If you could only have one Revolver...

[M'bogo]

It's interesting how few Rugers are showing up here...

Just did a quick count and Ruger is mentioned as a pick 15 times so far. Not a bad showing...

M'bogo

 

[AStone]

Page 4.

I'd keep my 3-inch model 65 S&W.

Copy that.

If not the 65, then a 3" 686.

 

[2ndamd]

I'd take a Ruger GP100 with 3" barrel as well.

 

[Gryffydd]

Just did a quick count and Ruger is mentioned as a pick 15 times so far. Not a bad showing...

What's interesting is that when you look at most generic "GP100 or 686" type threads Ruger gets close to 50% or more. When the question changes to "Only one revolver" Ruger is getting barely 20%.

 

[Deanimator]

Dan Wesson 15VH Pistol Pack.. Four guns in one. Eight if you count .38 Special vs. .357 Magnum.

 

[JWF III]

Geez, why not shoot high here? How about a first generation Colt SAA in brand spanking new condition?

Have to agree with seasrcher on this one. I'll take SN #1.

Wyman

 

[lloyd540]

I love my K-22 masterpiece so much I will leave it in its unfired state. Beautiful gun.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I think the disparity between the "only one revolver" question and the "GP-100 vs. 686" is that S&W has a lot of other options. I think the GP and 686 are very comparable, but Ruger only now is getting into the lightweight pocket revolver market with the LCR. And at the opposite end, I think most preffer the 29 or 629 to a Redhawk or Super Redhawk.

If you are looking only at a mid sized .357, ruger competes well. If it is opened to everyone's subjective choice of what needs to fill with only one revolver, S&W has more models to fill each niche.

By the way, I own only one revolver. a 6 in GP-100.

 

[Gryffydd]

If you are looking only at a mid sized .357, ruger competes well. If it is opened to everyone's subjective choice of what needs to fill with only one revolver, S&W has more models to fill each niche.

Excellent point. It also seems that this question calls into thought other features than pure utility more than model v. model discussions. Things like historical value and aesthetic appeal come to mind more quickly. And Ruger loses out there. Hence all the First Gen SAA type responses.

Disclosure: I own 2 revolvers. A 5" Ruger GP-100 and a 5.5" Ruger Stainless Bisley Convertible.

 

[Mainer2009]

Smith &Wesson M29, blued, 6 1/2 bbl.

 

[HexHead]

I hang on to this one and let the others go...

 

[22-rimfire]

Probably a 4" Colt Diamondback in 22LR.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Wow! Tough decision.

I've got a SS 5 1/2" Ruger Red Hawk that I really like. A superb 4" Colt Diamondback... Hmm...? I'd really like a SS Ruger GP100.

To own one revolver.. Hmm...? early production 6" SS Colt Python?

This one is .357 Mag, but I'd like one in .445 SuperMag. Very versital revolver.

-Steve

 

[Meeteetse]

Probably a S&W Mdl. 27 (.357) with a 4" bbl., however I have been looking at a 4" Ruger Redhawk (.44 mag). There are advantages to both depending on where I am and what I am doing. The only problem with the "one gun" scenario is I prefer a wheelgun as my CCW piece and the two guns I mentioned are large. With that in mind and forced to make a decision I would probably choose a S&W Mdl. 13 (.357) 3" or a Ruger GP-100 (.357) 3".

 

[sparkyguy66]

madcratebuilder wrote:
No brainer, my M27 5".

ME TOO!!

 

[revolverman357]

Of the 25 revolvers I have, which consist of a variety of calibers of DA and SA, I would have to say the one revolver I cannot live without would be my 625 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt.

 

[Rexster]

If I could have only one revolver, it would be a 4" GP100, with adjustable sights and the fully-lugged barrel, and more specifically, one from fairly early production, with grunge grooves under the extractor. I have two like this. One was my duty sixgun for a while.

I really like my SP101s, but for serious longer-range work, a bit more than 3" of barrel is necessary, IMHO. If Ruger would make a 4" to 5" SP101 in .357, it would REALLY get my attention. Presently, they don't, therefore my answer in the preceding paragraph.

 

[ronlt55]

Favorite revolver?

S&W 686 with 4" barrel.

 

[tubeshooter]

It's funny... your answers can change over time depending on your perceived needs of the moment and also learning new things.

I started out with a .38 snub being my "do it all" gun, with little to go on but gun rag reading and only with urban self defense in mind. Went on to get a 3" .357, basically with the same "do it all" mindset for that one.


That works for me - don't get to do much woods bummin' so it's 'enough gun'. Haven't bought anything in about 10 years. But I was starting to get bit by the .44 Special bug about a year ago - a nice 3" model would be cool to have, but it's more of a wishlist thing. And again - I think it could "do it all" also.

 

[41 magnum fan]

My choice would be one of my S&W 657 Mountain Guns in 41 magnum.

 

[herbie1]

If you could only have one Revolver...

A lot depends on how this question is interpreted.

From a complete fantasy perspective, I think my choice is pretty easy, an original Colt Patterson.

From a little more realistic perspective I would choose either a S&W Registered Magnum or a 6" Colt Python. These would likely be save queens.

Realistically, I would chose a 6" S&W 686. This is assuming that I can also have other semi-auto handguns.

If I were restricted to just one handgun (as opposed to just one revolver) I would choose either an S&W 686SSR (4") or an S&W 620 (4"). If I were to include out of production guns, I would consider a 4" S&W 66.

H.

 

[Oyeboten]

...or, an S & W Model 58...

 

[Bill_G]

Ruger speed six in 2.75 barrel.

 

[Gryffydd]

There are others I'd probably rather have, but out of what I have I'd keep my Bisley. Being able to shoot .45 Colt and .45ACP can come in very handy.

 

[Dr.Rob]

They don't make it. Or is it didn't make it?

I'd like a Colt New Service in 44 Magnum.