Author Topic: Best double-action revolver (Read 7816 times)

poncaguy · « **Reply #30 on:** November 09, 2004, 01:58:08 PM »

I would vote for the Dan Wesson 357 with 8" barrel. Very good trigger and very accurate...........just bought a used one and really like it. :grin:

RollTide · « **Reply #31 on:** November 11, 2004, 04:11:39 AM »

I would vote for the 6" Dan Wesson 44. Small enough to use for defense (although admittedly larger than most guns used for that purpose), and large enough to use for hunting. DW's are the most accurate production revolvers. They have much fewer moving parts than other DA revolvers and those parts are very robust. This makes the DW very dependable even with maximum loads and hard field use. The 6" DW 44 will shoot targets at unheard of handgun distances, can be loaded with specials for small game hunting and in a pinch will kill any game in NA with proper shot placement. Add to all that the interchangeable barrel option and the and the ability to changed between a scoped and iron sight version in matter of minutes, and back again this makes it hard to beat.

Of course I still prefer to carry my DW mod 15 if I don't need the extra punch from the 44. All the same advantages, just in a lighter gun and round.

C1PNR · « **Reply #32 on:** January 02, 2005, 02:42:23 PM »

You guys are BAD! :-) :-)

Just moved and not really unpacked, but all this talk caused me to rummage through some boxes and bags and pull out the Colt Detective Special (new model) and the Charter Bulldog. Both are favorites for "home defense!" (Not to mislead anyone, the 1076 with 2 extra magazines has been by the bed since I got here :wink: )

Target, I like the 6" Python and 6" M57 Smith. Or the 6" 25-2 for Bullseye.

Woods loafing I like the 4" 25-5, but I really want a 5" 44 Spl. Either a S&W M24 or, if pressed, a M27 with new barrel and cylinder in 44 Spl. :wink:

My favorite? I couldn't tell you. Different revolvers for different situations. And, frankly, I like semi-automatics too. :-D

Glad I don't have to pick just one!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 02, 2005, 04:32:15 PM »

I am a Ruger fan as I posted above, but after shooting my S&W500 for the past week, I would have to say S&W. I have had better accuracy with the S&W 500MAG than my Redhawk 44 MAG.

PaleRyder · « **Reply #34 on:** February 06, 2005, 06:22:43 PM »

A former employee of S&W told me the Python was the first one to blow up when they test 3 .357s with the hottest loads they could make. The S&W blew up next, but they never could get the Ruger gp100 to fail.

I personally think Colts are overpriced. I'll take Rugers and older S&Ws any day.

winman · « **Reply #35 on:** February 09, 2005, 01:12:41 AM »

Quote from: m-g Willy

Well everyone has a opinion about which gun is the best. So I just wanted to say everyone that picked Colt or Ruger or any other gun other than a SMITH & WESSON are wrong :-) I never seen any gun with as good trigger as S&W'S out of the box. Plus the N frames just seem to fit and point better than anything else. And if you don't believe it ---than something's got to be wrong with you :roll: :wink: --Willy

This is exactly what I wanted to say, but was afraid to (being a newbie).

HappyHunter · « **Reply #36 on:** February 09, 2005, 01:47:20 AM »

Not only is m-g Willey opinionated...he is correct.

I vote on Smith & Wesson.

Why is there not a S&W forum on Graybeard?

unspellable · « **Reply #37 on:** February 09, 2005, 07:58:37 AM »

For man years I was a S&W man. Then I got a DW. It has weaned me away from S&W for a heavy field revolver. It will take the punishment a Ruger will take and it produces better accuracy than any wheel gun you can name. Besides the 44 Mag I have the 445 SuperMag which is cheap to load for and at 100 yards has just about as much whallop as the 454 but without the recoil.

I've had endshake problems with S&W's right out of the box. I have never seen an endshake problem on a DW.

I'll admit the large frame DW is a tad big for deep concealment.

Greeenriver · « **Reply #38 on:** February 09, 2005, 10:57:20 AM »

I have had, over the last 40 years, over 100 different pistols. Revolvers, semiautos, single actions, double actions, a lot of them. Of the double action revolvers, they were from S&W, Colt, DW, Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, Charter arms, and several real cheep imports.

