The future of revolvers

[jar]

I assume you mean making it easier to insert and remove individual rounds from the moon clip. I find that the newer plastic moonclips are about as easy to load or unload as a speed loader and with the proper tools even the steel clips are not an issue.

Maybe on item one but then I've never found trigger weight an issue except on a few of my old H&R 22lr revolvers or hammer issues. As you indicate, those seem to be niche items rather than of general interest or importance.

And other than cartridge costs I've never understood the desire to use semi-auto rounds.

 

[Zendude]

Does 38/357 still account for around 10% of handgun ammo sales?

 

[MrBorland]

I assume you mean making it easier to insert and remove individual rounds from the moon clip. I find that the newer plastic moonclips are about as easy to load or unload as a speed loader and with the proper tools even the steel clips are not an issue.

IIRC, the common plastic moons aren't all that durable, and the "proper tool" I'm thinking of for the steel clips (the BMT) is pricey - at least pricier than the casual revolver shooter would like.

Maybe on item one but then I've never found trigger weight an issue except on a few of my old H&R 22lr revolvers or hammer issues. As you indicate, those seem to be niche items rather than of general interest or importance.

One can get used to the length and weight of the traditional DA trigger, but it's quite shocking to someone not used to it, particularly if it's a stock action, and particularly if it's a small carry revolver. And even those used to the traditional DA trigger would likely shooter better with a shorter & lighter trigger.

I should mention that I don't exclude the SA trigger from these discussions. The SA mode can evolve as well - it's just that most handgun buyers seem to be interested in a handgun for SD, rather than sport.

And other than cartridge costs I've never understood the desire to use semi-auto rounds.

Maybe heresy to say here, but IMO, 9mm is becoming (or has become) the de facto default handgun round. Cheaper, lighter recoil, more options & availability, and short stubby semi-auto rounds in a moonclip reload a revolver much quicker than other methods. There'll always be a place for traditional revolver rounds, but in this vision of revolver evolution, I see them becoming more a niche round for target shooting or hunting.

 

[jar]

IIRC, the common plastic moons aren't all that durable, and the "proper tool" I'm thinking of for the steel clips (the BMT) is pricey - at least pricier than the casual revolver shooter would like.



One can get used to the length and weight of the traditional DA trigger, but it's quite shocking to someone not used to it, particularly if it's a stock action, and particularly if it's a small carry revolver. And even those used to the traditional DA trigger would likely shooter better with a shorter & lighter trigger.

I should mention that I don't exclude the SA trigger from these discussions. The SA mode can evolve as well - it's just that most handgun buyers seem to be interested in a handgun for SD, rather than sport.



Maybe heresy to say here, but IMO, 9mm is becoming (or has become) the de facto default handgun round. Cheaper, lighter recoil, more options & availability, and short stubby semi-auto rounds in a moonclip reload a revolver much quicker than other methods. There'll always be a place for traditional revolver rounds, but in this vision of revolver evolution, I see them becoming more a niche round for target shooting or hunting.

But still, most of these things are not examples of the "revolver" evolving. Adding new or different calibers doesn't change the revolver.

The fact that a revolver trigger is shocking to someone who has not experienced revolvers is no more a surprise than the transition from revolver to semi-automatic. BUT a significant change in the hammer/trigger design would at least be the revolver evolving if it were incorporated in the new models.

Honestly though if I found a new revolver with the same smooth DA pull I now have in my old Colts and Smiths I'd be happy.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

IMHO- revolvers will continue to revolve; evolve, not so much.
The one "innovation" I would like to see is consistent higher quality,
sometimes you get a good one, sometimes lemon made.
I think it is ridiculous that some makers have in their facilities,
"performance" or "custom" shops that optimize a revolver that
should have been better built initially.
Build it better in the first place!

I've always preferred revolvers, I only have a couple brass flingers but I agree that revolver quality needs to be improved. I've had good luck with my S&W's except for one that had a bad barrel that needed replacing. I bought a new GP100 .22 that needed a bunch of rework to make it usable. My new Colt King Cobra .22 was replaced twice, they were all very nice looking but none of the 3 worked, just got my money back.

