User Panel
Yes, but look at the list you are building mcb - can't just pare it down to 1; which is how I took the question.
|
|
I think guys my age or older would have to say the M&P/Official Police.......they were EVERYWHERE back in the day. The epitome of the service revolver.
|
|
Quoted:
Yes, but look at the list you are building mcb - can't just pare it down to 1; which is how I took the question. View Quote I agree and that was what I was trying to say. There are definitive revolvers but you have to be specific to a function/application. Its like asking what is the definitive semi-auto pistol, or shotgun or rifle? It can't be done without being at least somewhat specific in its function and use. |
|
Quoted:
I agree and that was what I was trying to say. There are definitive revolvers but you have to be specific to a function/application. Its like asking what is the definitive semi-auto pistol, or shotgun or rifle? It can't be done without being at least somewhat specific in its function and use. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Yes, but look at the list you are building mcb - can't just pare it down to 1; which is how I took the question. I agree and that was what I was trying to say. There are definitive revolvers but you have to be specific to a function/application. Its like asking what is the definitive semi-auto pistol, or shotgun or rifle? It can't be done without being at least somewhat specific in its function and use. I think semi auto pistols are the easiest: the 1911. Nothing else is even close. Most of the other categories have several contenders. |
|
You can't pare it down to just 1.For me,
Colt 1860 Army Colt Single action Army Smith Hand Ejector Model of 1899 (K frame) and all its variations Smith N frame Colt Python I can think of a few more |
|
Quoted:
I think semi auto pistols are the easiest: the 1911. Nothing else is even close. Most of the other categories have several contenders. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yes, but look at the list you are building mcb - can't just pare it down to 1; which is how I took the question. I agree and that was what I was trying to say. There are definitive revolvers but you have to be specific to a function/application. Its like asking what is the definitive semi-auto pistol, or shotgun or rifle? It can't be done without being at least somewhat specific in its function and use. I think semi auto pistols are the easiest: the 1911. Nothing else is even close. Most of the other categories have several contenders. JHB developed the Hi Power after the 1911, some may argue he made some improvements, even if it is a 9mm. Even with tightly defined parameters I don't think you can get a "definitive" fire arm. Maybe a Ma Deuce. Something said for almost a 100 years of active duty. Another JHB fire arm, The man was a genius. Everyone has personal likes and dislikes and I'm glad we have such a wide variety to choose from. So many guns so little time. |
|
My idea of the definitive revolver, the type I view in my mind when the generic term "revolver" is mentioned can be broken into 2 categories, single action and double action. The Smith K-frames, 10, 15, 19, etc. are to me what defines the double action revolver. In the single action category, it's simple, the iconic Colt Single Action Army. In both categories, even people unfamiliar with revolvers or even firearms in general can identify what these guns are. They may call them a "police revolver" or a "cowboy gun" but the odds are they will still know what they are.
|
|
I'm very fond of my Wiley Clap Ruger GP100 blued, with gold bead front sight.
|
|
Quoted:
My idea of the definitive revolver, the type I view in my mind when the generic term "revolver" is mentioned can be broken into 2 categories, single action and double action. The Smith K-frames, 10, 15, 19, etc. are to me what defines the double action revolver. In the single action category, it's simple, the iconic Colt Single Action Army. In both categories, even people unfamiliar with revolvers or even firearms in general can identify what these guns are. They may call them a "police revolver" or a "cowboy gun" but the odds are they will still know what they are. View Quote I would have a very difficult time disagreeing with this. |
|
Quoted:
The Smith guys are going to crucify me, but I actually like shooting the Rugers better. For some reason, I shoot the GP100 and Redhawk better than I did my Model 10, Model 19, or my 686. I couldn't tell you why but the Rugers have always felt better to me. View Quote I keep a Freedom Arms Model 83 hanging on the door and carry a 1959 44 Blackhawk in the field, its just what ever a Guy happens to like. |
|
gp100 for me i got one of the first ones and it still shoots good tight as all hell even after all the hot rounds.
|
|
Smith and Wesson 29
Smith and Wesson 25 Smith and Wesson 27 Smith and Wesson 17 Those wheelguns will cover all of your needs. |
|
Read through much of the first page and skimmed the rest. Lots of good thoughts there. Here are some of mine:
It's hard to choose a "definitive" revolver. I would start by saying you should pick a cartridge that is best suited for work in a revolver (i.e. don't get a 9mm or 45 ACP). 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum (which can also shoot 44 Special - dedicated 44 Special guns seem to be fading from popularity) 45 Long Colt all come to mind as good starting spots. Yes, there are all kinds of more exotic calibers available but I would stick to more mainstream before you get off into those waters. Then you need to pick a maker. The big dogs are Ruger and Smith & Wesson. Generally speaking Rugers are the "stronger" gun, but are less visually appealing and not quite as ergonomic. S&W guns have the reputation of high quality fit and finish, better ergos and looks, but aren't quite as stout. There are many other makers currently producing revolvers (Dan Wesson, Colt, Taurus, Uberti, Rossi, Freedom Arms, etc). I would say that your "definitive" revolver would be either a Ruger or a S&W though. Barrel length is another aspect to consider. There are good arguments for the long and snub nose variety. If you are looking to buy one, this will be pretty dependent on your use. Personally, my default to this type of question is a 4" Smith & Wesson 44 Magnum. You can get it in either a blued finish (Model 29), stainless steel (629) or in Scandium (329). It's a beautiful gun anyway you choose and the 44 Mag cartridge can be loaded to suit a wide range of needs - everything from 160 grain up to 340 grain monsters. You can shoot 44 Special out of it too. HOWEVER, if I'm being honest with myself, I think a solid 357 Magnum revolver like the Ruger GP100 would make a better "definitive" revolver. The 357 is (I'm guessing here) the most popular revolver cartridge. It doesn't have quite the range of capability of the 44, but it's a great round. |
