Mike Irwin
Member
S&W Model 19
S&W Triple Lock
S&W .22 Kit Gun.
S&W Triple Lock
S&W .22 Kit Gun.
TOP 12 revolvers of all time
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
- Status
too tired
Ireread this post this morning and noticed the word revolver where I had handgun in my tired brain. I am not going to change the historical handguns and take the auto from the list, but it I suppose it requires to pull the 1911 NM from the desirable list and replace it with a wheel gun.
So strike the the 1911 NM and replace it with 1st generation Colt SAA in 38-40 or 44-40.
And others that don't offically make the three cutoff would be a .44 Hand Ejector, a .38/44 N frame, and .45 ACP Model 1917
Ireread this post this morning and noticed the word revolver where I had handgun in my tired brain. I am not going to change the historical handguns and take the auto from the list, but it I suppose it requires to pull the 1911 NM from the desirable list and replace it with a wheel gun.
So strike the the 1911 NM and replace it with 1st generation Colt SAA in 38-40 or 44-40.
And others that don't offically make the three cutoff would be a .44 Hand Ejector, a .38/44 N frame, and .45 ACP Model 1917
Hand_Rifle_Guy
Member
Of ALL TIME?
Well, this thread is decidedly American-flavored. Nothing wrong with that per se, but it's doing a dis-service to some fine guns from Forn Parts.
The Webley, in all forms be they -Green or -Pryse or & Scott or whatever. DA big-bore world-beater with an undeniably successful track record. Ushered in the speed-loader with the Prideaux Quick-Loader back in 18??. The British SAA with concurrent listing to the admirable Colt, and arguably a better gun.
The S&W #3 Russian Contract revolver. Shares simutaneous ejection with the Webley. Of American origin, but not American issue, this gun, with it's .44 Russian inside-lubed-bullet cartridge put paid to the woefully inaccurate Colt heeled bullet line. Father of the mighty .44 Special.
The Lemat. Forn-bred by virtue of a cool name. Listed by virtue of just being a rather fantastic idea, to wit: 9 .44-caliber chambers rotating around a stubby shotgun barrel. Not a great success, very expensive, comparitively only a few ever made, and of debatable efficacy due to the bullet's recoil tending to unseat the shotload. Before the advent of cartridges, the muzzle-loading Assualt Weapon of the Civil War.
Honorable mentions to the Paterson, the 1860 Army, the S&W #1, all those British Bulldogs made by everybody but the British but based faithfully on the R.I.C. revolver, and the latest version of the concept, the Ruger DA. Couldn't make the cut onnaccounta they jest tain't Fern' enuf.
Hmmm. I should post less when I have a cold. Delerium makes for some strange rationals.
Well, this thread is decidedly American-flavored. Nothing wrong with that per se, but it's doing a dis-service to some fine guns from Forn Parts.
The Webley, in all forms be they -Green or -Pryse or & Scott or whatever. DA big-bore world-beater with an undeniably successful track record. Ushered in the speed-loader with the Prideaux Quick-Loader back in 18??. The British SAA with concurrent listing to the admirable Colt, and arguably a better gun.
The S&W #3 Russian Contract revolver. Shares simutaneous ejection with the Webley. Of American origin, but not American issue, this gun, with it's .44 Russian inside-lubed-bullet cartridge put paid to the woefully inaccurate Colt heeled bullet line. Father of the mighty .44 Special.
The Lemat. Forn-bred by virtue of a cool name. Listed by virtue of just being a rather fantastic idea, to wit: 9 .44-caliber chambers rotating around a stubby shotgun barrel. Not a great success, very expensive, comparitively only a few ever made, and of debatable efficacy due to the bullet's recoil tending to unseat the shotload. Before the advent of cartridges, the muzzle-loading Assualt Weapon of the Civil War.
Honorable mentions to the Paterson, the 1860 Army, the S&W #1, all those British Bulldogs made by everybody but the British but based faithfully on the R.I.C. revolver, and the latest version of the concept, the Ruger DA. Couldn't make the cut onnaccounta they jest tain't Fern' enuf.
Hmmm. I should post less when I have a cold. Delerium makes for some strange rationals.
S&W 686+ mountain gun-
with 7 shots, L-frame strength, weight of a k-frame, and no full lug (for the full lug haters), S&W smoothness and quality, it is the finest COMBAT revolver of all time. No, it doesn't have the elegance of a python, (but not far behind) or the strength of a model 27 (but not far off, and in a much handier package), but when all is added up, it comes out on top for me.
