combat revolver: what's your ideal?
- Thread starter wheelgunslinger
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My ideal combat revolver is not made.
It would be the cat's meow if one of the top flight revo makers would take some of their engineering or metalurgical expertise and design the following:
6-8 shots of 9mm, .38/.357, .45ACP or 10mm
2.25 to 5 inch barrel as desired.
Low profile adjustable rear sight or one tough as a Bowen field sight.
AND finally, moon-clip capable with a throughly modern top break action. Were one enough of an engineering stud, the rear sight trading off being a PITA to adjust, could be contoured to be the thumb latch for the top break.
It would be so cool to have a modern, tough as hell, reliable revolver that one could just break in half so the cases just spat right out of it, one that could be unlatched and opened with either hand, reloaded really fast with either hand and which held together at least as well as a K frame Smith if it couldn't be as tough as a GP-100 or larger revolver.
It would probably be ugly, but it would be really fast into action compared to swinging out the cylinder for folks not named Miculek.
Hmmm, a better looking Webley in modern metals and chamberings? That'd be tasty.
It would be the cat's meow if one of the top flight revo makers would take some of their engineering or metalurgical expertise and design the following:
6-8 shots of 9mm, .38/.357, .45ACP or 10mm
2.25 to 5 inch barrel as desired.
Low profile adjustable rear sight or one tough as a Bowen field sight.
AND finally, moon-clip capable with a throughly modern top break action. Were one enough of an engineering stud, the rear sight trading off being a PITA to adjust, could be contoured to be the thumb latch for the top break.
It would be so cool to have a modern, tough as hell, reliable revolver that one could just break in half so the cases just spat right out of it, one that could be unlatched and opened with either hand, reloaded really fast with either hand and which held together at least as well as a K frame Smith if it couldn't be as tough as a GP-100 or larger revolver.
It would probably be ugly, but it would be really fast into action compared to swinging out the cylinder for folks not named Miculek.
Hmmm, a better looking Webley in modern metals and chamberings? That'd be tasty.
only1asterisk
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- 2,412
3" 65 LS
3" 696
3" 681
Take your pick, as long as they have the firing pin on the hammer.
David
3" 696
3" 681
Take your pick, as long as they have the firing pin on the hammer.
David
wheelgunslinger
Member
hey boats!
Boats:
That's a brilliant idea. I'll take mine in .45 colt, thankyouverymuch.
I briefly owned a .38 webley that was tattooed all over with proof marks. It was an awfully inaccurate weapon, but man that top break was kewl.
Boats:
That's a brilliant idea. I'll take mine in .45 colt, thankyouverymuch.
I briefly owned a .38 webley that was tattooed all over with proof marks. It was an awfully inaccurate weapon, but man that top break was kewl.
Combat revolvers...
S&W M649 .38
S&W M681 .357
Ruger SP101 .357
Taurus 431 .44 Special
The 649 and the SP101 trade off for the off-duty carry gun. The 681 is mostly a range shooter, but also does some home defense. Primary home defense revolver is the Taurus 431.
All my combat revolvers are DAO and have received a "duty tune" smoothing but carry the stock springs. Grips vary-the SP101 has the factory rubber stocks, the 681 uses Hogue Monogrips and the Taurus has Uncle Mikes rubber.
Autos are fun and very usable for defense, but me personally? I'm a revolver guy and these are what I use.
I think Boats' idea is a great one. I really like the concept of a large bore breaktop revolver....very fast reloads and throws the empties way away with minimal effort. Seems to me that a Russian company was going to produce a .357 breaktop...wonder what happened to that?
Bob
S&W M649 .38
S&W M681 .357
Ruger SP101 .357
Taurus 431 .44 Special
The 649 and the SP101 trade off for the off-duty carry gun. The 681 is mostly a range shooter, but also does some home defense. Primary home defense revolver is the Taurus 431.
All my combat revolvers are DAO and have received a "duty tune" smoothing but carry the stock springs. Grips vary-the SP101 has the factory rubber stocks, the 681 uses Hogue Monogrips and the Taurus has Uncle Mikes rubber.
Autos are fun and very usable for defense, but me personally? I'm a revolver guy and these are what I use.
I think Boats' idea is a great one. I really like the concept of a large bore breaktop revolver....very fast reloads and throws the empties way away with minimal effort. Seems to me that a Russian company was going to produce a .357 breaktop...wonder what happened to that?
Bob
DHart
Member
Smith & Wesson Model 13-3 .357 Magnum 3" barrel
Smith & Wesson Model 65-5 .357 Magnum 3" barrel
Ruger GP-100 3" Barrel, Blue Steel, Fixed sights, .357 magnum (GPF-331)
Ruger GP-100 3" Barrel, Stainless, Fixed sights, .357 magnum (KGPF-331)
Smith & Wesson Model 681-1 .357 Magnum 4" barrel
Smith & Wesson Model 686 CS-1 .357 Magnum 3" barrel
Smith & Wesson Model 65-5 .357 Magnum 3" barrel
Ruger GP-100 3" Barrel, Blue Steel, Fixed sights, .357 magnum (GPF-331)
Ruger GP-100 3" Barrel, Stainless, Fixed sights, .357 magnum (KGPF-331)
Smith & Wesson Model 681-1 .357 Magnum 4" barrel
Smith & Wesson Model 686 CS-1 .357 Magnum 3" barrel
groessebaer
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- Nov 23, 2004
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- 34
One idea would be a 686 Plus Mountain Gun to cut the weight to 19/66 levels and have an extra shot. Put a C&S fixed rear sight on it for ruggedness with tritium front (Express Sight?).
