Revolver caliber - the why? of it.

[JRyan]

Just out of curiosity, and I'm probably exposing some horrible ignorance here, why are most revolvers, even newer ones, made in .38 -.357 .44, .452 etc and not so much in 9mm, .45 acp, etc.?

Is it casing size? Tradition? Everyone who likes 9mm and .45 likes auto-loaders?

 

[45collector]

It comes down to chamber pressures I believe.

 

[M1911]

Revolvers usually have a rimmed case that keeps the cartridge from falling into the chamber. Semi-auto cartridges are rimless -- the rim of the cartridge is the same diameter or smaller than the cartridge body. To use rimless cartridges with a revolver, you usually have to use a moon clip, and a demooner to remove the spent cases from the clip without damaging it. In addition, the cylinder needs to be machined for the moon clip, so I think it is more expensive than a standard cylinder.

Personally, I'd love a small 9mm revolver. It would be faster to reload with the shorter cartridges the long skinny .38s. In addition, the frame itself could be made smaller than a .38Spcl revolver. Unfortunately, 9mm revolvers are hard to find and the only ones made in quantity were just caliber conversions of existing .38/.357 designs (J-frame and SP101).

But I think what it all comes down to is that revolver buyers tend to be traditionalists at heart, and that goes for the calibers they want as well.

 

[Ray-500]

But I think what it all comes down to is that revolver buyers tend to be traditionalists at heart, and that goes for the calibers they want as well.

I agree, M1911. My own personal favorite, in a revolver, is .45 LC. Love my Model 25's.

No matter what stats might be presented, the user is going to have a "like" and a "preference". It is strictly an individual thing.

 

[jhrosier]

The Ruger Blackhawk convertible is still available in 9mm.

The pocket guns just weren't in demand and the makers dropped them.

Jack

 

[JRyan]

Thanks, I knew you guys would have the answers.

 

[M1911]

Thanks, I knew you guys would have the answers.

I always have an answer. Whether or not it has anything to do with reality is another question entirely .

 

[KMM696]

There are revolvers in 45, just not many.

Currently, I'm drooling over this S&W Model 22 in 45ACP:

I really appreciate S&W for the 'Classics' series. I'd say about half of them have had me twitching uncontrollably and reaching for the credit card. Usually, I can resist, but this might put me over the edge - I need a Model 58!!

Ahhh....gun pr0n.....

 

[MFP4073]

S&W 625 in 45ACP and there is a S&W 627 in 38 Super too...

 

[jpattersonnh]

Most auto calibers mimic revolver calibers. 9mm.. .38, 10mm.. .41mag. It is about power and capacity. Auto's came about for MORE capacity. A revolver in the same caliber does not make sense. .22lr is the exception w/ 9 shot revolvers.

 

[JuergenG]

I really appreciate S&W for the 'Classics' series. I'd say about half of them have had me twitching uncontrollably and reaching for the credit card. Usually, I can resist, but this might put me over the edge - I need a Model 58!!

No way for me!
The "Classics" really don't have much in common with the real wheel guns S&W used to make.
Besides, they've got a lock [sad2]

 

[Ray-500]

No way for me!
The "Classics" really don't have much in common with the real wheel guns S&W used to make.
Besides, they've got a lock [sad2]

Very true. But, if you don't have an "original", and want the particular piece for whatever reason ????

 

[richc]

I shoot a lot of 9mm and would love a 9mm revolver. I read Eddie Coyle's review of his S&W 547 and have wanted one since.

 

[Pilgrim]

Colt and S&W have been making .45acp revolvers since at least as far back as WWI. The first of the colts didn't require moon clips but it made for a problem as the shells wouldn't eject except if you pushed them out one at a time as the acp round had no rim to grab the star extractor, then the moon clips came to solve that problem.

Then there was the 45 autorim but that's not what you asked about.

Here's a Colt military model 1917 .45acp. Smith made one very similar at the same time which later turned into the model 25.

