Popular Big Bore Revolvers, what's a few of the must have's for BBR guys?

I love these threads for the vicarious enjoyment.

I have a 44 Redhawk and SW 69. I've never found a factory loading that was not fun with the Redhawk and both are fun to reload for.

But I would love an 50 x-frame, a Toklat, a Redhawk in 45, and maybe a BFR in 45-70.

And I don't think the big boys are just for hunting or machismo. Fun for the reloading, recoil impulses, and long range shooting.

CraigC said:

The 340gr .44 load is around 50,000psi. Right in line with Brian Pearce's Handloader data. I can tell you that Buffalo Bore's advertised velocities are realistic. As far as the guns, I don't really know what testing arrived at the 50,000psi mark but Tim Sundles wouldn't put his name on it if it endangered the guns or their owners.

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I have to say, Buffalo Bore is a company I feel is thoroughly responsible, as you say. This is reflected not only in the information and test data provided on the website, but also in the price. You get what you pay for. But they're not the only game in town not playing with SAAMI, as we well know. Not all of them inspire the level of confidence I have for Buffalo Bore.

True and for whatever reason, I've always been leery of Underwood. Always felt they were riding others' coattails while undercutting their pricing. Like a generic brand.

WestKentucky said:

Realistically probably 95% or better of the DA guns get used in SA anyways, especially on the big bores.

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I only shoot a DA revolver SA when I'm getting the sights dialed in assuming adjustable sights. After that it's all DA because that's how I'd shoot them in a confrontation with any kind of threat. My EDC for the last 9+ years has been a pair of Ruger KLCRs which are DAO.

MCMXI said:

I only shoot a DA revolver SA when I'm getting the sights dialed in assuming adjustable sights. After that it's all DA because that's how I'd shoot them in a confrontation with any kind of threat. My EDC for the last 9+ years has been a pair of Ruger KLCRs which are DAO.

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My sentiments exactly.
I have SAs for shooting SA.
I also only shoot groups on paper to get a base line for a new load or a new gun. After that it is basically steel only and at the useful range for the particular gun/cartridge combo.

@ontarget, for some revolvers I'm able to stack the trigger well enough that during slow fire it's basically like shooting single action ... my Colt Python for example.

A couple Very Specials and a Mag as old as me

I want a S&W 500 4" barrel.
I have no idea why.

Had 1- took it to Africa
Returned-sold it
Went back to the classics,44-357
Expensive and fun for a bit.

I like the Bear Emergency kit Snubnose one tho

For me a "fun" revolver is a single action in 44 Magnum or 45 LC.

A great FUN-GUN is a Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible in 45 Colt/45ACP.

Sour Kraut said:

A great FUN-GUN is a Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible in 45 Colt/45ACP.

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I want one with 4.6" barrel. I have the SS Vaquero, but much prefer a Blackhawk.


The ONLY 2 dino killers I would have is:
1. S&W .460, would shoot a few .454 and mostly .45C.
2. Freedom Arms .454. Hint with and shoot mostly .45C

A SuperBlackhawk, Redhawk or S&W M29 is more than enough recoil to satisfy my inner masochist.

My Grand Old 29-2 with Lower end 2400 or Unique 44 mag reloads satisfy my Needs- When the 240gr Cast hits the bullseye at 25yards or paper plate at 50yards.
If I’m feeling Real strong I’ll take the 629-4 Classic w/ endurance package & 240xtp or 300gr up Hot with 296…As long as it’s accurate. Plenty of Pop in that for me.

Anything in the S&W 25/625 line in either .45 ACP or .45 Colt. Here are a couple I like:

Mine was the 500 Linebaugh in a BFR and after getting it with their bisley grip I have to say I would like to get its little brother and the 454 Casull as well. There are a lot of folks that don’t like the looks of it but if you have big hands and fingers it is wonderful.

Since I posted on this thread in early February I picked up this Smith & Wesson model 25-15 .45 Colt in late March. It is now one of my favorite revolvers.

It probably dates me, but I figure the grand classic for any big bore nut is a 4" Model 29. If I was just starting out in the game that would be my first purchase, along with a copy of Sixguns by Keith.

The next thing I'd do is look up all the articles I could find on the subject from Ross Seyfried (why he won't write a book is beyond me) and then buy a Ruger Bisley Blackhawk in .45 Colt. At a minimum I'd have a trigger job done, and firelap the barrel. (And given enough money, I'd buy a second one and send it off to Bowen or Huntington for the full Monty.)

