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Post by TMan on Oct 2, 2004 0:00:37 GMT -5
Since I'm having fun shooting the Heritage Rough Rider in .22LR, I'm thinking of getting something else, and I thought I'd try something in double-action for a change.
I'm considering the Ruger SP101 and the S&W 617. Since I've never even shot a DA revolver before, I'd like some guidance.
What I don't like about the Heritage is the sights. I looked at a Ruger Single Six with the adjustable sights and am considering getting one of those after I get a DA pistol. Those of you that read some of my posts are aware that I like Ruger, but I don't want to buy just because of the name if the S&W would be a far superior revolver.
Help please...
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Oct 2, 2004 12:36:57 GMT -5
TMan; You have impressed me as someone who favors the very finest, when it comes down to acquiring top end firearms. For a double action revolver, the Ruger will serve most, at a reasonable price, but for the same amount of money, you should be able to find a pre-owned S&W model 27 in excellent condition.However; Rugers are very durable, reliable, and afforable handguns, especially their Single Action revolvers.
The S&W 27 is the closest I've come to with a Python; Big difference is the length of the trigger travel, frame size, price, appearance, and internals. I've arrived at the conclusion that most serious double action revolver collections is incomplete without the 27.
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Post by TMan on Oct 2, 2004 16:09:10 GMT -5
DA, I'm confused (numbers do that to me). I thought the 617 was the stainless version of the 17 not the 27. I want something that shoots .22 not .357. Did you mean the 17 or are you advocating that I get a bigger revolver. (I don't like recoil). One of my range officers, a former Marine, was telling me about shooting the S&W .500. He pulled the trigger twice and handed it back to the owner. He said twice was enough. I don't want to buy something I don't enjoy shooting.
Concerning your observation: I like like quality stuff, but I like good values too. Just because something is inexpensive doesn't mean that it is junk. I love my old Jetta more than I do the BMW, and the BMW cost more than 10 times as much. The Jetta was a good value and has served me well for 18 years. My Ruger P90 was a good value, but it is a Jetta. My Sig P210-6 is a wonderful pistol, but if I forget to bring my gloves, and I'm not extremely careful how I hold it, I bleed. That is not enjoyable. My little Kimber Limited Edition is a beautiful concealed carry pistol, but I don't enjoy shooting it because of the recoil.
I know that the S&W's are more expensive, but are they really much better than the Ruger's?
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Oct 2, 2004 17:10:17 GMT -5
Sorry TMAn; I confused the SP-101 with the .357 magnum version. I assumed that you were looking into a double action .357 magnum, with a .22 version, in the 617, to go along with it. I realize that the SP-101 is offered in both. You are right in that the 617 is the stainless version of the 17.
Larger bore revolvers are not good for casual shooting with the higher velosity loads; However, the 38 Specials used in the place of the .357 magnum chambers, are very mild. The same can be said with the use of 44 Specials in place of the 44 magnum chambers.
For a double action rimfire revolver, I strongly recommend the K-Frame S&W 617, or 17. The 617 and 17 will also share the same holsters and grips with their L & K frame counter parts in the 38 special and .357 magnum, as long as the grip confiquration is the same ( Round or Square Butt ).
Asking whether Rugers are better than Smith & Wessons, or vice versa, is a matter of opinion, preference, and particular model. For out of box, my favorite double action revolvers, for shooting and money, are the S&W models 17, 27, 586, 29, and their stainless versions.
Now that the full capacity ban on the semi-autos are behind us; Be on the look out for some excellent deals on the double action six shooters. Prior to the '94 ban; I was finding new Pythons for $500. You can use 38 specials in those too.
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Post by TMan on Oct 4, 2004 23:03:12 GMT -5
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Oct 5, 2004 15:33:45 GMT -5
TMan; Those are some very good choices to pick from, in the beginning, but in the end you will probably acquire those, and several more. The 617 is my first choice in a double action rimfire revolver, if it's to be a new gun. I was concerned about the timing issues with the higher number of chambers, in the beginning, but it appears that S&W has worked those glitches out. A good companion shooter to the 617 is the 686; both are the mid frames with full lug barrels, share the same grips and gun leather, features the same size triggers and hammers, and sights.
