We all have favorites

Mark_Mark said:
I like both Colt & Smith!

but Lets Show some Colt LOVE!!
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When I went to buy my first handgun, I knew I wanted either a Model 19 (as discussed above) or a Colt Python. The Python was priced about twice what the Model 19 was, so I became a Model 19 fan. Never regreted that, but I always wanted a Python. I finally got one in 2020 when Colt reintroduced them. I've got two now, well, one is really my wife's, but they're both in my safe so I "claim" them. I only shoot one of them though, the first 4.25" one I saw, S/N in the 5500 range. I put 100 rounds of wadcutters through it over the weekend. It shoots like you'd expect a Python to.

4Colta_zpskvpl3jvb.jpg


It's really close between it and the Model 19. The 19 edges it out on nostalga points.

My other Colt that I really like is an Official Police, from 1948 or so. It's has a 5" barrel, and "Coltwood" (plastic) grips. I don't think it had ever been fired when I got it, and I've only put 50 wadcutters through it. It shoots just fine. I just see no reason to shoot it anymore. I know it works.

OP1.jpg


I consider myself to be a "Smith and Wesson guy" with a minor in Colt, and I dabble in Taurus from time to time. You never know what I might turn up though. I've even got a Ruger...well, it's my wife's but it's in my safe. ;)
 
I'm not gonna choose a single favorite, because it's impossible. If I made a list, this Old Model Single Six would certainly be on it. It has the highest round count and odometer reading.

IMG_7107b.jpg

This K-22 wouldn't be far behind.

S&W K-22 02.jpg

This Ruger Super Blackhawk is on its third and final life. It instantly became a favorite when I converted it to a Bisley, at least 25yrs ago. Been rejuvenated by gunsmiths twice now.

JRH 07.jpg

This Cimarron Open Top was my first open top cartridge gun and is easily my favorite.

Open Top 03.JPG

Which is why I had it engraved and stocked in ivory.

Open Top 06.jpg
 
There is no evidence to support the idea that the loading gate is on the right because Sam Colt was left handed and he was dead nearly 10yrs before the even was a loading gate. The loading gate was designed by Charles Richards and William Mason and it followed the percussion capping port. Which was intended to be done with the more dexterous right hand. If I remember right, only 11% of people are left handed but in those days, it was strongly discouraged to be anything but right handed. It's the reason why my left handed father is ambidextrous, they forced him to be right handed in school. Was it any better mid 19th century? Certainly not. Furthermore, even if 11% actually were left handed and shot that way, why would Sam Colt, the quintessential salesman and marketer, optimize his guns for the minority? Why would all other percussion guns be designed to cap on the right? The final nail in the coffin is the Army. They rejected the 1871-1872 Open Top cartridge model, wanting a solid frame and internally lubricated .45 caliber bullet, among other things. If a left side gate would've worked better for the predominantly right handed cavalrymen, why would they not ask for that too?

Nope, it's a fun story but a myth like the nonsense about the ship's wheel.
 
CraigC said:
There is no evidence to support the idea that the loading gate is on the right because Sam Colt was left handed and he was dead nearly 10yrs before the even was a loading gate. The loading gate was designed by Charles Richards and William Mason and it followed the percussion capping port. Which was intended to be done with the more dexterous right hand. If I remember right, only 11% of people are left handed but in those days, it was strongly discouraged to be anything but right handed. It's the reason why my left handed father is ambidextrous, they forced him to be right handed in school. Was it any better mid 19th century? Certainly not. Furthermore, even if 11% actually were left handed and shot that way, why would Sam Colt, the quintessential salesman and marketer, optimize his guns for the minority? Why would all other percussion guns be designed to cap on the right? The final nail in the coffin is the Army. They rejected the 1871-1872 Open Top cartridge model, wanting a solid frame and internally lubricated .45 caliber bullet, among other things. If a left side gate would've worked better for the predominantly right handed cavalrymen, why would they not ask for that too?