 

[mcb]

One of the problem with revolver is they are such an old establish technology, those that like them and buy them, for the most part don't want to see an evolution. Look at the resistance the Rhino got for simply putting the barrel at the bottom of the cylinder instead of the top. Look at the resistance many revolver users have to moonclips and rimless cartridges despite the advantages in social and competitive settings. Look at the push back Henry got for their very traditional double action revolver that simply combine ascetics and materials from a few different eras of revolvers. So on... You can't innovate if your market does not want it. Those that want to see new innovative designs and new technology in revolvers are a very VERY small fraction of the revolver market.

 

[Onty]

Smith and Wesson has their “classic” line which reproduces older model firearms. Colt is bringing back some of the “snake” guns.

Will Ruger follow suit?

I hope so! Well, at least as GP100 with barrel configuration as on Security Six, 6" long, and also 7.5". Hammer spur like on SBH, please!

 

[doubleh]

Or all those little and very wittle men?

I would recommend that each shooter be allowed to choose what they prefer. I tend to become a little upset when someone insists I need to use something I don't like. Give advise if asked, otherwise let them do just like many of us have and tried different one's until satisfied. Sellers like that approach. More money in their pocket.

Revolvers are simple machines so how can they evolve more? You either pull back a hammer to rotate the cylinder and cock and then pull the trigger to fire or use one of the new fangled one's that allows you to use the trigger to do everything or cock and then fire. Not much left except cosmetics to mess with. The Chiappa Rhino was a departure but still just a rearrangement of components and hasn't sold well. Ordinary revolvers of both designs still sell well in this area. Heritage and the wrangler are just low cost because of cheaper materials, not enhanced design. Yes, the wrangler has the transfer bar that is not new now but some don't see it as an improvement.

 

[Frulk]

I’d like to see revolver manufacturers (particularly Ruger as I seem to gravitate towards them) prep their guns for low profile red dots.

Whether that be cuts, predrilled screw holes etc. or maybe a system like how their ring bases fit into barrel recesses. I’d especially like to see this on the SP101

 

[Onty]

I would recommend that each shooter be allowed to choose what they prefer. I tend to become a little upset when someone insists I need to use something I don't like. Give advise if asked, otherwise let them do just like many of us have and tried different one's until satisfied. Sellers like that approach.

I couldn't agree more! I will never understand why some folks trying to impose their views and preferences on others, and at the same time bashing others' views and preferences. Personally, I couldn't care less about Chiappa Rhino, Ruger LCR and Wrangler, or boxy plastic semiautos. I wouldn't take those even if they cost a single cent. However, some folks like them, and that is fine with me.

 

[MrBorland]

The fact that a revolver trigger is shocking to someone who has not experienced revolvers is no more a surprise than the transition from revolver to semi-automatic.

Yes, except that only one of those transitions is generally felt to be pleasant and an aid to better shooting

Honestly though if I found a new revolver with the same smooth DA pull I now have in my old Colts and Smiths I'd be happy

As a DA nerd, I would too. But many others wouldn't - they're still perceived as long and hard - which, relatively speaking, they are. And take a lot of practice to master, particularly for smaller shooters.

 

[Kleanbore]

The corporate liability lawyers would rule that out.

Why?

 

[doubleh]

I couldn't agree more! I will never understand why some folks trying to impose their views and preferences on others, and at the same time bashing others' views and preferences. Personally, I couldn't care less about Chiappa Rhino, Ruger LCR and Wrangler, or boxy plastic semiautos. I wouldn't take those even if they cost a single cent. However, some folks like them, and that is fine with me.

We differ in that that I would take any or all of those for a singe cent. I would even take a Ford vehicle for a single cent. Then I would immediately trade each off for something I like.

 

[jar]

Yes, except that only one of those transitions is generally felt to be pleasant and an aid to better shooting


As a DA nerd, I would too. But many others wouldn't - they're still perceived as long and hard - which, relatively speaking, they are. And take a lot of practice to master, particularly for smaller shooters.

There is and has been an available evolutionary option for that, one that's been discussed for at least three or four decades and that's replacing the mechanical hammer trigger ratchet mechanism with a fire by wire totally electronic system.

And we have all seen just how that was received.

 

[Mk VII]

Why?