If I was still hungry for more, I'd order up all of John Taffin's relevant books and then decide on my next step. I still think the .480 is an ideal big bore, and I still slobber over Bowen's "1917" Redhawk in .50 Special. Once you've really got the bug, the sky - and your accountant - are the limit!

MCMXI said:

I only shoot a DA revolver SA when I'm getting the sights dialed in assuming adjustable sights. After that it's all DA because that's how I'd shoot them in a confrontation with any kind of threat. My EDC for the last 9+ years has been a pair of Ruger KLCRs which are DAO.

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ontarget said:

My sentiments exactly.
I have SAs for shooting SA.
I also only shoot groups on paper to get a base line for a new load or a new gun. After that it is basically steel only and at the useful range for the particular gun/cartridge combo.

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I will second that notion...I shoot my DA revolvers DA, irrespective of cartridge.

Have to agree, DA is the way to go- otherwise I’d buy a Cowboy gun…. Yet Nothing wrong with them. It took a lot of practice to get good with my old Smiths. When I see some one continuously cocking the hammer each shot , I just want to say “ Learn to Squeeeeeze that trigger, it’s just as accurate “

I shoot my Smith’s double action and single action. It depends on how I feel and how accurate I want to be. I am more accurate in single action but I am no slouch in double action either.
I have always felt this push to ALWAYS shoot revolvers capable of DA in double action to be a form of masculine manipulation.
(Drill Instructor voice) “Boy, you ain’t a man unless you can put every round in the ten ring at 25 yards in double action!” (Spits tobacco juice on the floor)

Besides, Dirty Harry always shot his “Magnum” single action.

I really enjoy pushing my M629 to its limit, but for real recoil, the 460S&W is a real "blast". I can load up some real Screamers and the heft makes it a plumb joy to shoot.

The Toklat is on the list, fer sure!


I blanked out the comp on my 460V for this reason. The concussion was ridiculous!

Targa said:

Now the “concussion” for lack of a better word award goes to the .500 S&W with the .460 S&W XVR nipping at its heels, or is that the other way around? To close to call....

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I've never shot my 460V in DA, and the paper doesn't know the difference.

MCMXI said:

I only shoot a DA revolver SA when I'm getting the sights dialed in assuming adjustable sights. After that it's all DA because that's how I'd shoot them in a confrontation with any kind of threat.

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DR505 said:

I will second that notion...I shoot my DA revolvers DA, irrespective of cartridge.

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Pat Riot said:

I shoot my Smith’s double action and single action.

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Lnf Crzr said:

When I see some one continuously cocking the hammer each shot , I just want to say “ Learn to Squeeeeeze that trigger, it’s just as accurate “

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No it ain't. DA and SA shooting are two different techniques for different purposes. Which is kinda the point of having the choice. I would no sooner take a shot at a critter at 70yds in DA mode than I would defend myself at 7yds in SA mode.

I've never seen a 25yd DA target that looks like this.

A Short story on a Big Bore

About 15 years ago….

I bought a 4” 500 and used cor bon heavy hitters (Years Prior to Reloading) Practiced Double action- even trying Single handed. Became proficient, Very proficient.

Went to South Africa and Worked as A Assistant for a Professional Guide for 2 months outside of Johannesburg- At the Airport they Said “Not a Hunting weapon” “It will be in the safe and When you return you can have it”. Ok!?!?! Got paperwork.

A Rino with her Babies almost turned over the truck I was in, A few Baboons almost attacked- 5 Warthogs almost did a stampede in my Direction and all that happened bad ….I was Bit by A Dog.

I returned early to Airport- Got The 500 and Bribed the security to get my Guns 100% out of the Country.

Sold it when I returned and Bought a 44.

Yet It was once apon a time….. I really wish I had a Big bore!

With Good action Job- and Knowing the trigger… you can stack the trigger.

Yet I agree at Longer range, Single action is there for a reason- and that’s what I use.

Double anytime otherwise.

Had a SP-101 hammerless .357. No choice but to shoot DAO.

Yes, with practice, you can stack the trigger and shoot very good grips.

I miss that gun, but, alas, Wife's arthritis prevented her from being able to pull the trigger. She got to where she liked a 1911 better.