The Best Double Action Revolvers

H

Hard Ball

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Which double action revolvers have the best (smoothest) DA mechanisim? For me ithey are the Smith&Wesson N, L and K trame revolvers. And of the three the N frames are the best.
 
I have heard that the Mannhurin MR-73 are some of the finest built and smoothest revolvers around, trigger included.
 
Not to knock the Smiths, but there's nothing like a Python.
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Ditto.

I hadn't handled my Python in years, and had been shooting my 686 and M27 a lot. When I took the Python out, I couldn't believe how great the trigger was. The Python puts any Smith to shame!
 
Well, I've only shot a few cylinders from a Python, and more from a friend's S&W 645. The Smith trigger was way better. He had a local gunsmith do a minor bit of work on the trigger, and it's now just unbelievable. Just two samples, but you asked for experiences.

Chuck
 
Outside of oddities like the Korth?

A pre-war N-frame with the long-throw hammer is usually pretty nice. Pythons come out of the box impressive, but a good 'smith can get as good or better out of a S&W, (and the Smith is likely to hold that state of tune for a far, far longer time. :p )
 
Best Double action Revolver

Sounds like someone is taking a "shot" @ the Python, Tamara. Have you had one go out of tune that quickly?
 
David1958,

Have you had one go out of tune that quickly?
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Had one? No. Seen plenty at work? Yep.

Don't get me wrong, the Python's a very nice revolver, but the Pythons (and Colt revolvers in general) are so shrouded in mythos and rumor that it's easy to overlook their faults.
 
Best Double action Revolver

Interesting point on Pythons/Colts. I only have one, the rest of the crew is S&W. Ditching the auto! Thanks.
 
I too have found that with a little work a Smith will outclass a stock Python by a good bit. A Python with an action job is every bit as smooth though they still feel funny to me.

I have also found that the Smith K & L frame will hold timing a lot longer if shooting hard and fast DA than the Python. I have found the Python to hold tune as long or a little longer than the .357 bore N-frames, and very close in life to the .45 bore N-frames. When the Python needs to see the Doc for some rehab there aren't many gunsmiths that really know them, so waits and prices are a lot steeper than if you need a Smith worked on.

I'll take a nice Smith over TWO Pythons.
 
Of all the handguns I have ever tried the trigger on, the best was a pre-WWII Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum. :cool: That one pretty much defines the phrase "smooth double action pull" for me. :D
 
V-spring Colts can be very good, and some are outstanding.

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But... I've never owned or even handled a Colt that could match an N Frame that's had 10 minutes of "improvements" done to it.

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Joe
 
Tamara -
Don't get me wrong, the Python's a very nice revolver, but the Pythons (and Colt revolvers in general) are so shrouded in mythos and rumor that it's easy to overlook their faults.
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How about the King Cobra (and probably the Mk IV and V)? They seem to get lots of mixed reviews when it comes to timing. What's your/shop experience with King Cobras with timing problems?
 
Out of the box the Python cannot be beat in my opinion. Once a little work has been done I think the S and W comes out the best.
 
A pre war officer's model or a pre war K masterpiece for a factory pull I personally like the trigger "stacking " a little like a Colt does.Worked on and tricked out I'd rate them equal .I had a Manurhin Mod 73 and it was a great disappointment.
 
In the general context of "best overall" I would have to go with S&W. This in spite of the appealing qualities of some Colts.
 
Let me add one more excellent double action revolver to the long action S&W's and pre war Colt revolvers (or those Colt's that have been tuned by masters like Reeves Jungkind).

The Webley WG came from the factory with a truly excellent trigger action.

Bob.
 
Tamara mentions the old pre-war Smith & Wessons. They use to have a very long sear that was crescent shaped - just like those of the V-spring Colt Pythons and Webleys. That crescent shape achieved the same purpose as the roller found in the German Korth revolver. It ensured that the trigger was a long, steady one and if you were to graph it's pull, you'll find a steady climb as opposed to the abrupt spike characterized by the Ruger.

My personal favorite is the old Python but I won't knock an older Smith or a Webley.
 
Smith, no question. The stock Python has a decent pull, but only the early ones. A blued K-frame or N-frame, eariler the better, is untouchable.

For me the nystique of the Python, and the gorgeous bluing, are not enough to overcome the weak lockwork, and the bassackwards controls and rotation.
 
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