Wheel guns... opinions?
- Thread starter Sniper338
- Start date
Yes, the 8 shot N frame
I owned a 617 and after maybe 10-12 cylinders of ammo they would not want to eject and get suck in the chamber and I wasnt about to go banging on the ejector rod like a caveman, got rid of that one.
Don't discount .41 mag either 57 or 657. I have 3 of them, 0ne model 29 and two 357,s. The 41's are my favorite. I've had several pythons several yrs ago before they went crazy and they're good guns but not really better than a Smith. TRY TO GET NO LOCKS. I have two 617s 4" and 8 3/8 and 6" 17, The 4" is by far my favorite.
I own 2 Model 17’s. One is Vintage 1980 model 8 3/8” and the other is around 1990 10 shot model both very accurate and good pistols. Many a squirrel, blue jay, crow, fox, and groundhog met their demise at the muzzle end. Quite a few headshots out to 50 plus yards back when my eyesight was in its prime. Used to shoot at 2 liter bottles at 250 yards with iron sights. Would average 2 hits out of 10 shots. But....I will have have to tell you, that 6” 686 plus (key lock model) is a TACK DRIVER! With handloads using the extremely cheap Missouri Cast 180 gr WFN (Pugnose) .358 bullets and a full case of IMR 4227 (15.0 gr) and the CCI 550 mag primer this pistol shoots like a target pistol. I now have a Burris Fastfire III holographic red dot sight on it and I can hit a 12”x18” plate 20 shots in a row offhand at 73 yards. Shooting the same plate yesterday I hit it 4 out of 6 shots offhand at 100 yards. Sitting resting my arms on my knees I hit the same plate 20 shots in a row at 105 yards. Probably shot 10,000 rounds through it now and that trigger is better than a performance center trigger now. It shoots better and better the more I shoot it. Shooting the Missouri cast bullets I can shoot it as cheap maybe cheaper than a 22 Magnum. Out of all my pistols I own I would be the most upset if my 686 plus got stolen. This thing shoots like a target pistol. Killed groundhogs, coyotes, bluejays, and crows with it.
Super! Thanks!
had a 19 once.... What a nice pistolee
I got my first S&W Model 17, 22 rim fire (K22) in 1970 for $87 which was a lot of money for me back then. I was in the Army at the time. In my opinion, it's the finest revolver ever made. I still have and shoot it a lot. Mine is the 6" barrel version. It's truly a life time investment if you take care of it.
I did just about everything with this pistol. First, small game / varmint hunting. I took a number of squirrels, rabbits and groundhog with this excellent pistol. It was my constant companion in the woods.
Then I began shooting NRA Bulls eye competition with it adding a S&W Model 14, 38 Special to shoot the center fire stage. I did quite well qualifying as expert (270 minimum out of 300 point course of fire) in those days. I master the rapid fire stage using the single action mode. When I switched to the S&W Model 41 semi auto my scores when up to distinguished expert, 285 but it wasn't as much fun as shooting that revolver.
I also shot hunter's small bore pistol silhouette with the Model 17 qualifying as AAA (30 to 35 out a 40 shot course of fire) in those days.
These days I just shoot it for fun and while my skill has dropped off from those younger days I can still manage a slow fire average on a B16 target at 25 yards of about 87 to 88 but using a two hand hold.
I did just about everything with this pistol. First, small game / varmint hunting. I took a number of squirrels, rabbits and groundhog with this excellent pistol. It was my constant companion in the woods.
Then I began shooting NRA Bulls eye competition with it adding a S&W Model 14, 38 Special to shoot the center fire stage. I did quite well qualifying as expert (270 minimum out of 300 point course of fire) in those days. I master the rapid fire stage using the single action mode. When I switched to the S&W Model 41 semi auto my scores when up to distinguished expert, 285 but it wasn't as much fun as shooting that revolver.
I also shot hunter's small bore pistol silhouette with the Model 17 qualifying as AAA (30 to 35 out a 40 shot course of fire) in those days.
These days I just shoot it for fun and while my skill has dropped off from those younger days I can still manage a slow fire average on a B16 target at 25 yards of about 87 to 88 but using a two hand hold.
I have an early 90s 6” 686 that was my first good revolver. 10 years ago I bought a very nice late 60s 6” M14 for bullseye. Last summer I found a matching, early 60s, also very clean 6” M17 for the rimfire part of bullseye. Two matching revolvers, same weight, same trigger pull, same motions to load and operate. Life is good.
Not a big wheel gun fan but I have always wanted a python
Like my Python for .357, I wouldn't trade my 617 for any other wheel gun in 22RF. I got it a few years ago, after playing around with a buddy's K22.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Speaking of s&w revolvers, who has a 4” or so 586 theyll sell me? Pre lock preferred
CarlGeorge
Silver $$ Contributor
I have a Model 14 Target Masterpiece. The thing shoots great. And it consistently generates comments from strangers on the firing line. (ala "That thing is beautiul." What's generating the comments are the lines, as the piece itself isn't that remarkable....a bit of wear on the bluing, etc.)
Really great gun.
Really great gun.
Forum Boss
Administrator
I would add that I prefer my .44s to my .357s only because I like the bigger bullet holes in paper. Same for my .45 ACP 1911 vs 9mm SIG P226. I mostly shoot slow-fire, and like accuracy. For paper punching, I load coated lead SWCs in .44 Mag cases at low velocities -- 750-800 FPS or so. Mild recoil.
I have had very good luck with the Precision Coated Lead bullets. Made in Texas, these have a proprietary coating. You get the advantages of lead bullets with much reduced fouling. These shot WAY better than the cheap copper-plated bullets. Not sure why.
https://precisionbullets.com/
I have had very good luck with the Precision Coated Lead bullets. Made in Texas, these have a proprietary coating. You get the advantages of lead bullets with much reduced fouling. These shot WAY better than the cheap copper-plated bullets. Not sure why.
https://precisionbullets.com/
I am a big fan of S&W revolvers. Fits into your hand like well-worn slippers, great triggers, and very accurate. They are the epitome of quality and functionality, and have been for over 100 years. Not many gun manufacturers can claim this level of consistently high quality products.
I especially like the .41 magnum. I find it to be the best balance of power and shootability.
It'll shoot .41 Special loads, too, if your wrist needs a rest.
I especially like the .41 magnum. I find it to be the best balance of power and shootability.
It'll shoot .41 Special loads, too, if your wrist needs a rest.
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