Big bore fighting revolvers - a picture thread

[.38 Special]

I have a soft spot for .44 and .45 caliber revolvers with fixed sights - the classic "fighting revolvers" of the old Border Patrolmen and Southwestern lawmen, among others. In my opinion the 3rd Model Hand Ejector "Wolf and Klar" guns in .44 Special are the archetype. I have never been able to find one in my price range, so have had to make do. These are the best examples in my collection.




The first one is a 21-4, nickel plated, .44 Special, from the S&W "Classic" range. It is one of my problem children that came from the factory with significant issues. Most of them have been fixed, but some things - like the rough bore and the round butt - are what they are.






This next gun is a 22-4 in .45 ACP, another "Classic" detailed on StrawHat's thread by the same name. Also a "problem child".





My best example of the breed is this Model of 1950 Military, 5", .44 Special. It is all original, shipped in 1956, and in very good condition except for some rust pitting on one small bit of the cylinder. In a way, I really like that rust spot, as it allows me to shoot the gun as much as I want without worrying about collector value!

At any rate, these are what I have. I still keep an eye out for a Wolf and Klar gun. Meanwhile, I'd love to see some more pictures!

 

[gotboostvr]

How about these?
A 4" 625, a 4" 627 Pro and a 5" 629

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Beautiful revolvers both of you.

I have always loved the 4" S&W Mountain Guns in .44 or .45 Colt.
If I ever come by one when I have the cash in my pocket, it'll happen.

 

[DR505]

My .45 Colt fighting guns...two 25-9 and a MG.

 

[.38 Special]

How about these?
A 4" 625, a 4" 627 Pro and a 5" 629

.357 - Eight times!

 

[.38 Special]

Beautiful revolvers both of you.

I have always loved the 4" S&W Mountain Guns in .44 or .45 Colt.
If I ever come by one when I have the cash in my pocket, it'll happen.

The lightweight .44 Magnums are very interesting. The Model 69 in particular seems like an exceptional backpacking/bikepacking gun.

 

[.38 Special]

View attachment 913646

My .45 Colt fighting guns...two 25-9 and a MG.

One thing I do not have and would very much like to is a double action .45 Colt. What a wonderful collection you have!

 

[crestoncowboy]

The lightweight .44 Magnums are very interesting. The Model 69 in particular seems like an exceptional backpacking/bikepacking gun.

I really like my 329 pd. They are about as ugly as they come but a 44 magnum that one can carry all day and not even notice is a great option. Great balance too.

 

[.38 Special]

I really like my 329 pd. They are about as ugly as they come but a 44 magnum that one can carry all day and not even notice is a great option. Great balance too.

View attachment 913612

I spend quite a bit of time bicycling and hiking in the back country, in a neighborhood where being killed and eaten by mountain lions is a growing trend. These lightweight big bores strike me as ideal preventative for that sort of situation - although being killed and eaten may be preferable to having to shoot one of these guns!

 

[jeepnik]

 

[Barry loyd]

3in 629 deluxe.

 

[silvermane_1]

How about these?
A 4" 625, a 4" 627 Pro and a 5" 629

Nice, however a 627 Pro isn't a "big bore" though.

 

[DR505]

When I want one in each hand I will use these 3" 657 .41 Magnum revolvers from S&W, circa 1986.

 

[StrawHat]

Duplicate post

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

You have already seen the 22-4.

Here is a fighting revolver from 1918.



Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Here is a S&W Model 1917 that was shortened for carry purposes.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

One of these IS my EDC but any one could do.

Kevin

 

[gotboostvr]

Nice, however a 627 Pro isn't a "big bore" though.

Yeah, but it was already in the picture. Felt rude to not include it.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I would like to see a 329PD but in 45 Colt. So, 325PD that is not 45ACP...

If I owned a 329, I would all of the sudden care about 44 special.

 

[Tallball]

I sort of have some, but I don't think any of them quite qualify...

The CA 44 and 45 are snubbies and maybe too "modern".

The Rossi 720's are also short barreled, have smallish frames, and one has adjustable sights.

I have several 44's with very long barrels and adjustable sights. I don't think, for instance, that my 9.5" Super Redhawk counts as a "fighting revolver".

Maybe the closest is this 625-2? It is a S&W N frame, and its barrel is 5". Other than the adjustable sights, it's kind of like an old-timey "big bore fighting revolver".

Smith And Wesson Model 625

• Tallball
• Apr 5, 2018

 

[Biblethumpncop]

I have a Flattop 44 spl but that isn't a "fighting" gun. I do carry my 3" Taurus 431 44spl though, and use to EDC my Bulldog 44 before I sold it.

 

[JERRY]

I like the 6" N frame .44 magnums loaded with a stout special or light magnum.

 

[ArkieVol]

I have a few 44 mags and 45s but my all time favorite will always be the 44 Special.


This one didn't make the group photo. It says 44 mag but it will be a 44 Special with me.


And the old timer...

 

[CajunBass]

I've had others over the years, but the only thing I have now that falls into this class is a Model 24-6 (44 Special) I picked up not long ago. One of 250, by Lew Horton, it came to me used, with the box and papers. I have no idea if that front sight came that way (which I doubt), or if a previous owner did it. The stocks are aftermarket, "Cokes" by Altamont.

The light makes it look more worn than it is in real life.






I've put about 50 rounds through it before the governor shut down the ranges. Good/fun shooter I hope it get it back out again soon.

 

[mope540]

The Jovino shop showed S&W how to do short barrel-big bore 'fighting revolvers'.
edit to add....45ACP 25-2