Category: Revolvers

The Smith & Wesson Revolver Model No. 3

First seen in 1870, Smith & Wesson’s No. 3 revolver beat the arrival of the Colt Single Action Army revolver by three years. The No. 3 was a large single action revolver with a cylinder holding six cartridges, and its hammer could be cocked by the thumb of either hand. Continue reading “The Smith & Wesson Revolver Model No. 3”

2026 SHOT Show Debrief

RevolverGuy was back in Vegas again this year, hitting the ranges and hiking the floors of the 2026 SHOT Show, to bring you the latest news from the revolver world. Continue reading “2026 SHOT Show Debrief”

Lipsey’s Exclusive S&W 686 Plus Mountain Gun

The four-inch Smith & Wesson Model 686 (aka the Distinguished Combat Magnum) is one of my perennially favorite revolvers and my friend, the .357 Magnum is one of my perennially favorite cartridges. Which, now that I think about it, is probably why Mike tapped me to write this one. Anyhow, today we’re going to discuss the latest iteration of S&W’s flagship L-frame revolver: the Lipsey’s Exclusive S&W 686 Plus Mountain Gun. Incidentally, I’m also going to give you guys a backstage glimpse into my writing process. Continue reading “Lipsey’s Exclusive S&W 686 Plus Mountain Gun”

The M13 Aircrewman Revolver, Part II

In Part I of this series, we discussed the U.S. Air Force’s early interest in aluminum-framed revolvers, and their experience with prototype/development test samples from Colt and Smith & Wesson. We pick up the story in this second part, with the delivery of Aircrewman operational test samples from the two companies, which would eventually lead to the procurement of the M13 Aircrewman revolver. Continue reading “The M13 Aircrewman Revolver, Part II”

S&W 432 Ultimate Carry Ti Review: No Thanks!

In 2024 Smith & Wesson and Lipseys introduced the Ultimate Carry lineup of revolvers. This series included four guns, two stainless and two black, one each in .38 Special and .32 H&R Magnum. This represented a major resurgence of interest in the .32 H&R, and an upgrade to J-Frames generally. The series has evolved, and in early 2025 several new versions were released, including lightweight variants with a titanium cylinder. Today RevolverGuy brings you a S&W 432 Ultimate Carry Ti Review. Continue reading “S&W 432 Ultimate Carry Ti Review: No Thanks!”

The Journey to My Holy Grail Revolver–the S&W Registered Magnum

How many times have you said or heard, “If only this gun could talk about its past.”  Where has it been, who owned it and what has it done? Continue reading “The Journey to My Holy Grail Revolver–the S&W Registered Magnum”

Smith & Wesson Model 1 – Their First Firearm

My dad started taking me to gun shows when I was around ten years old.  I fondly remember ogling the endless tables at eye level displaying Lugers, Broomhandle Mausers, Walther PPK pistols, Colt Single Action Army revolvers, and Smith & Wesson double actions in gold-colored boxes.  Those were indeed the good old days, circa 1975.  Before the dark times, before the empire of black polymer. Continue reading “Smith & Wesson Model 1 – Their First Firearm”

Revisiting an Old Concept: A Common-Cartridge Long Gun and Revolver

Chambering a long gun and handgun for the same metallic centerfire cartridge is not a new inspiration. In fact, the concept took root roughly 150 years ago. Continue reading “Revisiting an Old Concept: A Common-Cartridge Long Gun and Revolver”

The S&W Model 544 – Customizing a Texas Commemorative

Two years ago I was browsing Rob Leahy’s table full of leather holsters displayed for sale.  Simply Rugged holsters are as handsome as they are practical and they will last several lifetimes.  Leather holsters go well with blued steel and one in particular caught my eye. Continue reading “The S&W Model 544 – Customizing a Texas Commemorative”