Revolver, that is my question...

[xb12s]

I hear ya. My interest in revolvers has just started to grow. I have a Ruger Single Six .32 H&R magnum that was given to me as a gift years ago -- it was my first firearm. I didn't really appreciate it then. I bought several semi-autos since then. I bought a Ruger GP100 (6" bbl) about a year ago. That thing eats recoil. .357 magnum in the gp100 feels less than a .38 special in an airweight. But, I found that I do not like cleaning the stainless revolvers (well, or pistols for that matter). Black hides all manner of sins and sloppy cleanings.

What is the finish on the cobras that were posted? Is that "blueing" or something else? I imagined blue to be lighter in color (i've seen some that are what i would call a "gunmetal" color), but admittedly I don't know much about that. And what is the finish on those Uberti pistols advertised recently. Looks like case hardening? How do these different finishes hold up to abuse? Somebody mentioned that blued guns would only see occasional carry b/c of the abuse of the holster presumably.

Edited to add pictures of Uberti:

[WildBill]

What is the finish on the cobras that were posted? Is that "blueing" or something else? I imagined blue to be lighter in color (i've seen some that are what i would call a "gunmetal" color), but admittedly I don't know much about that.

Colt had a special process that produced a deep and bright finish that they called "Royal Blue". On the higher end models such as the Python, I believe that they also hand-buffed the steel prior to finishing. At least that is what I have read. http://pistolsmith.com/pistolsmiths/229 ... luing.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Other manufacturers didn't take as much time preparing the surface so the blueing can range from the "gun metal grey" to a dark blue. Just like any surface finish or plating, the quality can very due to surface preparation, times, temperatures, concentration and cleanliness of the chemical baths. In order to save money, many companies don't change their baths as often as they should, and the quality of the surface finish suffers. I also believe that Colt had long-time employees who were actual craftsman that served a long apprenticeship before they were moved up into higher level positions. A picture in the link above has a caption about one employee who spent 18 months learning how to manually polish parts.

There are many used revolvers, especially those carried by LEOs that can have a lot of blueing that has worn off. If you want to spend the money they can be reblued. In addition to resisting rust, many people like SS handguns because there is no finish to rub off.

[Iunnrais]

Well...darn... This thread is going to cost me $$$ in the Spring.

I've now got a hankerin for a nice Ruger Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk. Scary thing is that Mrs. Iunnrias has already OKed it as long as it gets her out of having to find me something for my birthday.

Sadly this now raises other questions like 'stainless vs. blued' or '.45 Colt vs .44 Mag'.... With months to agonize and waffle between them.

[mr surveyor]

there's always the Super Red Hawk...in various flavors. I'm loving my SRH .44 mag. Bought it (actually traded for it) back in the Spring and haven't bought the first box of factory ammo. Got a box of Fiocci jsp's from the previous owner, but ordered dies and boolits for it the day I got it home. Sweet shooter, but probably not something "Miss U" would consider for every day carry

[urnoodle]

Absolutely fun time at the range. I brought the Ladysmith and the Ruger 10/22 takedown. I love them both! So here's how it went...
I started with the Ladysmith, I only brought 38 special to the range with me. I forgot the box of .357mag. So this is what I brought with me and in the order I shot them: 50 rounds of Remington UMC 130gr FMJ, 25 rounds of American Eagle 130gr FMJ and 25 rounds of +P 125gr Golden Saber. I was shooting at 7, 15 and 25 yrds using a 25yrd target. Now the first 10 rounds we won't even count . Lets just call that my adjustment period. After that my groupings were about 2.5-3" at 7yrds, 4-5" at 15 yrds and 6-8" at 25yrds. I'm still shooting a little to the left but that has more to do with the operator than the gun. I have been doing that with every firearm. I'm hoping the new glasses help with that. I am better with shooting single action so next visit I'm going to concentrate on DA only to get my finger strength up for the longer pull. Not a single issue at all with the Ladysmith. I really do like this gun! So much so I've upgraded as one of my carry guns. The recoil was not as bad as I expected but it did make my hand a little weary by the end of the session. Next time I'll bring the .357magnums and give them a whirl.

