Lets talk Revolvers

[snert]

I HAD a 686 4 inch. Duty gun. Some dumb schmuck sold it....and I am kicking myself every day for 15 years.

Waiting for a dumber schmuck to sell his for what I ...er...that guy sold his for.

 

[JSH]

A well tuned 6" SS GP-100 has made me happy for a number of years. I actually swapped a 686 for a NIB 4" and the used 6" GP.
No it's not a SW, but the SW is no Ruger either. I have seen some seriously stupid things done with the GP's that would have made a SW come unhinged.

I have come to know and like the GP's well enough I have at least one for everyday of the week. Oh yeah I still have a few SW, but they see very little daylight anymore.
Don't get hung up on the 357, the 41 mag is looked over and down on by the majority of folks. It does seem to have some what of a new following the past several years. I fell into believing what I read and was told for too long, I was shy of 50 when I had my first 41 magnum. I am more PO'd because it took me so long to try one.
Jeff

 

[Knotwild]

If I were going to carry one, all day, many days, to shoot snakes and such, I would go with an older Model 19 4" barrel. Why? Weight and portability combined with accuracy and a Smith smooth action. I have an unfired one from the 70's. Perhaps better would be the Model 66, because of the stainless construction. If you want pure class and balanced beauty, go with a Model 27 with a 5" barrel. That 27 was made for a 5 inch and nothing else looks just "right". If you have the time and money, go to bowenclassicarms.com and pick a package; you'll really be happy then. If you really want to get turned on to old style class in revolvers, read Skeeter Skelton - first thing you know you'll have a Bowen modified single action 44 special. I like the ones Bowen performs his lightening work on.

No matter what you end up with, spend the money for a good belt and holster combination. Then you won't dread strapping it on.

Good luck.

 

[creedfan]

i have a 686 SSR 4” love it. and the GP 100 is nice also.

 

[riflewoman]

A 686 or 586 either in 6 inch barrel would certainly fill the bill. But for the duty described an older Model 28 “Highway Patrolman” in 6 inch would fit to a tee. On an N frame, strong and robust, will take any ammo, and relatively inexpensive. The perfect ranch handgun.

 

[lawman29]

Like this one?

Exactly...except with a Bowen rear sight and a fiber optic on the front (can't see the front sights anymore...gave all my Colt's except one to the kids/grandkids).

 

[cinch29433]

As a Warden my dad carried a Model 19 for 30 of his 39 years. That would be my choice too. A single action army in 32-20 is a great ranch gun and fits the rancher visual. I have found that snakes will follow the muzzle of a 97 Winchester until the exact moment of discharge where their head leaves their world.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

As that's the use, a 3 screw Ruger Blackhawk 1962-72 time frame...

 

[Sniper338]

I know you said 6" revolver, but before everyone starts the flaming, this is just my opinion and my opinion only. If I worked on a ranch for the intended purpose you state, I would buy a used one of these to carry around and get abused.

View attachment 1081863

I got one. They dont take to rat shot and are as versitile as a revolver

 

[jonkeil243]

I was talking to my dad about this thread yesterday. He spent a lot of time shooting revolvers and competing in action pistol. He has revolvers by Frank Glen, Steve Velchov, Bob Day, Steve Cline, He built some him self and some one from Mississippi. He has revolvers with short cylinders and carbon fiber barrels and aluminum comps ect . I do know he has rugers, Dan wessons, and others but the match stuff is all smiths. In his day he would shoot 1000 rnds a day in practice for a match. All the Smith have been rebuilt a number of times when the wear out and just keep going. He mentioned it would really depend on how you were going to shoot it. He is A Smith and Wesson fan through and through. and likes the K and L frames the best. If you plan to shoot it single action then it does not matter and would lean in the direction of the L frame for longevity. If you are a double action shooter the the lower rotating mass of the cylinder of the K frame will yield a better double action trigger pull. Good luck

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Get a older Smith WITH OUT the dreaded Lock. Everyone gets advice, only the wise profit from it.

 

[jds holler]

I mentioned earlier that I prefer 6 inches for shooting and they possibly get a smidge more performance from those two extra inches, but a guy needs to check the do-ability of comfort and carry; especially in and out of whatever vehicle you will be using. Sometimes those two extra inches will be a deal breaker, and a 4" would be preferable. I don't think we ever saw many cops packing a six incher (revolver) even back when cops packed revolvers. Heck if it was horse-back, I'd pack a 7 1/2".(revolver) jd

 

[Blackthorn]

I’ve run a 4” S&W 19 since the early 80’s. Mine has seen some serious use. Bluing about warm off and it’s got some good scratches but it never fails to fire.

When I’m the field I run full throttle 357’s. When I want to plink I run 158 SWC with Trail Boss. When it’s snake season I have a speed loader full of bird shot. It’s relatively light and feels good in the hand.
Hard to go wrong with the 19.

 

[wheelgun7360]

My new Freedom Arms 357 silhouette.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

My new Freedom Arms 357 silhouette.View attachment 1082211

Open carry only

 

[Evan]

Open carry only

Could concealed carry that monster, but you might need to take your pants off to get it free.

I inherited my grandpa's S&W revolver. It looks an aweful lot like a Model 27 with a 4inch barrel, but I'm not sure. It'll hit milk jugs at 100 when I use a rest. Really nice gun to shoot; it just always feels natural and I don't need to work to aim it.

 

[riflewoman]

If your grandpas old gun is shiny then it might be a 27. If it’s dull and matte it’s a 28 Highway Patrolman. The only real diff was finish.

 

[Evan]

If your grandpas old gun is shiny then it might be a 27. If it’s dull and matte it’s a 28 Highway Patrolman. The only real diff was finish.

I'll try to get a picture up tonight. It's got shiny bluing.

 

[flintcreek6412]

Well, since this got revived I'll chime in. If you are going to carry it often in a holster purely for ranch work a 4" is perfect. Easy to draw and lighter weight. Go stainless for ease of cleaning and durability. Go S&W cause they are the best(older ones that is). I had an old Colt Trooper that had the worst trigger I've ever handled in my life. I carried a SW mod 66 in 4" on duty my first 4 years before they made us go to .40cal. It was a tack driver and even bad shots killed. It's dummy proof and able to go single action for precision shot. I'd look for a 66-1, 66-2 or 66-3 if it was me.

 

[mousegunner]

Model 13. No nonsense pistol, not too light not too heavy. If you want something heavier then a fixed sight L frame blued or stainless.