The Happy Kaboomer
Member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2012
- Messages
- 397
When I went to buy my first handgun, I knew I wanted either a Model 19 (as discussed above) or a Colt Python. The Python was priced about twice what the Model 19 was, so I became a Model 19 fan. Never regreted that, but I always wanted a Python. I finally got one in 2020 when Colt reintroduced them. I've got two now, well, one is really my wife's, but they're both in my safe so I "claim" them. I only shoot one of them though, the first 4.25" one I saw, S/N in the 5500 range. I put 100 rounds of wadcutters through it over the weekend. It shoots like you'd expect a Python to.
IDK.. I’m left handed but do everything with my right, including shooting. But that left side loading gate makes a TON of sense and is natural to load & unload.There is no evidence to support the idea that the loading gate is on the right because Sam Colt was left handed and he was dead nearly 10yrs before the even was a loading gate. The loading gate was designed by Charles Richards and William Mason and it followed the percussion capping port. Which was intended to be done with the more dexterous right hand. If I remember right, only 11% of people are left handed but in those days, it was strongly discouraged to be anything but right handed. It's the reason why my left handed father is ambidextrous, they forced him to be right handed in school. Was it any better mid 19th century? Certainly not. Furthermore, even if 11% actually were left handed and shot that way, why would Sam Colt, the quintessential salesman and marketer, optimize his guns for the minority? Why would all other percussion guns be designed to cap on the right? The final nail in the coffin is the Army. They rejected the 1871-1872 Open Top cartridge model, wanting a solid frame and internally lubricated .45 caliber bullet, among other things. If a left side gate would've worked better for the predominantly right handed cavalrymen, why would they not ask for that too?
Nope, it's a fun story but a myth like the nonsense about the ship's wheel.
Not to me.But that left side loading gate makes a TON of sense and is natural to load & unload.
Gave mine to my son who likes to camp out in New Mexico & Colorado…View attachment 1206757
This is my favorite.
Dragoon & and 1849 pocket Colt?currently
yes sir.Dragoon & and 1849 pocket Colt?
Battle pistol with its backup.yes sir.
my few itches left is; a .41 mag, modern Colt SAA, S&W .22 Target Master, Old Colt Python, .500 magnum, Detective Special no lug, 36 snub, …Geez, just when I'm startin' to think I got all my revolver itches scratched, along comes @CraigC (post #77) to show me some more that I really need to be looking for...
looks like a Detective SpecialFavorite pocket revolver. 1969 Colt Cobra. Still gets carried on occasion. Would like to find a grip adapter for it.View attachment 1207265
never shot a modern J, but those things are SO LIGHT it scares me!Favorites I really like revolvers, though I have as many semiautomatic pistols.
View attachment 1207292
2 - Rugers = 41mag and 22lr
2 - Taurus = 41mag and 357mag
5 - S&W = 44mag, 357mag, & three 38 +p
I like them all, but my favorite favorite is my 442 Smith and Wesson.
View attachment 1207293
Maybe I have a thing for J frames. That's why I have 3 of them
I like the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX +p.never shot a modern J, but those things are SO LIGHT it scares me!
was handling one of the Pinto version with a Laser grip, I said, this is the most utilitarian thing everI like the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX +p.
Any standard pressure is really not to bad IMO from the j frame.
If you are not fond of recoil (not sure if anyone likes it) don't try a S&W 69 44mag with stout loads
I have a lot of "better" guns - guns that look better, or are more accurate, or cost more, or were even made for me to my specification - but nothing meets my needs and wants better than my 5.5" Bisley Flattop in .44 Special.Haven't had this beauty out of the safe in a year...gotta remedy that injustice.
I waited 40+ years for Ruger to make a .44 Special and this is one of the first Flat Top New Models produced when Lipsey's got them to make a run. Aside from the thin cheese grater grips, it was an answer to a young then a pretty old man's prayers.
That's it in my paw after shooting the target at a measured 25 yds using Keith's old "long range" position (back against a fence post, knees up with the gun gripped two-handed between them). The load was Skelton's favorite: 240 gr LSWC (Lyman's 429421, the Keith bullet sized to 0.430"), & backed by 7.5 gr. of Unique for ~950 fps. I was a young sprout then in '07, sixty two years old.
The gun, a 4-5/8" bbl'd model wears a pair of my cocobolo grips, with a fatter midsection, gunfighter style. I have other Rugers, a bunch of Smiths and a springling of Colts, but this one is the queen bee. Best regards, Rod. PS: the one below it, a stable mate in .44 Special, would run a close 2nd for favorite...stocks are some I made up out of black & white ebony, left over from a cousin's recurve bow limb project.