revolver

Prior to Samuel Colt’s 1835-1836 patents for the revolver, American handguns were, for the most part, variations of European-style single shot pistols, first of the flintlock type and later the new cap-and-ball percussion lock design. There were double barrels, swivel barrels, and even multiple barreled Pepperbox pistols, but the revolver was at best a theoretical design before 1836. This is not to say that revolvers did not exist before Colt’s patent, they just didn’t work. Samuel Colt’s design did. This is the story of how it came to be.

The lore surrounding the brute force of the Smith & Wesson S&W500 is legion. There have been plenty of tales about what this gun is capable of doing, both to the lackadaisical shooter and the intended target. I decided I needed to sort through some and separate fact from fiction and test one for myself.

The world’s oldest existing revolver can be found at the Maihaugen Museum in Lillehammer, Norway. Made in Germany, it dates back to 1597.

Welcome to what I call “Coffee Table Gunsmithing,” as most of the work done on this gun was done right on my coffee table with a simple box of tools.

The Ruger SP101 combines a small frame with a full-power chambering in .357 Magnum, but it is limited to five rounds. The addition of the .327 Federal Magnum chambering bumps that up to six, while still having fight-stopping power.

Sometimes you can’t help but to be drawn to something. As they say, the heart wants what the heart wants. The Kimber K6s revovler is calling to me.

Okay, is the suspense killing you? Are you dying to know what revolver I opted to buy (even though the pictures indubitably gave it away)?

The debate about the best concealed carry gun will never be solved. But I’m going to throw in my vote for EDC: the .357. I’ve been studying defensive shooting scenarios and statistics, and here’s why I think this S&W revolver is the best option.

The revolver has made a dramatic comeback in 2016, and with the new resurgence in popularity comes some tall tales. I’m hearing some of the old revolver myths being perpetuated with new enthusiasm. How much of the mythology is true?