9mm revolvers

LCR

Taurus 692, comes with a 9mm cylinder and a cylinder for the .357/.38 special. Armscor has started importing a 9mm revolver made in the Czech Republic.

I think Taurus still makes a 9mm snub model 905.
I dont know anything, not have ever even heard anything... about them.They look like Taurus model 85 in .38spl.

You might find a 9mm sp 101 ruger , but they're scarce.

Smith 986

Ruger LCR's have a nice DA trigger and are available in 9mm.

You can get a Ruger Blackhawk "convertible" that comes with a 38/357 cylinder and a 9mm cylinder. They are fairly large and heavy, so the recoil is NBD. Being SA revolvers, the DA trigger is a non-issue and they don't need moon clips.

Charter Arms makes decent-quality functional revolvers with a lifetime warranty (here in the USA, no less). I have the 45acp version, which has little spring-loaded things in the chambers so you don't have to use moon clips. They also have a 9mm version.

TexasPatriot.308,
I do not have any recommendations on any particular 9mm revolvers. I am actually considering one myself so this thread interests me.
I do think you should take the advice of @JohnKSa if you can. See if there is an indoor ramge that you can test fire at least one 9mm revolver. I don’t have a problem with operating slides but I do with recoil. I have arthritis in my right wrist.
A “snappy” handgun with too much muzzle flip hurts my wrist. I would think a 9mm revolver that is really light would have some snappy recoil.

Ditto

slickracer said:

Smith 986

Click to expand...

I may have missed it but what kind of shooting do you want to do? CCW/IDPA, Target, Action, Plinking (non-specfic)?

S&W and Ruger have 8 shot revolvers just made for action competition. Then there's a slew of smaller frame 9mm's for CCW.

Double Action can be greatly improved with lighter hammers, lighter springs and polishing.

I have to say that the Ruger LCR9mm has been one lovely shooting gun now for years. Great trigger, love the ballistics, love moon clips. Fantastic Trigger. And just downright fun to shoot.Popularity on the 9mm has been on the rise. I hope to check out some of the Taurus in the near future for example. Lol, the LCR9mm sure proved the Nay Sayers wrong when it first came out.

Racking a slide is way easier than pulling a heavy double action trigger if you do it properly.

TexasPatriot.308 said:

...Anyways looking towards a good 9mm revolver, pretty sure it would come in double action. Any input?

Click to expand...

First thought, why?
Second, I also once thought it might be a good idea and bought a Taurus 905. It was supposed to back up my G17. I wrong on both accounts.
Third, Taurus supposedly makes the 692 which is a multiple caliber revolver.
Fourth, don't take the advice of someone that just bought a way-too-expensive Bond Derringer (me).
I too suffer from arthritis but I see no advantage in a 9mm revolver when 38's are in abundance. Also, the little wafer thin star shaped moon clips bend out of shape easily rendering it useless. It's the Achilles heel of this revolver.
I give semi auto rounds in a revolver a big thumbs down. Just because it was done during the Philippines insurrection doesn't mean it's a good idea under normal circumstances.

Armored farmer said:

I think Taurus still makes a 9mm snub model 905.
I dont know anything, not have ever even heard anything... about them.They look like Taurus model 85 in .38spl.

You might find a 9mm sp 101 ruger , but they're scarce.

Click to expand...

Yes, they make the 905, but the OP indicated that he is having a bit of arthritis. That being the case, I wouldn't recommend it. Yes, it is solid, yes it is very accurate, but there is a bit of a recoil that I believe would make the OP uncomfortable.

I've only shot manufacturer ammo and not any reloads, so maybe a light 9mm reload may have a softer recoil acceptable to the OP.

Regarding the SP101, I haven't fire it, it and that feels slightly bigger and more solid (like a tank as they say). It is more expensive though. At that price, I think I would consider the 692 as it is more versatile (9mm, 38, 357).

Good luck

If you have arthritis I doubt you will enjoy shooting a 9mm revolver. They have more recoil than a 38 spl revolver.

TexasPatriot.308 said:

Hey guys, don't get on here much anymore. Question...Im 66, hands starting to have arthritis problems, got couple 1911s, autos etc but sometimes the slide gets me. I realize Im old now. Anyways looking towards a good 9mm revolver, pretty sure it would come in double action. Any input?

Click to expand...

"Arthritis" is a rather broad term that covers a lot of territory. Just saying "arthritis" without giving details as to what the actual issue is doesn't really give anyone a chance to provide meaningful advice.

My arthritis is different than yours is different than his.

Agree, but as the OP mentioned having trouble racking the slide, I assumed it was in his hands. The OP did mention 1911's. due to the smaller size of the 905 compared to a 1911 it takes a bit more work. Also as MAkster commented a 9mm does has more recoil than a 38.

Lastly, the OP stated having trouble racking a 1911 slide. Cocking the hammer back-single action, or going double action takes more pounds of pressure than the 1911 trigger. Not knowing the specifics, I would recommend the OP consider that and maybe rent a revolver first.

Standard 1911 recoil spring weight is 16 lbs, and it takes more grip strength than that to rack the slide because you need to exert enough compressive force to the slide with your fingers to keep them from slipping across the surface of the slide. I'm sure the slide serrations will dictate that ratio but I wouldn't be surprised if you have to exert 2-3x the recoil spring weight in force to keep your hands from slipping on the slide while racking.

It shouldn't be difficult to find a 9mm revolver with a 12 lb or lower DA pull which should be quite a bit easier on an arthritic hand than racking the slide on most autos.

S&W 547. Best 9mm revolver ever.

