darn good to me.

 

[horsemen61]

not bad

 

[Tired_and_hungry]

By the way, the prize for the top scorer was 500 rounds of WWB .38 LRN ammo and a coupon to claim a free 2 pound christmas ham at the local supermarket. Nope, I did not win.

 

[ThatGuyHank]

Good shooting, I wouldn't stand in front of it, that's for sure.

 

[BCRider]

Four reloads with no speedloaders and shoot them all in a little over a minute? And 25 yards to boot?

I'd say you did better than just "OK". That's DARN good speed shooting. For someone that has never shot a revolver before I'd say you're a natural.

It also supports my own findings from when I started out that for all that revolvers LOOK ungainly that they actually fit in with the natural dynamics of our hands and how we naturally pull the trigger in a stress situation. I'd shot quite a few semis before I tried my first revolver. Even so I shot as good or better with that revolver the FIRST time than many of the semis I'd shot up to then.

Oddly enough I've now got more revolvers than semis....

So T&H, you looking to join the wheelgun brotherhood now? This bit of being tossed into the fire made a believer out of you?

 

[Cosmoline]

Yeah for 25 meters with the time factor that's very good. With a wee bit of work you would be winning.

 

[Tired_and_hungry]

To BCRider and Cosmoline:

I think the Model 14 with the 6" barrel and the lightened buttersmooth trigger that I borrowed had more to do with my performance than actual skill.

Still, at the equiuvalent of US$7.50 for each try, it wasn't an expensive competition.

 

[bikemutt]

I'd say that is excellent shooting, I can't even see out to 25 yards never mind hit the target

 

[BCRider]

I think the Model 14 with the 6" barrel and the lightened buttersmooth trigger that I borrowed had more to do with my performance than actual skill.

The classic smooth feel of the S&W triggers in both SA and DA modes is certainly a big part of it.

But you are still underselling your own ability. Assuming you started with a full gun that's still 4 reloads. And that doesn't leave you with a lot of time to squeeze off the shots with a lot of aiming. So while the gun most definetly plays a part in making us look good there still needs to be that nack for shooting in the nut holding the gun. You done good that second time around whatever way you want to look at it.

And you still haven't said if this turned you into a wheelgun believer or not....

 

[BYJO4]

You did an excellent job based on distance and time element. I think you might consider buying yourself a revolver. They are fun to shoot.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, even though you probably used the best target 38 Special available it was you who lined up the sights and you that pulled the trigger. Good job...

Just a note, next time use a 148gr WC or 158gr SWC because they are easier to score and you just might get the close ones...

 

[Tired_and_hungry]

To BCRider and BYJO4:

I have already been converted. Already placed a downpayment with the LGS for a Model 686-5 .357 Magnum S&W. Now all I have to do is wait a month for the local police to process my possession gun permit. The only thing that bugs me is that as a foreigner in the South East Asian country that I am resident in license fees are 25% higher than for locals.

 

[BCRider]

Nice to hear that you're on the way.

Fair warning though. Revolvers are like a good tasting appetizer. You can't stop at just one...