MCgunner
Member
Much as I love a good .357, I'd have to go with a 625 smith in .45 ACP with moon clips cause I aint worth a danged with HKS speed loaders...:banghead:
Duty/Service Revolvers (real or imagined)
- Thread starter SnubbyMan
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I'm a history buff, so I'll break up my choices into different eras:
-Prior to 1919: 5 inch Colt New Service in .45 LC or as a distant second place, a S&W 2nd model hand ejector in .44 spl. I think the S&Ws were better revolvers, but I would prefer the .45 Colt with smokeless ammo.
-1919 to 1950 or 1955: S&W M1917 revolver in .45 ACP. You can't beat the reloading ability of moon (I guess half moon clips, when did Full moon clips come out?). I've often wondered why old timers didn't use these revolvers. You could even keep the clips in the old dump pouches for fast reloads. Since I have big hands, I would special order a target grip, which I'm not sure came on all Model 1950 or 1955's.
-1950 or 1955 to 1988: Move over the pinnacle of revolver design; the S&W N frame target sighted pistol, again in .45 ACP with moon clips.
-1988 to 1996: With the advent of the S&W 625, move over to stainless. I've always preferred stainless pistols, not so much for the ease of care (I live in a dry climate), but I HATE it when I do stuff that rubs the bluing off my guns. I'm WAY too protective of my guns to feel good about carrying a blued gun on duty.
-1996 to 2004: Split evenly between a S&W 627PC or a 610. Maybe, just maybe, a 646. I think the 10mm in the proper loading approximates most .357 loadings and the edge would go to the 627, with 2 more rounds. However, I think the 610 is built on an L frame, which is a bit easier to pack. Cheaper, too.
-2004 to present: By this time, I figure I'm pretty much ROAD--Retired On Active Duty, so I'd probably downscale to an S&W 386 or 325. The edge would go to the L frame of the 386. As a desk jockey running the range or working in procurement or something, I'd need a light weight pistol that still meant business.
As you can tell, I'm REALLY like the idea of moon clips. In the last 25 years or so, speedloaders have come close to moonclips in terms of speed and reliability, but I thinkthe round retention and simultaneous ejection that moon clips offer is clearly superior. The only downside is the possibility of bent moon clips, but I can't really assess the field risks, since I don't actually carry one.
-John
-Prior to 1919: 5 inch Colt New Service in .45 LC or as a distant second place, a S&W 2nd model hand ejector in .44 spl. I think the S&Ws were better revolvers, but I would prefer the .45 Colt with smokeless ammo.
-1919 to 1950 or 1955: S&W M1917 revolver in .45 ACP. You can't beat the reloading ability of moon (I guess half moon clips, when did Full moon clips come out?). I've often wondered why old timers didn't use these revolvers. You could even keep the clips in the old dump pouches for fast reloads. Since I have big hands, I would special order a target grip, which I'm not sure came on all Model 1950 or 1955's.
-1950 or 1955 to 1988: Move over the pinnacle of revolver design; the S&W N frame target sighted pistol, again in .45 ACP with moon clips.
-1988 to 1996: With the advent of the S&W 625, move over to stainless. I've always preferred stainless pistols, not so much for the ease of care (I live in a dry climate), but I HATE it when I do stuff that rubs the bluing off my guns. I'm WAY too protective of my guns to feel good about carrying a blued gun on duty.
-1996 to 2004: Split evenly between a S&W 627PC or a 610. Maybe, just maybe, a 646. I think the 10mm in the proper loading approximates most .357 loadings and the edge would go to the 627, with 2 more rounds. However, I think the 610 is built on an L frame, which is a bit easier to pack. Cheaper, too.
-2004 to present: By this time, I figure I'm pretty much ROAD--Retired On Active Duty, so I'd probably downscale to an S&W 386 or 325. The edge would go to the L frame of the 386. As a desk jockey running the range or working in procurement or something, I'd need a light weight pistol that still meant business.
As you can tell, I'm REALLY like the idea of moon clips. In the last 25 years or so, speedloaders have come close to moonclips in terms of speed and reliability, but I thinkthe round retention and simultaneous ejection that moon clips offer is clearly superior. The only downside is the possibility of bent moon clips, but I can't really assess the field risks, since I don't actually carry one.
