Becoming revolver fan in new age of semi-autos

[W.E.G.]

I worked for an urban PD when I was a young man.

We carried revolvers - Smith & Wesson Model 10 - in very sad clamshell and snap-loop holsters. Retention holsters were just becoming an issue-item to new officers when I was on my way out. I didn't stay long enough to have the option of keeping my duty revolver. If anyone happens to come across serial number D279229, I'd like to have the chance to buy it from you.

Meantime, departments all over the place were dumping Model 10's into the used gun market only a few years after I left. I got one that shows about the amount of wear mine probably would have shown if I'd stayed. I had to buy my own off-duty holster. So I got to keep that. Its still a nice holster. I owned the Buck 110 since I was a kid. Later carried it on-duty on my Sam Browne belt.

 

[Armored farmer]

I'm a revolver guy, but I can't deny the autos their worth

 

[jdc1244]

My first few guns were all semi-autos, but I always wanted at least one revolver, just to have one. When opportunity presented itself, I got pre-lock 686 with 4” barrel. I was not a big fan, until I decided to read up on proper techniques and watch number of in-depth training videos specific to double action revolvers. I was doing a lot of things wrong prior to learning about the new platform, but I picked up a few things, especially how to properly shoot it double action only and properly reload it. I started to really like using revolver, and it started to get most time at the range.

Not long ago I got myself a 3” Python, because when I first saw it in the store and handled it, I just felt it was my kid of firearm. I liked a lot of things about the Colt when comparing it with S&W. At first the release catch felt weird, but I learned to like it and appreciate the design behind it. Unlike Smith, Colt does not lock cylinder release when hammer is cocked, so there is less complexity in the lock work. The double action pull feels smoother. The complaints about the quality and reliability of new Pythons don’t have merit in my eyes, I did have to tighten a couple of screws with blue Loctite, side panel and rear sight loosened up after few hundred shots, but that took care of it. Calling it a manufacturer fault is a bit of a stretch, zero issues since I tightened two screws.

I qualified and added Python to CCW rotation, and surprisingly this gun carries pretty well in quality leather IWB holster. It would not work with 4.25” barrel, I would have to go OWB and it could become a problem with summer all year around here and just a shirt over it. I find this gun to be a rather unique hybrid of favorite carry/range/target gun, all in one.

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Revolvers are the best.

You’re off to a good start.

Might want to consider a .22LR next – tons of fun.

 

[Show Me]

My first few guns were all semi-autos, but I always wanted at least one revolver, just to have one. When opportunity presented itself, I got pre-lock 686 with 4” barrel. I was not a big fan, until I decided to read up on proper techniques and watch number of in-depth training videos specific to double action revolvers. I was doing a lot of things wrong prior to learning about the new platform, but I picked up a few things, especially how to properly shoot it double action only and properly reload it. I started to really like using revolver, and it started to get most time at the range.

Not long ago I got myself a 3” Python, because when I first saw it in the store and handled it, I just felt it was my kid of firearm. I liked a lot of things about the Colt when comparing it with S&W. At first the release catch felt weird, but I learned to like it and appreciate the design behind it. Unlike Smith, Colt does not lock cylinder release when hammer is cocked, so there is less complexity in the lock work. The double action pull feels smoother. The complaints about the quality and reliability of new Pythons don’t have merit in my eyes, I did have to tighten a couple of screws with blue Loctite, side panel and rear sight loosened up after few hundred shots, but that took care of it. Calling it a manufacturer fault is a bit of a stretch, zero issues since I tightened two screws.

I qualified and added Python to CCW rotation, and surprisingly this gun carries pretty well in quality leather IWB holster. It would not work with 4.25” barrel, I would have to go OWB and it could become a problem with summer all year around here and just a shirt over it. I find this gun to be a rather unique hybrid of favorite carry/range/target gun, all in one.

View attachment 1196208

Oh ya double action shooting and speed loader practice is a total activity and as consuming as casting the bullets and reloading for practice. Very involved.