Now the Ruger takedown, there is just a whole lotta fun wrapped up in that thing. I could shoot that all day. My groups were much tighter than the Ladysmith but I did have a red dot on it. . I would have liked to shoot it at a longer yardage but the gun range has a limitation. I think everyone should have a 10/22 just for fun. I had 2 FTF out of 150 rounds but I think that had more to do with the cheap ammo than anything else.

All in all a great trip. I already see the writing on the wall...I'm going to need to buy dies and components to reload for 38 special.

Well...darn... This thread is going to cost me $$$ in the Spring.

I've now got a hankerin for a nice Ruger Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk. Scary thing is that Mrs. Iunnrias has already OKed it as long as it gets her out of having to find me something for my birthday.

Sadly this now raises other questions like 'stainless vs. blued' or '.45 Colt vs .44 Mag'.... With months to agonize and waffle between them.

I had such a good time with my Ladysmith that I'm already thinking about another revolver. I don't know what yet but I have a few months to "chaw on it" before I'll have the money for something else anyway.

[PUCKER]

I like this thread!

I currently carry a snubby revolver (S&W Bodyguard .38 Special +P) so I'm not looking for a concealed carry piece but a fuller-size .357 Magnum (ie - target shooting fun gun w/ .38 Special, another home defense gun, possible piece if/when we get Open Carry, and mostly BECAUSE I JUST WANT ONE!).

Trying to decide what to get...may not be any time soon...but I know what I do NOT want...any revolver with an internal-locking mechanism! That is a deal-breaker for me. I may have to get an older S&W.

[urnoodle]

I think my next one may be a Colt. I also like the Ruger SP101 and the S&W 686. It's gonna be a hard decision. I've seen several people mention the internal lock what is the downside to the lock?

[MoJo]

I think my next one may be a Colt. I also like the Ruger SP101 and the S&W 686. It's gonna be a hard decision. I've seen several people mention the internal lock what is the downside to the lock?

The lock's biggest downside it it's another set of parts waiting to break, Murphy and all that you know. Other than that it's an affront to the sensibilities of the owners and increases the cost. I have two Taurus revolvers with locks and haven't had a bit of trouble. I keep them both unlocked and don't ever plan to use the locks. Some say they may lock themselves when you really need the gun. Well I've never seen a lock lock or unlock itself so I don't worry.

[urnoodle]

My Ladysmith has the lock and I would never use it. I know my handicap is in knowing where I left the key. It should be in the safe but...well to quote you "Murphy's law and all that". The lock was never a deal breaker for me, however, I keep looking at it like it's a scratch.

[PUCKER]

I think my next one may be a Colt. I also like the Ruger SP101 and the S&W 686. It's gonna be a hard decision. I've seen several people mention the internal lock what is the downside to the lock?

The lock's biggest downside it it's another set of parts waiting to break, Murphy and all that you know. Other than that it's an affront to the sensibilities of the owners and increases the cost. I have two Taurus revolvers with locks and haven't had a bit of trouble. I keep them both unlocked and don't ever plan to use the locks. Some say they may lock themselves when you really need the gun. Well I've never seen a lock lock or unlock itself so I don't worry.

Besides the Murphy side of things...it's also UGGGGGLY....and it's a bow to Clinton (from what I recall), an appeasement if you will. Regarding the locks unlocking/locking by themselves, I recall reading a post or two (from Massad Ayoob?) about a few documented cases of the internal locks failing WHILE firing, I believe it was from firing a hot load or two and then the lock LOCKED up rendering the gun unfireable...either way, I will NOT own a gun with that "feature." I had pretty much written off S&W for a carry piece until they came out with the Bodyguard .38 Special + P with laser, etc....it does NOT have an internal lock! That is why i bought one!

I am not trying to thread-drift/hijack/debate that particular topic here...I just don't want to even consider revolvers that have "that."

[urnoodle]

Hijack away... I guess time will tell whether I have a problem with the lock. I definitely agree on the UGGGGGLY comment. I would prefer it not to have it. After seeing WildBill's and Divided Attention's Colts I'm kinda smitten with em. I'll be looking for one of those first when I have the money to spend in the next couple of months.

[mr surveyor]

there are ways to "remove" the locking mechanism, as well as cover the silly hillary hole.... but warranty will no doubt be voided unless you can reverse the procedure