Working Man Revolver
- Thread starter Mr. Mosin
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State an opinion. Wait. Two step way to get an argument started on the internet. I fear some are straying from the high part in THR.
I can choose from several "working man" guns when I go "woods walking on my little farm. As I age, weight becomes more critical. Where I used to pack the 29 or Super, I moved down to a lighter Blackhawk 357 or 44'spec. Now, it is a 624, 19, Security, and most recently a SP101 or my "new" 15-4. Heck, my Wrangler has enough for anything in going to encounter.
(442 is in the pocket)
I can choose from several "working man" guns when I go "woods walking on my little farm. As I age, weight becomes more critical. Where I used to pack the 29 or Super, I moved down to a lighter Blackhawk 357 or 44'spec. Now, it is a 624, 19, Security, and most recently a SP101 or my "new" 15-4. Heck, my Wrangler has enough for anything in going to encounter.
(442 is in the pocket)
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Sneakshot92
Member
I've often considered a new 586 for the same reasons..IF I was going to lug a full sized 357 around with me all day, (I don't) it would be my S&W Model 19-9. I know...I know...It's got all the dreaded features. MIM parts, two piece barrel, frame mounted firing pin, and (gasp) "the lock". In spite of those things, it's a fine revolver that can take as much pounding as I'd ever even imagine giving it. I love the old guns, but while there might be such a things as a "beater" Model 19, I haven't seen one in, I don't know how long. Everyone one I see (and I own three of them, and have owned a dozen others) are too nice for me to stick in a holster and bang around with. The old girls get a place of honor in the safe and taken out pretty much to get waxed and such. I shoot the -9. It's tough as nails, and if something does happen to it, I can send it back to S&W and get it fixed. An old one...not so much.
I think it looks pretty darn good too.
View attachment 973227
and for those who say "Nobody ever shows the side with the lock."
View attachment 973228
ontarget
Member
First of all, my name isn't Tex.
Second, I did try that on. Albeit with an M9 and an A2. You're welcome.
Third, in my special world I would grab my 1911 before my SA every time. I was merely pointing out that the age of a certain type of technology is not very relevant.
Please Read the first lines of my post.
OK, easy answer: GP100. As a working man, my budget liked that which was good to go, out of the box. Being retired, now, means added attention to value. The original-pattern, pre-Hogue, GP100 grip is really good, actually perfect, for my hands, regardless of price.
An S&W L-Frame is as good, for me, except for the grip; I need after-market/custom grips to make an L-Frame really fit me, so, S&W L-Frame comes in second place.
Tied for second place would be a Ruger Security/Service/Speed Six. They need aftermarket grips, to be an ideal fit.
I like the SP101, too, and the factory grip fits me excellently, but when one needs to re-load, in a hurry, I appreciate the “work space” advantage of the six-shot weapons.
.308 Norma
Member
When I'm outside working on our little "sort of" farm, I almost always have my little Taurus 32 H&R tucked behind my right hip - it's lightweight, doesn't get in my way, and it didn't cost very much, so I don't care if it gets scuffed or dirty. Besides, the largest critters I'm likely to run across on the back part of our place are rockchucks and the occasional coyote. We have a few rattlesnakes around here too, but I almost always have a shovel handy for them.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Two quick points. First and foremost, the OP did not mention ANY purpose whatsoever, self defense or otherwise. So I reckon your response kinda depends on how you interpret "working man's revolver". I took it to mean a general purpose revolver that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. If you took it to mean a sidearm to carry into battle, then I would only suggest a class on reading comprehension.
Second, I'm not going to rehash the idea of the single action revolver for self defense either. I'll let you search if you want to find another argument on that subject. I'm only going to say that some folks spend a lot more time shooting single action revolvers than anything else and are more than comfortable relying on them for any purpose applicable to our lives. Maybe YOU are incapable of employing one to save your bacon but do not presume to speak for everybody.
Re-reading the OP, it's clear he doesn't 'want' anything but our "thoughts" on a working man's revolver. I gave mine. If that triggers something weird in you, see a therapist.
Conceited??? I am so sorry that my posting of pictures of guns has ruined your day. However, I did not post but one picture of a custom gun. I hate repeating myself but as I already said, I was making a whopping $10/hr when I had it built. If that ain't working man's wages, I don't know what is. It didn't cost thousands of dollars. I have about $1500 in it. I'll let you guess how long I saved my pennies to pay for it.
The first gun is a Ruger Blackhawk .357, the epitome of "working man's gun". The OP doesn't have to buy an early flat-top in collectible condition or put custom grips on it like I did. One can be had for $400. I've paid as little as $250 for them.
The second gun is a Super Blackhawk. I don't know if you've heard of them before but they're rather common. I bought mine second hand with the barrel already cut. You can buy a new one if it suits your fancy.
The third gun is a Ruger Carryhawk but I suggested buying a plain old blued Blackhawk instead. Try reading the text.
