Which revolvers can take heavy use?

[Slow dance]

Which revolvers have proven they can take heavy use? I am looking for models that stay reliable after thousands of rounds and rough field work

 

[LDB]

Rugers, especially the bigger ones, GP100 and Redhawk double actions and New Model Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk single actions. Not likely you could wear any of them out even if you spent all your time working toward that goal.

 

[BrotherHubb]

I agree with Ruger revolvers, one of my old load manuals has a section just for Ruger because of their strength. Blackhawk and Redhawks, in reality I can’t think of one that’s not exceptionally strong. Even my 1976 Single Six is built like a tank and it’s a 22. I’ve owned many Ruger models over the years, wish I still had them. My S&W model 29 from the’70’s and my model 19 from the’60’s are really good as well.

 

[Kodiak01]

You can’t beat an old Ruger Security Six. They are solid as a rock. I shoot mainly 38spl out of mine now but have shot at least 2k rnds of 357mg through it over the years. Now I like shooting 38spl at 50 yds and hold about 2” high, always in center mass. That out of a 4”bbl.

 

[MikePotts]

'N' Frame Smiths in .357mag are nicely overbuilt

 

[LDB]

I'm reading "Ruger And His Guns". It has a bit detailing their armorer course and the abuse given to the Security Six used. Other than breaking a piece off one grip panel it survives, terribly scathed, but fully functioning in spite of what would have ruined most. Very possibly the toughest guns made.

 

[Riddler]

Ruger revolvers like the GP100, Redhawk, New Model Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk are built tough and keep running after heavy use...with basic maintenance and sensible loads they handle thousands of rounds no problem.

 

[Slow dance]

Rugers, especially the bigger ones, GP100 and Redhawk double actions and New Model Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk single actions. Not likely you could wear any of them out even if you spent all your time working toward that goal.

I've always heard Rugers are tanks. GP100 has been on my radar, and I like the sound of the Blackhawk too. Anyone put serious round counts through them?

 

[Slow dance]

I agree with Ruger revolvers, one of my old load manuals has a section just for Ruger because of their strength. Blackhawk and Redhawks, in reality I can't think of one that's not exceptionally strong. Even my 1976 Single Six is built like a tank and it's a 22. I've owned many Ruger models over the years, wish I still had them. My S&W model 29 from the'70's and my model 19 from the'60's are really good as well.

I love hearing firsthand experience, you ever push hot loads through that Single Six or the Model 29?

 

[Slow dance]

View attachment 254
'N' Frame Smiths in .357mag are nicely overbuilt

Amazing! N-Frame S-Works in .357 are beasts.. I've heard they eat hot loads and keep ticking

 

[Raven]

From first hand experience, the Ruger Red Hawks and GP100 are very tough and reliable. Also I would agree on the 'N' frame Smiths. I have hand loaded very stout rounds for all of these without a single issue (other than my own reaction after pulling the trigger)

 

[Drycreek]

There’s a reason that the term “Ruger Only” was coined referring to handloads.

 

[glazer1973]

L or N frame .357 prelock.

 

[ProCarryNAustin]

I have yet to wear out any L or N frame Smiths. I normally shoot factory 158gr 357 and 240gr 44 magnum. These are enough for anything I’m going to run into in Texas unless something escapes the zoo.

 

[DonD]

There’s a reason that the term “Ruger Only” was coined referring to handloads.

I agree. Think the S&W 500 Mag revolvers are probably in the same category.

 

[Drycreek]

I have yet to wear out any L or N frame Smiths. I normally shoot factory 158gr 357 and 240gr 44 magnum. These are enough for anything I’m going to run into in Texas unless something escapes the zoo.

The large frame Smiths, mainly the .41 and .44 mags, will show some crane wear after LOTS of full power loads, but most guys won’t shoot that much in their lifetime. For us normal shooters, it will never be a problem. Still, I wouldn’t shoot “Ruger Only” loads in anything not Ruger except a Freedom Arms or a BFR, and of course a Ruger.

 

[RF2650]

Two of the S&W revolvers seem to get more wear and tear than most of the rest combined. The "dirty harry" 44mag 29 and 629 are sometimes subjected to a lot of rough incompetent handling that chips off tiny pieces of the star extractor and the hand resulting in serious timing problems. New replacement extractors have been very hard to find since the 1990s. Be careful looking at the extractors on revolvers at gun shows and you will see a lot of bad extractors. The vast majority will be in perfect condition but it is a heart breaker when your "new" revolver jams because the cylinder does not rotate far enough to lock up properly.
The other one is the 25-2. They are 45 auto rim and 45ACP with moon clips. The competition shooters simply wear them out and it is a speed shooting game so they are can suffer extractor damage too.

This post needs pictures! I will look for some photos of revolvers I worked on that had this issue.

 

[RF2650]

Here is an example.
Wow, crazy day. Sweet wife fell down broke her nose. Just back from the ER. This is a photo I found on the net.

 

[RF2650]

This is from snapping the cylinder shut with a forceful flick of the wrist.

 

[LDB]

This is from snapping the cylinder shut with a forceful flick of the wrist.

Ugh, DON'T be like idiots on TV. That is NEVER a good thing to do. Close it correctly with the support hand. You don't have to treat it like eggshell but don't be an idiot. Listen to the wisdom of RF2650.