would you buy a 9mm revolver?
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M2MikeGolf
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Bring Back the 547!
I'm going to weigh in again on the 9mm. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stack it against .38/.357, but contrast it to them. You can "dislike" 9mm all you want to, it's been around, and if it were as bad as some say, it wouldn't have the serviceability and longevity that it has had. I think we all know that if one practices and can shoot will in a caliber, then you can stop talking about a caliber or cartridges "proven" lethality or non-lethality. 9MM has accounted for plenty of lethal results in unpracticed hands, and I won't cite recent history. My argument is that ballistically, in equal bullet weight, the 9MM is at least if not better than the .38 Special. In a S&W Kframe, the 9MM is ideal and for those of you that are familiar with S&Ws model 547, you with you will understand what I mean. And if you don't like moon clips then you're already a candidate for the concept to be "reborn". One interesting thing, as probably many of you have never considered, is the carryability of 9MM in a speedloader. Here is a comparison of three HKS speedloaders for S&W K/L frames. Note the similar bullet weight for the .38 Spl and 9MM and overall dimensions. I included .357 for reference (they are for my 519, the 9MM is for my 547). I apologize for the ammo selection, I live in Germany and although hollow point ammunition is now legal for handguns (but only in recent years), it is not always easy to find right away. Anyway, it's an interesting comparison, I think.
I'm going to weigh in again on the 9mm. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stack it against .38/.357, but contrast it to them. You can "dislike" 9mm all you want to, it's been around, and if it were as bad as some say, it wouldn't have the serviceability and longevity that it has had. I think we all know that if one practices and can shoot will in a caliber, then you can stop talking about a caliber or cartridges "proven" lethality or non-lethality. 9MM has accounted for plenty of lethal results in unpracticed hands, and I won't cite recent history. My argument is that ballistically, in equal bullet weight, the 9MM is at least if not better than the .38 Special. In a S&W Kframe, the 9MM is ideal and for those of you that are familiar with S&Ws model 547, you with you will understand what I mean. And if you don't like moon clips then you're already a candidate for the concept to be "reborn". One interesting thing, as probably many of you have never considered, is the carryability of 9MM in a speedloader. Here is a comparison of three HKS speedloaders for S&W K/L frames. Note the similar bullet weight for the .38 Spl and 9MM and overall dimensions. I included .357 for reference (they are for my 519, the 9MM is for my 547). I apologize for the ammo selection, I live in Germany and although hollow point ammunition is now legal for handguns (but only in recent years), it is not always easy to find right away. Anyway, it's an interesting comparison, I think.
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RidgwayCO
Member
M2MikeGolf, very interesting graphic. Thanks for sharing that!
I've got the M547 in both 3" and 4" flavors, and they're very nice weapons. Unfortunately, their current value makes me hesitant to shoot anything but moderate lead-bullet reloads in them.
I think a new M547 (or in stainless!) would sell very well, but doubt S&W will ever produce one. I've read that it's the most difficult-to-produce (read costly) revolver S&W has ever made.
My solution is a convertible M649-3 where Mark Hartshorne of Pinnacle High Performance is modifying a M649 cylinder to use 9mm in moon clips. At around 23 oz, it will split the difference between WC145's modified M360J (14 oz) and my 3" M547 (32 oz). And I'll still have the .357 Magnum cylinder to shoot Magnums or Specials. Can't wait until it gets back...
I've got the M547 in both 3" and 4" flavors, and they're very nice weapons. Unfortunately, their current value makes me hesitant to shoot anything but moderate lead-bullet reloads in them.
I think a new M547 (or in stainless!) would sell very well, but doubt S&W will ever produce one. I've read that it's the most difficult-to-produce (read costly) revolver S&W has ever made.
My solution is a convertible M649-3 where Mark Hartshorne of Pinnacle High Performance is modifying a M649 cylinder to use 9mm in moon clips. At around 23 oz, it will split the difference between WC145's modified M360J (14 oz) and my 3" M547 (32 oz). And I'll still have the .357 Magnum cylinder to shoot Magnums or Specials. Can't wait until it gets back...
M2MikeGolf
Member
Ridgeway,
Hang on to those 547s, they are getting hard to find! I've got a 4", but want a 3", hopefully I'll get one when I'm back stateside someday. I understand that you want to go easy on the loads; I'm of the same mind. I think an updated SS and round butt version 4" HB would be a great seller, but sadly, S&W doesn't think so. I read once that actually it wasn't really a high cost for that beryllium (sp?) clip system, but the market just wasn't there since it was in production when the "wonder-nines" hit the market. I think S&W would have a winner with a K frame, 2, 3 and 4" barrel length offering in 9mm +P rated, SS or even blued. For me, I wouldn't care about moon clips, but since some seem so opposed to them, they could resurrect that awesome 547 clip system and probably improve it. Myself, moon clips are a moot point as I also plan on getting a Model1917 one of these days soon! Notice how well those sell, it only seems natural that a 9MM would sell well.
Your solution is more current to this post and a great application. The M649 (I think) would be ideal for a 9MM load and makes the case I had stated before with a convertible cylinder. I think that would make for an interesting and versatile setup; .38/9MM/.357. Korth, I think still offers that, at a premium price however. Make sure you post a picture of that M549 when you get it back!!!
