Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch


Specifications

 
The Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch is a collaboration between a firearm company and a firearm instructor, Clint Smith. Clint possesses decades of experience and teaches at his own facility Thunder Ranch in Oregon. The result is a wheel gun assembled by the Performance Center to fill the role of a modern defensive revolver. The large N frame uses a Scandium alloy to reduce the overall weight to less than 31 ounces unloaded. This makes for a big bore handgun that can be carried all day with less effort than other auto-loaders chambered in .45 ACP. The cylinder and barrel are both stainless steel. The barrel is a two piece design and the factory can set the barrel to cylinder gap to improve performance. 

The moon clips load and extract incredibly fast.

The barrel shroud is where this design really gets interesting. Clint believes a self defense weapons requires a detachable white light, so a removable picatinny rail was included. A ball detent system replaces the traditional locking bolt. This allows the ejector rod to be a bit shorter to clear the weapon light. The front sight is a gold bead on an interchangeable blade system should you desire to switch sights. The hammer and trigger are also forged rather than current production metal injection molding for enhanced longevity. The Performance Center completes an action job with a great trigger out of the box. All these features combine to create a quality revolver for those that still prefer a wheel gun over auto-loading options. 

Kydex

 
Master-Tac holster and single moon clip carrier.
North Mountain moon clip holder (long posts).

A quality revolver requires a quality holster and carrier for spare ammunition. For range and competition use, I prefer outside the waistband holsters made of kydex. Master-Tac Holsters produces great gear for competition or carry. Bill is always polite and I typically have the products at my door in less than seven business days. The moon clip carrier with short posts fits the .45 ACP round perfectly. I will order a couple more over the double stack design. The North Mountain long post (made for .38/.357 rounds) worked in a pickle, but I think the short post would be easier to manipulate. 

Recoil

 
Shooting the S&W 325 is a bit challenging due to the lighter weight of the gun. Other than an Colt Single Action Army, I have very little trigger time with .4xx caliber revolvers. I have a bit more experience with auto-loaders in this caliber and recognize the difference in full power ammunition and lighter loads for competition. I was curious to see if this translated in the wheel gun, so I tested a few different rounds at different power factors. Below is a table outlining the different ammunition that was tested in the revolver. 

I am still looking for two lighter factory loading; a 158 PF for IDPA and a 168 PF for USPSA.

Although the 230 grain Federal is reported to be loaded to a higher velocity, the Freedom 230 grain actually produced the most felt recoil. The Freedom 200 grain was definitely the softest shooting round I tried. I largely shoot minor power rounds (.38 Specials, .380 ACPs, and 9mms), so the recoil of a major power factor rounds is a bit stiffer than expected. Nothing produced painful recoil, but you can definitely tell you are shooting major. Short but dedicated range sessions with regular dry fire practice are my recommendation.

Shooting Impressions


Testing accuracy with a handgun is largely based on the shooter's ability. I've only been shooting revolvers with regularity for about two years now but I consider myself, an average shooter. I regularly shoot the Hardwired Tactical Shooting Revolver Super Test twice each session with all full size guns. A passing score is a 162/180. The drill is straightforward as follows:
  • 6 rounds in 12 seconds from 15 yards.
  • 6 rounds in 8 seconds from 10 yards.
  • 6 rounds in 4 seconds from 5 yards. 

My first attempt after three quick warm-up groups. 
   
Before running the drill, I shot one moon clip of each of the three rounds to see which round shot closest point of aim to point of impact. The Freedom 174 PF was pretty much dead on, so I grabbed three moons. I failed with a 150/180. I was trying to push to ensure I made the time limit but tracking the front sight was a difficult. I even had a miss. 
  
Better.
   
After working target transitions and shooting a few groups at 25 yards, I attempted the Super Test again. I was closer to passing the second time but only shot a 161/180. Overall, the grouping is a bit tighter even though I threw a significant portion of the shots outside the black. I was rushing at the five yard line trying to make it under the four second limit.

So what is it for?

 

 
I should mention that this is not my revolver. It is on loan from a family member who also enjoys revolvers. This is his favorite handgun, and it serves the role of nightstand gun. His theory? The gun is manageable one handed, sports a weapon light, and fires a proven round operating at a low pressure. It is a great home defense weapon if you don't want something with a stock. The 325 has also served as a woods gun on day hikes when he visits the property. I think a day with a steel revolver would make me appreciate the Scandium frame a bit more. 