Ruger GP100 (fixed sight)-
simple, strong gun in an excellent design. Fixed sights have a slightly smaller grip frame and slightly more rounded frame in general that makes them fit my had like a glove and makes them very carryable for me. And I think Ruger's GP100 factory grips are the finest factory grips ever made in terms of ergonomics.
with 7 shots, L-frame strength, weight of a k-frame, and no full lug (for the full lug haters), S&W smoothness and quality, it is the finest COMBAT revolver of all time. No, it doesn't have the elegance of a python, (but not far behind) or the strength of a model 27 (but not far off, and in a much handier package), but when all is added up, it comes out on top for me.
Ruger GP100 (fixed sight)-
simple, strong gun in an excellent design. Fixed sights have a slightly smaller grip frame and slightly more rounded frame in general that makes them fit my had like a glove and makes them very carryable for me. And I think Ruger's GP100 factory grips are the finest factory grips ever made in terms of ergonomics.
ceestand
Member
S&W Model 10
Colt Python
Mateba 6 Unica
Colt Python
Mateba 6 Unica
2 revolvers that I have never seen in person, or shot (obviously), but I think must be included in any list of top revolvers of all time are the Korth from Germany and the Manhurin MR-73 from France. Over the years I've read many reviews in many publications and heard reports from friends, that they are magnificent in every respect. The fact that the MR-73 cannot be touched for under $1500 and the Korth for under $4000 means that I will probably never get to test my entrants.
Brian Dale
Member
given the original conditions stated in this thread:
1873 Colt Model P: in .45 LC or .44-40, with a 4 3/4" or 5 1/2" bbl. Pick the one that looks and feels best to you; there's no wrong answer.
Colt Detective Special: 2nd model, blued steel and walnut;
the 6-inch Python just squeaks past the 4-inch Model 19. Again, blued steel and walnut, please.
I've written before that we big burly guys get to choose things just 'cause they're 'pretty;' we don't have to prove our masculinity.
I'll pick three real icons that I like:
1873 Colt Model P: in .45 LC or .44-40, with a 4 3/4" or 5 1/2" bbl. Pick the one that looks and feels best to you; there's no wrong answer.
Colt Detective Special: 2nd model, blued steel and walnut;
the 6-inch Python just squeaks past the 4-inch Model 19. Again, blued steel and walnut, please.
I've written before that we big burly guys get to choose things just 'cause they're 'pretty;' we don't have to prove our masculinity.
OP
OP
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
So far: / = 1 vote
//////// Colt SAA or Model P 1873 in Cavalry garb with 7.5 barrel and 45 colt
//////// Colt Python
////// S&W 29
////// Smith & Wesson "Registered Magnum"
////// Smith & Wesson model 19
///// S&W M&P Pre-war, Post-war, Pre mod 10, Mod 10
////Colt Patterson
/// Colt Walker
/// Colt and S&W Models of1917 .45 ACP
// Smith Model 27
/ Ruger OM Blackhawk in 357
/ Ruger SP101
/ Dan Wesson Model 15
/ Ruger Single Six
/ S&W mountain gun
/ 1860 Army Model Colt
/ S&W 681
/ Centennial model hammerless pocket protector.
/ J-frame S&W - how many pockets have one of these in 'em?
/ the S&W N frame triple Lock .44
/ Ruger Blackhawk
/ Ruger Redhawk
/ Colt Detective Special
/ Korth
/ Manhurin MR-73
/ Mateba 6 Unica
/ S&W 686+ mountain gun
/ Ruger GP100
/ Webley
/ S&W #3 Russian
/ The Lemat
/ .44 Hand Ejector,
/.38/44 N frame,
/ S&W Triple Lock
/ S&W .22 Kit Gun.
/ Freedom Arms
/ Raging Bull
/ X-frame
/ Colt M1889 first swing out revolver
//////// Colt SAA or Model P 1873 in Cavalry garb with 7.5 barrel and 45 colt
//////// Colt Python
////// S&W 29
////// Smith & Wesson "Registered Magnum"
////// Smith & Wesson model 19
///// S&W M&P Pre-war, Post-war, Pre mod 10, Mod 10
////Colt Patterson
/// Colt Walker
/// Colt and S&W Models of1917 .45 ACP
// Smith Model 27
/ Ruger OM Blackhawk in 357
/ Ruger SP101
/ Dan Wesson Model 15
/ Ruger Single Six
/ S&W mountain gun
/ 1860 Army Model Colt
/ S&W 681
/ Centennial model hammerless pocket protector.
