Working Man Revolver

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Mr. Mosin

Mr. Mosin

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Thoughts on a "working man's" belt revolver ?

I'm thinking perhaps a 4" barreled .357 Magnum, double action; along the lines of a S&W Model 19 or a Ruger GP100/Smith 686. Utilitarian, common manufacturer, easy service and parts, along with plentiful aftermarket upgrades.
 
I guess it depends on his wage. I think you've stated the likely favorites (GP100 and 686), though they are spendy right now.
 
as much as i enjoy ruger single action revolvers they are a bit heavy to tote around all day on a belt while doing stuff.

i would use a s&w model 36 3” 38sp five shot j frame. lightweight and handy. 3” barrel gives a bit more oomph and accuracy. 38sp is enough for my needs, if more oomph is called for i would grab a long gun. oem wood grips for show, pachmayr rubber grips for work.

if buying new i would look at the taurus 865 38sp six shot, newly offered with a 3” barrel and able to shoot +p ammo.

D69369A0-FA29-4B0A-ADAB-D297F3031B8A.jpeg
 
When I think of a "working man's" 357magnum revolver I think of the Ruger GP100 and not because it's any better than the 686 or Model 19. It costs less than a 686 or Model 19 and it'll hold up to shooting full house magnums better than the Model 19.(I'd love to own one though). The GP and 686 weigh the same even though the GP isn't as sleek. I've always thought my 4" GP100 357 is a lot like my 3/4 ton Chevy work truck. Nothing fancy but will do the job for a long time and if I put a scratch on either I won't loose any sleep over it.
 
stonebuster said:
When I think of a "working man's" 357magnum revolver I think of the Ruger GP100 and not because it's any better than the 686 or Model 19. It costs less than a 686 or Model 19 and it'll hold up to shooting full house magnums better than the Model 19.(I'd love to own one though). The GP and 686 weigh the same even though the GP isn't as sleek. I've always thought my 4" GP100 357 is a lot like my 3/4 ton Chevy work truck. Nothing fancy but will do the job for a long time and if I put a scratch on either I won't loose any sleep over it.
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Never turn down a good Model 19, they are strong as they need to be. They received a slightly bad reputation during the 70's when service loads were 125 Grain .357 Magnum. They were loaded hotter then and what took place is the escaping gases would begin to cut the top strap by the forcing cone over time. I kinda believe it would have happened to any revolver that was used that frequently at the time except for an N frame. The much loved Python had a very short service life with this round as well. Subsequent designs by other makers made sure that would not be a problem in their guns. Not to worry today, that round is not loaded nearly as hot as it was back then. I doubt you could destroy a Model 19 with off the shelf ammo not made by the Buffalo Bore's of the world.
 
This in my workin' man revolver.

XbMOdAWl.jpg
S&W Model 10 Heavy Barrel 38 Special, Safariland 567 Holster, Safariland Comp III speedloader, Master Tactical speedloader pouch.

My "dream" workin' man revolver does not exist but it would be a S&W L-frame with fixed sights (681 frame) and chambered in 10mm Auto with a full under lug 4-inch barrel and round butt. Moonclips Rules!
 
The Python had a short service life, irrelevant of cartridge or grain wieght
wcwhitey said:
Never turn down a good Model 19, they are strong as they need to be. They received a slightly bad reputation during the 70's when service loads were 125 Grain .357 Magnum. They were loaded hotter then and what took place is the escaping gases would begin to cut the top strap by the forcing cone over time. I kinda believe it would have happened to any revolver that was used that frequently at the time except for an N frame. The much loved Python had a very short service life with this round as well. Subsequent designs by other makers made sure that would not be a problem in their guns. Not to worry today, that round is not loaded nearly as hot as it was back then. I doubt you could destroy a Model 19 with off the shelf ammo not made by the Buffalo Bore's of the world.
Click to expand...
 
I'm thinking a k frame or L frame.
38 or 357.
3" barrel.

Model 10, 65, 19, 66, 586, 686 (you get the idea)

Of these I think a 3" 65 would be my pick. Adjustable sights haven't really been a benefit to my shooting (IME) so may as well go simpler/smoother.

Now an L frame with +1 cylinder would be nice.

When I think "revolver" I think old timey...
When I think "old timey" + "working man"... For some reason I'm thinking gumshoe.

Old school detective revolver...
IE Peter Gun and the like...
 
I have seen Pythons go out of time shooting bullseye matches using wadcutters. Had several friends have to send them back to Colt, early 80's. I never had the same experience with a K frame but did have a Model 65 with factory defects. My comment was particularly about the Model 19 and the ammo at use at the time, I love the Python but I have seen problems with most guns on the market at any particular time. I am not trying to insult your gun or choice, just know what I have witnessed.

And as a second thought, every gun maker has turned out turds from time to time. No exceptions.
 
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wcwhitey said:
Never turn down a good Model 19, they are strong as they need to be. They received a slightly bad reputation during the 70's when service loads were 125 Grain .357 Magnum. They were loaded hotter then and what took place is the escaping gases would begin to cut the top strap by the forcing cone over time. I kinda believe it would have happened to any revolver that was used that frequently at the time except for an N frame. The much loved Python had a very short service life with this round as well. Subsequent designs by other makers made sure that would not be a problem in their guns. Not to worry today, that round is not loaded nearly as hot as it was back then. I doubt you could destroy a Model 19 with off the shelf ammo not made by the Buffalo Bore's of the world.
Click to expand...
No slight meant about the Model 19 by me. In fact I regret not buying a nice 19-3 4" last year when I went to my LGS to do a transfer. I wish I'd seen it before I committed to another purchase. The GP100 aren't impervious to wear from hot magnums either. I had to have my GP100 re-barreled after 3k Perfecta 158gr 357mag fmj. Ruger did the work NC though. The same GP is showing forcing cone wear again.
 
Can't go wrong with a M10 4 inch HB.
Everything a working man needs.
Of course if I found a killer deal on a M19 I'd snap it up too.
I have a Taurus M65 that is a K frame size 357 mag. I'm kinda fond of that one too.
 
Targa,

I bought a first gen King Cobra new. It was my only full size .357 for a long time. I have put over 35k rounds through it. No problems other than the barrel unscrewing itself. A little Red Loctite fixed that.
 
I get up at seven, yea and go to work at nine. I got no time for livin’ yea, I’m workin’ all the time...

I just had to toss that “Working man” lyric in.

I, too see a “Working mans” .357 as one that’s durable, dependable and isn’t the top of the price list or adorned with engraving or fancy finishes.

A blued GP 100, 586. M-19, etc. is what comes to my mind, with some honest finish wear and a leather belt holster to carry it.

Stay safe.
 
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