wheel gun! help me choose...

[mif_slim]

Okay, I'm stepping away from semi and going into wheel gun to expand my firearm knowledge and skills.

There are two things I want to do with revolvers. First is to learn how to operate it correctly and use it in self defense courses. Second is USPSA. I don't have anything picked out nor know anything about them so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time.

[G-forceJunkie]

686 with a 4" barrel.

[CK_32]

GP100

[shooting4life]

For gun games like uspsa the 625 is the only choice

[gorenut]

If you're going to compete, its best to try going the basic production route. Which would limit you to 4" barrel or shorter and 6 shots.

Most "successful" for production competition would be S&W 625 shooting 45 ACP. The shorter and stouter brass helps in faster reloads which is essentially the name of the game with revolvers.

If you want a 357mag so you can shoot 38sp also, my recommendations would be:
Ruger GP 100 in 4"
S&W 686 4" 6 shooter (rather than the 7 shooter model)
S&W 686 SSR - this one is part of the S&W's PRO series and its essentially decked out to perfectly fit in the production class criteria.

Moonclips are the standard but if you prefer speedloaders, I would highly suggest Safariland ones over twist types like HKS.

[Virus55]

Go with some type of smith...i have a model 19-4 .357

[TKM]

625s and 610s.

A quick video that you've already seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB3CJgq3zNI

And hundreds of moonclips.

http://www.ranchproducts.com/ They are old school and you actually have to spit on a stamp and send a check but you won't find a better deal.

Fastest reload around and no more lost brass. Good times.

[Tanner68]

http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog.html

[big fancy]

686 with a 4" barrel.

+1

i mean literally +1. the 686+

[far from tactical]

S&w 500

[mif_slim]

THanks a bunch guys!

So by any chance would revolvers have 40sw? haha, Im currently shooting 40sw for USPSA and wanted to see if I can just bring 1 type of ammo instead of 2...just wishful thinking..

[paul0660]

THanks a bunch guys!

So by any chance would revolvers have 40sw? haha, Im currently shooting 40sw for USPSA and wanted to see if I can just bring 1 type of ammo instead of 2...just wishful thinking..

Charter arms and Taurus make .40 revolvers, but you can't get them here.

And all the previous posters would act like they smelled something bad if you got one.

Some 4 inch in .38/.357 is the best choice for what you want. .45 ACP is super sexy and hard to find. .44 spl/ mag is great too. Choose your speedloaders carefully, I like Safariland. There are lots of Jerry Miculek vids on revolvers, and all are good. Reloading should be with left hand holding and opening gun, right hand with speedloader. If your left thumb can fit on top of right thumb when shooting, do it. (assuming RH of course).

[Marthor]

If you want it for self-defense, then Ruger LCR 357.
Very concealable. The 357 version of the LCR is better because it has a steel frame.

The major advantage of a wheel gun for self defense is best reliability. No failure to feed.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

So by any chance would revolvers have 40sw? haha, Im currently shooting 40sw for USPSA and wanted to see if I can just bring 1 type of ammo instead of 2...just wishful thinking..

You can if you find a S&W 610, it will fire .40 S&W as the moon clips will provide the necessary headspacing. Just don't try to load .40 into a 610 without moonclips as the rounds may be driven into the charge holes by the firing pin, which won't be fun.

The down side is that they are harder to find than the 625; I've been looking for one for some time.

[snubbyfan]

Personally, I'd get the 4" S&W 686 and modify it to my liking. I'm familiar with S&W revolvers and have done trigger job/spring replacements on many. A custom holster and double speedloader pouch and you're ready to go.