The fourth gun is a Bisley Vaquero with $30 grips on it. I paid $360 for my first one. This one was higher because they're no longer made. Still affordable.
The fifth gun is a Ruger Bisley Blackhawk .44Spl. Bought it secondhand for $500.
The sixth pic is a pair of Cimarron SAA replica .44Spl's. I paid about $400 apiece for them, also used.
The seventh gun is a GP100, you just suggested the OP get one.
The eighth is the evil custom you referred to. Scroll on by if you don't want to look at it.
Tallball
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I used to have a good Rossi 971.
I've had three good Taurus Model 66 derivatives.
My FiL has a very nice Ruger Gp100.
I have several S&W K frames that are very nice.
I think the "working man's" 357 is the one that he finds in good shape used for a good price.
For a "working man's" revolver in general, a used Model 10 has got to be pretty high on the list.
I've had three good Taurus Model 66 derivatives.
My FiL has a very nice Ruger Gp100.
I have several S&W K frames that are very nice.
I think the "working man's" 357 is the one that he finds in good shape used for a good price.
For a "working man's" revolver in general, a used Model 10 has got to be pretty high on the list.
pairof44sp
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If, by working man, you mean not-unemployed man, then I would unhesitatingly recommend the model 13. It is an excellent revolver for the job-having type (though loafers and neerdowells don’t seem to take a shine to them).
GeoDudeFlorida
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——
A quick search of Gunbroker, the world’s oracle of firearms value (NB: yes, that was sarcasm) and it seems good condition Model 10-10’s are going for around $350. That’s tempting even to me. As many have said, a Model 10 loaded “hot” is all the revolver most people will ever need.
JCooperfan1911
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TL DR
silicosys4
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personally I think a "working mans revolver" would suggest a price point, IMO sub-$500. With that said, I've purchased several used revolvers in the last few years that I think would qualify as a working mans revolver.
I have picked up a few used 586's for under $400 that were rode pretty hard before I got them, but are still solid shooters although cosmetically challenged.
A few months ago I lucked into a LNIB Ruger GP100 4" .357 for under $400,
I think a Taurus would qualify,
As would a Charter Arms, although they aren't my favorite guns by any stretch.
I think though that S&W M10's are pretty quintessential working mans guns, as they were hung on more LE belts than about any other revolver.
I have picked up a few used 586's for under $400 that were rode pretty hard before I got them, but are still solid shooters although cosmetically challenged.
A few months ago I lucked into a LNIB Ruger GP100 4" .357 for under $400,
I think a Taurus would qualify,
As would a Charter Arms, although they aren't my favorite guns by any stretch.
I think though that S&W M10's are pretty quintessential working mans guns, as they were hung on more LE belts than about any other revolver.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Are you speaking from experience, or just from what you have heard? I have had a Colt M357 -- the same gun as the Python, but without the cosmetics -- for well over 50 years. I carried and used it in Viet Nam. And it's still working fine.
Barbaroja
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Spoken like a true gentleman........
CraigC
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Trolls have a short attention span.
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Mr. Mosin
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Once again, to clarify, this is not a "what do I need to buy" thread. This was intended as a poll of opinion, not a poll of purchase; and I should have made such clear from the get-go. Secondly, I personally have no particular desire for .357 Magnum, and certain... circumstances... restrict me to a .38 Spl. A Mdl 10 or 67 is in my future hopefully; but that is irrelevant to this thread.
X62503
Contributing Member
Never really thought about it; cannot don a belt revolver at work. I do like the concept of my 66-2 with 38 Specials as an every day type of revolver though.
funny- I got mine in 1979 and shot the snot out of it for years... still have her n she still works well
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Mr. Mosin
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funny- I got mine in 1979 and shot the snot out of it for years... still have her n she still works well
A fluke.
CajunBass
Member
Geeee...I have no idea. Smith and Wesson lists the weight as 37 ounces or so on their website, but I've never really thought about it. It's about the same as all the other Model 19's I've owned I suppose. If not, there isn't much difference.
Even though I picked it, I'd hate to lug it around all day. Maybe when I was younger and didn't have so much of me to lug around. These days, a Spectrum 380 is starting to look good vs the Ruger Security 9 I currently carry. Maybe I could find a 4" Model 12?...nahhhhhh.
stevekozak
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Why do you need to "upgrade" a working man's belt revolver?
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Mr. Mosin
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Sights.... grips....
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Mr. Mosin
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"... didn't have so much of me to lug around...." I think most suffer from that at some point in time.
Barbaroja
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Because it may be lacking in some way for its owner. Grips don’t fit the hand well, sights difficult to see. It’s sure cheaper that buying a new gun.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I'm no fan of the .357 but there's certainly nothing wrong with a good .38 Special. I love K-frames and picked up this K-38 sometime in the late `90's for $265. Looked at a real nice 4" model 15 yesterday.
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