The 627 Performance Center gun is an excellent shooter; My brother has one of those. The 627 will serve you very well in having a well balanced revolver with a very smooth and light trigger, with the larger N-Frame, which contributes to absorbing much of the felt recoil for the magnums. The craftsmanship is overwhelming on this performance center gun, with alot of attention contributed to handling characteristics, accuracy, and custom features which makes it a revolver for a new century. The interchangable front sight, recessed muzzle crown, and trigger action are only a few of the noticable features you'll find on this 8 Shooter. Tman; I'm not sure about the 627 PC, but alot of my brother's newer PC revolvers, in the magnums, can accept the use of moon clips. 
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Post by TMan on Oct 5, 2004 17:42:11 GMT -5
Hey, thanks for all the good info DA. I picked up the S&W 952-2 today and was asking about the Colt Python Elite. I was told that they can be difficult to get, which might make me lean more towards the S&W.
My S&W 617 should be in next week, and I'm looking forward to shooting it too.
My PPK/s sliced through my glove today and started on my hand. I'm thinking if I could get different grips that don't have the thumb rest, I could hold the thumb lower and that would help.
Back to the revolver: having never shot a .38 Special, I opened a box of cartridges today and was amazed at the size compared to the 9mm. There is a lot of brass there, which means more gun powder, which means more recoil...
My son has a .357 Magnum, but he was in the Marine Corps and I was in the Air Force i.e. he is a lot tougher than I am.
Well, I have some time to think this over anyhow (my gun budget is near exhaustion for the year).
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Oct 5, 2004 18:39:42 GMT -5
TMan; Although the 38 Special cartridges appear to be very potent on the recoil, they are actually very mild in the mid frame and large frame revolvers, designed to handle the magnums. After you start shooting the magnums, the 38 specials will be curbed for use in the smaller frame guns. I once shot the lead cast .357 magnum wadcutters, which has less recoil than the .357 magnum hollow points or FMJ. I'm looking forward to this move your making on the Double Action Revolvers.
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Post by MLB on Oct 6, 2004 9:26:42 GMT -5
My PPK/s sliced through my glove today and started on my hand. I'm thinking if I could get different grips that don't have the thumb rest, I could hold the thumb lower and that would help. I must just be lucky. Mine has never bit me. I don't use gloves. It seems to be common enough though. Have you considered taking the sharp edges off the inside of the rear of the slide? Regarding the grips: are you using the stock ones, Pachmeres (sp.), or something else? |
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Post by TMan on Oct 6, 2004 11:35:07 GMT -5
MLB, I have a fairly large muscle between the thumb and the index finger. I assume it is muscle because I can tighten it.
My PPK/s is fairly rare because of it being .22LR, at least that was what I was told when I bought it. It has the grips that came with it. They are plastic and have a thumb rest. Because of the thumb rest, I can't lower the thumb like I do on some of the other pistols, which stretches out the skin and reduces the point of impact. I wear gloves with some other pistols too, like the P210-6, whose hammer has drawn blood on a few occasions. I've noticed that accuracy really suffers when shooting a gun that in the back of your mind you know can hurt you.
I've thought of getting new grips, but somewhere I heard that there was a difference in grips for the French made version, which is what I have.
I haven't considered taking off the sharp edges. I'd be a little afraid that I could screw it up and end up with a sloppy slide. I'm thinking duct tape on my hand the next time I shoot it.
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Post by MLB on Oct 7, 2004 12:50:27 GMT -5
Sounds like a good reason to make up a set ;D
It was a fun, if not fast project.
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Post by TMan on Oct 8, 2004 17:16:50 GMT -5
The S&W 617 arrived today. Wow, I'm going to have to use two hands to shoot this thing - not because of the recoil, but because of the weight. It's kind of need looking at the cylinder with 10 holes.
Looking forward to trying it out at the range. Thanks again for all your advice DA.
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Post by TMan on Oct 11, 2004 15:03:24 GMT -5
Wow, this thing is so much fun to shoot. I opted for the 10 round version of the S&W 617, which in retrospect might not have been the smartest move. This revolver with its 6" barrel is heavy, and by the time you get to the 7th or 8th round, you have the tendency to shoot more quickly just to put it down.
There was a police officer in the next lane shooting a 92FS practicing to re-qualify. We were both shooting "Dirty Bird" targets. His looked like he had been using a shotgun. I handed him one of my used ones with the comment: "Want to use this? I only used the center". His eyes opened up took it and seemed very appreciative. I felt guilty. As I was leaving I gave him a fresh target without the center shot out of it.
The grouping wasn't as tight as what I get with the S&W 41, but it was still the best I've ever shot with a revolver. I only shot 10 rounds in double action mode because I could really feel discomfort in my trigger finger (had surgery on it years ago and it has nerve damage).
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