Revolvers

[pop pop]

Industry paper reported that revolve sales was 15% of overall guns sales for the big companies in 2024. S W reported revolver sales was 25% of their total sales, Ruger reported revolvers were 15% of theirs.  Taurus had brisk sales but no figures given nor was any for Colt who has recently really delved into revolver development with the new Python lines and others. 

Ammo is hard to get locally, sometimes, but internet orders are going strong. Ammo is a little higher that the wonder nines, but it has always been so. 

Do you guys think the 38 spl is dying with us oldies? What are your thoughts? 

I will say this I pocket carry a 38Spl/357 7 shot revolver myself. I have 9 MM of all sizes and shapes. Do carry them sometimes. Practice with both regularly. Also own several J frame snubbies. 

Thoughts? 

[TNman207]

I think revolvers will continue to be popular. They look amazing and have a rich history. Because of their bulk and weight, I do not believe they are the best carry option. The round count is below most all 9mm pistols and revolvers are more difficult to conceal. I own a S&W 38spl, but it is range gun only. 

[FrankD]

I think there will always be a demand for revolvers, but I imagine over the next 10-20 years we are going to see that demand drop steeply as the people who have been wheel gun fans drop off.  I would be shocked if the total revolver sales in 2035 was greater than 5-8%.  The other thing is the lack of media coverage for revolvers, like it or not there is a correlation of what guns are shown in movies/video games to what is sold on the shelves.  I don't see a lot of revolvers out there is the media so would imagine new demand for them is likely to suffer as well.

[Gurn]

I love revolvers but my wife really loves them. She has a hard time with semiautos . She has quite a few revolvers. 

[gregintenn]

1 hour ago, FrankD said:

I think there will always be a demand for revolvers, but I imagine over the next 10-20 years we are going to see that demand drop steeply as the people who have been wheel gun fans drop off.  I would be shocked if the total revolver sales in 2035 was greater than 5-8%.  The other thing is the lack of media coverage for revolvers, like it or not there is a correlation of what guns are shown in movies/video games to what is sold on the shelves.  I don't see a lot of revolvers out there is the media so would imagine new demand for them is likely to suffer as well.

You got that right. A few years back, that zombie show sent the price of Colt Pythons through the stratosphere!

[papa61]

I think I am seeing a slight change in what is being produced. A few companies have released or shown all metal versions of poly framed autos. I believe that people who have purchased what old timers consider carry a lot shoot a little pistols find their footing as shooters they will branch out. S&W, Ruger, and Taurus have released new wheel guns over the last 6 months including the single action Deputy from Taurus. I believe they have well educated marketing individuals who are trying to predict (or create) a trend towards revolvers. I only own one modern revolver at this point but there are several on my list of "wanted". Most of what I yearn for are higher end pieces so they don't get the priority of the auto loaders but the want is still there. Single shot break action shotguns haven't died so I don't see revolvers going away ever.

rather than edit adding here; some of the "new" revolvers out or coming are the same designs with some little twist. 

[10-Ring]

I no longer carry revolvers, I can't justify it when I can carry an adequate semi that's dependable, holds more ammo, and carries well. That said, I have a 4" Taurus 44 mag that I hunt with that I have been very impressed with. Taurus had really upped their game in the past few years. Before the Taurus I picked up a 6" Dan Wesson .357, it's a lovely gun and a pleasure to shoot, but I quickly found that I don't care for 6" guns when carrying them all day, especially over rough terrain and thick brush. I keep it because it's an excellent shooter, and maybe I'll deer hunt with it some day just because I can. Have I couple of others that are nothing more than range toys, but when it comes down to it, of the half dozen revolvers I own only one really gets used. I would probably own more, for no other reason than I like them, had the prices for a good revolver not gone through the roof the past few years. 

[jeff43]

I love revolvers,fun to shoot.Love 38 spl. especially, fun to shoot and easy to reload ammo for.That goes for 357 mag also. I like the S&W Airweight to carry  occasionally . I have single action and double actions in 38 and 357. Also single action 22 revolvers are fun to shoot and slows things down a little taking time to shoot accurately.

[Roaneman]

What is more reliable than a revolver?

They do have that going for them.

[papa61]

5 hours ago, 10-Ring said:

I no longer carry revolvers, I can't justify it when I can carry an adequate semi that's dependable, holds more ammo, and carries well. That said, I have a 4" Taurus 44 mag that I hunt with that I have been very impressed with. Taurus had really upped their game in the past few years. Before the Taurus I picked up a 6" Dan Wesson .357, it's a lovely gun and a pleasure to shoot, but I quickly found that I don't care for 6" guns when carrying them all day, especially over rough terrain and thick brush. I keep it because it's an excellent shooter, and maybe I'll deer hunt with it some day just because I can. Have I couple of others that are nothing more than range toys, but when it comes down to it, of the half dozen revolvers I own only one really gets used. I would probably own more, for no other reason than I like them, had the prices for a good revolver not gone through the roof the past few years. 

I had to look that one up. I thought you had to use a six inch or longer barrel for hunting. Learned something new.

If you compare ballistics between 30-30 and 357 magnum you might be surprised. I'd be comfortable with either within 50 yards with open sights. I'm a fan of 357 mag, so much so I want a Coonan. 

 

[Bigtrav6442]

I love a revolver in my vehicle as a backup.  It obviously isn't best for capacity but one thing is for sure...it will go bang every time when needed.