Which revolvers can take heavy use?

S

Slow dance

Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2025
Messages
11
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.
 
265.webp

'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) :)
 
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. :ROFLMAO:
 
ProCarryNAustin said:
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. :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 

Similar threads

U
EDC pocketknife recommendations
Replies
21
Views
318
glazer1973
glazer1973
U
I need recommendations on the best hunting stores in Texas
Replies
10
Views
214
MrbigTexan
M
Alan
What shotgun works best for home defense?
Replies
24
Views
412
hivel37
H
LDB
A thought exercise re: (re)loading
Replies
24
Views
448
DeadEyeDeadly
DeadEyeDeadly
GaryS
Hello From Hutto
Replies
5
Views
142
LDB
LDB

Latest posts

Back
Top