Archive for Revolvers
Taurus Raging Judge Ultra-Lite
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In another evolution of the Judge line, Taurus introduced the Raging Judge Ultra-Lite revolver at the 2010 SHOT Show. The Raging Judge Ultra-Lite is a seven-shot revolver that can shoot 2.5” and 3” .410 shotshell in addition to .45 Colt.
The sights are fixed, with a fiber optic front and notch rear. The barrel is three inches, with the gun’s weight just a touch more than 41 ounces. Though it was not shown on the show floor, the Taurus catalog also lists a six inch barrel, which weighs a little over 47 ounces.
Taurus Raging Judge Magnum
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Taurus has moved the Judge line solidly into the “big boom” category with the introduction of the Raging Judge Magnum chambered in .454 Casull.
This six-shot, big bore revolver can fire .454 Casull, .45 Colt and 2.5” and 3” .410 shotshells. Due to the power generated by the Casull cartridge, the cylinder has a double lock.
The Raging Judge Magnum is available with either a three-inch or six-inch barrel. The six-inch barrel has a vented rib and can accommodate a scope mount.
Chiappa Rhino Revolvers
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Chiappa Firearms was showing off their new series of Rhino revolvers at the 2010 SHOT Show. When you see the Rhino for the first time, you know that it is definitely a different revolver than what you have known previously.
The Rhino’s barrel is at the bottom, no the top, of the frame. The cartridge in the bottom of the cylinder is the one that fires. This design is supposed to reduce muzzle flip and enhance shooter comfort.
Four models of Chiappa were shown: a 2” DAO, 4”, 5” and 6”. All models except the 2” have a Picatinny rail under the barrel for a white light or laser attachment. All models except the 2” also have pinned front sights and adjustable rear sights. The 2” Rhino has fixed sights. All are chambered in .357 Magnum.
I have a few concerns about the Rhino.
Charter Arms Rimless Revolver: MIA
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Delayed yet again, the Charter Arms Rimless Revolver (CARR) is a “no show” for the 2010 SHOT Show.
Announced in 2008, multiple delays throughout 2009 kept the CARR out of production. Now at the biggest firearms event in 2010, the rimless revolver is still nowhere to be seen.
According to floor staff, the CARR’s patents are still pending and the gun cannot be shown for fear of another designer taking their idea. It would seem that some design problems may have caused the delay more than the lawyers, though, as one staffer admitted the announcement in ’08 “jumped the gun” and bugs had to be worked out throughout the past year.
Smith & Wesson 632 in .327 Magnum
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At the 2010 SHOT Show, Smith & Wesson was showing their newest .327 Magnum revolver: the model 632.
The 632 is a J-frame, “hammerless” revolver with a 2 1/8″ barrel. The cylinder holds six rounds of the potent .327 Magnum. The frame is stainless steel and the guns weighs only 23 ounces (unloaded).
Unlike many other J-frames, the model 632 has tritium, three-dot sights which make for a good sight picture. Additionally, the sights are dovetailed, meaning adjustment or replacement is feasible.
Taurus Protector Polymer: a Polymer Revolver
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Taurus introduced a polymer revolver in .38 Special at the 2010 SHOT Show. The “Polymer Protector” is a revolver with a polymer frame and blued steel cylinder and barrel insert. The new Taurus revolver only weighs 18.2 ounces and is rated for +P ammunition.
Streamlined for concealed carry, the hammer is shrouded, but can still be cocked for a single action shot. The grips are polymer, but are wood colored, and actually look good in person.
Taurus Polymer Judge
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Taurus introduced the first polymer Judge at the 2010 SHOT Show. Called the “Public Defender Polymer,” this Taurus Judge features a frame entirely made of polymer with a stainless steel cylinder and barrel insert.
Holding the polymer Judge, I was impressed by how light it felt. Weighing 27 ounces, the Public Defender Polymer is clearly much lighter than the other models of Judge revolvers. The handgun was well balanced, and a red fiber optic front sight was very easy to acquire.
Like other Judge revolvers, the polymer Judge chambers five 2.5″ .410 shotshells and .45 Colt cartridges.
Ruger GP100 and Blackhawk now in .327 Federal Magnum
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Ruger is offering two new revolvers chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum: the New Model Blackhawk and the GP100.
The Blackhawk is a single-action revolver with a 5 1/2″ barrel. It will hold eight rounds of the powerful .327 Magnum cartridges. The GP100 is a standard double action revolver that will hold seven of the .327 Federal Magnum rounds. Barrel length is 4.2″.
Shooting a Federal 100 grain soft-point bullet in the American Eagle line of ammunition, Ruger states the Blackhawk achieves 1655 fps, while the GP100 manages 1525 fps.
I’ve had a number of readers write that this cartridge made more sense as a hunting round, than that of a defensive round. With these revolvers, the .327 can now be taken to the field to harvest game.
S&W 442/642 ‘Pro Series’ Revolvers
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Let’s face it: other than Smith & Wesson, no one likes the internal locks that have plagued the S&W line of revolvers for years now. I know of many people, myself included, who have passed on buying a new S&W revolver because of the infernal things. Well, things may be changing.
Last year, Smith & Wesson claimed to have found a batch of old, pre-lock frames for the the 642. So, the company ran a rather limited production of them. I guess they sold pretty well, as S&W is now offering the 442 and 642 revolvers without internal locks.
More S&W J-Frames Get Longer Barrels
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In addition to the S&W 642, Smith & Wesson announced several of their J-frame revolvers were getting longer barrels.
The 637 and 638 will both be available with a 2 1/2″ barrel (up from the 1 7/8″ barrel) and full length extractors. Additionally, buyers have the option of buying one of the handguns with Crimson Trace Lasergrips factory installed.
MSRP is $640 for the standard models or $924 for the models with the CT Lasergrips.
New S&W 642!
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Smith & Wesson is updating one of their best selling handguns: the model 642. The 642 is an aluminum framed .38 Special revolver that is carried by thousands of cops and armed citizens as a pocket or ankle gun. In fact, it may be the most popular back-up gun in the United States.
The new S&W 642 features a 2 1/2″ barrel and a full-length, shrouded extractor. The current 642′s have a 1 7/8″ barrel and a diminutive extractor.
The new 642 has a pinned, black blade front sight, the standard fixed rear notch and the seemingly “hammerless” fully enclosed hammer. Unloaded weight is only up to 16 ounces, and the overall length is 7″.
S&W “Molon Labe” Revolvers
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Firearms distributor Lipsey’s is offering a series of limited edition ‘Molon Labe’ revolvers. There were five different models offered, but they are currently down to only four models at this time: the 442, 438, 637 and 638. The 642 sold out.
Each of the revolvers has “molon labe” inscribed on the right side of the firearm. The revolvers are listed at $615-639.
A special note: the 442 does not have the internal lock. For many people, that will be the biggest draw.
