one revolver to rule them all...

B

Brando1992

New member
Forgive the corny Lord of the Rings title...

I may be getting the itch to get a wheel gun that isn't a family heirloom...

So what if you where to have only one revolver what would it be?

for my purposes it would be just a fun gun to take to the range, I like a full size gun and nice sights (haven't loved the tiny little notch and front post on my pre model 10)

double action? single action? caliber? brand? model?

also note I dont think the wife will let me get another gun for a little while and I'm also quite content with the ones i have, so this is very theoretical and mainly just for me to learn more about whats out there in the wheel gun area... thanks!
 
Double action, 4" barrel, adjustable sights. 357, lets you fire all the 38 WCs you want. Colt, S&W, Dan Wesson, Ruger-I own them all. Proper fitting grips are a MUST.
 
You realize that this question is purely academic.
No body has just one revolver.
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100% academic. I really just want to learn what people consider their go to revolver if they could only have 1
 
If I could only have one it would be a 4" S&W model 19 or 66. I have a new 66, but I really want a model 19. If you wanna shoot magnums all the time get a S&W 27. I prefer 4" but any barrel length is fine. I also prefer smiths but you can't go wrong with a colt or ruger either.
 
I would consider the Ruger GP100 Match Champion or the GP100 .

If I could have just one revolver it would be my pre lock S&W 686 . That was my first handgun purchase back in the 80's . I think I got it right the first time . I don't like the lock models they make now though .
 
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Tough choice for sure.
J,K,L,N,X frame choices..hmm

You know if you let me have 1 of each frame size, it would be easier to answer the hypothetical purely academic question. Right?
 
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It would be a Smith & Wesson, either a 586 or 686 if new. Advantage, .357 so you can also shoot .38s in it. The 586 would have to be used but they are available with 4 or 6 inch barrels. Good balance and very strong.

You can't get a better trigger than a good S&W. Only takes a little effort to tune them if you want. Single action is perfect from the factory but with a little work the double action can be brought down to a comfortable 7 lbs by any competent or even home gunsmith. Just changing the springs with a WOLF reduced power set and you are good to go.:D
 
100% academic. I really just want to learn what people consider their go to revolver if they could only have 1.
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The answer is usually a high quality 4" 357 mag revolver such as a S&W M27 or 686. The Ruger GP-100 is a good substitute, but only a substitute. ;)

The other answer is "What for?"

for my purposes it would be just a fun gun to take to the range, I like a full size gun and nice sights....
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Of all the revolvers I own, the one that I would miss the most is a 4" Colt or S&W DA revolver in 22LR. Yes, even more than a 357 or my beloved S&W M57 41 mags.....

As the poster (Sharkbite) below this post mentioned, a 4" S&W 617 would be hard to beat for a fun gun. Like it more than the 6" version. Colt made a number of fine DA 22 revolvers including the Diamondback, Officers Model Match, and the Trooper Mark III. All of these are very good choices for a range gun. Of course, you'd want to take care of the Colts if you chose Colt.
 
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I bought a SAA with a 6.5" barrel as my first revolver because I watched cowboy movies and TV shows as a kid.
 
For pure versatility, I'd say a 3" .357 magnum; it's essentually the revolver equivalent if a mid-size 9mm. If Ruger ever made a .357 LCRX, that sounds like it'd be the perfect all-purpose revolver, but such a beast does not exist (yet). So until it does, I'd vote for an SP-101.
 
My vote would be a 4-6" K frame 22lr with a good set of adj sights.

S&W 617 comes to mind. You seem to be looking for a "fun gun", not a defensive piece. So no need for the 357 or even 38spl power level. A nice low recoil 22lr sounds perfect
 
Partial as I am to single actions, an OMBH in 357 or a NMBH flat top in 44 Special. 4 5/8's barrel of course.
 
For your stated use:

Ruger Blackhawk .357 convertible, with extra 9mm cylinder. Ruger Blackhawk Convertible

3 calibers in a full sized gun with good sights and the capability of an amazing trigger.

I'd go 6.5" barrel for your purposes.


For MY purposes [yours, plus backpacking and/or home defense, where it has to be carried concealed], I'd go with a GP100 in 4.2" barrel.

If you want fun, but don't need centerfire- a single revolver I would recommend would be the Ruger Single-Six, which comes with both a .22lr cylinder and a .22WMR cylinder. If you go this route, the 6.5" barrel makes the most power of the options while still being portable. Also, Story makes 8 or 10 round .22lr cylinders for this, and 8 round .22WMR cylinders for this.

Mine has the 8round .22lr and 8round .22WMR cylinder and it makes me smile!


If stopping power has NOTHING to do with your goals [just making cans jump or perforating paper], then the .22lr ones are great options.


I like S&W's revolvers, but I would want one of those in addition to the Ruger Single Actions, as the R
 
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