The DA revolvers I still have are Colt US ARMY model of 1901, Charter Arms Target Bulldog, and a Charter Arms Undercover.

Of the ones I've sold or traded over the years, the only ones I really miss are the Colt Python and the Colt Diamondback. Both were 4in bbls and I made money on both of them.

Till I read this thread, I hadn't thought much of the ones gone by, but this has made me think some, and I must say, the Python I had years ago as a duty weapon has been my all time favorite gun. That is the standard I hold all others against, and nearly all come up a little short. When I was a working police officer, I had several guns of my own to pick from, and often carried diferent ones depending on the shift I was working and what I was doing. When I worked the graveyard shift, and I realy felt that I might need a gun, it was ALWAYS the Python I carried. The Smith's were prety and looked good on days, but I never had the faith in any other gun that I did in that old Python.

Greeenriver( Gess that means I like the Python best of all them.)

minutemen1776 · « **Reply #39 on:** February 10, 2005, 05:02:27 AM »

I've owned Ruger, Taurus, and S&W revolvers. Some have been new, and others were 20-30 years old. Most were .38s, but one was a .357 and two were .44s. Of them all, I like my S&W Model 10-9 the best. It's not a bigbore or a magnum, but it feels, looks, and shoots very well.

poncaguy · « **Reply #40 on:** February 14, 2005, 05:22:41 AM »

Dan Wesson...................

1dahunter · « **Reply #41 on:** April 07, 2005, 07:19:15 AM »

Colt Python 6inch barrel

RollTide · « **Reply #42 on:** April 09, 2005, 03:43:13 AM »

This question really boils down to what you use the revolver for. That determines which one you think is best.

For long range accuracy and field use with heavy loads, a Dan Wesson or a Ruger are hard to beat

Colts are a work of art, and timed like a Swiss watch. Unfortunately, if you drop a Swiss watch or a Colt Python, you might end up with an out of time piece.

For all day everyday carry and reliability, S&W offers some great options.

I own Colt, Smith, DW, and I have owned Taurus and other imports. I have always wanted a Ruger Security Six just because I like them.

My personal favorite is still Dan Wesson because of its accuracy and all round versatility, but I am glad I don't have to give up my other makes, and I wish I had my Taurus back. I still want a Ruger Security Six and I would not turn down a new Ruger Alaskan if someone wants to donate one to me.

Aint it great to live in a country where we have so many great choices and the freedom to excercise them.

Roll Tide

1911crazy · « **Reply #43 on:** April 19, 2005, 10:35:29 AM »

Had a python years ago guess what it went out of time so i sold it and got a RUGER and i been happy ever since '76 and yup still have the very first one a security six in 357mg snubbie. Back when there was only S&W making 44mags I wrote colt a letter about making 44mags and they wrote back to me and they said they had no plans on making one. Then i wrote Ruger the same letter and they said they had plans on making one and i now enjoy 3 redhawks for all these years. My two new 1911's hammered themselves apart too so Colt can stuff it!!! I own nothing but Rugers and even used Rugers are still good too if you can find one. BigBill

Doc T · « **Reply #44 on:** April 21, 2005, 04:35:55 AM »

For me, it doesn't get any better than a 4" Diamondback in .38 or .22LR. Next would be a 2.5" 38 Diamondback.

Asbjorn1954 · « **Reply #45 on:** April 29, 2005, 04:53:07 PM »

Quote from: cknight98

i'm guessing this one will get alot of different replies, probably as many as there are different double actions out there...

i dont know that there is one "best" for everything. example, the best for concealed carry, IMHO, would be a S&W J frame. the best for hunting, again IMHO, would be a Ruger Super RedHawk. the best for target shooting might be something else...

if i had to pick one, for all time best general, it would be a S&W 686+ 4" barrel...

