First wheel gun in a very long time

[Dave Zander]

Dave, we have been around the shooting sports game for a very long time. Remember when you could go to a local match and shoot multiple pistols, revolver class, limited class and open class. Your pic's has brought back some old memories. I had taken second place back in the day for the NC State Championship shooting a 625-5", behind a great wheelgun shooter, Allen Ramsey. Many days ago. Did you ever shoot the Mountaineer Classic back in the day ? The revolver is what I advise for home protection in my CC classes, especially for newer shooters.

Tommy Roupe

I pretty much concentrated on bowling pin shoots. Second chance pin shoot in Central Lake Michigan was the ultimate bowling pin competition. The last one I shot was in 1997 I believe. I took third place in the Winchester shoot off . Using a stock 610. It was man on man. Loose twice and you were out. My first lose my firing pin broke. Next round I used a borrowed 610 from my buddy. I ended up beating Jim Clark Jr by a half a second winning $1000.00. Jim Clark was shooting a 1911 with a comp , iron sights, 8 rounds in his gun. My buddy’s 610 was stock 6”. I loaded and shot 10,000 in 3 months that year , both 45 acp and 10 mm. Now I can hardly see the iron sights. Went to clay targets and now I do rifle out to 1000 yards on steel . I can see with a rifle scope at least still.
Good times, met a lot of good people shooting over the last 30 years.

 

[troupe]

I have to agree with you. My shooting over the years have let me have contact and friendships with such great folks. From World Champions to some of the military's most Elite soldiers and some Elite Fed. Agencies. It has been a hoot and a absolute honor. I remember Jim Jr. He was a great guy and a serious competitor. I done a lot of grip work for Clark Custom back in the day when nobody texturized grips. Thanks to the Clark's and their close connections with Ruger, one of my re- design of the grip alterations that I had done to the 22-45's, it is standard know on the 22-45's.

It has been fun and a true eye opener to some of the industry inside workings. Thanks for the reply back and thanks for posting on the top forum going,

Tom (Tommy) Roupe
THR Technologies/Roupe Grips

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I've had a couple S&W Model 17's - great pistols without a doubt. Successfully campaigned one for years in a wheelgun bullseye league. Then I was drawn to Colt and acquired an Officers Model Special in .22RF. another wonderful rimfire revolver. As solid as the 17's are, it is hard to beat a Colt trigger. I keep going back and forth about picking up a S&W 10-shot 617 just because. The time may have come to go ahead and do it...

I will say, the nicer old colts and SWs are getting super pricey. I have an Officer Model Match in 38. I am looking for same in 22. SW 17 is bragged on for sure.

 

[Tesoro]

I don't know why but I got the wheel gun itch real bad about week ago.This was right after the XP-100 itch but that one died out. I grew up with a Python, a Diamondback, a Mod 19 and a bunch of flat top Blackhawks that I paid for with my own hard earned money in my early teen days, when you could buy them at garage sales. SInce then it has been all pistols for me, save for an airweight smith hammerless 38. Problem is my eyes dont see front sight and I refuse to wear bifocals so I would need to kill the classic lines with a mini rmr or a scout scope.
The question I have is: are the latest production of S&W 38> cals considered 'better and stronger' than the classics from the 70-80's? I would assume so. Are the performance center triggers that much nicer? Anything else? Thx

 

[snert]

Never met a wheel gun I didn't like.

I know, I'm a dinosaur, I don't even own a semi-auto anymore but have an entire safe filled with wheelies. With my old ailing back, it's nice to not have to bend over and search for spent cases.

My 357 Mag's love the 125 grain Hornady XTP's with moderate loads of 231 powder and Federal 100 primers. If you're into cast lead bullet shooting, the Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets are outstandingly accurate, just don't push them over 1,000 f/s. For the ultimate in accuracy, nothing beats the 148-grain swaged hollow base wadcutters with target loads of 231 or bullseye powder. This latter load is an excellent small game load (rabbits and squirrels) with minimal meat damage.

For heavy work, the 140 grain XTP with 2400 powder gets the job done very nicely. In my pistol groundhog hunting days I took a ton of hogs with the 140 grain Speer and 2400.

My first S&W Model 17, 22 Rimfire, 6" barrel is over 50 years old, but this old gal still holds a ten ring with CCI Standard Vel ammo. The most perfect handgun ever made in my humble opinion.

If you are new to wheelies, do not slam the cylinder into the frame like Dick Tracey. Also get a crown protector for cleaning. The best way I found to clean a revolver is to clamp the trigger guard into vice with wooden pads. Make sure it is level. This will keep the firearm from moving around and enable you to keep the cleaning rod centered. A crown protector is highly recommended.

Have fun.

@K22, you need to put me down as your long lost nephew.....

