Author Topic: Comanche III ? (Read 969 times)

Uncle Ji · « **on:** August 30, 2004, 10:31:50 PM »

I own Taurus, Rossi, and S&W revolvers. I'm looking for an inexpensive stainless steel revolver with 6" barrel for a boat gun. How does the quality of the Comanche III compare to the Taurus, and Rossi? I see them going for under $200 NIB on Gunbroker. Your input is appreciated.

IndianaDean · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2004, 12:09:10 PM »

I've never tried one, but I have a buddy who says an acquaintance of his bought a Comanche .357 and the cylinder fused shut on it after about 20 rounds. A gunsmith couldn't even get it open, without a welding torch, and they couldn't use that because there were live rounds still in the cylinders.
Based on that, I'd say stay away from them.

Wrong Way · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2004, 06:12:26 AM »

As I'm always in the market for something new, I looked at them. My gunsmith warned me off of them. He knows his stuff so I didn't look any farther... :?

huntsman · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2004, 02:12:42 PM »

Just bought a used one (3" barrel) that should arrive next week sometime. I will give it a workout and report back with a post and let you guys know how she does. I have heard some good and bad, but mostly good from actual owners, and most of the bad second-hand or hearsay. Thought it was worth a try, so here goes!

Savage · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2004, 07:26:19 AM »

Uncle Ji,
Looks like you already have a good candidate for a boat gun in the Rossi or Taurus if they are stainless. Don't think I'd take the gamble on the Comanche.
Savage

huntsman · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2004, 07:06:18 AM »

Took the Comanche III blue 3" .357 to the range on Tuesday for a quick first run-through. Range = 36 feet, two-hand hold with no rest, ammo and results below.

6 shots .357 158 gr Federal JSP, single action, grouped 4.5" high and right, adjusted sights.

6 shots .357 158 gr Federal JSP, single action, 5 grouped 4" with one flyer 3" low of group (my pull).

6 shots .38 special 125 gr Rem JHP, single action, grouped 3.5"

6 shots .38 special 125 gr Rem JHP, double action, 10 seconds, grouped 6.5"

6 shots .38 special 125 gr Rem JHP, double action, 11 seconds, grouped 7"

I am not a regular revolver shooter and therefore I am only an average shot at best. All shots would have been in a vital area aiming for center of chest at this range. It's not the most accurate revolver I have ever shot, but it worked flawlessly, put shots in a decent grouping at short range, and had a smooth feel to the action and overall a good balance. The sights could use improvement, being a bit oversized with too much of a gap for my liking between fore and aft structures. They are also plain black, and would benefit from a brighter front sight or some type of visual enhancement and better overall suitability to variable light conditions. The double action trigger pull was a bit hard to start, but can probably be improved with some adjustment.

I saw nothing to really dislike about this revolver other than rather ordinary sights and the somewhat hard DA trigger pull. A good part of the accuracy issues are undoubtedly due to unfamiliarity and lack of practice. With some work I think it will probably be modestly accurate within reasonable range (25-30 yards). My initial impression is that the Comanche III is a reliable, comfortable, no-frills revolver that will get the job done if you aren't asking too much of it.