that I find appealing. The Colt Python was as admired for its appearance as much as its performance, as its heavy lugged barrel gave it a purposeful air. When the S&W Model 686 was introduced it copied that profile, and I think the aesthetics had much to do with the model’s popularity.
Of the revolvers I’ve owned, the overwhelming majority have had fully lugged barrels. I’m not sure if that makes me pragmatic for appreciating their functionality, or shallow for lusting after their appearance.
Frame materials
While it may not seem to be exactly a matter of fit, the material from which the gun is made does make a big difference in how it feels and performs in the hand. Comfort, I think, is certainly part of fitting the shooter.
The traditional material for revolver construction is good old steel. Originally plain high-carbon steel, in 1959 Smith & Wesson made a special run of their Model 15 Combat Masterpiece in highly polished stainless steel. The gun proved to be a hit, and in 1965 the stainless Model 60 Chief’s Special became a regular item in their revolver catalog. Though there is a slight weight difference between carbon (blued) steel and stainless, we generally accept them as having the same effective weight.
Aluminum-framed revolvers actually pre-date stainless steel, the first of them appearing in 1950. The lightweight metal was used wherever possible to reduce the load that the gun owner had to carry. The cylinders and internal parts were made of steel, though the military did experiment with guns whose cylinders were made from aluminum. (They proved to be unsafe in long term use, and the experiment ended in the early 1960s.)
In the late 1990s gun manufacturers started producing revolvers made of titanium, and a few years later S&W incorporated scandium into an aluminum alloy mix for the ultimate in light weight and strength. Now into the 21st century we have lightweight revolvers made of plastic composites – all with one goal: make the guns lighter.
LIghtweight revolvers are great to carry around. On a belt they’re nearly unnoticeable, in a pocket they carry like a wallet, and they make ankle holsters practical. The downside (isn’t there always a downside?) is that they have increased recoil – substantially increased recoil.
These ultra-lightweight revolvers have recoil that varies from unpleasant (with Special-class loads) to downright vicious (for those guns chambered in Magnum cartridges). This increase in recoil impulse makes them difficult to practice with, and drastically alters the shooter’s balance of speed and precision. Though I carry one myself occasionally, I’m not at all fond of shooting the thing.
If you’re tempted by a lightweight revolver, I suggest that you try one before you put down your money. Shoot it with the ammo that you expect to carry, and see if you can handle the gun. Given the level of recoil, will you actually do the necessary practice to maintain your proficiency with this, the hardest of all guns to handle? If not, get yourself a steel revolver.
One thing to remember is that if they’re shot regularly, the lightweight guns will have a shorter service life and require more maintenance than their heavier counterparts. The increased recoil impulse stretches lightweight frames more than the steel varieties, and light alloys are generally not as resistant to friction-related wear. Cylinders become loose in their frames, and timing becomes harder to maintain. Of course this doesn’t apply to those guns that are carried much and shot little, but haven’t I already made the case for regular practice?
My general rule of thumb: unless you have a compelling need for a lightweight gun, pick a steel model.
To the men in the audience: A word about relational harmony
Guys, I know you want to buy your wife or girlfriend a gun. I appreciate that you want to get her something light so that she’ll actually carry it. I know that you think this will get her ‘into guns.’ I also know that this is a path fraught with danger!
As an instructor I’ve counseled a number of women who were given the gift of a lightweight revolver by a well-meaning significant other. The scene is repeated time and again: she shoots a few cylinders (sometimes just a few rounds) and puts the gun down, vowing never to shoot it again. It hurts, and even with proper recoil technique she finds it difficult to control. I commiserate with her, because I’m of the same opinion.
A gun that she won’t shoot, and won’t practice with, does nothing to bring her into the fold. If she doesn’t get good, professional instruction the fierce recoil may even scare her enough that she won’t carry that particular gun. Neither outcome meets the goal of getting her interested in protecting herself.
Take it from a guy who’s managed to stay happily married to one gal for a quarter century: don’t choose her gun. Take her to a range where they rent guns (yes, even if it’s a long drive from home. Make a weekend adventure of it!). Let her shoot what she’s interested in, and let her decide based upon her likes, dislikes, and tolerance. She may still pick a lightweight revolver, and if so more power to her. If she decides on a steel model because of the shooting comfort, realize that she’ll be more apt to get the very necessary training and practice she’ll need to use it effectively.
Though this book is all about revolvers, if she decides she doesn’t like them and picks an autoloader instead, that’s fine too. It’s more important that she get something she likes rather than trying to please either of us.
To the ladies in the audience: Don’t be coerced
I’ve lost count of the number of women who’ve contacted me about the lightweight revolver a gun store employee pushed her to buy. For some reason there is a persistent subculture of men working behind counters who are convinced that the perfect gun for ‘the little lady’ is an ultra-lightweight revolver. A lot of women are given the high pressure treatment to pick one of those, and too many succumb.
If you’re looking for a gun, don’t let the salesman talk you into anything about which you have reservations. Do your research; talk to other women who own guns, or contact a female instructor for guidance. There are a number of online forums dedicated to women who shoot, and they’re a great source of recommendation and encouragement. Go to a store or range that rents guns and shoot a bunch of different models. Find out what you like best, then go shopping.
Recoil of lightweight guns, such as this S&W Model 442 Airweight Centennial, can be punishing for the inexperienced shooter and painful even for experienced hands.
It’s tempting to believe that the guy working in the gun store is knowledgeable and understands what you need. That’s not always the case; though many gun salesmen are well informed and thoughtful, an awful lot of them aren’t. Here’s a litmus test: if you walk into a gun store and ask to see a gun for personal protection, and the first thing the guy does is put a lightweight snubnose revolver in front of you, just leave. Find a store that respects their customers.
Your ideal store is one where the salesman first asks what kind of experience and training you’ve had, how you plan to use and carry the gun, and if you have any preconceived ideas of what would be best for you. Only after such a conversation will a professional dare to suggest a gun for you, and should give you several options from which to pick. There’s no reason you should deign to suffer the high-pressure tactics of an ignoramus.
While I appreciate your perusal of my book, I won’t be offended if the gun you choose isn’t a revolver. While it’s my choice, that fact shouldn’t unduly influence your choice. Read the first chapter about the revolver’s strengths and weaknesses and carefully consider which apply to you. Try out both autos and revolvers before making a buying decision, preferably by renting suitable