The 9mm LCR is painful for most people. It's an ultralight 17 oz subcompact snub-nosed revolver. Many people think those are painful with .38 Special. The 9mm is almost twice the pressure. There are fair comparisons made with 357 Magnum if you stick with 124/125 grain bullets and a barrel less than 2". The 9mm and 357 have practically the same pressure level. The main difference in recoil is the 357's longer case is capable of holding a larger volume of powder and longer heavier bullets. Since it's not hard to load enough powder in a 9mm case to reach 35,000 psi, the 357's difference really comes down to the use of larger volumes of slower powders, and those make a much bigger difference in longer barrels.

Bottom line is 9mm in an LCR is almost as punishing as 357 in an LCR. I can't recommend it to someone who doesn't come across as a punk-drunk recoil junkie but is instead concerned about arthritis in their hands.

Now 9mm in a Super GP100 or a 986 is a very different experience. You didn't mention what you shoot for or a purpose for the gun, but going based on the prospect of use presently served by a 1911, then a K or L frame S&W or a GP100 seems to fit. If I'm not mistaken, Ruger offers the SP101 in 9mm, but the GP100 only in .38/357 and 10mm. The SP101 would not be as punishing as an LCR, but it's kind of dinky compared to a 1911. I'm not making a cartridge suggestion since that's personal preference, but if you get one that requires moon clips, or you get one that allows moon clips, get twenty or more moon clips from TK Custom of the correct size for the brand of brass you use (they're different), and get a BMT mooner/demooner tool. If you get those things, you won't miss magazines at all.

labnoti said:

The 9mm LCR is painful for most people. It's an ultralight aluminum frame subcompact snub-nosed revolver. Many people think those are painful with .38 Special. The 9mm is almost twice the pressure. There are fair comparisons made with 357 Magnum if you stick with 124/125 grain bullets and a barrel less than 2". The 9mm and 357 have practically the same pressure level. The main difference in recoil is the 357's longer case is capable of holding a larger volume of powder and longer heavier bullets. Since it's not hard to load enough powder in a 9mm case to reach 35,000 psi, the 357's difference really comes down to the use of larger volumes of slower powders, and those make a much bigger difference in longer barrels.

Bottom line is 9mm in an LCR is almost as punishing as 357 in an LCR. I can't recommend it to someone who doesn't come across as a punk-drunk recoil junkie but is instead concerned about arthritis in their hands.

Now 9mm in a Super GP100 or a 986 is a very different experience. You didn't mention what you shoot for or a purpose for the gun, but going based on the prospect of use presently served by a 1911, then a K or L frame S&W or a GP100 seems to fit. I'm not making a cartridge suggestion since that's personal preference, but if you get one that requires moon clips, or you get one that allows moon clips, get twenty or more moon clips from TK Custom of the correct size for the brand of brass you use (they're different), and get a BMT mooner/demooner tool. If you get those things, you won't miss magazines at all.

Click to expand...

I have the 9mm LCR and you can call me what names you like. If punk-drunk recoil junkie suites you, then fine. However I will take exception. I shoot the 9mm often and yes the recoil was fairly stout when I first started but over the years it is not even something I even think about. Actually this side of pleasant before going over to hars. To compare the 9mm in recoil the LCR357 is so far over the top to the point of ridiculous. I have shot the 357, but a few times was enough for me. I guess if I was a punch drunk recoil Junkie, it would not be a problem. Sorry to disappoint. It is. A a world of difference.
I find that the same gun in 38. to be about the same in recoil to the 9mm and maybe the 9mm even less because of the extra weight. I typically shoot the 9mm with about 150-200 rds per session (could easily go more). Nothing difficult about it. If you feel that it is punishing, then why even talk about the 9mm and simply buy the 38 if that is your preference? Easy choice.
There are a lot of reasons to like the 9mm. And Yes, I love moon Clips.
By the way, when I purchased the LCR9mm when it was first introduced by Ruger, I jumped on it because I knew how easy it was to get 9mm ammo and the cost involved. Well, to my surprise, I reaped so many more benefits than I had ever hoped for. Just love the gun and love shooting it.

I have 3 9mm revolvers. The dual cylinder Ruger Blackhawk is very pleasant to shoot. The Charter does kick, but with the 6 inch barrel, it is very accurate and easy to stay on target with. My LCR does have a blast, but in my hands does not have much kick. I vote charter!

A 4" S&W M986 or a Blackhawk 357Mag/9mm convertible would soften the recoil of 9x19 due to the extra weight versus a Ruger LCR or an SP101.

The Blackhawk has the advantage in that it can also shoot 38 Special wadcutter target loads with the alternate cylinder.

I have a Smith 986, the convertible Blachawk and a 9mm SP101 and I much prefer to shoot the larger revolvers.

With either DA revolvers, get a good set of moon clip tools. I recommend the BMT Equipped tools but they are pricey. I have enough moon clips on hand for an entire range session. No fooling loading clips at the range.

JohnKSa's advice wasn't too bad, must be a feud there.

Anyway TexasPat, you didn't say what the gun is for, but if you are looking at 9s it sounds like an EDC gun.

I'm your age and small. Sometimes I have racking problems, but not with my compact Jericho. I don't even touch those skinny rails. Instead I just hook my left index finger around that high rear sight! Works every time and doesn't require a lot of strength.

My favorite compact revolver chambered in an "auto" caliber is my Smith 610. The kick is not too bad for 10mm, and you can even tame that down by loading it with .40S&W. Also, moon clips load FAST!

2 words - Chiappa Rhino.
Don't knock it till you tried it Easy DA trigger. Recoil is very different from traditional revolvers. Great sights. Moon clips!