I do like the thought of a Ruger GP100 in 10mm with moon clips especially a 3" bbl. version and ideally add a Bowen Rugged Use rear sight to it with a tritium front (Express Sight?).
Boats, unfortunately they never made it but at one time before going belly up Detonics I believe showed a prototype 7 shot .44 mag that was a top break. Wonder how many .357's would fit or 10mm rounds in a cylinder that size?
I do like the thought of a Ruger GP100 in 10mm with moon clips especially a 3" bbl. version and ideally add a Bowen Rugged Use rear sight to it with a tritium front (Express Sight?).
Boats, unfortunately they never made it but at one time before going belly up Detonics I believe showed a prototype 7 shot .44 mag that was a top break. Wonder how many .357's would fit or 10mm rounds in a cylinder that size?
RON in PA
Member
3" round butt K frame with 38 special +P FBI loads.
Black Snowman
Member
BigG, great minds think alike Let's here it for vaporware! When I'm all done my 10mm revo will have set me back almost a grand so I hope it's worth it
Let's here it for vaporware! When I'm all done my 10mm revo will have set me back almost a grand so I hope it's worth it 
I guess a 3" 357 GP100. The small stocks that come on it or pachmayer compacts, or Nills if they make them (high cool factor). Some high speed low drag nuclear proof matte black teflon type finish. Chamfered charge holes. Trigger job and Wolffe springs. AO big dot front sight, fixed rear. I've had good luck with Alessi talon leather or the Galco miami classic shoulder rig with 2 dump pouches on the off side w/Bianchi speed strips. Carry a couple of speed loaders wherever convenient and hidden.
groessebaer
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- Nov 23, 2004
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- 34
"BigG, great minds think alike Let's here it for vaporware! When I'm all done my 10mm revo will have set me back almost a grand so I hope it's worth it"
I look forward to seeing the 646 when done. The steel cylinder really sounds a lot better than titanium anyhow to me. The "setback of a grand" on a combat revolver brings up another benefit of round guns - lower cost to convert. Don't ask what I spent on a 1911 to make a "combat auto".
I look forward to seeing the 646 when done. The steel cylinder really sounds a lot better than titanium anyhow to me. The "setback of a grand" on a combat revolver brings up another benefit of round guns - lower cost to convert. Don't ask what I spent on a 1911 to make a "combat auto".
wheelgunslinger
Member
Personally, I'm looking forward to commencing with a project Redhawk. Barrel chop, trigger job, low glare finish, nice grips, engraving. etc.
Constructing a good carry weapon from a redhawk is fairly striaghtforward, from what I've seen.
Stepping up from single to dubble action will be interesting, but I'm still going to try carrying blackpowder rounds in it.
Should be in for about a grand by the time it's all done. +gun cost.
Theoretically, it's my ideal weapon.
Constructing a good carry weapon from a redhawk is fairly striaghtforward, from what I've seen.
Stepping up from single to dubble action will be interesting, but I'm still going to try carrying blackpowder rounds in it.
Should be in for about a grand by the time it's all done. +gun cost.
Theoretically, it's my ideal weapon.
My perfect combat revolver
I' have to throw in with Oldfella and say my 696-1 loaded with Cor Bons and a couple of speedloaders for refills.
696 is the best and most practical 44 Spl. I own! I got Magnums to do Magnum work. The 44 Spl is a better platform for defensive work against home invasion or other attacks by humans, than the Magnum iteration in the 44.
I' have to throw in with Oldfella and say my 696-1 loaded with Cor Bons and a couple of speedloaders for refills.
696 is the best and most practical 44 Spl. I own! I got Magnums to do Magnum work. The 44 Spl is a better platform for defensive work against home invasion or other attacks by humans, than the Magnum iteration in the 44.
DHart
Member
Bronco... I like my 696 a lot too.
Smith & Wesson Model 696-1 .44 Special 3" barrel
But there are a ton of wonderful loads for .44 mag. which are just a touch above the .44 special. Most "starting" loads for .44 mag make great defense loads.
For .44 special I'm using 200 gr. Gold Dot at about 900 fps from the 3" 696.
For .44 magnum I'm using 200 gr Gold Dot at about 1000 fps from the 3" 629.
I have no use for .44 mag loads any hotter than that. I don't enjoy shooting much hotter than that anyway. I guess at this rate, my 629 will last forever.
