Official revolver bs thread

Here's mine. Colt King Cobra 2inch barrel. Planning to replace rubber grip with rosewood .

 

I just started the purchase on a 4" Colt Python, which will be my 2nd revolver, 1st is a S&W 460V which came with a Hogue rubber grip (and needs at least that when shooting 454Cas or 460Mag).

The Python has a checked walnut grip which gives plenty of traction, but I'm wondering if there's benefit to a more recoil-absorbing grip with the 357Mag. If so, has anyone tried or compared the Hogue vs Pachmayr on any 357, or on the Python specifically?

I've used products from both companies on different guns, and wouldn't hesitate to buy either brand again, but if there's one that's measurably better, knowing would save me some time; if it's something that just comes down to an issue of personal preference I'd understand that as well.

 

I don’t know about the grips but I’ll say Colt Python in my opinion is the best revolver ever made. I had pachmayr grips which were great but eventually went to custom wood grips just cause the gun looked so good with them. The python with a 4” barrel I don’t think will be that bad a recoil no matter what grips you get. Get the gun, take it to the range and see what you think of the current grip. Then decide if you want something else.

 

I'm not expecting recoil anywhere close to what I get from 454Cas or 460Mag, but the Python did feel fairly lightweight in my hand, maybe because my only reference point for a revolver is a 5lb hand cannon. I was thinking about doing maybe half my range practice with 38spl or 38+P, but after seeing the prices for bulk range ammo in my area, I'm not sure I'd save much over using all 357Mag. At least it's all cheaper than the 460Mag shells (about $1.60/ea).

Do you have any experience with "speed strips" vs round speed loaders? The strips look like they're a lot less bulky, and a lot simpler mechanically, but take 3 steps to load 6 chambers instead of one.

 

The recoil difference between .38 Sp and .357 Mag is significant. Being used to 454/460, you won't feel any recoil from a .38. Shoot both, as they shoot different.

Speed strips are fine, slower to load than speed loaders. Yes, they fit better in your pocket. There are several brands of speedloaders out there, from "normal" to competition. The comp ones load faster (check Safariland for several models.). Both have their advantages and reasons to use.

 

I’ve used the round speed loaders and they work ok. They don’t just slide into the revolver. You often have to jiggle it around a little it takes getting use to and practice. I’ve practiced using the speed loader over and over probably a couple hundred times. I just put the rounds in and pull them out over and over. I’m a revolver guy at heart but now carry a Glock 9mm. If I shoot the complete mag I just eject and shove another in about 2 seconds. Just get the job done with 6 rounds and you are good.
Oh and I agree with Scott, big diff between 38 and 357 mag. 90% of the time I shoot 38’s with my 357. When carrying I often would load it with 38’s. Plenty lethal and less recoil so you can line up your second and subsequent shots faster and easier.

 

sup fellas - I have a plethora of 9mm semi autos, ARs, etc etc - but alas...I do have 1 trusty wheel gun that I do occasionally carry. Typically on gym shorts running to the store as the holster has an ulticlip

 

This Python in addition to my BFR might end up being the extent of the revolvers I own. Since I live in L.A., the issue of "carry" guns has never really been an issue, but I do have a G19 and a G26 ready for that when the cities in CA finally completely devolve and the 405 Freeway becomes full-on "Fury Road". This is probably also the main scenario in which I'd be looking to use either revolver for anything other than making holes in paper from far away since I've got several freinds who say they're heading for my place "when the zombies come". For me, I think an ideal "carry" gun would be a hammer-fired pistol with an external safety (something like a Ruger P-series but with a rail on the frame, maybe a HK USP compact?)

The original "reason"for getting the 460 was that I had a couple of boxes of 45 Colt that I couldn't find any way to get rid of thanks to the "common sense" rules enacted by the states "beloved leader" Newsom. When the shutdowns hit, I had just finished a 3-month stretch of heavy OT at work and had planned on spending a chunk of the proceeds recharging in Vegas; since that became a non-option I ended up deciding I might as well get a revolver (and cross over into "collector" territory) and then figured I might as well get something that could chamber those 45 LC shells to make them usable. I jokingly say that I got the hand-cannon, which is really more practical in the Alaska bush than in the L.A. South Bay where I'm unlikely to encounter an adult brown bear wandering the streets, because "Gavin Newsom wanted me to have one".

Now I've decided I might as well get that one a "little brother", and get the "smaller" revolver calibers covered. If I'm starting into that caliber with the "best of breed", I don't know that I'll have any reason to add any more 38/357 caliber guns to the collection. I might someday look at a 686-plus for the 7-round cylinder, but that would almost definitely be the end of it for me.

 

Damn, you live in the belly of the beast. I too live in California but in Northern California in a somewhat rural area. The zombies are encroaching on me, So I just say gun up, lock and load and prepare for the apocalypse

 

I hear there's still a lot of two-legged hazards stalking the back woods in Humboldt county, since the taxes on the "legal" growers/sellers are so high that the illegal operations have plenty of room to still make money.

When everyone else was hoarding TP back in 2020, I used to joke that I was hoarding chrome spray paint. Another 5 years on the path the state is on, and they'll have to add "WITNESS ME, BLOODBAG!" to the flag, and maybe swap the bear for Chewbaca with a bandolier and crossbow.

 

So I finally picked up the Python (took 3+ hours of waiting to get to conduct 20 minutes of business).

Haven't shot it yet, but I have noticed from handling it that I'm only consistently getting two fingers on the grip (my hands are on the larger side) with about half the last one hanging around the bottom edge.

Is there any kind of extended grip available for these? (Colt "I Frame"I think, possibly "J Frame")

 

Ruger 44 super redhawk, custom made bandolier.

https://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Chesty-Puller-Suspension-System.cfm?item_id=160&parent=672

 

Ruger

$13 SP101 CRL "Sparkle" Cleaner and Stain Remover - 8 oz. Bottle

SP101 and Wiley Clapp GP100. Stoned both triggers for smoother pull.

 

Keeping the Ruger workhorse gang going. Bog standard GP100, Hogue grip is comfy but the Rosewood inlay is pretty. Only adjustment is hi-vis model paint on the front ramp.

 

Classic Hunter limited run. I bought it new back in '91..

 

I did end up getting the Hogue grip for the Python. It doesn't cover the back of the frame, so it's not likely to make any difference in the recoil with bare metal still contacting my hands on the back edge of the grip, but the finger grooves do help with aligning my hand and giving my last finger a solid-feeling point of contact.

Also, the silicone doesn't interfere with speed loaders like the stock walnut does, so I feel like I'm trading form for function with this modification since the walnut is definitely the better looking of the two.

 

Love the 44 mag Red Hawk. I use to backpack/trout fish the Absorka Beartooth wilderness in Montana and that’s what I carried in the event I met a Grizzly. Loaded with hot 300 grain hunting loads. It was rather heavy to carry backpacking but it’s the only pistol I felt comfortable with in grizzly country. I sold it a couple years ago and I really regret selling it. Miss that gun.

 

My Wife’s Grandfather’s service gun. (1952?) Colt Official Police .38

 

Nice rig.
I posted my 44 super redhawk previously. Here it is with the Galco Kodiak chest holster.

 

I’ve always wanted a Redhawk ever since my Dad got his in the early’80s. I took a pass on a blued version a few shows ago, because I want one in stainless if it’s going to ride in a holster. Beautiful setup you have there.