Revolvers
- Thread starter bigtiller
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FWIW, when I say durability, a part of that is being able to endure rough handling and still function adequately, and part is still having a reasonably tight action (cylinder lining up and locking tightly on each shot, crisp hammer/trigger movement) after a few thousand rounds. I used to shoot competitively, and it was common to go through 500 rounds of centerfire a month (in multiple handguns), and sometimes a thousand .22s....I have worn out revolvers.
From purely a "joy to shoot" perspective, my favorite centerfire of all time was a Smith 14-4. Bought my first one around '77. From purely a durability perspective, no Smith I ever owned would still be tight after 2,000 rounds, while the Rugers barely noticed it. I never put enough rounds through any Colt to have an opinion there, but my mentor did....and he concurred that Ruger won the durability category, though he swore nothing ever handled as nicely as his Python (it was sweet, but I liked the 14-4).
Most people will never put even a thousand rounds through a centerfire revolver in a lifetime, so in some sense the durability is a moot point. Reliability, however, reigns supreme in my estimation, and the Ruger can literally be used as a hammer and still be expected to function. There are probably very few really bad choices, so don't get too caught up in the decision. My wife and I both own a Taurus 85 CH (2", concealed hammer) and I am very happy with them. We will never put a thousand rounds through them; they are strictly for self-defense, and serve their purpose well at a reasonable cost.
Avoid little known brands and used revolvers that have a highly used look to them...make sure the action is crisp, that the cylinder locks firmly prior to hammer drop, etc.
From purely a "joy to shoot" perspective, my favorite centerfire of all time was a Smith 14-4. Bought my first one around '77. From purely a durability perspective, no Smith I ever owned would still be tight after 2,000 rounds, while the Rugers barely noticed it. I never put enough rounds through any Colt to have an opinion there, but my mentor did....and he concurred that Ruger won the durability category, though he swore nothing ever handled as nicely as his Python (it was sweet, but I liked the 14-4).
Most people will never put even a thousand rounds through a centerfire revolver in a lifetime, so in some sense the durability is a moot point. Reliability, however, reigns supreme in my estimation, and the Ruger can literally be used as a hammer and still be expected to function. There are probably very few really bad choices, so don't get too caught up in the decision. My wife and I both own a Taurus 85 CH (2", concealed hammer) and I am very happy with them. We will never put a thousand rounds through them; they are strictly for self-defense, and serve their purpose well at a reasonable cost.
Avoid little known brands and used revolvers that have a highly used look to them...make sure the action is crisp, that the cylinder locks firmly prior to hammer drop, etc.
Dennisfly
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I own the 686 4" and it is a great gun. I also have a 360 38 Spl. airweight and a model 1917 45 ACP. The 686 is the best shooter of the bunch and the one I most enjoy using. You won't go wrong with one.
mgamber
Bronze Member
gratuitous .357 pics...
RobertN
Super Member
2 cents more
I vote for a S&W 686. The 686 and 629's I have shot, have been very nice right out of the box. Smooth triggers and actions. Accurate.
The Ruger Single Sixes and Blackhawks I have shot(and owned a couple), were tough, but the triggers and actions were mediocre at best, out of the box. I have only seen one Blackhawk, a Bicentennial gun, that was nice out of the box. Even the P89(9mm semi-auto?) was mediocre.
I sold my Blackhawk some time ago. It shot very well. After a trip to a gunsmith to be tuned. Factory out of the box terrible trigger, timing mediocre. Once it was tuned though, it was a really nice pistol to shoot.
If I were to consider another Ruger, I would plan from the start to have it to the gunsmith and have it tuned, at least in thier pistols and 10/22's.
I vote for a S&W 686. The 686 and 629's I have shot, have been very nice right out of the box. Smooth triggers and actions. Accurate.
The Ruger Single Sixes and Blackhawks I have shot(and owned a couple), were tough, but the triggers and actions were mediocre at best, out of the box. I have only seen one Blackhawk, a Bicentennial gun, that was nice out of the box. Even the P89(9mm semi-auto?) was mediocre.
I sold my Blackhawk some time ago. It shot very well. After a trip to a gunsmith to be tuned. Factory out of the box terrible trigger, timing mediocre. Once it was tuned though, it was a really nice pistol to shoot.
If I were to consider another Ruger, I would plan from the start to have it to the gunsmith and have it tuned, at least in thier pistols and 10/22's.
OP
bigtiller
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Thanks for the help guys. I think I am leaning towards the 4 or maybe a 6 inch Smith & Wesson 686 Plus with a Crimson Trace lazer grip. It is the 7 shot model. I tried to order one on-line just now and they are out of stock. Good thing I am not in a hurry. Has anyone tried the Crimson lazer? I read that it can be seen in direct sun light out to 30 feet.
czechsonofagun
Elite Member
+1 for Ruger GP100
RonMar
Elite Member
Plus2 for the GP-100. It has an elegantly simple hammer/trigger mechanism, that breaks down very simply, with only a screwdriver needed to remove the grips. This is a big plus, particularly if it will be exposed to the elements and will need to be stripped down for occasional cleaning. As mentioned, they are VERY durable, and can be relied on to work even if mistreated. I have had a Redhawk in .44 for more than 20 years now, and it is just like it was when new, other than being toted all over alaska that is. I have shot several GP's and I would own one if I needed another .357. The .357 I do have is a older Ruger police 6 with a custom 5 3/4"bull barrel and target rail sight. It IS a tack driver, and if it was stainless, would be absolutely perfect
I have 2000 rounds through my 687 and it is not even broken in yet. I shoot it once a month, 50 rounds or so. Never had a problem with it. I'm thinking of sending it back to Smith to get the 6 inch barrel pressed in so I can try a different barrel length.
Alan L.
Elite Member
I have a beautiful Colt Trooper II .357, nickle plated. I think it is a less expensive gun, but fun to shoot and I've never shot .38s in it. But I'm not that good a shot. This revolver belonged to my dad when he passed away at 80 years of age. He was so proud of his concealed carry permit he had it framed beside his recliner in his den.