I stupidly sold my 686 for $260 back in 2003. I am a total moron. I've sufficiently kicked myself in the butt for 22 years now, increasing my IQ and sense to somewhat above mentally challenged primate and would love to shoot a revolver again.

 

[G Man]

I’m not going to lie and say I am a good revolver shooter. But I’m sure going to let everyone know about TK CUSTOMS Work and how they made me a better revolver shooter. If you like to shoot a revolver check out this guys website

 

[K22]

@K22, you need to put me down as your long lost nephew.....

I stupidly sold my 686 for $260 back in 2003. I am a total moron. I've sufficiently kicked myself in the butt for 22 years now, increasing my IQ and sense to somewhat above mentally challenged primate and would love to shoot a revolver again.

That can be arranged since none of my family have or want to have firearms and the sand is running out fast on my life hourglass.

But don't beat yourself up, most of us have sold firearms that we later regretted. My list is so long it would fill a sheet on a legal pad.

My dumb and dumber was trading my magnificent N Frame Model 27, 357 Magnum for the "new" L Frame when they were introduced. The 586 and 686's are great revolvers and I have shot them a lot but so was the Model 27 which I used to take a lot of groundhogs with in the late 70's to the mid 80's roaming the vast hay fields of Greene County in Western PA.

These days I can shoot in the mid 80's at 25 yards on a B16 target with open sights albeit with two hands but it's quite a fall to my younger days when I average in the 90's.  But at 77 and handicapped with bifocals, I can't complain too much.

 

[snert]

I am 60 and I hate the fact that I now see four dots, not three, and none clearly! I am heading toward retirement in 6 years and am finding that easy things are harder...hmmm.

Thankfully my son and one daughter seem to be of the gunny mindset. He is slowly building a few shooting irons and I am sure that when I am gone he will treat them like I do, as nearly living tokens of men I knew and loved but who now are happily in the arms of Jesus. I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have him to take them as I grow into my dotage. It would seem profane to just sell them off. Every time I shoot my dad's 1908 Colt, of great Gandads trapdoor, or Fred Sinclair's Superiors, or my Pap's Model 88 I hear voices, remember adventures, appreciate them and cherish their memory. Maybe I am an old sappy type, but I am grateful for the guys that shooting and guns have introduced me to.

Wow, there I go again....

 

[rabradshaw]

I’ve got my first duty gun, S&W 586 no dash, 4” 357 magnum. Still shoot it from time to time. Bought it used in 1990 when I started civilian LE.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I don't know why but I got the wheel gun itch real bad about week ago.This was right after the XP-100 itch but that one died out. I grew up with a Python, a Diamondback, a Mod 19 and a bunch of flat top Blackhawks that I paid for with my own hard earned money in my early teen days, when you could buy them at garage sales. SInce then it has been all pistols for me, save for an airweight smith hammerless 38. Problem is my eyes dont see front sight and I refuse to wear bifocals so I would need to kill the classic lines with a mini rmr or a scout scope.
The question I have is: are the latest production of S&W 38> cals considered 'better and stronger' than the classics from the 70-80's? I would assume so. Are the performance center triggers that much nicer? Anything else? Thx

I have heard/read the newer SWs with the hi tech machining etc are probably more accurate than the ones we grew up with. the tube inside the barrel is supposed to really help accuracy. Jerry Miculek? says the new Smiths are more accurate than older ones. of course he is spokesman for SW. never fired or owned a performance center SW. I just want to be able to hit a pie plate at 20 feet. I really like the old steel firearms. one thing about the newer Smith Ws, the sound of the steel to me, (dry firing) is horrible. feels tinny, but the 686 is supposed to be a great firearm. I would like to shoot the PC model 19. it is supposed to shoot MUCH faster than older model because of vented barrel or something. Cheers. Some of the early lock models of SW are pretty impressive.

 

[memilanuk]

I would like to shoot the PC model 19. it is supposed to shoot MUCH faster than older model because of vented barrel or something.

Yeah... I've been eyeballing that Performance Center 19C a little bit lately. Not quite as cool looking as the 627-5 but still pretty sweet!

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Yeah... I've been eyeballing that Performance Center 19C a little bit lately. Not quite as cool looking as the 627-5 but still pretty sweet!

Yeah, they look extremely well made. that 627-5 looks great. I think they are a relative bargain now bc the young buyers don't like wheel guns generally!

 

[outasite`08]

Never met a wheel gun I didn't like.

I know, I'm a dinosaur, I don't even own a semi-auto anymore but have an entire safe filled with wheelies. With my old ailing back, it's nice to not have to bend over and search for spent cases.

