New To Revolvers

[AFhack]

Hi,

I own several autoloading pistols and I'm a huge fan of 1911A1s (as long as they're 45 ACP), but I've never fired a revolver in my life. I use a Springfield 1911A1 in IPSC competition.

What brands/guns should I be looking at for my first revolver? Concealed carry isn't an issue. Potentially, IPSC competition is a maybe, but certainly not the primary consideration in the purchase. I want a gun that's friendly to learn (from an auto-using kind of guy moving to revolvers) and potentially useful in a practical situation (worst comes to worst).

What do you guys recommend?

 

[IV Troop]

I am going to guess that since you shoot IPSC that you likely reload. From a logistics standpoint a 45 acp revolver such as an S&W 625 would be a good choice. Plus they are a top notch competition gun.

 

[Cosmoline]

Revolvers offer the shooter a much wider array of stock and frame arrangements than the semis. There's no need to stow bullets in the frame, so it's freed up to take on a wide array of sizes and shapes. Find what your hand likes best and go from there. I'd also advise that you don't overlook the single actions. If you get a chance shoot a Colt Single Action Army. I used to think they were bizarre looking contraptions, but then I shot one and instantly realized how well the whole thing functions. My favorite magnum revolvers overall are the K-Frame .357's, the Ruger Security Sixes and the Ruger SP-101 I have now. For non-magnums I love the SAA clones and the old Colt Police Positive Specials and OP's. You can still find old Colt double actions for very low prices, but they will often shoot extremely good groups.

 

[f4t9r]

since you already shoot auto
go to the range and try out a few of the revolvers and pick one out

 

[AFhack]

since you already shoot auto
go to the range and try out a few of the revolvers and pick one out

Easier said than done for me, I'm afraid. I normally shoot at a pretty rural range with no guns available for rent. Traffic on the range is also pretty slow, so finding someone who will let me shoot theirs is not really an option (though I have had the opportunity to shoot one or two SAA types recently, but only for a very few rounds).




Thanks to all the responders so far.... good point about ammo and the S&W 625, that combo would save me some money.

 

[ACP230]

My picks would be Smiths for DA revolvers.

And Ruger Blackhawks (Old Model if possible) for single-actions.

I know people who like Taurus guns, and I own two Colts and a Charter Arms. Smiths and Rugers have been best for me.

 

[scotty]

S&W's are an excellent choice for revolvers.

Since the "only fire six shots before a reload" rule, 7 and 8 shot revolvers have lost their advantage.

A 625 would be a good choice. I currently shoot a 610 10mm/.40 when I try my hand (embarrass myself) in revolver division. Both will make major easily.

For IPSC/USPSA competition, single actions are much too slow to load/unload. You need a double action revolver to compete. Speedloaders will work, but moonclips are the way to go.

 

[6inch]

Take a look at the S&W 686. It's a great .357 Mag. wheel gun.

 

[Sunray]

You choice should be made based on the same criteria as a pistol. The fit. Pop into your local gun shop, if there is one, and try a few on for size. As an experienced shooter, you'll know instantly what fits and what doesn't. A slightly too big or too small fit can be fixed by changing the grips. Have a look at the Ruger GP-100. Mine is the only revolver I've ever owned that didn't need a change of grips. It will need a trigger job(easy to do yourself), but so does any firearm.

 

[ChristopherG]

If you shoot IPSC and are a 1911 fan, then a 625 is the clear way to go. You know the .45 is a fine round if you ever need your revolver to 'mean business'. The large frame of the 625 makes recoil prety moderate with major-power loads--particularly with a five-inch, full-lugged barrel.

One other neat thing you can do with a 625, should the bug bite you, is load it up. It's a large-frame S&W after all, the same frame as they use for .44 mags. Using Starline .45 AutoRim brass, I've pushed 255 gr. SWC's (i.e., .45 colt bullets) almost 1100 fps from my 625--and it's a four inch. Of course, you can use Autorim brass for milder loads, too, if you decide you don't want to fool with moonclips regularly (i.e., outside of competition; inside competition, the moonclip is the reason the 625 is king of gamer wheelguns).

 

[Bullet Bob]

AFhack;

Your info doesn't include where you are, but if it happens to be central NC, contact me via email in my profile, and you can try a few revolvers!

 

[AFhack]

Thanks everyone! Great inputs

Bullet Bob - I'd definately take you up on that if I was anywhere in the region, thanks for the offer. I'm in southern New Mexico, Alamogordo to be exact.

I fairly certain I'm going to go with a 625. One of the gunshops in town had one and I got to feel whether or not it fit me. Seems like it does. Would've bought it today if another customer hadn't already had it on lay away.

 

[Jeff Timm]

You might consider a Thunder Ranch Model 22 S&W
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15715&isFirearm=Y

Fixed sights, action job and star clips.

Geoff
Who was sorely tempted, but seriously short of $750. Sigh.

 

[Ala Dan]

BINGO~! Exactly what 6 inch said.