Higher-end revolvers?

[Taffnevy]

Who makes higher-end revolvers? I know about Freedom Arms, but who else is there with a good reputation?

Count out Smith and Wesson Performance Center, at least until the lock goes.

 

[Redhawk1]

Get as custom from Gary Reeder or Jack Huntington

 

[Taffnevy]

So, is this the same deal as 1911 smiths?

What is considered the best "base gun" for smith work?

Any other smith suggestions? I like the minimalist look.

 

[Redhawk1]

I like the Ruger Blackhawk as a base gun.

 

[lee n. field]

Higher-end revolvers?

Korth. The only way to spend more on a revolver is to pay someone to machine one for you out of a solid chunk of gold.

 

[JERRY]

the old school S&W guns are still available at reasonable prices...

 

[PotatoJudge]

BFR for factory stuff and there are used Interarm Virginians that were supposed to be pretty nice. There are lots of custom guys getting the most out of Rugers (Bowen, Hamilton, Reeder, etc.). Gemini does good DA work from what I've seen.

 

[FullEffect1911]

Korth. The only way to spend more on a revolver is to pay someone to machine one for you out of a solid chunk of gold.

now that's comedy.



I think if you get a revolver from any of the top tier manufacturers you will be more than satisfied. Especially if you consider PC smiths in there.

The revolver is an old design that has had a long time to be perfected. Therefore you can get a great performing gun from many different places.

 

[wyocarp]

fulleffect, hey do you know the name of who is making the solid chunk gold pistols? I'd like one.

 

[FullEffect1911]

wyocarp

I have a machine shop.... a one million dollar down payment plus the cost of materials and i'll get it done for you.

It won't fire and will look exactly like a S&W or whatever other specs I can find.

I'm now taking orders.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Linebaugh, Ross Seyfried is involved I believe although I don't know if he builds them. Lots of nice Ruger conversions out there.

 

[Robusto]

Maybe not what you were asking, but

My Python will print sub 1" groups with good loads out to 30 yards in my hands. A good shooter at my old club put 6 shots into 1.25" at 60 yards. I still think that the old Colt Pythons are dollar for dollar some of the best (and best looking) revolvers on the market.

 

[Moonclip]

Manurhin MR73, Freedom arms,Korth, how high end are we talking? Willing to go used? I have a S&W 629 classic DX pre lock, I think they are the top of the line until you get in to performance center guns.

You could go the custom route also. Hamilton Bowen.

All joking aside I think there was a derringer made mostly of gold and with a diamond inlaid front sight.

 

[Jim Watson]

I think there were a few gold Walthers made for uppercrust Nazis.
Probably good for one shot to suicide when the Thousand Year Reich fell 990 short.

Randy Lee of Apex Tactical is the current darling of revolver competitors because of his light, smooth double actions.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

Fulleffect,


I'll take one of those gold guns. Make mine a model 29 smith. Do you take checks?

 

[FullEffect1911]

Do you take checks?

Sure thing, but work doesn't start until it clears, but once it does I will guarantee that I will devote all of my time to finishing the project... and then retire.


On topic however, higher end doesn't necessarily denote expensive. It completely depends on what you are looking for. Fit and finish, accuracy, smoothness etc.

 

[Taffnevy]

When I say higher-end, I just mean better made than a stock S&W or Ruger. I do not mean Korth, or solid gold, or Hitlers personal diamond encrusted six-shooter!

Can we make a little list?

-Freedom Arms
-Pre 2001 S&W
-Current Ruger with smith work
-?
-?
-?

 

[Moonclip]

Pre 2001 S&W too vague, some are very not "high end". If you have FA on the list, you might as well add Manurhin.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have to agree, Freedom Arms revolvers are usually $2000 and up. Some of the Korth revolvers I've seen were priced near $5,000 and they go higher. There are some original Colt revolvers that will run you 5 digits if you can get the owner to sell.

Here is a Korth revolver in .357 Magnum you can buy for a mere $5,050 if you cat fast!! LOL

Hey, the list goes on but for me, they are all out of my price range...

 

[Stainz]

For we mere mortals, a new 627 Pro, a decent set of wood grips, and a 'master revolver job' from S&W's PC shop will get you as close to nirvana as practical - and for a kilobuck, too. You'll have an excellent 8-banger 4" .357M that was affordable - at least enough so that you could carry it, plink with it, and clean it with pride. No room here for a Korth or Manurhin. And, if I want another SA with scribbling on the barrel, I'll save a bunch of sheckles and get a Ruger. At least they now put their's on the barrel's underside! TIC there, FAs are really nice - too bad I out grew SAs!

Stainz

 

[lee n. field]

When I say higher-end, I just mean better made than a stock S&W or Ruger. I do not mean Korth,

Saying that at the front end would have avoided much silliness.

So. What do you want to do with this high end revolver? What's it for?

 

[PzGren]

Freedom Arms revolvers are very well made but my first choice goes to Korth. Ever since I shot one my heart lusted for one!!!!

I just found a 1969 Korth .22 l.r. that had goofy grips on it, now I am looking for grips that fit me and guess I will have to make them myself. Korth in Germany and Nill in Germany have no grips for the older revolvers right now.

The quality is amazing, the accuracy unbelievable, the double action is just great...and the blueing nicer than on my Python.

 

[Moonclip]

How much did you give for it? How bad are the earlier grips? Where did you find it?

 

[PzGren]

The grips are anatomical grips and just don't fit me, they are some extremely hard wood without grain and colouring.
I paid a bit under two grand for it in a private sale from a fellow that had inherited it and needed money.

I already have a walnut block and am working on the grips, trying to get as close to the original shape as possible, but will probably stipple them instead of checkering them.

I am afraid that this will not be my last Korth. I can barely see the line where the side plate is fitted in and the quality is amazing. The early Korths, before Dynamit Nobel bought Korth, had much more labor in them than the recent ones.

Ever since I shot a SIG P210, I also am waiting for good opportunity to get one.

 

[Moonclip]

In think you got a good deal, I bet the grips look like those Herrett target grips. I wonder who made yours? Show us a target show with the Korth? Are you using high end ammo?