Nope, it's a fun story but a myth like the nonsense about the ship's wheel.
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IDK.. I’m left handed but do everything with my right, including shooting. But that left side loading gate makes a TON of sense and is natural to load & unload.
 
Old Dog said:
Geez, just when I'm startin' to think I got all my revolver itches scratched, along comes @CraigC (post #77) to show me some more that I really need to be looking for...
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my few itches left is; a .41 mag, modern Colt SAA, S&W .22 Target Master, Old Colt Python, .500 magnum, Detective Special no lug, 36 snub, …
 
Favorites 🤔 I really like revolvers, though I have as many semiautomatic pistols.
20240430_131450.jpg
2 - Rugers = 41mag and 22lr
2 - Taurus = 41mag and 357mag
5 - S&W = 44mag, 357mag, & three 38 +p

I like them all, but my favorite favorite is my 442 Smith and Wesson.
20240430_131658.jpg
Maybe I have a thing for J frames. That's why I have 3 of them 😃
 
WisBorn said:
Favorites 🤔 I really like revolvers, though I have as many semiautomatic pistols.
View attachment 1207292
2 - Rugers = 41mag and 22lr
2 - Taurus = 41mag and 357mag
5 - S&W = 44mag, 357mag, & three 38 +p

I like them all, but my favorite favorite is my 442 Smith and Wesson.
View attachment 1207293
Maybe I have a thing for J frames. That's why I have 3 of them 😃
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never shot a modern J, but those things are SO LIGHT it scares me!
 
No pics, but the old model single six my dad gave to me. It was converted when it was given to me- found the parts to bring it back to it's original configuration.
 
Mark_Mark said:
never shot a modern J, but those things are SO LIGHT it scares me!
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I like the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX +p.

Any standard pressure is really not to bad IMO from the j frame.
If you are not fond of recoil (not sure if anyone likes it) don't try a S&W 69 44mag with stout loads🤪
 
WisBorn said:
I like the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX +p.

Any standard pressure is really not to bad IMO from the j frame.
If you are not fond of recoil (not sure if anyone likes it) don't try a S&W 69 44mag with stout loads🤪
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was handling one of the Pinto version with a Laser grip, I said, this is the most utilitarian thing ever
 
Rodfac said:
Haven't had this beauty out of the safe in a year...gotta remedy that injustice.

I waited 40+ years for Ruger to make a .44 Special and this is one of the first Flat Top New Models produced when Lipsey's got them to make a run. Aside from the thin cheese grater grips, it was an answer to a young then a pretty old man's prayers.

That's it in my paw after shooting the target at a measured 25 yds using Keith's old "long range" position (back against a fence post, knees up with the gun gripped two-handed between them). The load was Skelton's favorite: 240 gr LSWC (Lyman's 429421, the Keith bullet sized to 0.430"), & backed by 7.5 gr. of Unique for ~950 fps. I was a young sprout then in '07, sixty two years old.

The gun, a 4-5/8" bbl'd model wears a pair of my cocobolo grips, with a fatter midsection, gunfighter style. I have other Rugers, a bunch of Smiths and a springling of Colts, but this one is the queen bee. Best regards, Rod. PS: the one below it, a stable mate in .44 Special, would run a close 2nd for favorite...stocks are some I made up out of black & white ebony, left over from a cousin's recurve bow limb project.

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I have a lot of "better" guns - guns that look better, or are more accurate, or cost more, or were even made for me to my specification - but nothing meets my needs and wants better than my 5.5" Bisley Flattop in .44 Special.
 
38 Special: how does the recoil differ from a standard Ruger or Colt SAA. I've read that some feel the Bisley grip better handles heavy loads, but I've never had the chance to try one out. Best Regards, Rod
 
My favorite all time revolver is the black Raging Bull .454 with 8 3/8" barrel I sold a few years back. Shown here with my wife shooting it.
FB_IMG_1597334046627.jpg

I have since replaced it with a stainless version, but I feel the solid black was so much better looking. I haven't seen a solid black one since.
 
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