|
Quoted:
The Smith guys are going to crucify me, but I actually like shooting the Rugers better. For some reason, I shoot the GP100 and Redhawk better than I did my Model 10, Model 19, or my 686. I couldn't tell you why but the Rugers have always felt better to me. View Quote Every time I handle one of the "Hawk" Rugers, I feel like I'm aiming a brick. Love the GP/SP series though. I'm a Smith guy for the most part. |
|
Quoted:
Read through much of the first page and skimmed the rest. Lots of good thoughts there. Here are some of mine: It's hard to choose a "definitive" revolver. I would start by saying you should pick a cartridge that is best suited for work in a revolver (i.e. don't get a 9mm or 45 ACP). 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum (which can also shoot 44 Special - dedicated 44 Special guns seem to be fading from popularity) 45 Long Colt all come to mind as good starting spots. Yes, there are all kinds of more exotic calibers available but I would stick to more mainstream before you get off into those waters. {snip} View Quote Them's fightin' words! 45 ACP on moonclips in a S&W 625 is the fastest reloading revolver you will ever shoot. I have a revolvers chambered in 9mm, 40S&W/10mm Auto and 45 ACP. Rimless cartridges work SO much better on moonclip than rimmed cartridges. The moon clips for rimless cartridges are much thicker and thus more robust. The extractor groove dimensions on rimless cartridges has an industry standard with tolerance specification. For my 625 I have one set of moonclips and can mix and match 45 ACP head stamps all I want with no issues. The groove in rimmed cartridges for moonclips has no similar industrial standard. In fact you can still occasion buy rimmed ammunition (CCI blazer aluminum 38 and 357 mag as an example) that does not have a groove for the moon clip. For my 38/357 I have three difference thickness of moonclips to accommodate various head stamps. You have to sort your brass by head stamp and for best results buy new brass to go with specific moonclips (ie TK Custom makes moon clips specifically for Star Line brass). Don't discount revolvers chamber in the big three rimless cartridges they have some unique capabilities that more traditional revolver cartridges do not. That said I don't think picking your favorite revolver and saying that it's a "definitive revolver" makes it a definitive revolver. {definitive: not able to be argued about or changed, final and settled complete, accurate, and considered to be the best of its kind} That fact that so many different revolvers have been offered as the "definitive revolver" is an indicator that there is no one "definitive revolver". I think if you willing to put constraints on it we can probably have near-consensus on a "definitive revolver" for a particular era/use but IMHO there is no one general all encompassing "definitive revolver". Rambling! |
|
Quoted:Them's fightin' words! View Quote [Had to truncate your response because I still have some sort of character restriction on my account.] Heh, yeah, I agree that trying to pick definitive revolver is a fool's errand. There are so many different angles to come at the question that you'd have to set some parameters about how you want to do it. Even just within the Smith world, people get really bent out of shape about pre/post lock models that getting them to agree one something is pretty difficult. Your point about the moonclips is understood, I just feel like there are better platforms in auto pistols for those cartridges. There really isn't a good application of 357 or 44 in an auto. That sets those revolvers apart as more definitive IMO. FWIW I didn't pick my favorite as my definitive. |
|
|
View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Them's fightin' words!
45 ACP on moonclips in a S&W 625 is the fastest reloading revolver you will ever shoot. http://lugerman.com/images/Samples/Work_43/IMG_1924.jpg Is that a chopped Webley Mark VI? I would love to have a full size Mark VI. I have a Mark IV 38/200 but a shaved Mark VI in 45 ACP might give the 625 a run on the reloads if you could get the right setup and lots of practice. Have you see this yet: http://webleymkvi.com/ <----- New Webley Mark VI in 455 Webley might become a reality! |
|
Quoted:
Is that a chopped Webley Mark VI? I would love to have a full size Mark VI. I have a Mark IV 38/200 but a shaved Mark VI in 45 ACP might give the 625 a run on the reloads if you could get the right setup and lots of practice. Have you see this yet: http://webleymkvi.com/ <----- New Webley Mark VI in 455 Webley might become a reality! View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Is that a chopped Webley Mark VI? I would love to have a full size Mark VI. I have a Mark IV 38/200 but a shaved Mark VI in 45 ACP might give the 625 a run on the reloads if you could get the right setup and lots of practice. Have you see this yet: http://webleymkvi.com/ <----- New Webley Mark VI in 455 Webley might become a reality! Sadly, it's not mine, just did a Bing image search. Looks sweet though. This does sound good: http://webleymkvi.com/ |
|
|
View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Them's fightin' words!
45 ACP on moonclips in a S&W 625 is the fastest reloading revolver you will ever shoot. http://lugerman.com/images/Samples/Work_43/IMG_1924.jpg Why the f***k can't Speer put some kind of crimp on their 45 acp self defense ammo? |
|
The older model Colt Pythons, older S&W 27's! They are what ALL other revolvers wanted to be!
|
|
My definition of definitive is the Model 19. Running really close behind is the Mod 66 & 686.
YMMV |
|
Definitive of the last 110 years? In this order:
Maker: Smith & Wesson Model: 10 (square or round butt, skinny or heavy barrel, 2-3-4-5-6", alloy frame if you counts M12's) Caliber: .38 Smith & Wesson Special. (Wadcutter, round nose, 38/44, every flavor of self defense ammo) -- -- The reason Colt no longer makes revolvers. |
|
|
This qualifies, I believe...
20150526_121154(0) by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr 20150526_121250 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr I also believe this thread may have strongly influenced the purchase above. |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.