Smith & Wesson Model 696-1 .44 Special 3" barrel
But there are a ton of wonderful loads for .44 mag. which are just a touch above the .44 special. Most "starting" loads for .44 mag make great defense loads.
For .44 special I'm using 200 gr. Gold Dot at about 900 fps from the 3" 696.
For .44 magnum I'm using 200 gr Gold Dot at about 1000 fps from the 3" 629.
I have no use for .44 mag loads any hotter than that. I don't enjoy shooting much hotter than that anyway. I guess at this rate, my 629 will last forever.
biere
Member
My gp100 3 inch model in 357 mag and my 4 inch 686 in 357 mag are my current concepts. But I have grown a tad tired of 357 for some reason.
I am really liking my single action super blackhawk in 44 mag, and I shoot a lot of varmints with 44 specials out of that thing.
I am currently thinking I may liquidate the 357s to fund the light weight s&w 44 mag revolver. I would only want to run stuff a tad hotter than 44 special in it, but reloaded in the 44 mag cases because of powder build up and cleaning those air weights and what not.
I have done some reading and the 44 special or light 44 mag stuff does well. Plus I am impressed with its accuracey around my place.
I don't want the thunder ranch special in 44 special though. Too heavy.
But that darn light weight calls my name.
Ah heck, I guess I don't know yet. But come summer I should have something new and it will be the winner.
I do admit if ruger made a 10mm gp100 with moon clips I would actually pay extra for it over the 357 model. I like the 10mm model but can't see sending mine off for a new barrel and cylinder and whatever else and the cost mentioned also puts me off.
I am really liking my single action super blackhawk in 44 mag, and I shoot a lot of varmints with 44 specials out of that thing.
I am currently thinking I may liquidate the 357s to fund the light weight s&w 44 mag revolver. I would only want to run stuff a tad hotter than 44 special in it, but reloaded in the 44 mag cases because of powder build up and cleaning those air weights and what not.
I have done some reading and the 44 special or light 44 mag stuff does well. Plus I am impressed with its accuracey around my place.
I don't want the thunder ranch special in 44 special though. Too heavy.
But that darn light weight calls my name.
Ah heck, I guess I don't know yet. But come summer I should have something new and it will be the winner.
I do admit if ruger made a 10mm gp100 with moon clips I would actually pay extra for it over the 357 model. I like the 10mm model but can't see sending mine off for a new barrel and cylinder and whatever else and the cost mentioned also puts me off.
chaim
Member
Easy-
A 3" K-frame, preferably in .357mag (for versatility) but I'd be quite happy with a .38 since I'd usually load it up with .38+Ps anyway. I'd prefer a matte finish, especially if it was one of the stainless models (65, 64). It will have fixed sights, bobbed hammer, DAO, possibly with a slight trigger job, and wearing checkered rosewood Eagle Secret Service boot grips.
However, I might be convinced to have a Taurus Tracker in .45LC cut to a 3" barrel and otherwise made out the same way.
A 3" K-frame, preferably in .357mag (for versatility) but I'd be quite happy with a .38 since I'd usually load it up with .38+Ps anyway. I'd prefer a matte finish, especially if it was one of the stainless models (65, 64). It will have fixed sights, bobbed hammer, DAO, possibly with a slight trigger job, and wearing checkered rosewood Eagle Secret Service boot grips.
However, I might be convinced to have a Taurus Tracker in .45LC cut to a 3" barrel and otherwise made out the same way.
a 3 inch K frame in 6 shot 44 special. in my utopian world, the cylinder wall would be thin as paper but some how it would work. I recently saw a model 65 that had been heavily customized, dehorned and smoothed, but most interesting to me was the commander hammer loop added to the spur less hammer. Virtually spurless but with enough "knob" to easily thumb back for single action firing, it really looked good on this gun,
G. Glock
Member
Model 65 3" heavy barrel is about ideal, particularly with the hammer bobbed.
A 5-shot .44 Special in the same configuration would be nice, too.
A 5-shot .44 Special in the same configuration would be nice, too.
tulsamal
Member
For CCW, I have a lot of guns to choose from around here and I finally settled on a S&W M296 .44 Special in a Wilderness Safepacker. Loaded with the CorBon load and with one more speedloader in the bag. 18.5 ounces light but with .44 punch does it for me.
When you say "combat revolver" I think of something bigger and heavier and probably carried openly. In other words, a police officer type role. If I was a cop and I was determined to carry a revolver, I would take a hard look at the stocking dealer special 686 with the half lug 5" barrel and hi rez sights. Very nice gun. I could probably live with it just the way the factory sells if but, if we are going to dream, the exact same gun in .41 Magnum or .44 Special would have me reaching for the plastic!
Gregg
When you say "combat revolver" I think of something bigger and heavier and probably carried openly. In other words, a police officer type role. If I was a cop and I was determined to carry a revolver, I would take a hard look at the stocking dealer special 686 with the half lug 5" barrel and hi rez sights. Very nice gun. I could probably live with it just the way the factory sells if but, if we are going to dream, the exact same gun in .41 Magnum or .44 Special would have me reaching for the plastic!
Gregg
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