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Archive for Revolvers – Page 3

Charter Arms Gets Colorful

By Richard on April 14, 2010 No Comments

charter_arms_tiger_01aStill no sign of the Rimless Revolver, but Charter Arms does have some more colorful variations of their old revolvers.  Colors and patterns like tiger stripe, turquoise, and bronze.

They also have a “Cougar” color pattern, which is a mottled pink.  As I am unfamiliar with any four-legged cats in this shade of pink, I can only assume that the Cougar is a reference to the pop-culture term for an older woman who sexually pursues younger men.

charter_arms_cougar_01aI know a lot of women dislike the pink gun concept, as they feel it is condescending to the female gender, offering nothing substantial to meet their needs.  I can only imagine what they will say about this.

Full size photos below.

Read More…

Categories : Revolvers
Tags : Charter Arms, revolver

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38

By Richard on January 22, 2010 75 Comments

sw_bodyguard_38_02aSmith & Wesson introduced a new ‘hammerless’ revolver: the Bodyguard 38.  The Bodyguard 38 is one of two new compact handguns in the Bodyguard line introduced by S&W at the 2010 SHOT Show.

First, the basics, it is a five-shot, 38 Special revolver that is rated for +P ammunition.  The hammer is full concealed, and the gun is double action only.  The gun is black with a grip.  At first glance, it looks a lot like a model 442.  But, this revolver is actually very different.

The Bodyguard 38 is a polymer framed revolver, the first ever by Smith & Wesson.  This means that Smith had to go back to the drawing board to design this firearm.  The lower frame (roughly from the rear of the cylinder back), is polymer, while the upper frame (surrounding the cylinder and housing the barrel) is aluminum.  As you might expect, the revolver is very light, weighing only 14.3 ounces.

Read More…

Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : .38 Special, 2010 SHOT Show, Bodyguard, revolver, S&W, Smith & Wesson

Taurus Raging Judge Ultra-Lite

By Richard on January 22, 2010 21 Comments

taurus_raging_lite_02aIn 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.

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Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : .410, .45 Colt, 2010 SHOT Show, Raging Judge, revolver, Taurus, Ultra-Lite

Taurus Raging Judge Magnum

By Richard on January 22, 2010 91 Comments

taurus_raging_mag_01aTaurus 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.
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Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : .410, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, 2010 SHOT Show, revolver, Taurus. Raging Judge Magnum

Chiappa Rhino Revolvers

By Richard on January 21, 2010 29 Comments

chiappa_04aChiappa 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.

First, the exposed “hammer” isn’t really a hammer.  It is used to manually cock the internal hammer into single action mode.  After you pull the “hammer” back,  it then falls back into the “down” position.  There is no way to know the gun is cocked and in single action mode.

chiappa_06aSecond, there is not a decocking lever.  To decock the gun, you have to pull the trigger.  According to the Chiappa rep, you can hold the exposed “hammer” back, pull the trigger and then lower the exposed hammer as you might on another single action revolver.  But, the exposed “hammer” isn’t THE hammer. So I don’t know if this is a safe, or even effective, method of decocking the revolver once it is cocked.

Lastly, the trigger and cylinders were very stiff.  This is likely due to the staff using early samples.  However, I do not understand why you would bring less than your best product to a trade show.  I hope that the production models will be smoother.

Retail runs from “about $750” to “about $950” depending on the model.  Chiappa believes they will begin shipping later this year.

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Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : 2010 SHOT Show, Chiappa, revolver, Rhino

Charter Arms Rimless Revolver: MIA

By Richard on January 21, 2010 5 Comments

charter_arms_rimlessDelayed 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.

Regardless, I really like the idea of a revolver that can shoot rimless cartridges without the need for moon clips.   I sincerely hope Charter Arms is able to bring this gun to market.  I suspect it would be a good seller for them.

The current timetable for the CARR is June for the .40 S&W revolver, followed by 9mm and .45 ACP.  All three revolvers are scheduled for delivery by year’s end. Retail will be “about $450.”

Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : 2010 SHOT Show, Charter Arms, revolver, rimless

Smith & Wesson 632 in .327 Magnum

By Richard on January 19, 2010 4 Comments

smith_632_04aAt 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.

smith_632_02The model 632 falls in Smith’s Pro Series line, meaning the revolver does not have an internal lock.

The 632 felt good in my hand, as do all of the 640/642 style revolvers Smith & Wesson makes.  The three dot sights are a vast improvement over the fixed ramp front and narrow rear notch that many of the J-frames wear.

A lot of people are skeptical of the .327 Magnum cartridge, but I think this round has a lot of possibility as a defensive load.  The model 632 is exactly what I hoped S&W would introduce last year.  I’m glad they are putting it out in 2010.

S&W reps stated delivery of the revolver around April 2010 with a retail price of $916.

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Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : .327 Magnum, 2010 SHOT Show, revolver, S&W, Smith & Wesson

Taurus Protector Polymer: a Polymer Revolver

By Richard on January 19, 2010 19 Comments

taurus_poly_protector_01aTaurus 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.

The front sight is a red fiber optic sight, and the rear is a notch.

I was very impressed with the way this revolver felt in my hand.  It was lightweight and pointed naturally for me.  I would prefer a DA-only version, but I am still impressed by what Taurus was showing.  I look forward to getting one of these onto the range.

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Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : .38 Special, 2010 SHOT Show, polymer, revolver, Taurus

Taurus Polymer Judge

By Richard on January 19, 2010 9 Comments

taurus_polymer_judge_02aTaurus 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.


Features of the Public Defender Polymer include:

  • streamlined frame,
  • target style trigger,
  • adjustable rear sight,
  • fiber optic front sight, and
  • rubber grips.

The polymer Judge will be available with either blued steel or stainless steel finishes.

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Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : .410, .45, Judge, polymer, Public Defender, revolver, Taurus

Ruger GP100 and Blackhawk now in .327 Federal Magnum

By Richard on January 4, 2010 No Comments

ruger_blackhawl_327mag_01aRuger 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.

From Ruger:

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is proud to announce two more Ruger® revolvers chambered in the impressive .327 Federal Magnum caliber.

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk® and the Ruger GP100® will now benefit from the flat-shooting, high-velocity performance of the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge.

The .327 Federal Magnum offers near-.357 Magnum performance with less recoil, pushing a 100-grain American Eagle load at an astounding 1,655 feet per second out of the 5-1/2” barreled New Model Blackhawk, and 1,525 feet per second out of the 4.20” barreled GP100. In addition to the high-velocity performance, cylinder capacities have been increased, with the New Model Blackhawk holding eight rounds and the GP100 holding seven.

“We worked with Federal Premium Ammunition to introduce the first .327 Federal Magnum cartridge in our mid-sized SP101® revolver, and we’re excited to expand this well-received round into our full-sized New Model Blackhawk and GP100 product lines,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chris Killoy.
“The performance of this round is remarkable, and the longer barrels and heavier weights of these two models ramp velocities to new levels and keep recoil amazingly minimal. We feel pairing these revolvers with this cartridge will give our customers two more great options for recreational shooting, handgun hunting, or self-defense.”

The New Model Blackhawk in .327 Federal Magnum has a 5-1/2” barrel and overall length of 11.38”. It weighs 48 oz., holds eight rounds, and features a fully adjustable rear sight and a stainless steel finish. New Model Blackhawk revolvers have earned a reputation as the best value on the market due to their durability and affordability, and this new .327 Federal Magnum variation only compliments this already extensive family of single-action revolvers.

The new GP100 in .327 Federal Magnum features a 4.20” stainless steel barrel and an overall length of 9.50”. It weighs 40 oz., holds seven rounds, and includes a fully adjustable rear sight. All GP100 double-action revolvers are known for their rugged construction and reliable performance, utilizing solid steel sidewalls (no side-plates) and frame widths that are increased with extra steel in critical areas that support the barrel. GP100’s are built to last, and the addition of the .327 Federal Magnum adds diversity to a proven product line.

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Categories : 2010 SHOT Show, Revolvers
Tags : .327, 2010 SHOT Show, Federal, Magnum, revolver, Ruger
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