Conclusions

   
The Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch is loaded with features designed to create the ideal defensive revolver. After a day on the range, I'm not sure that the light weight is a benefit for a gun chambered in .45ACP unless serving as a primary carry. For my purposes, a S&W 625, the steel cousin of this revolver, is a better option. The added weight soaks up a bit of recoil on the range or in competition but the reloads should be faster than a speed loader.

I mentioned before that this is the first revolver chambered in .45 ACP that I have tested. If I were to carry this out and about, I would definitely consider a leather holster. Carrying inside the waistband might be a bit challenging with the four inch barrel and large cylinder, but it could be done. The 325 is a winner if you want a lightweight carry revolver that shoots a the same round as a 1911.

As always, if you have any suggestions for future posts or would like to share your experience on the current topic please post below!

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Stocks or Grips for the Double Action Revolver


Revolvers and auto-loading pistols are different in more than a few respects. Many would argue that pistols are easier to customize. When it comes to aftermarket controls, sights, and magazine base-plates, this is absolutely true. 

The revolver does have one particular advantage over it's mag-fed kin, the ability to accept a myriad of differently sized and shaped stocks. Need a small slim profiled stock for concealed carry? Boot grips. Need a large comfortable grip for shooting a match all day? Target grips. Need a recessed and contoured grip for fighting? Combat grips. These options exist and come in all shapes and sizes.

In this post, I am comparing stocks on a few Smith & Wesson revolvers. S&Ws have two different frame shapes: the older square butt and the newer round butt. As long as the stocks are cut for that shape and are sized for the correct small, medium, or large frame, they are interchangeable. While materials vary, they are mostly to be wood, rubber, or G10. Ivory is nice but way out of my price range.

Wood vs. Rubber

 


Wood was the predominant material for revolver stocks until rubber grips were introduced. In my opinion, wood stocks have a classic look, especially on a blued handgun. The K-22 is a square butt with stocks designed for single action shooting rather than double action. Unfortunately, I don't find them to be particularly comfortable when shooting. Since the butt is square, many stocks have sharp corners which make concealing those with this frame type challenging. 

The Ahrends stocks on the Model 66 (far left) are a bit more comfortable because they are designed for double action shooting. The round frame rests naturally against the palm. This shape fills the hand a bit more and doesn't move as much under recoil. The round frame also conceals better because of the rounded edges.

Rubber became an option for revolvers just as the revolver began loosing ground to the auto-loading pistol. Rubber is cheaper to produce and many manufactures offer these over the more expensive wood stocks. In addition to the lower cost, rubber is often more comfortable because of the "squishy" nature. This material also absorbs some of the recoil and cushions the impact on the hand.

I honestly prefer rubber grips due to the comfort in shooting for extended range trips or all day competition. The rubber is tacky enough that it kind of sticks to your hand which is assists in maintaining a solid grip. On the other hand, this sticky characteristic can be a curse if you are trying to conceal the revolver under clothing. The fabric clings to the grips and can make it obvious you are carrying.
  

Wood vs. G10



Wood stocks have some advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, wood stocks really bring out the best in revolvers. The smooth sides don't hang up on clothing and they are comfortable to shoot on shorter trips to the range. However, they are susceptible to changes weather and can crack if dropped. So is there an option that is less affected by weather, feels similar to wood, and is visually appealing? Perhaps.

G10 is a glass based epoxy resin laminate. To over simplify, this material is basically multiple layers of resin compressed into a tough, lightweight package. The best part is that G10 is nearly impervious to moisture and temperature. Unlike wood. It can also be manipulated easier, often with hand tools, but does not require refinishing like wood.

In hand, G10 feels very similar to wood. Companies such as VZ Grips make grips for both square and round butt Smith & Wesson's in both a smooth or a rough texture. I prefer the smooth over the rough texture but a little sanding can take some of the bite out. I wish VZ made a finger-less grip for round butt Smith's, but that feature is not offered at this time. If this was an option, I might prefer G10 grips to Wood stocks on my round butt S&W revolvers.

