Need Help Picking A Revolver

[tuckrr]

well, im looking to buy an older revolver, like late 1800s-early 1900s.
however, i do want some features: double action, 5 or 6 chamber (preferably 6), and i want the round fired to be .577 boxers or up.
basically i want a revolver that is a freaking hand-cannon, but not stupid looking, and isnt goind to knock me over when i fire it.

when it comes to the round that is fired, i would prefer bigger caliber and less jules of energy (b/c that way i will have less recoil but still have big bullets)

so far ive looked at the
Webley .577 Boxer (my personal favorite so far)
Pfeifer Zeliska .600 Nitro Express revolver (a bit too big)
Remington M1865 Navy
and many others
any suggestions?

also i want a look like this (look at crons 1st and 2nd revolvers, towards the bottom of the page)
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=338194&page=4

man i love that dark silver color...

 

[Brian Williams]

Wow, most guys just want something to pop a few soda cans. Are you looking at charging rhinos or great big Oliphants?

Good luck in your search. Most guys looking to break their wrist play rugby or something.

Look for a BFR in 45/70 it might float your boat.

 

[tuckrr]

thx, i guess.

 

[duallydave]

I would recommend checking out the Ruger Alaskan, in the .454 Casull model. The Ruger Super Redhawk is also available in 454 Casull. This is a hand cannon in the bigger loads, and will bring down a full size Grizzly. It does not fit your "older" criteria though. It comes with the Hogue Tamer grip, which is a good grip for absorbing the recoil. The .454 Casull is capable of about 50% more power than a .44 cartridge, I don't know how that compares to your other cartridges, but you may want to take a look.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.454_Casull

 

[bestseller92]

I think the OP has a lot to learn about handguns.

 

[machinisttx]

You do realize that both the .577 and the .600 NE will have to be registered with ATF as destructive devices, right?

 

[dmazur]

I read frequently about protocol for replying to a question with something other than the OP's request (such as, "I'm looking for a home protection pistol" and the reply suggests getting a 12 gauge pump.)

So, recognizing that, I'm going to go ahead and do it -

1. Older revolvers are "neat", but hard to get parts for and sometimes, harder to find a gunsmith who knows how they are supposed to be timed. Newer models can be found with things the old gunsmiths never dreamed of, like coil springs, stainless steel construction, and transfer bar safeties (permit carrying 6 safely.)

2. Newer calibers can offer the "hand cannon" you are trying to get, but you will have to handload to get the reduced recoil. Most of the calibers like the .454 Casull, .460 S&W and .500 S&W are trying to be "short rifles" (if I can use that term), for hunting large game or for bear protection. The last thing on the designer's mind was reduced recoil. I know that the .44 Rem Mag can be loaded down safely, generally using different powders. The same is probably true of the larger calibers, but I have no experience with them.

 

[Catherine]

Ouch! That is a huge caliber for a revolver. NO offense.

My husband has a Freedom Arms revolver in 454 Casull and he shoots 45Colt aka long colt out of it. He uses some factory ammunition and 'reloads'. He does not always use 'huge' loads for a better way of putting it. He open carries this for the wilderness. He sold one FA and kept the other one.

He has a Marlin 45-70 too. He has owned a few 45-70s.

He has several 45Colts (45ACP) and he had a 44Magnum too. We, both, owned the Model 29.

I have never shot the huge caliber that you are discussing in the original post. I would want to 'rent' one or try a friend's gun before I bought one - that is if I was thinking about it... which I am not.

I have known a few men who designed, own and shoot those guns. They can be 'loaded' down = ammunition from what I was told. I met John L. a years ago and we ate dinner with him in Cody, WY @ the "Irma". He is a lovely and smart man. I did not understand some of what the guys were discussing though on 'loads' - no offense on my ignorance about SOME of these matters. I do not 'reload' or hand load. Mr. Lee J. knows about these big guns too. I and/or WE have not discussed this BIG caliber with him though recently via email or telephone.

The biggest revolver caliber that I have ever shot was in 45Colt, 44Magnum, 44Specials too. Various ammunition loads - factory and hand loads. The biggest one in a rifle that I EVER shot and it was only a FEW ROUNDS was in a Marlin 45-70... just to TRY it and it was 'loaded' down for my size and strength. I am only 5' 3" tall and not over 6' tall as he is. I would not want to do that often (45-70) and now that my bad, left side is worse... only if I HAD to use it for defense against a BIG animal or only if I had that with me, not my Marlin 30-30 and/or with a hand gun if I needed it.

If you want it and like it - get it. I figure that we all have different tastes, wants and physical capabilities. My husband is tall and big and he would not want one. We are in our 50's. My late husband was tall and lean - he would not want one. Some men love these guns even though it may be VERY strong shooting for their hands, wrists, etc.

Best wishes to you.

Catherine

 

[wheelgunslinger]

The Dan Wesson Alaskan Guide or the 445 supermag will fit the bill
The Alaskan guide has a muzzle brake that will tame some of the recoil, and the 445 supermag round that they shoot is pretty hot, but can be loaded down to 44 cal specs.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=103223302
There's one on gunbroker for 850 or so.


With a Dan Wesson, you can swap the barrels using that neato wrench they show. This means you can plink away at the range with a 8, 10, or 12 inch barrel, and screw on a 4 incher when you want to tool around with it in the woods. Or, just when you want to.
This Dan Wesson is the big bore hand cannon you want, doesn't require being registered in any special way, and is versatile enough to do whatever you want.
Smith and Wesson holsters will fit it, you can get speedloaders, and there's even a really nice guy who can slick up the action.

darn. I may have talked myself into it.