First and Only Revolver

[RK_INT]

I've always had a nagging feeling that I should have a wheelgun. Perhaps it's my the image of my father's 586 that fits my hands so well, and it pinpoint accurate in his hands that haunts me. lately I'm spending more and more time looking at pictures of high roader's various revolvers thinking "man... I need one of those..". (Thanks Schapman!)
So I come here looking for help thinning out the field of possible choices for a selection. My criteria are only these, The only revolver I have experience with is a 586 w/ a 6'' barrel and I love it. I'm looking for something with similar weight and movement and sights, but preferably something in .44 special or magnum or similar large bore.
In a perfect world it would be something older then I am (22 at present), with a lot of history behind it. I'm not adverse to Smith, Colt, or other... but i don't have unlimited funds. It'll be my only revolver limited to range use mostly, but it may see some home defense use (unlikely). lastly, it should be something i don't see every day, something to stand out in a sea of 686's, vaquero's, and tauruses (or is it taurui?). Is there a revolver out there for me?
As always I'm so grateful for the combined knowledge of this forum. Thanks for anything little bit of help you can give.

 

[mnrivrat]

I don't recall the model number off hand , but S&W made a .44 spl revolver off the L- frame . I think that would fit as close as possible to what your looking for.

 

[Majic]

I don't recall the model number off hand , but S&W made a .44 spl revolver off the L- frame

The Model 696 and good luck finding one. Bring deep pockets when you do run across them as prices have skyrocketed.
Taurus made a few medium framed 44 spl revolvers and I think Rossi made one also. Everything else you will find will be on a large frame.

 

[spalit]

Since you indicated this would be mostly a range gun, how about a SA in 45LC? It would satisfy that big-bore requirement too. The Ruger Birds head or Bisley line of SA revolvers might be something to look at. They are very accurate in the right hands, fun to shoot, etc..

 

[RK_INT]

Well the bisley revolver certainly looks like what I'm looking for. I've heard great things about the .45 Colt round, and it certainly fits the bill for unique-ness and history.
What am I looking for in terms of make? To me the Rugers seem a bit blocky and less elegant, but that might be the inexperiance talking. I've handled the vaquero's and found the same thing. Would I be able to use full power loads with any other manifacturer?

 

[P95Carry]

RK - accept if you can this ''blockiness'' because the Rugers are pretty much best value for the great strength they have. A Freedom Arms would do nicely too but - it would run you a heap more money - while handling hottest loads just fine.

Nice to have ''something different'' but - if pocket depth not infinite then best to get value and reliability IMO.... ''proven'' works well.

 

[RK_INT]

and counterpoint

P95,

you bring up a good point. The eventual purpose of almost any gun is in fact to shoot it. I do want to delve into the full/high power in order to get the most out of the big bore, and .45 Colt cowboy rounds have certainly been passed by in that regard. I did some poking around and have been turned on to the earlier model 29's, and having something so nice would get the overall collection off to a good foot... I know the L frame from the 586, how much diffrent would it be to get used to an N frame (never having handled one and not being able to at the moment....) I'd be grateful for a comparison from someone who knows or owns both.

 

[P95Carry]

RK - as you mention the M29 then I assume here we are going off into 44 mag territory. I have a 629 in 4" and also M27 (.357) in 5" and 8 3/8" - these are all N frames. I use a 686 (stainless version of 586) for PPC shooting - the L frame.

I have yet to find too many folks who do not like the ''grandeur'' of N frames unless very small handed - they are simply ''real nice large wheel guns''!

Looking tho at cost factors, could well be in the .44 mag category you could save a bit if you found a used Redhawk or Super Redhawk. That said - you could fine the same gun in .454 Casull and then be able to feed in 45LC as well!

Lots of choices really, and whilst Smiths are not weak as such, earlier M29's for example will not be quite a tough as Mr Ruger's offerings.

So many considerations really. I have pics of any or all I have mentioned - just holler if you want to see any.

 

[chaim]

If you only think you'll have one revolver I'd suggest going for versatility.

My first choice would be .357mag. You can shoot weak (quick follow up shots), cheap wadcutter reloads in .38, through decent .38+P JHP, through defensive 125-158gr magnums, to barnburning woods loadings in magnum. The .38 is also a load cheaper to shoot.