 G10 vs. Rubber



The final comparison I'd like to make is G10 vs. Rubber. If you will be running your revolver regularly, I believe that these are the best options on the market. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate wood stocks on wheel guns. This material is both functional and aesthetically pleasing; however, modern materials are more durable for regular or hard use. Wood may best serve on presentation or collection pieces. 

G10 is nearly impervious to adverse conditions. Moisture from rain or sweat should not affect the grips at all. If the revolver is dropped the stocks have less of a chance to shatter or chip and are easily replaced at a reasonable price. Also don't forget that clothing catches less on these grips for carry. These stocks may be a great option for concealed carry.

Rubber if also a great choice. My favorite aspect of rubber stocks is the comfort provided in prolonged shooting heavier rounds. It has some resistance to heat and moisture. Prolonged exposure to the elements might eventually wear on rubber grips, but the material is comparatively inexpensive and can be replaced for significantly less than wood or G10. For a revolver you plan to open carry or for duty use, rubber is a great choice.

Conclusions


    
At this point, I've done a lot of shooting with each stock which has formed my own opinions. Here is what I determined; I like all three materials as long as they are finger-less. I hate finger grooves because they just don't fit my hand correctly.

Each material has strengths and weaknesses but all make for quality stocks/grip on revolvers. Once I understood this factor, I began to decide what role each material would best serve. Presentation? Wood. Carry? Rubber or G10. Competition? Rubber, G10, or WoodThese are just my preferences. At the end of the day it is totally up to you. 

As always, if you have any suggestions for future posts or would like to share your experience on the current topic please post below!

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Smith & Wesson Model 66: Carry Optics Ready


In the past, I've mentioned Chris Baker's series Wheel Gun Wednesday as featured on Lucky Gunner. On his quest for the perfect revolver, I learned of the Smith & Wesson Model 66. About a year after Chris posted the entry The Best Revolver in the World, I stumbled across a 66-6 on Gun Broker and didn't hesitate to purchase it. I totally agree with Chris about this being the best revolver in the world, but the addition of a red dot sight makes it even better.

Specifications


The Smith & Wesson Model 66-6 was produced between 2002 and 2005. S&W discontinued the model for about a decade before demand revived to the point that an updated model was released in 2015. This 66-6 is relatively desirable due to the factory three inch barrel, but the internal lock kept the price reasonable by the time I located it. 

The three inch barreled version of the Model 66 weighs in about 32 ounces which helps to mitigate recoil. The barrel also allows for a full length ejector to ensure positive extraction of spent brass. Internet chatter reveals that people really like the three inch barrel and after shooting it myself, I understand. After adding a set of rubber Hogue fingerless grips, the revolver fits perfectly in my hands. I also changed the front and rear sight blade, but I'll discuss that in another post.

Upgrades


Unloaded and pointed down range. Just wanted to show the hammer.

In a previous post, I listed several parts for a proposed Carry Optics division. As this is a review of the Model 66 Carry Optics, I'd like to go into a bit more detail regarding these specific upgrades. 

This was the first handgun in my collection to host an electronic sight. I enjoyed shooting a Glock with a slide mounted optic but was hooked by an Open Division 2011. This was mostly because the frame mounted dot remained stationary while the slide reciprocated. As sights increase in reliability and decrease in size, they are more accessible even to the budget conscious shooter. I believe mini red dot sights will become standard options on pistols of all shapes and sizes within a few years. 

The optic I selected is a CMore RTS2 with a 6 Minute of Angle (MOA) dot. Rather than the battery mounted between the optic and the firearm, a small removable shelf holds the battery in place. This allows the battery to be changed without removal of the sight and should keep the optic zeroed. Battery life is not as long as some competitors, but is still quite respectable at medium brightness with a clearly defined dot. To top it all off, the adjustments and controls are easy to manipulate.

After I selected an optic, I needed to locate a suitable mount. Not many companies manufacture optic mounts for Smith & Wesson revolvers, and I didn't really want use a giant picatinny rail. Although I located a couple different options, the best mount I found was made by Allchin. The Allchin is very low profile and places the dot much closer to the bore, especially when compared to a dot placed on a picatinny rail with a bulky mount. This allows for less height over bore issues and easier zeroing.

A good compromise of size and function is the release made by California Competition WorksAs a left handed shooter, a cylinder release with a flat and wide face opens the revolver faster. At this point in my testing, it has not resulted in any hang ups while using Safariland Comp III speed loaders or caused any extraction issues. I also picked up a similarly profiled Cylinder & Slide release that I may try down the road.