/ J-frame S&W - how many pockets have one of these in 'em?
/ the S&W N frame triple Lock .44
/ Ruger Blackhawk
/ Ruger Redhawk
/ Colt Detective Special
/ Korth
/ Manhurin MR-73
/ Mateba 6 Unica
/ S&W 686+ mountain gun
/ Ruger GP100
/ Webley
/ S&W #3 Russian
/ The Lemat
/ .44 Hand Ejector,
/.38/44 N frame,
/ S&W Triple Lock
/ S&W .22 Kit Gun.
/ Freedom Arms
/ Raging Bull
/ X-frame
/ Colt M1889 first swing out revolver
Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
Gee, I HATE to - - -
- - But I am forced to nit-pick just a little. Josey wrote:
The Colt New Service was built on an entirely different frame. It was chambered in .45 Colt and the WCF line (at least .38-40 and .44-40) as well as some English cartridges. My only NS is one marked ".44 Special and Russian." This frame was the basis for the U.S. Military Colt 1917 model and the target-sighted Colt Shooting Master. The NS was also the first Colt DA chambered for the .357 Magnum ctg. The SAA was, too, but I don't have the dates at hand.
The .41 frame and the New Service: Two fine Colts, but distinctly different formats.
Best,
Johnny
- - But I am forced to nit-pick just a little. Josey wrote:
Well, the Pythons and Troopers were direct descendants of the Colt 1889 Navy model revolver, which, as pointed out, was the first successful swing-out cylinder revolver. This is what became called "the .41 frame" by Colt, though by far most were chambered for one or another of the .38 carteridges. The 1889 begat the Army Special, which became the Official Police, which gave rise to a fine series of target handguns - - The Officers Model Match, the OM Special, the Camp Perry, and probably a couple of others. The Colt Trooper (in .38 Special) and Three-Fifty-Seven models, were the direct ancestors of the Python, all from the same .41 frame. This frame, however, was just not large enough for the big .44 and .45 cartridges.
The Colt New Service was built on an entirely different frame. It was chambered in .45 Colt and the WCF line (at least .38-40 and .44-40) as well as some English cartridges. My only NS is one marked ".44 Special and Russian." This frame was the basis for the U.S. Military Colt 1917 model and the target-sighted Colt Shooting Master. The NS was also the first Colt DA chambered for the .357 Magnum ctg. The SAA was, too, but I don't have the dates at hand.
The .41 frame and the New Service: Two fine Colts, but distinctly different formats.
Best,
Johnny
Flying V
Member
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the 1851 Adams. Surely the first double-action revolver has great historical significance.
fallingblock
Member
I'll add another vote for the GP-100...
As an example of a rugged and well-designed modern revolver, the GP-100
stands out.
The S&W Centennial, particularly since 1995 gave us a .357 example, is probably near the top of the list for all time best pocket revolvers.
The Walker Colt ought to have a mention....
The Colt New Service was a fine large frame .45
And the Peacemaker.....
The Webley RIC was a trend-setter.....
The Adams provided the first D.A. handgun, and a good one at that.
The Ruger Old Army is the finest cap and ball ever produced....
There are a lot of good revolvers, aren't there?
As an example of a rugged and well-designed modern revolver, the GP-100
stands out.
The S&W Centennial, particularly since 1995 gave us a .357 example, is probably near the top of the list for all time best pocket revolvers.
The Walker Colt ought to have a mention....
The Colt New Service was a fine large frame .45
And the Peacemaker.....
The Webley RIC was a trend-setter.....
The Adams provided the first D.A. handgun, and a good one at that.
The Ruger Old Army is the finest cap and ball ever produced....
There are a lot of good revolvers, aren't there?
Black Majik
Member
1) Colt SSA
2) Colt Python
3) S&W M29
2) Colt Python
3) S&W M29
Lobotomy Boy
Member
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2004
- Messages
- 2,449
To be fair, when you tally the votes you should count the Model 27/Registerd Magnum as one gun, since the Model 27 was the same gun as the original Magnum (which by the time Smith started numbering its models had lost the hand checkering of the Registered Magnum).
Consider this another vote for the Registered Magnum/Model 27 for number 1.
2. Ruger Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk
3. Smith J-Frame
Consider this another vote for the Registered Magnum/Model 27 for number 1.