Weak S&W frame lock, that fails in service; yes, probably because someone pushed the envelope too far, but "you knowingly sold a product that was unsafe ". And nothing these days is an accident, it's always got to be someone's fault, and it's got to be a criminal conspiracy.

 

[mcb]

Weak S&W frame lock, that fails in service; yes, probably because someone pushed the envelope too far, but "you knowingly sold a product that was unsafe ". And nothing these days is an accident, it's always got to be someone's fault, and it's got to be a criminal conspiracy.

The only reason the frame lock is still on the guns is not because of the lawyers but because the company that invented the lock owns S&W.

 

[film495]

I just picked up a Taurus 865UL a while back and I consider it new tech. it has a 3" barrel, 6 rounds, but weighs 17 ounces, and cost was low enough where when I really saw it and thought about it, figured yeah - I might as well just have one of those to see if I like that size, weight, of it. So far so good. Modern tech right off the assembly line.

 

[Mizar]

A redesign of the hammer. There are a number of aftermarket hammers available which lower the inertia of the hammer, allowing for lighter springs. True, many of the guns which use these are uber-tuned "Federal only" gamer guns, but the principle is relevant - all else being equal, a hammer with less inertia travels faster and hits the primer with more power, so one could reduce the trigger pull weight further before reliability becomes an issue.

In the perfect machining world that exists only in children books where everything is straight, true, with correct surface roughness and tolerances, this is the way to go, no doubt. But in reality, with all the gritty surfaces that are full of machine marks and burrs, a heavier hammer with stronger mainspring is much preferred - it just has more inertia to overcome the obstacles in it's path.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think a large frame 32mag (327 magnum if possible) with a rail on top and bottom which holds 9 or 10rds could sell to the 32 fans (me) as well as people who want a home gun in a 10rd limited state.

Also, a line of revolvers better fitted to what they are firing. ie; the 9mm and 45 acp guns with a short cylinder in a large frame, a frame made for those would be a plus.

I would love to see a small/light revolver cut down to handle 38WC loads or the defense loads made which are the length of a 38 case. Would cut down on the size/weight some.

 

[Kleanbore]

Weak S&W frame lock, that fails in service; yes, probably because....

How does "inspired by Webley" imply a Smith and Wesson frame lock?

 

[RugRev]

"1. A redesign of the hammer. There are a number of aftermarket hammers available which lower the inertia of the hammer, allowing for lighter springs. True, many of the guns which use these are uber-tuned "Federal only" gamer guns, but the principle is relevant - all else being equal, a hammer with less inertia travels faster and hits the primer with more power, so one could reduce the trigger pull weight further before reliability becomes an issue. Manufacturers could incorporate some of those design elements."

In the case of Rugers one could even design cast in bosses that could be filed so as to fit the hammer or trigger to the gun to eliminate rubbing instead of using shims. In the case of the Rugers perhaps a mainspring in a shroud like on the Korth revolvers could be offered. At one time a hammer strut was offered aftermarket that allowed adjusting mainspring tension that could be updated and incorporated into the improvements. The parts along with firing pins could also be offered in titanium albeit it would be expensive.

 

[PapaG]

Henry did a good job on their revolvers!

I see nothing new, improved or special in a $800 Henry. Sorry, not a fan.

 

[blackd24]

Let’s take the new 9mm carry guns, for example… there is a regular version, night sight, 17 colors, X, macro, compact plus, on and on and on.

For revolvers, they could do something similar. Unless I’m wrong, the most variety is barrel length, 2 or 3 finishes, and then MAYBE a few different options for sights.

Obviously the big manufacturers cater towards the plastic 9s, I just wish they would invest some time and money into growing the revolver options.

 

[unclenunzie]

It's a question of scale. The market for semi-auto pistols is much, much larger than the market for revolvers. A large manufacturer must sell a large volume of anything to move the profit needle. So while Ruger innovated with the LCR and it now competes very well with S&W in the J frame space, there's probably more money to be made pumping out variations of pistols. For new entrants they have to be unique and attractive, like what Kimber did with the K6S series. And what Henry did with theirs.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I see nothing new, improved or special in a $800 Henry. Sorry, not a fan.

I like it cuz everyone hates it