The last part I installed was the APEX Tactical Evolution IV Hammer. Honestly, I needed to convert the revolver to double action only from the start. I have only fired in single action a handful of times, but my zero is based on my double action pull. I was aware of the the APEX part and a local gun shop actually stocked both the K/L and N Frame model hammers. I purchased them when the store placed them on clearance, so I basically got a 2 for 1 deal! Our local revolver guru, Steve, fit the hammer and did some great trigger work. He smoothed everything out and re-profiled the trigger face. After all that work, the pull weight is right under eight pounds with positive ignition on most primers.

Kydex

  
Master-Tac Holster and Ready Tactical Speedloader Carrier

As soon as I found my Smith & Wesson 66, I ordered a Milt Sparks PMK holster. The wait time on custom leather holsters varies, but I ended up receiving that right at twelve weeks. An old open top Don Hume rig filled the holster role while I familiarized myself with the revolver. The opening was just long enough to permit a frame mounted red dot...so a revolver wearing a red dot soon rested in the holster. 

This set up functioned for a while, but I wanted a kydex holster with adjustable retention for competition. I contacted Bill at Master-Tac Holsters and a custom race ready piece of kit was at my door in less than a week. Bill makes the majority of my kydex equipment and always does great work. The double layer holster both fit and supported my optic equipped revolver perfectly. Please visit the Master-Tac Holsters Facebook page and check out some of Bill's work.
  

Shooting Impressions

  
Shooting the Model 66 Carry Optic is incredibly fun. Standard pressure .38 Special loads recoil very lightly and .38 Special +P loading are manageable. I've fired a handful of .357 Magnum rounds, but the recoil is stout. I'm happy as can be shooting standard pressure .38 Specials all day at the range. The addition of a mini red dot sight further improves the overall shooting experience. 

I can hit a plate at distance without too much effort, but I'll admit that I have definitely misaligned the sights and missed shots before. That is where an optic really shines: distance. The dot aids in making hits on targets beyond the 25 yard line. So far, the farthest distance I've attempted is 35 yards, and I reliably make hits with good trigger control. Keep in mind, the dot is not magic. You can't expect good results if you don't manipulate the trigger well.

Testing accuracy with a handgun is largely based on the shooter's ability. I've only been shooting revolvers regularly for about two years now, but I consider myself an average shooter. During each range session, I shoot the Hardwired Tactical Shooting Revolver Super Test with all full size guns. The drill is straightforward as follows:
  • 6 rounds in 12 seconds from 15 yards.
  • 6 rounds in 8 seconds from 10 yards.
  • 6 rounds in 4 seconds from 5 yards.

Nearly all in the black.
  
Scoring the NRA B8 target is easy; total up your points excluding misses and shots after the timer. A passing score is a 162/180. This was the first run of the day. I focused on speed a bit too much. I only threw two shots, and the first one was the on slight low-left. I passed, if only barely, with 166/180 points.
  
That little guy? Don't worry about that little guy.

The second attempt at the drill showed much better results. I slowed my pace and concentrated on a smoother trigger press. The results show improvement. The first shot was low and left again, so I need to work on presentation. The red dot significantly improves shooting at the 15 yard mark when compared to iron sights.

Conclusions

  
Despite the prevalence of plastic fantastics and steel framed auto-loaders, the demand for revolvers with barrel length of two and three inches has not subsided. In fact, another model featuring a 2.75 inch barrel is now available from Smith & Wesson. I might have to add one of those to the stable in the future, but we'll see.

Overall, the Smith & Wesson Model 66 is about as good as a compact revolver can be. The shorter barrel length and relatively light weight results in great ergonomics and balance. Adding an optic further improves this wheel gun by improving a shooter's ability to successfully make hits both up close and at distance. If you happen across a three inch K frame like this you should absolutely pick it up. Thanks again for posting about this revolver Chris!

As always, if you have any suggestions for future posts or would like to share your experience on the current topic please post below!

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Blog Updates

Revolver Enthusiasts,

This post is a quick update to the Revolvers Only Blog! The posting schedule is changing slightly, with a new post every other Wednesday. This allows me a bit more time for each post so they should be a bit longer with more details and better pictures. There are some great topics coming in the next few posts that I hope everyone will enjoy reading. 

