What do you consider a nicely rounded revolver collection?

[BCRider]

So here's what I'm thinking that I need to work on over the next couple of years.


Double action-
.22 or two
.38 Spl
.357 Mag
.44 Mag

Single Action
C&B black powder
.45LC Colt Army replica

Thoughts on each category:

.22 double action- Others will likely follow but I've got a High Standard Double Nine on the way. If I can find one I'd like a 63. The shorter barrelled M34 and similar options are out due to the laws up here in Canada that say I can't have anything shorter than 4.25 inches since I'm new to this and not grandfathered to own the now prohibited stuff.

.38/.357 - I've got a nice 6" M19 and a 5" M28. I'd like to add a clean M10 or M14 in either 5" or 6". I've shot a 4" M10 which seemed like it aimed by wish control (even better than mind control ) and loved the balance but sadly those are prohibited so I can't own one so the 6" is the goal.

.44 Mag- EVERY revolver fan HAS to have a Dirty Harry Magnum. It's in the Revolver Ranger's Handbook! ! ! ! At some point I'll add a M29 5" or 6" to the collection. Although a nice Ruger Blackhawk wouldn't be too far out of the question if one came along at the right price. Handled a consignment one in a local store and it sure was nice but for the well worn condition of the blueing I thought they wanted a bit much.

1917, M25 or maybe go stainless this one time with a 625 for some 45 moonclip giggles and possible use in IPSC or IDPA. That sort of use seems to suggest the 625 rather than some nice looking classic. But then what were the old orginals intended for if not to see action be it defending their homeland or honoring their owner's competitive urges? I suppose the choice would depend on the appearance and condition. I'd shoot it in competition if it was sturdy and safe but if it turned out to be darn near NIB then I don't know if I could bring myself to scuff it up using it so hard.

Single Actions- While I'm wanting to keep down the number of different cartridges I'll have to reload I'm thinking that a single action piece or two would be nice. Now I COULD do this with .38/.357 and that would certainly be the smart move but I'm thinking that I'd like to experience something as close to the originals as practical. And that pretty much means a cap and ball black powder in .45 or .44 to cover off the early days along with a cartridge gun in .45LC. I may use them in some cowboy action shooting events in which case it would be a real giggle to use the C&P gun backed up with the .45LC just in case I need to reload a round or two to save my honor in the event of a miss or near knockdown

And unless I trip over a giveaway price on a .460Mag then that would be the lot.

Now it's entirely possible that a Colt double action or two may end up in one of those slots but with them being relatively rare up this way and running more dollars when they do I'm thinking I'll end up being a S&W sort of guy. And from what I've seen so far with my own two guns and the others that belong to the range where I shoot a lot this is hardly a bad thing at all.

So what'cha all think of the plan? Any gaping holes I'm missing?

 

[mnrivrat]

To be honest I stop at well rounded with three guns. The.22 LR , .357magnum, and the .44 magnum.

The rest is sorta a wish list , these would be fun , type selections.

You already have the .38/.357 covered well (X2) with the Model 19 & 28

The double nine is OK , but a nice K-Frame S&W would be a top choice to fill this slot.

If you want a single action, then the Ruger Super Blackhawk will fill that slot and the .44 Magnum roll in one gun.

 

[QuietEarp]

OK, I'll play.
A .22, a .357, something snub nosed in .38 or .357, and a .44 magnum. In addition to this, one more gun in one a caliber between .22lr and .44 mag in a single action. There should be a varied barrel length between the guns as well.
5 guns.

 

[aHFo3]

Sounds like you have a great wish list. You could probably double it if the 4 1/4" law were gone!

 

[Funderb]

don't forget a nagant! just for fun!

 

[Brian Dale]

...and something big, with moon clips...

 

[bannockburn]

BCR

Sounds like you have a nice collection already. If it were me, I would have some sort of variation of a S&W J frame; a Model 36, 37, 49, 60, etc. Great guns and still relatively inexpensive. Definitely a single action .22, like a Ruger Single-Six. In .45LC, I would opt for a Ruger Vaquero.

 

[TheVirginian]

A .22, a .38, and a .45 would do it for me. I can't see it being much deeper than that in my safe.

