Got bit by the revolver bug

[Gryphon1410]

Ladies and Gents,

Well, I've been mulling over getting a good sixgun for some time and I think that I've been bitten. Basically all I'm looking for is a fun gun that will do hd as well. More emphasis on the fun part though. With that, I did some research and now I have questions. I would greatly appreciate you all's assistance.

First, I started checking out Iver Johnson/H&R pistols. I had read about them in my Gun Digest 2002 book and they kind of struck a chord with me. Why are they so inexpensive? Are they badly constructed or unsafe? I figure if they are decent shooters that they can be spruced up and be worth the investment as I see that many of them up for sale on the web are pretty worn.

Second, I find that I have a certain fondness towards old guns. Heck I shoot an old 1911 built in 1918 so I have no fear of using an "antique." Old pistols just have a style to them that doesn't seem to show up with the more modern stuff. There's nothing like a good gentleman's weapon I guess. I have plenty of rough and tumble stuff so that's another factor in my search. K-frame Smiths seem to fit the bill in these departments.

Speaking of antique styles, I've been also looking at the Ruger New Vaquero chambered in 357/38. I dig it but prefer the option to use DA. The DA is not terribly high on the list of wants though.

I know my ramblings may be vague so I'll put down my list of wants:

Caliber: .38 (Special or S&W), 357 would be nice but I'd mostly use .38
Styling: Old school. There's just something about the late 1800's-mid 1900's revolvers.

Customizable: Something I can diddle with changing the grips or have refinished if its worn to hell without worrying that I'm killing its value.

Size: Medium to small but not really into the snubby range. I want my wife to be able to use it comfortably.

What are you all's recommendations? Thanks for your time!

v/r
Andrew

 

[jakk280rem]

the ruger blackhawk or vaquero sounds like it wuld fit the bill.

 

[BigBlock]

Yeah, a Ruger single action sounds like it might fit you, they are probably one of the most customizable guns you can buy. Otherwise, the GP-100 is a wonderful DA gun. It's not old, but it does sort of have the look of an old Colt, just beefed up for .357. It's nice and heavy too so it soaks up the recoil, and it's VERY hard to beat as a home defense weapon.

 

[BCRider]

A nice looking S&W 19 in a 4" barrel was the first revolver I shot and even after trying a bunch of others it's the one that feels just SO right. It'll digest .38Spl for range fun but you can use .357 for HD or for some end of the day giggles at the range. The sheet and jet of flame it throws from a .357 is pretty remarkable...

Barrel length isn't really a big deal but I did find that the 4inch balances very nicely while the same gun with a 6 inch barrel is just a skosh less nice to hold. And for HD the differences between any of the barrels is mostly negligable but in particular the difference between a 2.5 inch snubby and the 4in is really nothing in gun weight and balance but makes a big difference when shooting for accuracy thanks to the longer front to rear sight length.

The fact that there's a huge number of grips available so I'm sure you can find something that both of you enjoy. And the fact that it's a svelte lightweight classic looking gun sure doesn't hurt.

 

[David E]

A S&W Model 10, 15, 19, 27 or 28 would work just fine. (altho the 27 and 28 might be too heavy for the wife.)

The 15 is a sweet one !

 

[owlhoot]

No reason not to have adjustable sights. So that leaves the m-15 (.38 spl.) and the m-19 (.357) Both are great guns. Both are K-frames. Whichever one you choose, it will make you glad.

 

[Oro]

Since you sound just like me in the liking of old and historic designs, consider a classic model 10, but get the early type - a pre-1947 with the really sweet long-action hammer, 1/2 moon front sight and classic lines. It's the base model most of the ones mentioned above are built upon. There were about two million made from 1899 to 1947 in this style. 3/4 million of those were wartime models for the british (1/2 million) and US (1/4 million). Beware of the british models, they are chambered in .38 S&W, not the same. The military models are collectively called the "Victory" model, the commercial ones the "Military & Police" model.

The photo below is one of the last ones made, a 1947 model with a 5" barrel. They are very well built (the commercial models more so than the military). Good, clean examples can be found on Gunbroker for very reasonable prices with some diligent shopping over a month or two. Be sure to get one with the original grips. They make excellent HD guns, and even with the fixed sights they can be very accurate in good hands.

It is easy to find either a 4" or 5" model, 6" are out there, too. With 4" models, there a gazillion holster options new or used, cheaply. Same with grips if you want to change them - zillions of options new or used, cheap to pricey.

1) 1947 Military & Police model:

 

[Gryphon1410]

Gents,

Thanks for all the advice. It looks like it's narrowed down to the model 19 or 15 though I think I'm leaning toward the 15 for my first revolver. I've had some experience shooting revolvers and I'm in agreement that a 4 inch barrel did have a nice balance to it both aesthetically and functionally.

Oro,

Yep we have similar thoughts on the classic lines. I'm of mind that form should balance with function and the classics seem to do the trick. Besides that they evoke thoughts of a bygone era where pistols and the like were as common as screwdrivers and things were a bit simpler. A pleasant thing all around I'd say.

Again thank you all and take care!

v/r
Andrew

 

[David E]

The M-15 has a tapered barrel, unlike the 19. The feel is unique to each one.

Either is a good choice for .38 shooting.

(the 19 can shoot magnums, tho, if desired)

 

[Big Bill]

M1895 RUSSIAN NAGANT REVOLVER, 7,62X38 CENTERFIRE

Nagant revolvers were adopted as a standard side arm for Russian army in 1895 and remained in active use throughout WWII. A unique feature of this firearm is that during cocking the cylinder moves forward sealing the chamber thus,eliminating gas leaks. This not only created a higher muzzle velocity but also allowed first successful use of a silencer on revolvers which was put to wide use by NKVD(Stalin's Internal Police). We have a small lot of these revolvers, all are in very good- excellent condition. All come with a holster, cleaning rod, lanyard and take down tool. Import marked. $ 99.00. Add $ 10.00 for handpick.

http://www.global-firearms.com/catalog/full/54/

 

[bannockburn]

Gryphon1410

I know the barrel might be a little longer than you want, but I think a nice used S&W K-38 would make for an outstanding choice as a fun range/HD revolver. If you're leaning towards the 4" barrel, then the S&W Model 15 will do just fine as well. If fixed sights are acceptable, then I would look for either a 5" S&W Model 10 or a 4" Colt Official Police; two great classic revolvers.

 

[Ranb]

Big Bill,

I have read some statements by one person who claimed that the forcing cone was reamed a bit on some 1895 revolvers to allow better functioning especially with reloaded ammo that was lightly crimped. While the reaming led to better operation of the cylinder, it eliminated the gap sealing properties of the design and made it ineffective with a silencer.

This is something you may want to check when offering your revolvers for sale, especially if the customer wants to suppress it. Thanks.

Ranb

 

[chriske]

K-frame S&W: mod. 14 or 15.