Upcoming Posts 


  •  Smith & Wesson Model 66 Optic Review
  • Stocks or Grips for the DA Revolver
  • IDPA Match: Revolver Carry Optics 
  • Moon Clips vs Speedloaders
  • Scandium Smith & Wesson N Frame

You can expect these posts over the next few weeks although I might change up the order they are presented. Thanks for reading!

As always, if you have any suggestions for future posts or would like to share your experience on the current topic please post below!

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

A Revolver in Carry Optics?

Got this on sale! Waiting for a mount to arrive.


What is Carry Optics?


As red dots decrease in size, more shooters are attaching optics directly to the slide for concealed carry. A new equipment division that permits the use of a mounted red dot sights was created to meet the demand. The Carry Optics Division is built on this philosophy. Only one shooting organization, the USPSA, has published official rules for the division. The rule book contains provisions for dimensions, weight, milling, power factor, and...magazine capacity. Welp, these rules specifically exclude revolvers. 

Why would they do this? This appears to be an attempt to not divide the revolver shooters any further, as the Revolver Division has less participation than other divisions. In the Open Division of shooting disciplines, compensators, red dots, extended magazines, and other modifications have been in use for years. Revolvers have been competing in Open alongside magazine fed auto-loaders. But there may be hope for revolver participation in a carry optics division!

IDPA and Carry Optics


As of today, IDPA has not created a rules set for a division featuring firearms equipped with optical sights. In fact, the phrase "carry optics" is only mentioned in section 8.2.10, regarding Specialty Divisions (SPD). The second bullet point is the most relevant and reads:

"B. IDPA allows clubs to add “Specialty Divisions” for scoring. This division allows cartridges smaller than 9 mm, carry optics, activated lasers, mounted lights, and other firearms which do not fit into the other competition divisions to participate in matches."


Since there are currently no rules against using a revolver with an optic in IDPA's Carry Optics, why not use one? 

Division Modifications

 

View through the optic.

I don't want to spoil my review of the Smith & Wesson Model 66 Carry Optics, but I thought I would briefly list some of the parts that move the revolver into the Carry Optics Division. Here are the division specific upgrades:

  • Optic: CMore RTS2 6MOA
  • Mount: Allchin
  • Cylinder Release: California Competition Works
  • Hammer: APEX Evolution IV 

I based the part selections on a few assumptions. I've tried my best to explain everything in detail below.

Assumption #1: The Carry Optics Division would be loosely modeled on the existing Compact Carry Pistol (CCP) Division. The existing division dimensions will remain the same with the addition of an optic.  

The intention of IDPA is to focus on concealed carry pistols in competition. IDPA created the CCP division around compact auto-loading pistols, so I assume a Carry Optics division would use compact pistols with optics. A three inch Model 66 would just about fit in the box while following the intent of a Concealed Carry Revolver. 

Assumption #2: Carry Optics capacity will match CCP capacity limits.

The CCP division limits capacity to eight rounds in semi-auto. Aside from the extra round in the chamber of semi-autos at the start of each stage, a six shot revolver would be close enough in capacity to compete with an auto-loader in this division. 

Assumption #3: The CCP Division allows the modifications from Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) Division. Revolvers would likewise be approved to compete with modifications from the Revolver - Enhanced Division.

This one is a bit of a stretch, but if Carry Optics allows ESP modifications then any revolver should be allowed REV-E modifications. The Revolver (REV) Division is divided into two sub categories: Service and Enhanced. While REV-S requires mostly stock configurations, REV-E permits a few modifications, namely moon clip conversions and aftermarket cylinder releases. I was mostly interested in the extend cylinder release rather than moon clips, because I find .38 Specials in moon clips are slower than speed loaders.

Assumption #4: Carry Optics will be minor power factor.

USPSA's Carry Optics Division and IDPA's Enhanced Service Pistol Division only require minor power factor. It would make sense to only require minor power factor for consistency across divisions (and leagues?). As a side note, the Revolver Enhanced Division (REV-E) requires a higher power factor in exchange for the permitted modifications. 

Conclusions 

  
The finished product.