I fancy a yet to obtain .22 for plinking (I really liked the old Single Six that I had). Then my .38 snubby for practical/tactical reasons although it never sees light anymore. Finally, a .45 LC on the way for major plinkage fun. I only put magnums in my rifle.
-Bill

 

[osteodoc08]

Definitely:
1. 22lr
2. 38spl/357 mag

Other than that, I've always had a soft spot for the 41mag....to me this is a definite, but others just "hafta have" a 44mag mdl 29 (or other)

I think a single action in 45LC is also a must.

I seriously doubt I'd ever include a 460/500 handcannon in this list though.

 

[redneckdan]

My smith and wesson collection consists of:

17-4 .22 LR excellent condition, goes to the range once in a while.

15-4 .38 special excellent mechanical, blueing is worn, my go everywhere gun

19-4 .357 magnum great mechanical, heavy blueing wear, gets babied because it was a gift from my father.

629-4 .44 magnum excellent mechanicals, prelock round butt, my go to gun when the .38 ain't enough.

 

[madcratebuilder]

About a dozen pre dash Smiths of assorted length and caliber.
About a dozen pre bill board Rugers, mostly SA, of assorted caliber.
About two dozen open top Colts of assorted caliber and model.
And to round it off, a dozen mil-surps, M1A's, AR's, Enfields, and Krags.
Don't forget the odd balls either. Broom handle, tommy gun, ...

 

[marty44]

I have been using a 44Mag Blackhawk and a single six .22/.22Mag as a well-rounded set for years and have taken everything from squirrel, grouse, and groundhog to deer and bear.
I miss my Smith 9mm Model 39 a lot, though.
I am buying a Hammerless Smith .38 to really round out the deal.

Works great, and I get 1 1/2" GROUPS at 50 YD with the .44 and a Bushnell Trophy red/green dot multi-reticle sight (cheap and work GREAT). Same setup now on the .22

The sad truth is that (don't tell your wife) there are single handguns now that can be considered equal to a well-rounded set of guns. The T/C Contenders (old and new) are the best choice with interchangeable barrels.
Don't want to change/buy barrels? Several magnums also fire lesser rounds: .460 S&W; .44; .375 Magnums all shoot other lighter cartridges.

But isn't collecting a set MUCH more fun? The more you can manage to justify buying, the better.

My (two) handguns will very soon be playing with a new friend - hammerless S&W .38 . . . . .and so it goes . . . .

 

[Baba Louie]

Nicely rounded you ask? A couple .22's, a couple .36's, a couple 40-somethings, either spl/mag in .429 or those big old honkin powderpuff .45 Colts oughta do the well rounded revolver collection trick by way of getting it started.

Maybe mostly blued and wood unless you like the flashy stainless types.

Probably mostly made by Daniel and Horaces workin's, maybe one by Sam or one or two by that new kid, Billy R.

Oughta have at least one "teach a new shooter" wheelgun, one cowboy styled hogleggish thumbcocker in the group, one snubnose something or other, maybe a target style shooter or two, couple o' old Barney Fife guns, one that doubles up for both squirrels and bear walking in the woods, something that Dirty Harry Callahan or John Wayne would admire... and you'd be pretty close to a well rounded revolver collection.

Unless of course, you want to... you know, specialize.

 

[crebralfix]

Let's see:

Small:

1 pocket revolver in 38 Special
1 pocket revolver in 22 LR
Single action revolver in 22 LR

Medium:

357 Magnum revolver with 3" and 4" barrels
357 Magnum snubbie with 2" barrel
Something in 44 Special
Medium framed revolver in 22 LR with 4" barrel for practice

Large:

S&W Model 27
Something in 44 Magnum
Single action revolver in 45 Colt

 

[ArmedBear]

What do I consider a well-rounded collection?

Man, that's tough.

I do know this: whatever it is, it always contains one more revolver than I own at the time...

 

[DoubleAction]

This is my own modest collection of revolvers, minus a few. I have focus to the hard items, within my budget over the years. Nothing fancy, just the most desirable at the time.It's been fun for me and I hope for you as well.