2. Ruger Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk
3. Smith J-Frame
cxm
Member
Most Important Revolvers
1. S&W M&P (K Frame) in all the various chamberings
2. S&W N Frame it it's various chamberings
3. Colt's P model in various chamberings
1. S&W M&P (K Frame) in all the various chamberings
2. S&W N Frame it it's various chamberings
3. Colt's P model in various chamberings
1. Colt Patterson
2. Colt 1851
3. Colt 1860 Army
(I left out the Walker, while an historically interesting firearm, so few were made compared to the Colt Navy and Army models that saw world wide use, not to mention hard use in the American Civil War)
4. Colt Model P
5. Colt New Service (First Swing out model)/SW 3rd model Breaktop (Russian). I'd call these a tie for ease of reloading. Smith came out earlier.
6. SW Model M&P (the most popular revolver ever?)
7. SW/Colt 1917. (Again based on rapid production to get weapons into the hand of troops on short notice, Colt and SW produced something like 300,000 revolvers in a single year!
8. SW Registered Magnum.
9. Ruger Blackhawk. (First affordable, and durable 357 SA on the market).
10. FA .454 The pistol and cartridge that started the new handgun arms race for bigger and better.
That's my take. Picking only three is too hard. Then again, most of my revolvers are Colts or copies of Colts.
2. Colt 1851
3. Colt 1860 Army
(I left out the Walker, while an historically interesting firearm, so few were made compared to the Colt Navy and Army models that saw world wide use, not to mention hard use in the American Civil War)
4. Colt Model P
5. Colt New Service (First Swing out model)/SW 3rd model Breaktop (Russian). I'd call these a tie for ease of reloading. Smith came out earlier.
6. SW Model M&P (the most popular revolver ever?)
7. SW/Colt 1917. (Again based on rapid production to get weapons into the hand of troops on short notice, Colt and SW produced something like 300,000 revolvers in a single year!
8. SW Registered Magnum.
9. Ruger Blackhawk. (First affordable, and durable 357 SA on the market).
10. FA .454 The pistol and cartridge that started the new handgun arms race for bigger and better.
That's my take. Picking only three is too hard. Then again, most of my revolvers are Colts or copies of Colts.
Radagast
Member
If I had to pick three favourites:
5 inch model 27
4 inch model 66
2 inch centennial
Honourable mention to the ruger single six and webley top breaks.
Ken
5 inch model 27
4 inch model 66
2 inch centennial
Honourable mention to the ruger single six and webley top breaks.
Ken
Gun Runners Alaska
Member
1) S&W Model of 1905 Military & Police
2) S&W or Colt Model of 1917
3) S&W Registered Magnum
2) S&W or Colt Model of 1917
3) S&W Registered Magnum
gulogulo1970
Member
1. Colt Python
2. Ruger SP-101
3. S&W 29
2. Ruger SP-101
3. S&W 29
Last edited:
OP
OP
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Some of you guys just cannot count, read original post I said 3 not 10 or 12 or 7 but 3
Also it does not state influential or historic just your pick for your most desireable, useful, pretty, handy, whatever your justification.
We have beat historic and influential to death.
Also it does not state influential or historic just your pick for your most desireable, useful, pretty, handy, whatever your justification.
We have beat historic and influential to death.
Last edited:
aug e. dog
Member
OK, I like shooting these 3 the best, so that's what I'll go with.
S&W Model 28
Ruger Single Six
S&W Model 19
My S&W Model 10 was a close 4th, but lost out simply because I cannot shoot magnums with it.
S&W Model 28
Ruger Single Six
S&W Model 19
My S&W Model 10 was a close 4th, but lost out simply because I cannot shoot magnums with it.
Cosmoline
Member
I'd include the
Taurus Raging Bull as the first mass-market handgun in a big bore wildcat. Until Taurus did it, the mainstream companies would not touch it. FA and custom shops were the only ones chambering for cartridges more potent than the .44 Magnum.
Taurus Titanium line. Again the Brazilians led the way.
Taurus Raging Bull as the first mass-market handgun in a big bore wildcat. Until Taurus did it, the mainstream companies would not touch it. FA and custom shops were the only ones chambering for cartridges more potent than the .44 Magnum.
Taurus Titanium line. Again the Brazilians led the way.