-John
Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
This might require a bit of thought - - -
I was required to carry a revolver for my first several years with a badge. I ran the S&W gamut: Highway Patrolman (pre-M28,) a nickeled .357 3-1/2" (pre-M27,) Model 19, and then a 1955 Target (pre-M25) custom cut to four inches.
After that I worked as a prosecutor's investigator and could pack an autoloader - - I stuck pretty close to the Colt .45s (Nat'l Match, Gov't Model, and Commander the entire time until I retired. This was both from my personal liking for the design and an appreciation for their efficiency.
Over the past ten years or so, I came to appreciate that good training and mindset mean more than specific equipment. I could probably defend my person pretty well with a four-inch .38 . . . .
If I came out of retirement for a job that required me to carry a revolver now, I'd probably go one of three directions - -
1. In uniform, an M65 four-inch. In plain clothes, same with three-inch barrel and round butt.
2. If worthwhile to have some custom work done, I'd start with an S&W 1917, cut the barrel to four inches, round the butt, and open up the rear sight groove a bit. The older pattern .45-frame revolvers were noticibly lighter than the modern N-frames, and this would do for either uniform or plain clothes. I'd carry it with Auto Rim cartridges, handloaded with 250 gr SWCs at around 800 fps, with moon-clipped ACPs for reloads - - Full moons in uniform and half-moons in plain clothes. I'd also want one dump pouch with additional AR rounds - - I don't like the idea of being bound to the idea of firing a couple of shots and needing to replace all six in the cylinder. It is obviously a good idea to top off during a lull in hostilities, but if you run short and need to go back to a partially expended full-moon, it can be difficult to re-insert with some empties still clipped up.
3. What I'd really like is a four-inch, L-frame size, six shot .41 special. (I doubt there would be room in the cylinder for that many.) Ammo 210 gr SWC at about 1000 fps. Yeah, I know that nothing of the sort is available, and it would probably be prohibitively expensive to acquire a one-off example.
An interesting topic, this.
Best,
Johnny
I was required to carry a revolver for my first several years with a badge. I ran the S&W gamut: Highway Patrolman (pre-M28,) a nickeled .357 3-1/2" (pre-M27,) Model 19, and then a 1955 Target (pre-M25) custom cut to four inches.
After that I worked as a prosecutor's investigator and could pack an autoloader - - I stuck pretty close to the Colt .45s (Nat'l Match, Gov't Model, and Commander the entire time until I retired. This was both from my personal liking for the design and an appreciation for their efficiency.
Over the past ten years or so, I came to appreciate that good training and mindset mean more than specific equipment. I could probably defend my person pretty well with a four-inch .38 . . . .
If I came out of retirement for a job that required me to carry a revolver now, I'd probably go one of three directions - -
1. In uniform, an M65 four-inch. In plain clothes, same with three-inch barrel and round butt.
2. If worthwhile to have some custom work done, I'd start with an S&W 1917, cut the barrel to four inches, round the butt, and open up the rear sight groove a bit. The older pattern .45-frame revolvers were noticibly lighter than the modern N-frames, and this would do for either uniform or plain clothes. I'd carry it with Auto Rim cartridges, handloaded with 250 gr SWCs at around 800 fps, with moon-clipped ACPs for reloads - - Full moons in uniform and half-moons in plain clothes. I'd also want one dump pouch with additional AR rounds - - I don't like the idea of being bound to the idea of firing a couple of shots and needing to replace all six in the cylinder. It is obviously a good idea to top off during a lull in hostilities, but if you run short and need to go back to a partially expended full-moon, it can be difficult to re-insert with some empties still clipped up.
3. What I'd really like is a four-inch, L-frame size, six shot .41 special. (I doubt there would be room in the cylinder for that many.) Ammo 210 gr SWC at about 1000 fps. Yeah, I know that nothing of the sort is available, and it would probably be prohibitively expensive to acquire a one-off example.
An interesting topic, this.
Best,
Johnny
ChristopherG
Member
No--though the 646 is. The 610 is an N, and a heavy N at that--usually being a full-lugged beast, and often with unfluted cylinder, AND with smallish holes. Nice to shoot, I'll warrant, but a bit of a beast to pack.
