Range Report: S&W 648 .22 Mag K-Frame

It’s nice to occasionally be reminded that life can still pleasantly surprise you. When I went to my FFL to pick up a couple of T&E revolvers, I had no idea there were not one but two revolvers from S&W waiting for me. I was also surprised at how studiously my girlfriend observed the three stainless wheelguns on the counter, and how before I even began filling out the 4473 she asked, “can I shoot this one?” Finally, I’m most surprised at how much I just like the S&W 648-2, even though it doesn’t fill any “need” I have, real or imagined. Continue reading “Range Report: S&W 648 .22 Mag K-Frame”

Field Report: S&W Model 610-3

The S&W 610 holds a special place in my heart. A version of the 610 was one of the revolvers I owned very early in my shooting life. Unfortunately it was one of those guns that lasted only briefly in my collection. To be honest I probably purchased it before its time; that is, before ammunition manufacturers were adequately supporting the 10mm Auto. Continue reading “Field Report: S&W Model 610-3”

Bowen Rough Country Revolver Sights

The Bowen Rough Country rear sight is a well-known upgrade among revolver enthusiasts. Several months ago I reached out to Hamilton Bowen to request a set of these sights for review. He obliged, but through a mailing SNAFU (that was completely my fault) I didn’t receive them for several months. Continue reading “Bowen Rough Country Revolver Sights”

Celebrating The 3” S&W 629 Deluxe

I grew up in the 1980s and it very much shaped who I am today.  America’s crime tolerance pendulum was swinging very hard against thugism on the silver screen.  Charles Bronson and Chuck Norris were cleaning up the streets and the world; respectively.  Clint Eastwood governed a real-life police department.  Several times a week, good guys and gals kept television safe for prime time with Smith & Wesson wheelguns.   Continue reading “Celebrating The 3” S&W 629 Deluxe”

Much Ado About Ejector Rod Length

If you hang around RevolverGuys long enough, you will eventually run across a discussion of ejector rod length. It seems that often this will take the form of, “so-and-so revolver doesn’t have a long ejector rod” or “I’ll by X instead of Y because it has a full-length ejector rod.” Frequently this conversation seems to be based around superficial factors, and I’m guilty of this myself. Continue reading “Much Ado About Ejector Rod Length”

S&W Model 29 Classic DX: It’s all in the “DX”

Back in 1985 Classic Coke was a confusing fiasco when it replaced New Coke, which had replaced Coca-Cola.  The term “Classic” is supposed to refer to something that is timeless, with an air of tradition, perhaps even a masterpiece.  Smith & Wesson’s Classic revolvers are even more bewildering since S&W has used the term at least three times.  Continue reading “S&W Model 29 Classic DX: It’s all in the “DX””

The Aker Model 160A IWB Holster

I didn’t want to like this holster.

It wasn’t a question of workmanship or materials. It was obvious from the start that this holster was made of good stuff and had been assembled with care and attention to detail. This was not one of those holsters (and there are many out there) that missed its calling as a chew toy for a large dog. Continue reading “The Aker Model 160A IWB Holster”