My 357 Mag's love the 125 grain Hornady XTP's with moderate loads of 231 powder and Federal 100 primers. If you're into cast lead bullet shooting, the Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets are outstandingly accurate, just don't push them over 1,000 f/s. For the ultimate in accuracy, nothing beats the 148-grain swaged hollow base wadcutters with target loads of 231 or bullseye powder. This latter load is an excellent small game load (rabbits and squirrels) with minimal meat damage.

For heavy work, the 140 grain XTP with 2400 powder gets the job done very nicely. In my pistol groundhog hunting days I took a ton of hogs with the 140 grain Speer and 2400.

My first S&W Model 17, 22 Rimfire, 6" barrel is over 50 years old, but this old gal still holds a ten ring with CCI Standard Vel ammo. The most perfect handgun ever made in my humble opinion.

If you are new to wheelies, do not slam the cylinder into the frame like Dick Tracey. Also get a crown protector for cleaning. The best way I found to clean a revolver is to clamp the trigger guard into vice with wooden pads. Make sure it is level. This will keep the firearm from moving around and enable you to keep the cleaning rod centered. A crown protector is highly recommended.

Have fun.

I use the bore snakes on all my handguns. I never liked stuffing a rod down the barrel either. Jeff

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I use the bore snakes on all my handguns. I never liked stuffing a rod down the barrel either. Jeff

110%

 

[K22]

I use the bore snakes on all my handguns. I never liked stuffing a rod down the barrel either. Jeff

Yea, this a real issue with 22 caliber revolvers however I never found it to be a problem with centerfire bore sizes if you are careful. Still, it's not ideal. However, I do not clean the bore of my 22 revolvers in season; just the crown, cylinder, and interior frame areas.

One partial solution I found relatively recently is Hoppe's Elite Pistol Cleaning rod. It a carbon fiber rod and by sizing a jag to fit a 22-bore diameter, you can feed a rod from the muzzle safely.

 

[snert]

I’ve got my first duty gun, S&W 586 no dash, 4” 357 magnum. Still shoot it from time to time. Bought it used in 1990 when I started civilian LE.

You are killing me Smalls! I started in 93 with a plain rig like that.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I just bought a Model19 Smith with a 6 1/2 inch barrel unfired from the late 60"s. I wish I could post picture's but I cant . It is blued and in the box. 357 magnum of course.

Load Up some, Hornady or Sierra, 125 grain, HP's with, a Hot ( But Safe ) Load of, 231 Win Powder
( I use a Plus P Load, of 231, in my K- .38 ) and go,.. Shoot It ! ( It's Useless, in the Box Unless, you want to, Sell It ) Life's too Short to NOT Be shooting, the S &W .38 / .357's for,. Fun !
My Mod 17, 6" S & W ( K-.38 ) Drives Tacks with this Load ! ( See Post 11, by K-22 ) Yup, It's an AWESOME Load, in most S & W .38 and .357 Smith's. I don't Bother with, shooting 158 gr. Lead, SWC's anymore and am letting my 14
y/o Grandson,.. Burn those, Bullets Up,. Learning to, Shoot, a revolver !

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I've carried, the Lighter Models ( 14's, 17's and 19's ) of, S&W's in 6" .38 or, .357 for, Scouting, Hiking and Fishing with, a CCI Snake Load, as "First Up" for, Decades and Used, the Heavier Bullets on Coyotes, when encountered !
Also great IF, you EVER encounter, a 2 Legged Coyote ( or 3 of, them ),.. on, a Remote Stream !

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

memilanuk, ​

Very nice find there, buddy! I would have jumped on that one too. Any Smith PC gun is a nice gun.

I'm a certified handgun and rifle nut, so have as many wheelies in the safe as semi's. Recently when I noticed Midway had a killer sale on barrels for the 686, I snagged a four incher to go along with my six inch "just for fun".



I also use my M617 10-shot .22LR as my belt gun when in the outback here, so the same Galco OWB rig works perfectly for both guns. Win-win.

​

And I'll add that now into 'geezerhood' with a bad back, NOT having to chase brass on the ground is a delightful thing! Enjoy your new one, I know you will. Long live the Wheelgun!

Gee, I kinda wish I hadn't seen these two revolvers. Darn nice.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

memilanuk, ​

Very nice find there, buddy! I would have jumped on that one too. Any Smith PC gun is a nice gun.

I'm a certified handgun and rifle nut, so have as many wheelies in the safe as semi's. Recently when I noticed Midway had a killer sale on barrels for the 686, I snagged a four incher to go along with my six inch "just for fun".



I also use my M617 10-shot .22LR as my belt gun when in the outback here, so the same Galco OWB rig works perfectly for both guns. Win-win.

​

And I'll add that now into 'geezerhood' with a bad back, NOT having to chase brass on the ground is a delightful thing! Enjoy your new one, I know you will. Long live the Wheelgun!

what specific model is the 617, gosh it is nice. Now I am looking at them!