Looking over my collection of assorted handguns and considering the possible applications of each, a list of “Wheel Guns Everyone Ought to Own” was easy to devise.
Of course, these are my ideas, and you certainly don’t have to agree with all of them, so I’ll avoid being brand-specific as much as possible in all but one instance.
It would be difficult to fill the Ruger Blackhawk single-action revolver slot with anything else. I believe after reading my explanation of this, you will understand my point of view. One factor is durability. Ruger revolvers, in general, are tough, and the Blackhawk sets a standard of durability. The other is price. While a brand-new Blackhawk has an MSRP of $879.00, you can buy a good used one on Gunbroker for less than $500.00 if you’re willing to look around and be patient. That’s a lot of gun for your hard-earned money.
Revolver Types
Today, we are seeing a trend of returning to our roots, so to speak. The lever-action rifle is highly popular now, and similarly, folks are rediscovering that revolvers are worthy firearms, not only to just own and shoot, but to put to real, everyday use for a variety of purposes.
Here’s my list of types of revolvers you should own.
1. Colt Single Action Army (SAA) or Replica
There are only a few things in this world that are “just right” as they come from the factory.
When Colt employees William Mason and Charles Richards designed the Model P, aka the 1873 Peacemaker, they must have been having an exceptional day. The gentle arch of the plow handle grip frame melds into the hand of the shooter. The guns balance and point perfectly. Take a SAA in your hand and extend your arm to the target without aiming. Hold it there and then focus on your front sight. Chances are, it will be pointing right where you intended it.
The SAA has the look of elegance in its lines. The top strap is gently contoured across its horizon and subtly slopes fore and aft to the barrel and hammer. The hammer is perfectly positioned to grab with the thumb of the shooting hand as the gun is brought to target one-handed.
If you are using two hands for a more deliberate aim, the support hand thumb will have no trouble finding the sweeping hammer. Except for the smallest of hands, most will find that dropping the little finger under the grip frame and curling it upwards on the base works best. The pinky finger also aids in catching recoil as the curved grip rolls in the hand a bit upon firing and allows for the gun to be quickly brought back in line with the target.
These guns were designed to be shot with standard pressure loads, and this manner of firing is comfortable. When hotter rounds are warranted, this shooter prefers different grip frames and beefier revolvers, and we’ll touch on that shortly.
The Colt SAA (and many Colt-style SAAs) need to be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer. The old adage for these six-shooters is, “load one, skip one, load four, cock,” then gently let the hammer down on the empty chamber. Always bring this style of gun to full cock before carefully letting the hammer down, never let the hammer down from half cock, it will bind internals, and the bolt will mar the cylinder.
The original Colt might be out of price reach for many shooters, and that’s okay. The replicas from good companies like Cimarron, EMF, Pietta, Taylor’s & Company, Taurus, and Uberti are really nice guns, and they are quite affordable. Ruger’s Vaquero is another viable option.
2. Ruger Blackhawk
Ruger’s Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk revolvers are the workhorses of the single-action revolver world. These guns were built to be used heavily and shot a lot, and can handle powerful, common-sense loads. They are stout, with heavy cylinder walls and thick top straps.
I mentioned the plow handle grip frame and standard pressure loads, and I still lean towards this mentality with the traditional Blackhawks, although there is no issue with shooting the hotter stuff in these guns. The preferred grip frame for heavy recoil for me is Ruger’s Blackhawk with the Bisley grip frame.
Here are a few additional facts. The “old model” three-screw Blackhawks and Super Blackhawks need to be carried like the Colt-styled guns, with an empty chamber under the hammer. The new models with their transfer bar safety do not. If you don’t know, contact the manufacturer or consult someone trustworthy and knowledgeable on the subject.
3. A Good .22 Long Rifle Revolver
No matter if you choose a single-action or double-action revolver, a good wheel gun in .22 LR is a must. As a matter of fact, you probably ought to have at least one of each. An accurate .22 that is similar in function and configuration to your larger-bored revolvers lends itself to good, not to mention affordable, practice since .22 LR ammunition is relatively inexpensive.
Along with honing your skills with a revolver, you can also hunt small game with your handguns if you are so inclined. I always keep a .22 LR or .22 WMR loaded with shotshells for the occasional rattler snake that crawls into the yard. The 22 is small, but it will get the job done.
The rimfire is also a good gun to introduce new shooters to the sport. They are accurate and fun to shoot, and recoil and muzzle blast are almost non-existent.
4. A Good Medium Frame DA Revolver
The medium-framed double-action revolver is pretty much universal in size for all shooters. As the name implies, they are neither too small nor too big, and the majority will find their size to be just right.
Smith & Wesson’s K and L frames fit into this category, as do Colt’s Python and Viper, Ruger’s GP-100, and multiple models from Taurus. This list could get quite lengthy, so we’ll end it here, but you get the picture.
Shooters have a large variety of guns this size to choose from, with various barrel lengths to fit your needs. Many are chambered in .38 Special and/or .357 Magnum, but there are others, including .32 H&R Mag, .327 Fed Mag, 10mm, .44 Special, and probably a couple of others around.
These guns are good choices for personal defense and shooting in general.
5. A High-End or Custom Revolver
I’ll finish up our list of “must-haves” with a category of top-shelf single-action revolvers and a mention of custom double-action revolver possibilities. Once you admire, handle, and fire one of these guns, there is no going back.
There are many ways to behold a high-end revolver. Factory guns like Magnum Research’s BFR and Freedom Arms revolvers offer high quality with multiple options to suit your needs and wants. Moving into the custom gun world can really open the door to options that are only limited to one’s imagination and bank account.
Custom makers like Ronnie Wells at RW Grip Frames can take a stock Ruger single-action and turn it into the gun of your dreams with custom barrels, cylinders, grip frames, stocks, and sights. Wells is also making some of his own frames.
Tyler Gun Works does good custom work and makes runs of slicked-up revolvers from time to time. Reeder Custom Guns has a long list of custom options to choose from, with unique engraving and finishes that are characteristic of their work.
I’m certainly leaving out many worthy gunsmiths here. Sadly, some of the pillars in the business are moving towards retirement or have already done so. Luckily for us, some younger guys like Jordan Switzer at J. Switzer & Co are making some good-looking revolvers, and while I have not yet shot one, I hear good things about his guns.
Of course, one can have custom double-action revolvers built to your specifications as well, and folks like my friend Dave Fink at Finks Custom Guns, located on sight at the famed Gunsite Academy, can fix you up.
So, there’s my list of revolvers you should own.
I tried to be generic enough in dictating certain sizes and styles as opposed to specific guns. Guns can be so personal in nature to us shooters.
One fits me better than it will fit you, and vice versa. Others are preferred because of some sentimental attachment or pure nostalgia. In other situations, we just like what we like. Finding what works for you in these general categories will give you a great start to owning fine revolvers in a variety of options that are sure to suit both your needs and wants!