Here is the finished product! Should IDPA choose to permit revolvers in a Carry Optics Division, I think this model fits with the division requirements that I assumed above. More importantly, I think this wheel gun aligns with the intent of a Carry Optics division. It is compact, equipped with a red dot, and can be carried with moderate effort. The inclusion of the red dot and extended cylinder release ensure that it can compete in a division among other firearms equipped with optics. 

Although many people choose to carry auto-loaders, many also choose revolvers as defensive firearms. As a competition sport that claims to focus on the defensive use of handguns, I hope that IDPA chooses to permit revolvers in a Carry Optics Division. Regardless, I'll be shooting the Model 66 Carry Optics in a match this weekend. 

As always, if you have any suggestions for future posts or would like to share your experience on the current topic please post below!

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

A Gift from Her Grandfather: the Ruger Bisley


This particular revolver is a Ruger Bisley chambered in .22lr and belongs to my significant other. Her grandfather purchased this gun prior to a medical diagnosis which has left him unable to shoot. On a recent visit, he decided to gift this lovely little revolver to her. I'm not sure if he shot it much, if at all. She has little interest in shooting the gun, but doesn't mind if I take it out from time to time. 

Features


In last week's post, I showcased two different single action revolvers. Both happened to be produced by Ruger and I believe their current production revolvers are updated versions of the classic single action army design. These modern single action revolvers feature enhanced sights and updated safety features. For example, the transfer bar system allows the revolver to be loaded to full capacity without fear of accidental discharge if dropped. This is a significant improvement over the original design which required the hammer to be placed on an empty chamber. 

After visiting www.Ruger.com, I saw that this model was not currently in production. The Ruger Single Six appears to be very similar, with the exception of the extended grip frame and engraved cylinder. The 6 1/2 inch barrel balances nicely with the slightly longer grip. I also really like the wooden stocks. Although a bit of wood checkering would have been a nice touch, it is not entirely necessary considering small caliber. The features found on this model make this a great package.

Loading/Unloading

  

The task of loading and unloading a single action revolver isn't overly complicated, but it is certainly a process. Most single action revolvers of this design possess a loading gate on the right side of the frame. This gate allows access to the cylinder's chambers. Older black powder designs previously required the cylinder to be loaded from the front or even removed from the frame entirely. The gate must be opened to allow the cylinder to turn freely, but unlike older designs that require bringing the hammer to half-cock, the updated modern single action's hammer can remain safely in the down position.

To eject spent cases, the barrel should be angled vertically which allows gravity to aid in extraction. While the left hand holds the gun and rotates the cylinders, the right hand sharply presses the ejector once  the chambers are aligned with the ejector. The rhythm takes practice, but they say practice makes perfect. After punching out the empties the barrel is rotated downward to allow gravity to help feed the rounds into each chamber. Again, the left hand rotates the cylinder while the right hand loads fresh cartridges. Once the chambers are filled, the loading gate can be closed and it is ready to fire. 

Shooting Impressions

  
Still all in the black.

A single action revolver chambered in .22lr might be one of the best shooting wheel guns available. The combination of low recoil with a crisp trigger makes for good shooting if you take your time. Testing accuracy with a handgun is largely based on the shooter's ability. I've only been shooting revolvers with regularity for about two years now but I consider myself, an average shooter. I really hate shooting groups off the bench, so instead I shot the following off hand at a moderate pace:

  • 12 rounds at 10 yards

I know, I know. The target pictured above may not be fantastic marksmanship. It doesn't always have to be perfect. Sometimes just shooting and enjoying yourself is the best use of time on the range. After a day working with a newly completed project, it was nice to shoot just for fun.


These were much more fun to shoot.  

Conclusion




The Ruger Bisley chambered in .22lr is a great rimfire revolver. I really enjoy the aesthetics and ergonomics of this firearm. It is more than comfortable to shoot all day and the caliber produces very light recoil, especially with the added weight of the barrel. As I've mentioned in previous posts, a small bore revolver like this one is perfect for training new shooters, plinking, or and hunting very tiny game. 

Even though my significant other doesn't care for revolvers, this piece is sentimental to her because it is a gift from her grandfather. Rugers have a reputation of quality construction that will outlast the original owners as long as they are maintained. With a bit of luck, a quality revolver like this can last for generations.

If you are in the hunt for a quality rimfire revolver, this one is a winner!

As always, if you have any suggestions for future posts or would like to share your experience on the current topic please post below!