Neal Bloom
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
- Messages
- 334
S&W Highway Patrolman
S&W L Frame
S&W Model 19
S&W L Frame
S&W Model 19
bfoster
Member
1. The first successful revolver is probably lost in the mists of time.
2. The first successful production revolver was the Colt Patterson.
3. The first successful production revolver having incontrovertable
stopping power was the Colt Walker.
4. The first successful production solid frame revolver was the Adams
Model 1851.
5. The first successful production revolver to take a fixed cartridge was
the S&W #1.
6. The first successful production revolver to use modern style ammunition
(not heel bullets) was the S&W #3 (Old Old Model Russian). But don't
discount the accuracy potential of centerfire heel bullets- by the time when
they gained the bad reputation they have, the revolvers that shot these had
for years had the smaller forcing cones that are needed to shoot the much
smaller diameter "inside lubricated" bullets.
7. The first successful production safe action revolver was the S&W Safety
First Model, but this was a dead end in revolver design. The first successful
safe action revoler to use a design approach that has stood the test of time
was the Iver Johnson Safety Automatic Revolver of 1892.
8. The first successful production revolver designed to shoot high pressure
ammunition was the S&W Magnum.
9. Innovative revolvers for the police market: S&W M&P and the Colt Detective
Special.
10. Innovative design for the sport shooting market: Hammerli, for setting a
high standard for accuracy, Dick Casull, for designing the first revolver
that will will stand 50kpsi loads indefinitely, and Dan Wesson for his switch
barrel design.
11. Excellence in craftsmanship: imagine what a SIG P210-8 or Korth revolver
would be like if a great deal of care were to be lavished on its' finish and
you'll have an idea of the standard to which the best pre-WWI revolvers were
built. I'm thinking about revolvers like the Colt New Service Target, the S&W
44 Hand Ejector Target First Model (Triplelock) and the Webley WG Models of
1894, 1896 and 1904. These are shooters, they need to be used.
12. Finally, John Browning, for designing the first automatic pistols the
design of which has proven good enough to have lasted essentially unchanged,
in both centerfire and rimfire. These fine arms give us all a standard against
which we may further appreciate our revolvers.
Bob
2. The first successful production revolver was the Colt Patterson.
3. The first successful production revolver having incontrovertable
stopping power was the Colt Walker.
4. The first successful production solid frame revolver was the Adams
Model 1851.
5. The first successful production revolver to take a fixed cartridge was
the S&W #1.
6. The first successful production revolver to use modern style ammunition
(not heel bullets) was the S&W #3 (Old Old Model Russian). But don't
discount the accuracy potential of centerfire heel bullets- by the time when
they gained the bad reputation they have, the revolvers that shot these had
for years had the smaller forcing cones that are needed to shoot the much
smaller diameter "inside lubricated" bullets.
7. The first successful production safe action revolver was the S&W Safety
First Model, but this was a dead end in revolver design. The first successful
safe action revoler to use a design approach that has stood the test of time
was the Iver Johnson Safety Automatic Revolver of 1892.
8. The first successful production revolver designed to shoot high pressure
ammunition was the S&W Magnum.
9. Innovative revolvers for the police market: S&W M&P and the Colt Detective
Special.
10. Innovative design for the sport shooting market: Hammerli, for setting a
high standard for accuracy, Dick Casull, for designing the first revolver
that will will stand 50kpsi loads indefinitely, and Dan Wesson for his switch
barrel design.
11. Excellence in craftsmanship: imagine what a SIG P210-8 or Korth revolver
would be like if a great deal of care were to be lavished on its' finish and
you'll have an idea of the standard to which the best pre-WWI revolvers were
built. I'm thinking about revolvers like the Colt New Service Target, the S&W
44 Hand Ejector Target First Model (Triplelock) and the Webley WG Models of
1894, 1896 and 1904. These are shooters, they need to be used.
12. Finally, John Browning, for designing the first automatic pistols the
design of which has proven good enough to have lasted essentially unchanged,
in both centerfire and rimfire. These fine arms give us all a standard against
which we may further appreciate our revolvers.
Bob
NoTsO cLeAn HaRoLd
Member
My Fav's
These are my favorite 3
S&W N-Frames - M29's, 24's etc.
Ruger Single Six - just too much fun!
Colt 1851 Navy - Good enough for Wild Bill Hicock
These are my favorite 3
S&W N-Frames - M29's, 24's etc.
Ruger Single Six - just too much fun!
Colt 1851 Navy - Good enough for Wild Bill Hicock
- Status
