Which revolvers can take heavy use?

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Slow dance

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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
 
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 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.
 
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.
 
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'N' Frame Smiths in .357mag are nicely overbuilt :)
 
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.
 
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. 👍
 
LDB said:
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.
Click to expand...
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?
 
BrotherHubb said:
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.
Click to expand...
I love hearing firsthand experience, you ever push hot loads through that Single Six or the Model 29?
 
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) :)
 

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