Now that would be a sweetheart. And, since they could do the 646 in an L-frame, it's got to be possible to do the .41 special, with its lower pressure, right? (of course this assumes you could actually get commercial & SAAMI standardization and recognition for a .41 special, and get the chambers cut to a length that would prohibit .41 mags from chambering, and etc. But that's all a great idea anyway, yes?
)Get right on that, would you, Johnny? I'll be first in line!
Dave Williams
Member
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- Dec 28, 2002
- Messages
- 377
I would carry a Smith M14 full underlug 6" with the FBI load, and my 442 for a BUG.
Dave Williams
Dave Williams
revolvergeek
Member
Me, I'd go for a threesome..
-S&W 686+ PRE-LOCK on belt
-S&W 640-1 .357 in vest strap holster under shirt for right handed superman draw
-s&W 642-1 .38 in left hand pocket holster
-S&W 686+ PRE-LOCK on belt
-S&W 640-1 .357 in vest strap holster under shirt for right handed superman draw
-s&W 642-1 .38 in left hand pocket holster
sgt127
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
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- 2,113
Back when NYPD was allowed to carry revolvers, a few of them went with the 3" 64. Same gun for on and off duty. I wonder if the guys that did that were really serious shooters or just too cheap to get two guns. The idea of "One gun, 24/7" is very appealing. I might have to go with that theory if I could and opt for a 3" 65.
ducktapehero
Member
Smith 625 with a 4" barrel. 1st choice even in this day of autoloaders.
Just to be a jerk, I will say a Colt SAA in .45 LC.... 
Actually, I ruger GP 100 (.357) with a 3" barrel and a smoothed over action with a Ruger SP101 in .357 shooting standard 145 grain Winchester silver tips. The El Paso saddelry #77 tortillia in floral stamping with the backup set on the El Paso cross draw rig.... Hell, throw in a belt to with the floral stamping. Don't forget the stetson and some Lucchese boots.
Actually, I ruger GP 100 (.357) with a 3" barrel and a smoothed over action with a Ruger SP101 in .357 shooting standard 145 grain Winchester silver tips. The El Paso saddelry #77 tortillia in floral stamping with the backup set on the El Paso cross draw rig.... Hell, throw in a belt to with the floral stamping. Don't forget the stetson and some Lucchese boots.
dpote
Member
I would use this
You did say imagined, right?
Be safe,
Dave
You did say imagined, right?
Be safe,
Dave
S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt
Duty/Plainclothes
S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt (the rimmed revolver version) with a 4" bbl.
I would send it off to be modified to use the moon clips with .45 Colt cartridges, .45ACP, .45 Autorim, & .45Automag.
I would carry Remington Golden Sabre 230gr HP in the revolver and in most ammo carriers/moonclips. In one carrier, I would carry a heavy cast bullet load in case serious penetration is needed.
My backup would be a S&W638 stoked with .38spl+P 158gr LSWCHP.
Off-Duty
325PD 2 1/2" bbl with same cartridge selection.
My backup would also be a S&W638 stoked with .38spl+P 158gr LSWCHP.
Duty/Plainclothes
S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt (the rimmed revolver version) with a 4" bbl.
I would send it off to be modified to use the moon clips with .45 Colt cartridges, .45ACP, .45 Autorim, & .45Automag.
I would carry Remington Golden Sabre 230gr HP in the revolver and in most ammo carriers/moonclips. In one carrier, I would carry a heavy cast bullet load in case serious penetration is needed.
My backup would be a S&W638 stoked with .38spl+P 158gr LSWCHP.
Off-Duty
325PD 2 1/2" bbl with same cartridge selection.
My backup would also be a S&W638 stoked with .38spl+P 158gr LSWCHP.
ChristopherG
Member
Why bother with .45 colt, if you want to carry a .45 acp bullet? Even those cast loads can be very nicely done with a stock 625 in 45acp and autorim ammo.
If it were my $$$, that is what I would do, but if it is the dept's $$$, I'll want the extra oomf that .45 Colt can bring to the table WRT hefty loads.ChristopherG said:
Also, did S&W produce any of the 625 mtn guns in .45ACP? I thought they weren all .45 Colt.
ChristopherG
Member
Yes, they did make a limited number of 625 .45 acp Mt. guns. Very nice handling pieces--at least the one I've shot.
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