Ditto

Desperado · « **Reply #46 on:** May 01, 2005, 02:40:02 PM »

I think perhaps one of the best all around knock about revolvers is the S&W Military and Police in .38 Special. Its rugged reliable and accurate. Not something you want for a concealed carry gun,but for those of us who carry Revolvers alot in the woods while hunting or fishing or hiking,or even around the farm the .38 M&P cant be beat.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #47 on:** August 20, 2005, 04:28:05 AM »

I say S&W and Colt, but the "Big Four" American revolvers are all great in my book (S&W, Colt, DW, & Ruger). Starting with S&W revolvers, I was educated/conditioned on their smooth triggers. Overall, I think they are probably the best out there. But....when you get to smoking hunting loads in calibers less than 460 S&W or 500 Mag, I'd go with one of the other three. I have a Colt Anaconda from before the $900-1000 days. It is built like a tank and accurate! The switch to Ruger, DW, or Colt does require some trigger finger training. You can debate it, but they all have good trigger systems. I'll throw out there that a majority of us cut our revolver teeth on S&W's and therefore the others' triggers feel....wierd. After using my Colt exclusively for awhile, I grow very comfortable with its trigger. As I think I could do with DW or Ruger.

loaded4bear · « **Reply #48 on:** August 22, 2005, 05:22:27 AM »

My vote also goes to the older Smith & Wessons, newer production S&W guns that I've seen have be disappointing (even the Performance Center models).
Best current production double-action, IMO is the Ruger Redhawk / Super Redhawk.

jro45 · « **Reply #49 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:56:06 AM »

I would say The X frame S&W 500 and Ruger handguns are great guns.

jhrosier · « **Reply #50 on:** December 16, 2005, 05:46:00 AM »

My 30+ year old .357Mag., 2-3/4" SS Ruger Security-Six has definately "been there & done that." After about 20K rounds, it's still tight enough and shoots where I point it. Beverage cans @ 50 yards are doable, but pushing the limits.
I had a DW, back in the 80's that needed a trip to the factory every 1K rounds. Sold it after the third trip. The Ruger has been about everywhere EXCEPT back to the factory.
I've never been able to adjust to the ergonomics of the Colts & haven't bought a new S&W since back in the 70's when they originally sold out.
I've also got a 6" GP100 with 3 or 4K through it. It's too heavy for everyday carry, but a joy to shoot on the range.
Just bought ($200!!!) a minty 4" Security-Six, for long-range shooting ;~)
Also not trendy.. I like the Security-Six factory grips with a good old Tyler T-Grip adapter.

jro45 · « **Reply #51 on:** December 17, 2005, 03:40:08 AM »

The best double action revolver. I guess I'll give that to my Redhawk 44 Mag. That action is very easy to pull.

Ahab · « **Reply #52 on:** December 18, 2005, 06:02:08 AM »

Quote from: tbu61

In 1972 I shot a Python and smiled, always wanted to buy one.
In 1990 I bought one and smiled (a lot).
Every time I go into my gun room I look at a stack of Handguns, Smiths, Rugers, Colts, Walthers, etc... but I don't really smile till I see that Python.
Regards
Todd

I too have smiled at the Python. Having owned and/or shot all of above, the biggest smile comes when I shoot or fondle my S&W Mod 29 purchased new in 1962 and will still out perform any .44 mag out there.

Remfarmer · « **Reply #53 on:** December 18, 2005, 03:53:50 PM »

Merry Christmas guys!
Now for quite a long time I have been a fan of the Model 19 Smith. I am saddened by it not showing up in catalogs anymore. I still and forever will have at least one near me at home or by my bed. A few years ago I bought a used but nearly new S&W 696 44spl with a 3" barrel the world has never been the same. This gun shoots well carries nice and is so damn handy when at my farm I just can't vision myself without it. It will rid me of wild dogs, make clean kills on a cottontail and is so much fun shooting big field mice while bush-hogging. It sleeps nicely in my nightstand whether at home or in my cabin. It gets my nod as the best though it is no longer made.
Doug

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #54 on:** December 19, 2005, 11:48:03 AM »

either a k l or n frame 4 inch gun.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #55 on:** December 19, 2005, 02:53:41 PM »

Remfarmer, I'd give my eye teeth and a week's hard labor for one of those 696's, I think it's probably the best gun out there for those who want to carry a revolver. Enjoy that blaster, its mild manners and sweet trigger will make you a happy man, if that hasn't already happened. A buddy of mine just picked up a barely-used Charter 44 with the three-inch barrel, and while I lust for it, I'd much rather have the 696. And if you ever decide to sell it........

PJ