Accessory rails on a revolver - thumbs up or down?

[cluttonfred]

I have seen a couple of S&W revovlers with underbarrel Picatinny rails for lights, lasers, etc. and some even with a top rail for optics. Here are two in the current S&W offering:

Model 325 Thunder Ranch Revolver
Model 327 M&P R8

Whenever I see one, I always think of Deckard's pistol in the movie "Blade Runner."

In any case, even though law enforcement has almost completely switched to auto pistols, there are still some Luddites among us (including me) with a fondness for six-guns (or five- or seven- or eight-).

What's the THR consensus? Do accessory rails ever have a place on revolvers, say for duty carry (for those that still do), home defence or recreational shooting?

Sound off, and please explain your opinion.

 

[timmyb21]

I guess if you need a light on your pistol and want a revolver, sure why not. I wouldn't buy one, but I can see why it was developed.

 

[Elvishead]

Function before fashion has been my motto all my life.

I have a 327 R8 M&P. And I have other revolvers that are almost it's functionally equal.

I just love that R8, because it's functional, and real cool looking (Fashion).

But to be honest. If I'd have known about the 627 "V-COMP" before I bought the R8? First, I would have not bought the 327 R8, at least not right away, but sense I already bought the 327 R8. I just "Love that gun", it's awesome.

Rails or no rails, that is a world class gun IMHO.
I've even had the old timers (Real shooters, not the Internet shooters) say that is "One very accurate (Polygonal) shooting gun!"

TBS, I'm picking up my (God for bid "Two tone revolver") 627 V-COMP today.

IMHO, that is the ultimate poor mans .357 revolver, bar non.

So... gooo..... raaaiiilllls...!

http://www.youtube.com/v/N-RIsh9fsWY&rel=1

 

[TonyB]

it is an abombination...against all that is holy..now go and sin no more...

 

[loneviking]

What is a 627 V-Comp?

 

[wuchak]

I don't like lights on my handguns. I prefer a separate light. At one point they were useful for lasers too but now with CT grips a chunky laser is rather silly.

 

[vermilion]

I actually read in some sort of Gun magazine that the R8 and TRR8 were designed specifically for the Shield Holder in a Swat squad. The reason being that the person had to hold their pistol in front of the shield and the slide can and would most times slap back into the shield causing feeding problems and other such things.

They designed these revolvers so you could still have 8rds (same as a 1911), have a light, and aimpoint for easy acquiring of targets, and total revolver reliability. Makes sense to me.

I like em but, not everyone will. I thought of buying one and sending it off to get Digital Camo Duracoat LOL. I'd probably be breaking all revolver rules but, hey someone else out there would like it

 

[8830]

I hate rails on revolvers about as much as I hate keys locks on them.

 

[Eightball]

Could come in handy for mounting optics on hunting revolvers; if it's just to "tacticool" it up, then no.

 

[jfountain2]

That's just wrong.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

Detachment Charlie Predicts

I agree; it's just wrong, against the laws of nature and one of the Seven Signs (you can look it up).
That said, get ready for the onslaught of the "Tactical Revolver."
This is the latest marketing stunt to sell new hardware. Look for 8-shot, 4" barrels, parkerized or some other "evil black" finish, huge night sights, but also having accessory rails for lasers, lights, sights and a place to dry your socks.
.357 Mag will probably be the first promoted caliber (for good reason), then look for the .41 Mag to make a strong return. The, as long as I'm predicting things, some serious .44 Special loads will be marketed, and the new .327 Mag round will get its time at the table.
So, get out those Visa and MasterCards and start polishing them-up, because every gun rag on the planet will be telling you that if you ain't totin' a sinister black wheel gun, you ain't tacticool.
Trust me.

 

[theotherwaldo]

Forget fads, use what works for you.

 

[Technosavant]

I have a 327 TRR8 (similar to the M&P R8, but the lower rail is removable on the TRR8). While I liked the idea of the rails, I just don't hang anything off them, so I removed them. I love the more "modern" take on the revolver, with the barrel/shroud styling.

If I were to use it for a house gun, I would mount the lower rail and a light, but cylinder gap blast can become an issue (don't stick fingers forward of the cylinder, which you have to do to activate the light). The upper rail would work great for an optic- it might make a good pin gun, but a steel frame for that would be even better.

I doubt the "tactical" revolver will be a major fad. It seems like semiautos are where it's at, and where it will remain. They are a nice attempt to modernize the wheelgun, and we'll see if it takes at all (unless they make them in non-Performance Center models to keep the price down, it won't happen).

They really are a love/hate thing, with the wheelgun purists tending to hate them (but then, I wonder what they'd have thought about going from single to double action or from top break to swing out cylinders, and they really must have raised hell when a top strap became the norm).

 

[18DAI]

I hate rails on revolvers, almost as much as two piece barrels and internal locks. TJ

 

[jad0110]

Didn't vote, as I don't buy handguns for accessory rails to begin with. I owned an XD with one, but didn't buy it for that reason. Currently, none of my handguns have accessory rails and I could care less. If the reverse was true, I still wouldn't care .

YMMV.

edited to add: For hunting purposes, a rail for mounting a scope might well make sense, but I don't handgun hunt, so I wouldn't know.

 

[Marshall]

I'll pass on rails on revolvers. Thanks.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I don't like rails on any of my handguns, be they wheelies or self-loaders.

 

[Dilbert]

Me,,, I just like guns. Rails, no rails, who cares? If the price is right and I like it, she's coming home with me.

 

[Floppy_D]

Hmmm... I'm not feeling it. If you like it, more power to you.

 

[Ala Dan]

Thumbs Down

No need to clutter up the fine lines of quality revolver's~!

 

[jrod]

Maybe it's just me,but I think all these rails & "tactical" junk things are a Crock!! Just more things to sell people that don't have a clue. Most people would be just as well armed with a good fixed sight Revolver & serious training.

 

[Green Lantern]

I'd very much like to own an M&P R8 - nothing against "traditional" designs, but I think it does look cool. And the functionality is nice too - I wouldn't bother with a scope myself, but wouldn't be a bit averse to attaching a light to it!

 

[Technosavant]

Maybe it's just me,but I think all these rails & "tactical" junk things are a Crock!! Just more things to sell people that don't have a clue.

So, I and others who purchased these guns don't have a clue? Nice way to introduce yourself to a board.

As I said, there's some reasons for which they exist. Some love them. Others will hate them.

I'm wondering that if you were given a million dollars if you'd complain about the design of the new bills.

Try handling a TRR8 before you label them as a crock for people without a clue.

 

[Texshooter]

Should not even be on semiautos.

Never point a weapon at something you are not ready to destroy and guys are going around the house giving their position away as well as pointing their
pistol at an unknown.

 

[loneviking]

I already have a sinister black gun in a matte finish and .357 caliber called a Colt Peacekeeper. Quite frankly, I would like to have a rail to hang a laser on for shooting at night (as I had a cougar in my yard a few nights back). I'd also like to have 8 rounds available instead of 6 as I've had to shoot a few critters that wanted to harm me and two extra rounds is just about what I needed! And yes, I'm saving up for one of these S and W beauties....