Though pocket autos may get more attention these days, Revolver remain popular firearms for hunting and cowboy action shooting as well as home defense and concealed carry purposes. Even with their limitations in mind, these guns remain versatile enough for carrying home improvement items
CIFF, CIFF Raven and CIFF Kids trade shows will join Revolver this spring/summer as a single showroom that will be designed digitally.
The S&W J-Frame
The J-Frame is one of the world’s most beloved small revolvers, having first made their debut in 1950 as single-action revolvers with blued Model 36 Chief’s Special and stainless steel Model 60 Snub nose models still produced today.
As with other S&W revolver models, the J-frame has undergone various forms over its history. The original model featured full power rounds with an exposed hammer; later came shrouded hammer Model 40 Centennial models and thumb cocking Bodyguard models before evolving further with key-operated internal locks as an option.
Smith & Wesson’s Ultimate Carry J-frame is the newest member of their J-frame family and offers several improvements over previous versions. Notably, this model features five shot instead of six gun cylinders – making it more suitable for carry.
Other upgrades may include chamfered charge holes in the cylinder to facilitate quick reloads under duress – a feature typically found on custom revolvers that adds shooting comfort for those needing to reload quickly under pressure.
Upgrades include optimized trigger springs that reduce trigger pull and make the revolver more responsive, as well as pinned XS sights for precise sighting. Finally, for those in search of an easy and lightweight carry revolver – The Ultimate Carry J-frame may be just the thing!
Ruger’s First Single Action Revolver
As America was immersed in black-and-white TV viewing during the 1950s, Westerns became one of the most beloved genres of film. While most good guys in these programs used Colt Single Action Army revolvers, Bill Ruger had his own vision and took up this cause as well.
He would create an affordable single action rimfire revolver to compete with Colt SAAs. This gun could serve as both an affordable training tool for shooters as well as being carried along when hunting small game or pests.
The result of their efforts was the Ruger New Model Single Six, first released for sale in 1973. Inspired by its predecessor Colt’s single action design, but featuring some key distinctions. These included using cast aluminum rather than steel in its frame construction to lower production costs and replacing traditional flat springs with coil ones which were more robust and reliable – helping it withstand thousands of rounds without needing tune-up.
In addition to cost-cutting changes, the New Model Single Six brought with it updated cylinder design and transfer bar safety, improving overall durability and reliability. And despite its simple appearance, this revolver proved one of the strongest little snub-nosed revolvers at that time – boasting a solid 5.5″ barrel and adjustable rear sight – making it accurate and effective choice for users.
Ruger’s First Double Action Revolver
As many modern shooters opt for semiautomatic pistols with advanced features, double-action revolvers may seem outdated compared to their modern counterparts. But this misconception should be dispelled immediately: these weapons remain an effective and relevant method of shooting lead downrange – perfect for training new shooters as well.
Ruger offered an outstanding double-action sixshooter in the 1970s known as the Security-Six that later led to variants like Police Service-Six and Speed Six models. All models were chambered for.357 Magnum ammunition with four-inch barrels; these made it light on their feet when using high velocity bullets that required high recoil dampening – even when loaded up.
The Security-Six was one of the first revolvers to feature a transfer bar safety system, eliminating the need for separate hammer spur and trigger guard components. Featuring rugged adjustable rear sights with ramp front sight ramping for quick, instinctive shooting.
Ruger recently introduced the GP100 Match Champion revolver as part of their Security-Six line to replace their Security-Six series of revolvers, targeting target shooters and law enforcement officers alike. It features a slab-sided, half-lug 4″ barrel and Hogue’s stippled hardwood grips for an attractive appearance. While slightly heavier than most DA revolvers, this one handled.357 magnum ammo quite effectively at 1,410fps with Cor Bon’s 110grain JHP ammunition – providing an ideal carry load capacity.
Ruger’s First Automatic Revolver
Ruger’s first revolver, the Security Six, was an innovative take on firearms design that captured shooters’ affection for traditional designs while remaining modern and innovative. Furthermore, it was one of the first revolvers designed from scratch using investment casting rather than retrofitting forged components into existing cast guns – meaning its DA revolvers were as rugged and reliable as anything offered by Colt (like their Python) or Smith & Wesson but much cheaper.
Urban gunslingers found it easier than ever before to fulfill their western cowboy fantasies without investing in vintage Peacemakers, particularly during the 1950s when popular cowboy action movies and TV series were dominating popular culture and introducing young viewers to Westerns for the first time. It proved an effective solution that proved immensely popular.
Ruger has since expanded their pistol selection with semiautomatic models suitable for police backup or concealed carry, while maintaining production of classic 1950’s style revolvers like the Wrangler that combine the latest technological features with pure 1950s styling. One such revolver is the Ruger Wrangler; its small yet lightweight rimfire design can accommodate 16 rounds per cylinder while its cold hammer forged barrel provides tough durability as well as blade front sights with integral notch rear sights for precise shots.
