Are Revolvers Passé?
Dr. John Woods 11.29.17
A recent article in a second-class gun magazine reviewed several handguns that were introduced at the 2017 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The author called revolvers “antiquated technology on par with the manual typewriter,” but went on to state that despite this, American gun consumers simply cannot get enough of them. He was certainly correct on that account.
If anything, revolvers are just as popular today as ever, if not moreso given the introductions of new, exciting models from major gun manufacturers. If these wheel guns did not sell, why would gun makers continue to produce them? In fact, they cannot keep up with demand for new revolvers.
Now, to be fair, that author is just another millennial type who was not raised on wheel guns. These guys grew up on cable TV, tofu, sushi, MTV, X-Boxes, and sports drinks. They go all goo-goo for pistols. The more switches and buttons to push, the better. Just the sound of a racking slide makes them break out in goose bumps.
Trying to describe the practical aspects of a revolver, the fun and beauty of the timing of a hammer cocking to align with a loaded cylinder chamber is like trying to talk about a 1955 Ford Thunderbird or a Chevy SS with a 396 under the hood. That guy probably drives an electric car.
All kidding aside, the classic revolver remains a stalwart firearm that initiated a lot of people into the world of shooting. My own start came with a Ruger Bearcat 22 LR single action western-style revolver when I was ten years old, well before the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Today, a myriad of revolvers in both single and double action are still selling like hotcakes despite the semi-auto pistol’s stranglehold on the gun industry. Every model from the smallest pocket 38 Special all the way up the power ladder to the 500 Smith and Wesson still captivates shooters of all ages, genders, and sizes.
Revolvers are still viable as top choices for personal and property defense. Revolvers in powerful chamberings like 357 mag, 41 mag, 44 mag, 454 Casull, 460 S&W, and 500 S&W are great for all types of hunting and busting steel. Ammo manufacturers are constantly bringing out new loads for all applications.
Are revolvers passé? Hardly. Wheel guns are too popular and too easy to use, clean, and maintain to ever fade away like the proverbial old soldier. Keep your eyes open, more are coming.
