I remember when I saw my first 9 mm revolver (a S&W 547) I thought it was silly (tho I liked the auto-eject feature). Only six rounds (9mils were all hi-cap at the time), plus it had a bbl/cylinder gap and the bbl was only 3" long so one wouldn't get the full 9 mm ballistics. Besides, why not get a .357 if you wanted a revolver?
Well, over the years I figured out that the shorter bbl length might not be such an issue. An auto's bbl length encompasses the cylinder as well, and - even if it's vented at the gap - the 9 mm revolver's bbl isn't too short for the cartridge according to ballistics figures I've read. (It looked like the 9 was doing better than a .38 +P out of the same bbl length.)
And for a while (late '80s/early '90s), lots were being made. Ruger had the Speed Six in 9mm, and later they made the SP-101. S&W brought out a model 60 in 9 mm.
But they've all gone away! For some reason (probably lack of sales due to folks who thought like me), 9mm revolvers aren't made anymore. And it's occured to me lately that, given how cheap and readily available 9mm blasting ammo has become, it would be great to have one.
So, who's owned a 9 mm revolver? Have you kept it? Do you like it? Anyone run a chrono on one? Anyone seen any for sale lately? Should I get a Gun List and try to get one? Which model?
Well, over the years I figured out that the shorter bbl length might not be such an issue. An auto's bbl length encompasses the cylinder as well, and - even if it's vented at the gap - the 9 mm revolver's bbl isn't too short for the cartridge according to ballistics figures I've read. (It looked like the 9 was doing better than a .38 +P out of the same bbl length.)
And for a while (late '80s/early '90s), lots were being made. Ruger had the Speed Six in 9mm, and later they made the SP-101. S&W brought out a model 60 in 9 mm.
But they've all gone away! For some reason (probably lack of sales due to folks who thought like me), 9mm revolvers aren't made anymore. And it's occured to me lately that, given how cheap and readily available 9mm blasting ammo has become, it would be great to have one.
So, who's owned a 9 mm revolver? Have you kept it? Do you like it? Anyone run a chrono on one? Anyone seen any for sale lately? Should I get a Gun List and try to get one? Which model?