Colt's Single Action Army / .45 LC




S&W 17


S&W 27-2 / Four Inch




Colt's Detective Specials


Colt's Python


S&W 586 / 6"


S&W 29-2 / 4"


S&W 29-3 / 6"


S&W 29 Classic


S&W 629 Classic DX


Ruger Super Blackhawk / 44 magnum


​

 

[DoubleAction]

S&W 640 / Weigand Custom

 

[RoadKingMI]

As many as I can afford without bringing attention from the wife. Though a 22, 357,44 and a 500 covers a lot in my opinion. I have just as much fun shooting my rough rider (100 gun) as I do my S&W 500.

 

[BCRider]

Weeeeel... there's no wife at the moment so THAT isn't an issue. It's more about balancing the play money between this new hobby of shooting and my older hobbies which I still love. Sadly I don't do much that can be considered as cheap....

Some interesting options given above for sure. And likely my own list will change as opportunitys arise.

For example, someone asked today about the revolver used in the Pale RIder movie. That led to watching the big shootout scene off YouTube. My eyes all but bugged out of my head when I saw Clint swap cylinders on his Remington. WHAT A SWEET IDEA! ! ! ! I had no idea that this was able to be done so easily on any old style C&B revolver. It opens up all sorts of options if I can find a replica with some extra cylinders.

Thanks to all that have played this game so far. Some interesting plans and collections you've thought of or gathered.

 

[searcher451]

I don't know that calibers are more important than manufacturers here. With that in mind, I'd definitely say that a collection wouldn't be a collection without at least a couple of samples of Colts, Smith & Wessons, and Rugers. I'd also toss in, for sentimental reasons, a top break Iver Johnson and something from H&R. And, by golly, if you could get your hands on a Walther revolver, you'd really have something that would make people stand up and take notice.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I was going to avoid this topic and just sit back and read the responses, but I never can keep my nose too clean.
Well rounded & well liked may be 2 different plans, but I started out trying to go the rounded way and leaned heavy on specific models and calibers.
So, I really changed my personal collection to what really turned my screws.

Personally, having too many calibers is a pain in the arse when trying to buy ammo. Really, trying to buy ammo in todays times with everyone in a panic is just too hard to cover a bunch of calibers. You need a 1000 rounds of this and a couple thousand of that. Too much work.

22's ??? Heck yeah, gotta have one or 2 of those just from an economical shooting stand point. (if there is such a thing)
But then find the stuff you like, stuff that lights your fire. It doesn't matter if it's long barrel, short barrel, heavy or lightweight. Big fat calibers or something mild. It can be shooters or even mint in box safe queens. Someone will always be there to tell you they like something else better.
In other words, buy a couple long barreled guns and someone will be along to tell you they prefer snubbies and vice versa.
If you buy a safe queen, someone will be there telling you that it's stupid to buy a gun ya aint gonna shoot.
My advice is buy what you like, but, this is the most important part**** are you paying attention ??? Research what you're buying, know the good from the bad. Know a good price when you see it. Know the rare barrel lengths and oddities that make a gun more valuable. In other words recognize a deal on the spot. Don't just buy stuff and post here asking if ya got a good deal or did I get ripped off. Avoid the ripped off part by doing your research ahead of time.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't just trust one persons answer or opinion.
Asking the seller questions can make me want or not want the gun. Sometimes the seller will disclose things that make you not want the gun for some reason or another. Always listen and pay attention. It will be to your advantage if you know more about the gun than the seller does.
Good luck to you on your quest for the well rounded collection.
I mean that.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[ArmedBear]

A well-squared collection is important, too...

 

[Brian Dale]

I dunno; all of my revolvers are rounded. Wait...are you making them the butt of a joke?

 

[freakshow10mm]

I'd like a single action .22 rimfire, .41 magnum. A nice double action .357 mag and a .44 special in either double or single action.

 

[glockman19]

Revolvers:
.22LR
.38 Special
.357 Magnum
.44 Magnum

In addition I'd get one in every barrel length and size available 1/78" 2" 2.5" 3" 4" 4.75" 5" 5.5" & 6". In J,K,L, frames and single action shooting.

That IMHO is a Revolver Collection.