However, it sounds like you want a big bore. I would love a .44spl, but I have several other revolvers so I don't need the versatility in the one gun. For one revolver I'd suggest .45LC or .44mag for more versatility. If you don't reload the .44mag is best as you can shoot mild .44spl "cowboy" loadings, decent .44spl defensive loadings, up through powerful .44mag loadings including bear loads in .44mag once you are ready for them.

 

[P. Plainsman]

I agree exactly with Chaim. One revolver? The default answer is a service-sized .357 Mag. Ridiculously versatile handgun. If you insist on a big bore? I'd get a .44 Magnum. You can use .44 Specials in it and get nearly as much versatility as the .357.

Given your 'druthers I'd lean to the S&W 629. The .44 Ruger Super Redhawk is also a cool gun, but it's a hoss to tote around; a 7.5" barrel is as short as it gets with the SRH. If you don't mind the size, I think the Super Redhawk is a great choice.

Note that factory ammo in .44 Mag/Spl will be both more expensive, and not available in as many different configurations, as the .357/.38 combo.

 

[P. Plainsman]

You might also look for one of S&W's recent runs of .45 Colt Mountain Guns.

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=301523&item=865451&sw_activeTab=1

Sweet revolvers; my local gun store said they flew out the door. But the .45 Colt is something of a reloader's caliber, as mentioned before.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'm a 41 magnum guy, so that would be my choice. The caliber is a bit less versatile from factory loads, but the beauty is that you get the power of a big bore without the high pitched noise of a 357 mag or the more substantial recoil of the 44 magnum. You would definitely stand out in a crowd of shooters. Smith just released their moutain gun (4"-blue) in 41 magnum (Model 57). It is limited production which makes it even cooler. If you look around, you can find fine specimans in blue finish, nickel, and stainless (Model 657). I like the 8 3/8 barrel for hunting, but the 6" is more vesatile. The 4" is easier to point. You will like the trigger and the heft. I always put pachmayr grips on mine for shooting as I think the factory N-frame grips are just too big for my hands. And, the rubber, allows for less slip along your palm when the gun recoils. 41 Magnum! Join the Club!

 

[Stainz]

I'll suggest a couple of current production revolvers, the first being a SA Ruger. The Blackhawk has been made for some time in two blued convertible models, one in .45 ACP & Colt, the other in 9mm & .38/.357M. I had the .45 version - and it was a great way to shoot up some el-cheapo .45 ACP's as well as introduce me to the .45 Colt. You have there a range - all big bores - from mild recoil to heavy hunting rounds. Both models are available in 4.6" & 5.5" barrel lengths, <$400 new.

If DA is your forte, the S&W 629 Mountain Gun is once again available. This <40 oz SS 4" tapered tube/partial lug .44 Magnum sixshooter is hard to beat for utility. I bought mine mainly as a .44 Russian & Special launcher, as I now reload. Also, by fitting the newer style backstrap enclosing Hogue '.500 Magnum/X-frame' grips, available for $35 from S&W Accessories, it is much better recoil-wise with real .44 Magnums. If you want a slightly larger 6" version, their SKU #163606 6" half lug 629 is also available - expect <$600 new for either. Try these N-frame 629's for proper hand fitting, recalling that many wood stocks are available for a completely different look and feel.

Finally, If you want a relatively mild recoiling big bore, try the 625 in .45 ACP. I love the latest variant - the 4" special 625JM I bought in February. It comes with some nice extras for very little more than the stock 4" 625... such things as a gold bead Patridge front sight you can change easily, hard chromed hammer & grooved trigger, and Jerry Miculek-style wood stocks. Those stocks are an acquired taste... you pick up the revolver and try it's point - you'll acquire a taste for that grip. Just don't judge it by looks alone. The revolver should run <$640 - add a bit for a de-mooner and some spare moonclips (The .45 ACP's are held together by moonclips... you'll get accustomed to them quickly.).

It's only money... or plastic. Enjoy whatever you choose.

Stainz

Finally

 

[SteelEye]

My first revolver was a 625 4" barrel. I shot 45 ACP but switched to AR cases. I found myself fooling around with 45 Super/Rowland loads and soon realized that I was heading for a train wreck. I then picked up a 686 2" all steel snub and once again found myself loading past spec so the next logical step was a Freedom Arms 44 mag which I knew I couldn't blow up.

Just a few days ago I bought a 340PD. Haven't shot it yet but by all accounts this is the gun that "shakes the hand of the devil."

Wheel guns are very addictive.