 

[Cross-X]

S&W 625 in 45ACP and there is a S&W 627 in 38 Super too...

My JM S&W 625 is the bomb!

 

[Supermoto]

S&W 625 in 45ACP and there is a S&W 627 in 38 Super too...

yep, and you can shoot .38 short and long colt thru the
.357

 

[JRyan]

Interesting. Makes sense when you think about it chronologically.

 

[Ricochet]

I've been lusting for a 625 for some time now. I almost ordered a JM today. However, a 686 4" pre-lock was calling my name and gave in to that instead.....I guess there's always next month.

 

[PaulD]

Personally, I'd love a small 9mm revolver. It would be faster to reload with the shorter cartridges the long skinny .38s. In addition, the frame itself could be made smaller than a .38Spcl revolver. Unfortunately, 9mm revolvers are hard to find and the only ones made in quantity were just caliber conversions of existing .38/.357 designs (J-frame and SP101).

This actually seems like another reason revolvers usually use their own calibers. It's possible to use a longer cartridge with a revolver because it doesn't need to feed up through the grip. Wouldn't the longer cartridge allow for more powder?

Obviously the Desert Eagle uses revolver cartridges but it's huge.

 

[Ray-500]

I've been lusting for a 625 for some time now. I almost ordered a JM today. However, a 686 4" pre-lock was calling my name and gave in to that instead.....I guess there's always next month.

Grin, guess it comes right back down to the individual. Recently picked up a 25-15 in .45 LC. Zeroed it in with about 7 shots. Currently out being worked on for a trigger replacement. Want the "smooth", rather than the "target" one it came with.

Last year at our club's Field Day, brought along my Mountain Gun in .45 LC. Folks who had any inkling of what they were doing were consistently hittling the plates at 50-yds. with it. Yes, I'm partial...do love the .45....both in ACP and Long Colt.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I have a S&W 547, which is a 9mm revolver that doesn't use moon clips. Here's a range report I wrote on it.

 

[Ray-500]

Obviously the Desert Eagle uses revolver cartridges but it's huge.

Yeah, but it feels good in the hand.

 

[yanici]

I have a S&W 547, which is a 9mm revolver that doesn't use moon clips. Here's a range report I wrote on it.

Nice writeup. Thanks. Interesting history behind the gun. And, oh yeah, it's a 100 yard shooter too!

 

[Ricochet]

Grin, guess it comes right back down to the individual. Recently picked up a 25-15 in .45 LC. Zeroed it in with about 7 shots. Currently out being worked on for a trigger replacement. Want the "smooth", rather than the "target" one it came with.

Last year at our club's Field Day, brought along my Mountain Gun in .45 LC. Folks who had any inkling of what they were doing were consistently hittling the plates at 50-yds. with it. Yes, I'm partial...do love the .45....both in ACP and Long Colt.

I really like the way the 625 shoots. It's also very accurate. I had an opportunity to shoot one recently and was very impressed. I am also partial to .45 but have been shooting .38 and .357 lately which I only recently became fond of.

 

[Ray-500]

I really like the way the 625 shoots. It's also very accurate. I had an opportunity to shoot one recently and was very impressed. I am also partial to .45 but have been shooting .38 and .357 lately which I only recently became fond of.

Am fond of all these calibers. Competed for years in PPC with a Model 14. No complaints....made NRA "Lifetime Master" with it. I think it just comes down to "If you like it, shoot it/use it". Our sport/hobby is about what YOU like as a shooter. There is no right/wrong in terms of "general" shooting. If you enjoy it, you will use it. Am speaking in general of the area. Of course, specialized areas will require specialized arms. Grin, you would not hunt an elephant with a .357.

 

[JRyan]

I have a S&W 547, which is a 9mm revolver that doesn't use moon clips. Here's a range report I wrote on it.

that extractor is a pretty cool innovation.