Selection criteria for a competition/PD revolver

[fullautovalmet76]

Most of the questions here on the criteria or suggestions for a handgun center upon some type of auto loader. I shoot IDPA and USPSA and I am thinking about choosing a revolver for those venues AND I might, on occasion, carry one for self defense.

Please give me some advice on what to really pay attention to when shopping for a revolver.

As always, your help is appreciated!

[SigShooter]

This might help you out:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=53929&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y

They're a little hard to find right now and run in the $700+ range. But, I think it will do exactly what you want it to do.

[long762range]

This would work too.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14751&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

This is the revolver I would select for competion.

[TAB]

well its going to depend on the rules...  a gun that meets the rules may not be a good carry gun.

[MikeBjerum]

I have the S&W 625 and love it.  The N frame is a little large for carry, but I'm big enough I could if I chose ... However, I have no reason to switch from my 1911 and J frame back up. 

I have not shot the 625 in competition, but I have practiced at home and feel very comfortable with it.  It is a real change going to the moon clips from magazines, but after watching JM's dvd I got some tips that made it easier and practice is helping.

If the games you are looking at playing will allow for seven or eight shots in the revolver there are .38's out there that are seven or eight.  Same basic feel and recoil, but a shot or two extra between reloads.

[Sponsor]

[bulldog75]

You might be able to find a used smith and wesson model 66 or model 19 both are excellent for self defense.

[fightingquaker13]

Just to go (very slightly I hope) off topic, I presume rapid reloads are part of the game. Do the hi-cap revolvers 7-8 rounders have speedloaders available? Or maybe speed strips?
FQ13

[ellis4538]

FQ, I shoot IDPA with a 4" S&W 686 and am having a lot of fun (was going to say Blast, but changed my mind).  It is a little big for carry with the 4" barrel but there are some out there with 2 1/2" barrels (I believe) maybe 3".  A better choice for a duel purpose revo IMO would be a 3" S&W 625 in .45 ACP.  You lose a little in IDPA with the shorter barrel but with a change of grips (or not depending) it is a dandy carry revo.  I'm not a big guy anymore but wouldn't have a problem with the right holster.  I prefer Fist holsters because they make it my way and quality to boot.

FWIW

Richard

[m25operator]

FA I would go for the 4" 686 or 625. the 625 is faster to load with the moon clips, if you really want to game it, you can use the .45 gap brass instead of acp, that's if you reload of course, and i use the 155 gr rd nose lead bullets loaded just above minimum for IDPA. The shorter GAP brass ejects quicker and loads quicker.

[tombogan03884]

I was looking at a S&W 45 ACP revolver the other day, I THINK it was a 625, while it will accommodate clips they are not needed as the cylinder is counter bored to head space off the case mouth just like a 1911 barrel.