Hang on to those 547s, they are getting hard to find! I've got a 4", but want a 3", hopefully I'll get one when I'm back stateside someday. I understand that you want to go easy on the loads; I'm of the same mind. I think an updated SS and round butt version 4" HB would be a great seller, but sadly, S&W doesn't think so. I read once that actually it wasn't really a high cost for that beryllium (sp?) clip system, but the market just wasn't there since it was in production when the "wonder-nines" hit the market. I think S&W would have a winner with a K frame, 2, 3 and 4" barrel length offering in 9mm +P rated, SS or even blued. For me, I wouldn't care about moon clips, but since some seem so opposed to them, they could resurrect that awesome 547 clip system and probably improve it. Myself, moon clips are a moot point as I also plan on getting a Model1917 one of these days soon! Notice how well those sell, it only seems natural that a 9MM would sell well.
Your solution is more current to this post and a great application. The M649 (I think) would be ideal for a 9MM load and makes the case I had stated before with a convertible cylinder. I think that would make for an interesting and versatile setup; .38/9MM/.357. Korth, I think still offers that, at a premium price however. Make sure you post a picture of that M549 when you get it back!!!
That's going to make for a cool carry piece. I'll be looking forward to your range report, particularly accuracy comparisons between 9mm and .38/.357. I haven't noticed any difference in my gun but I'm always curious about other people's results.
zxcvbob
Member
(this thread looks familiar) Yes, I would love to have a 9mm j-frame or i-frame, *if* it had a short cylinder. 9mm's are short and tapered, so they should reload [and eject] a lot faster than .38 Specials, and the short cylinder would lighten the gun quite a bit even with a steel frame.
Something like a S&W Hammerless Safety "lemon squeezer" with a swing-out cylinder and a 2.5 inch barrel. Extra points if they make it a shrouded hammer like the Bodyguard instead of totally enclosed.
Something like a S&W Hammerless Safety "lemon squeezer" with a swing-out cylinder and a 2.5 inch barrel. Extra points if they make it a shrouded hammer like the Bodyguard instead of totally enclosed.
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RidgwayCO
Member
zxcvbob, I've wanted/written-about having a shorter cylinder on a dedicated 9mm revolver myself. Then someone pointed out that a shorter cylinder would bring the barrel/cylinder gap closer to the shooter's hands, potentially exposing them to injury from escaping gases and/or bullet fragments. I'm not certain of the problem, but that explanation certainly does make sense to me.
Taurus did the short cylinder/frame with the DAO 905IB (Instant Backup). I had one for a while, great concept, poor execution. The gun was poorly fitted and would bind up, plus it was quite heavy since it was all steel. I'm sure there are better quality examples to be found, but the weight is a major turn off for me.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
I have a 642 with a 940 cylinder and I have found that the cylinder will also fit into my 60-4. When the 9mm cylinder is in the 60-4, it makes for a great gun. Very accurate and adjustable sights.
M2MikeGolf
Member
Another 9mm revolver that I have always liked, but they seem to be rare (maybe no one wants to part with them like the 547s) is the Ruger speed six, hope to find one with 4" tube one day. They made it in SS too, I beleive. Anyone here have one? Please include a picture if you do!
Uhhh, 9mm > .38 special.
CHM
Member
A 9 mm revolver? Why? Why would anyone want a rimless cartridge in a revolver which is designed for a semi-auto?
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Moonclips!
Specs
Member
9mm in a revolver like the Ruger LCR would be perfect. Great SD round + low cost training ammo. If it used moon clips (if they were durable) it would provide reloads as fast as a semi. Since I have several different 9mm semis, 1 9mm convertible SA revolver, and 1 9mm carbine, 9MM would really round it out for me.
I'd consider it just because you can find 9mm ammo cheap at times, and I don't like autos. So, in the event that I find cheap ammo or some sort of incident happens that requires people be armed and use what they can find, 9mm is very common, and having something to shoot it with would be great... and I don't like autos. That's why all of my firearms are in common calibers, and also why I buy stuff that's pretty easy to maintain, just in case... and no autos (well, ok, I have a cheap Pheonix because, why not).
Kendal Black
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Yes, if I were in a country or situation or line of work where 9mm ammo was common and .38 Spl wasn't.
I like having a .38 snub around, it's an old habit of mine, and a 9mm of the same general type would be an okay substitute.
I like having a .38 snub around, it's an old habit of mine, and a 9mm of the same general type would be an okay substitute.
brnmuenchow
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Same here, don't get me wrong I love the .9X19mm also but a good .38spl.+P is just as effective and I already carry that. That would be great if the 7.62X25 could come in JHP for carry purposes.
highlander 5
Member
Haven't read all the comments,but a 9mm revolver would be just the thing for someone who doesn't have the strengt to rack the slide of a semi auto.
Neither the gun nor the cartridge are aware that they weren't originally designed for eachother. An efficient and effective semi-auto cartridge is going to be just as efficient and effective out of any other platform, including a revolver. Also, revolvers that use shorter rimless cartridges with moonclips like 9mm, .40S&W, or .45ACP are very, very fast to reload and really give up nothing but capacity to pistols.
rugerman
Member
Got 1, it'll also shoot 38's and 357's. Ruger blackhawk convertable 9mm/38/357.
For Sure.
I sold most of my revolvers years back, however, recently I have started to miss them and want to pick up a few. The reason I would buy one in 9mm is to keep the number of calibers I have to a minimum. The only pistol calibers I currently have are 380acp, 9mm, and 45acp, and really don't want anymore. (Okay, okay...I want more, but I don't NEED more.
I sold most of my revolvers years back, however, recently I have started to miss them and want to pick up a few. The reason I would buy one in 9mm is to keep the number of calibers I have to a minimum. The only pistol calibers I currently have are 380acp, 9mm, and 45acp, and really don't want anymore. (Okay, okay...I want more, but I don't NEED more.
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