Revolvers, anything I should know prior to pulling the trigger on one?

[CrossedRifles]

Considering my first revolver (a S&W 36 which is catching my eye) and my desire to know more intensifies. This isn't for practical purposes, but more for expanding on trying different firearms and recreational target shooting.

I've read for an hour or two on pros and cons of revolvers. I don't plan to keep my revolver in a box full of sand, so I don't think I'm worried about it failing to fire.

Are revolvers picky with ammo at all?

What was your first revolver and how did you like it?

If any S&W 36 (or similar) owners are out there, how do you like the fit and finish of their revolvers? Any gripes?

[Garv]

Revolvers are much less picky than semi autos.
You do not get a failure to eject that blocks the next round, you just move to the next cylinder.
I've never had a failure to fire in either of my two revolvers.
My first is a Ruger single action .22, my second is a .357 S&W 686+.

[saugustine]

Revolvers, anything I should know prior to pulling the trigger on one?

I had a Ruger GP100 6" stainless steel that was an awesome gun. It's size and weight freaked my wife out so I sold it. The only issue I had was that if anything got under the crane (ejector star), the cylinder would be hard to impossible to close, which makes sense. Kept that clean and it would shoot all day long without an issue. I just kept a pick and some patches in my range bag so I could clean it at the range if needed.

I will buy another revolver in the near future. I actually found the 6" to be a little long for me, so I'll probably go to a 4" and maybe a .44 Mag for use when hiking in the back woods.

Revolvers are just fun to shoot IMO.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[scotchblade]

Being of the older generation, I can't imagine a gun enthusiast not owning at least one revolver. A GP-100 with a 4" barrel would be a fine choice. Or a 686 if you prefer Smiths. I wouldn't recommend the M36 for your first though. Only 5 shots, no .357, fixed sights and a short barrel.

Pretty much issue free and shoots everything. If you shoot .38s and then .357 in the same session, the .357s are likely to stick going into the cylinder due to carbon buildup from the shorter .38s. Also, little powder bits that get stuck under the ejector star could cause the cylinder to bind, but that only happened to me once.

[81turbota]

Revolvers are fantastic! Simple and idiot proof. Please don't "gangster flip" the cylinder.

My first wheel gun was a Webley MkIV .38 and my second was a 1916 Colt Army Special .38.

[SoldierLife7]

Revolvers are fantastic! Simple and idiot proof. Please don't "gangster flip" the cylinder.

My first wheel gun was a Webley MkIV .38 and my second was a 1916 Colt Army Special .38.

This is important to prevent damage! That spin/flip of the cylinder is for the movies....

[highpower]

The Model 36 is a great gun. While they aren't target guns, they do work well for their intended purpose. I shoot mine with standard .38 special ammo.

[Midtown]

I had a Ruger GP100 6" stainless steel that was an awesome gun. It's size and weight freaked my wife out so I sold it.

What do you mean it "freaked her out"?

To the OP, I love wheelguns. Have had my single ten (ruger) for a month now and I love shooting it. If you are getting a revolver just to have something different and interesting, I encourage you to check out Rugers single action options.

[jeffyhog]

My first revolver was also a S&W Model 36. I think it dates to 1963 and it was well worn when I bought it but still tight and functional. I don't know the history of it as I bought it on consignment from a local gun store, but I figure it was probably carried regularly. I've taken it to the range several times and only shoot standard .38 through it. It's been completely reliable.

[kdm]

My first was an SP101. Liked it a bunch for awhile, but realized it was a tad too small. Now have a blued 4" GP100. For me, it's perfect. Threw on a fiber optic front sight and called it good. Revolvers are much fun. Unless it's absolutely filthy cruddy dirty, or a round pops a primer, they simply don't fail under regular use. Dead on reliable.

[Sutcliffe]

I wouldn't recommend a 36 as a first revolver

It is a specialty handgun for carrying concealed. By nature it is small and lightweight. It will be much harder to shoot than a K-frame.
I would recommend getting a medium framed revolver in .38 or .357 and shooting .38 through it until you get some basic skills built up.

[amishfarmer]

Revolvers, anything I should know prior to pulling the trigger on one?


Under the right conditions they usually go bang......

[Creampuff]

If you shoot semi autos with two thumbs forward grip watch your fingers and thumbs. Don't have your finger anywhere near the forcing cone or you will get burned.

The revolver grip is different than the two thumbs forward grip.

[dfletcher]

Considering my first revolver (a S&W 36 which is catching my eye) and my desire to know more intensifies. This isn't for practical purposes, but more for expanding on trying different firearms and recreational target shooting.

I've read for an hour or two on pros and cons of revolvers. I don't plan to keep my revolver in a box full of sand, so I don't think I'm worried about it failing to fire.

Are revolvers picky with ammo at all?

What was your first revolver and how did you like it?

If any S&W 36 (or similar) owners are out there, how do you like the fit and finish of their revolvers? Any gripes?

Why are you choosing a 2" (or 3") small framed revolver as your 1st? If it's "just because I like it" that's an OK reason, as opposed to "centerfire bullseye" which probably isn't. J frames and Colt D frames such as the Agent, Cobra, etc are neat little pistols, but a bit of a challenge to shoot well.

[FeuerFrei]

OP.
If this first purchase is for collecting then I say whatever flips you wallet open. Buy!
Practically speaking a 5 shot belly gun's fun factor drops steeply after your first 100 rounds at the range.
As a CCW or collector weapon? Yes.
Target and fun gun? No.
For a first revolver I suggest at least something with a more useful barrel length.
Good luck whichever way you go.