Ep. 341 | Wheel Guns - Pure Americana

The gang is firing on all cylinders today as they break down the category of wheel guns. The good old revolver won the west, and it still wins our hearts over today. Battlefield to bear country, hip to ankle, the revolver has been there and done that. Its practicality and proven performance cannot be denied. Pull the hammer back and press play on this podcast all about revolvers.
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[@aaronmoore520]

Awesome topic but it makes me wonder why there is not a .357 magnum 10 minute talk.

[@Magnum_Express]

It's probably the most practical and useful revolver caliber ever produced. Ive owned 3 over the years and regret selling 2 of them. Might have to get another soon

[@45-70Guy]

Yes I noticed the same thing

[@jeremyshackelford8080]

Henry DOES make a revolver. .357 Big Boy

[@McDanielRanch]

Even got it in double action birds head. And colt had lighting lever gun.

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

@@McDanielRanchyes the lightning was indeed a cool double action revolver. The Colt lightning pump action rifle was indeed a good design as well. So much so that Winchester decided it was a good choice to work out a deal with Colt on the design.

[@MrThomass281]

Winchester and Colt had a gentleman's agreement not to infringe on each other's business. Winchester did play around with a revolver and Colt did the same with a lever gun. Colt-Burgess was the gun that started the whole thing. If my memory serves me correctly.

[@jamespaige7129]

Colt was marketing the Burgess lever gun. Winchester said,"Hey, that's our territory!" and developed a tool-room prototype revolver. Colt reluctantly agreed not to poach on Winchester's turf. Incidentally, the original name for the .44-40 cartridge was " .44 Winchester Center Fire" which they developed for their 1873 lever gun. When Colt chambered its 1873 revolver in that caliber, they used the .44-40 designation. Makes sense.

[@jaydunbar7538]

GIGN from France still use a wheel gun, they are a special unit for counterterrorism and other such operations in country. Really cool group to research for both their operations and the weapons that they field. This is my second post about this, we shall see if this one doesn’t disappear right away.

[@chipsterb4946]

I mentioned the Manurhin in the first comment … fantastic revolver on my wish list forever.

[@craigsteinkamp12]

The sniper Manurhin revolver is 👌🏻

[@rustwins4442]

I think it's more of a ceremonial thing, I'm pretty sure they've switched to a semi auto for normal operations.

[@chipsterb4946]

@@rustwins4442 actually no. At least 1 French law enforcement unit uses the Manuhrin specifically because of its accuracy in tight quarters.

[@sideshowbilly3755]

This has been one of my all-time favorite channels for a few years now. I cannot understand why there aren't a million or more subscribers by now. The behind-the-scenes KZbin censorship engine must be suppressing this channel. Keep up the amazing work you guys do Mark, Jim, Ryan, and camera man.

[@ShockerMain2124]

The clipper dying is a sign from the Lord. The moustache stays.

[@raysutherland1546]

@ShockerMain2124 BUT THE EYEBROWS GOTTA GO

[@jakewhite4321]

Mr Winchester and Mr Colt had a gentleman’s agreement to stay out of each others way.

[@Magnum_Express]

Henry is making revolvers now and they look great. Not the sleekest or sexiest, but they do look right in line with Henry rifles. That late 19th century vibe.

[@CalebDeBoer]

Honestly I’m a little appalled they don’t know this, or have forgotten this. And honestly it’s not like they just came out they’ve been out for nearly 2 years and discussed longer than that.

[@jaydunbar7538]

That puckle gun is what I bring up whenever someone tells me the founding fathers couldn’t have imagined anything shooting faster then a musket

[@45-70Guy]

“When you in the trunk of a Cadillac” , that was good.

[@chipsterb4946]

Happy Memorial Day America! No better topic for today than revolvers. P.S. the Manurhin M73 is a .357 Magnum revolver designed in the early 1970s for the French Nation Gendarmerie and used by special service units of French law enforcement. Fabulous firearm too! P.P.S. A Smith & Wesson J-frame with concealed hammer is great for pocket carry. The overall shape draws easily. You don’t have to worry about disengaging a thumb safety, but with that double action trigger pull it’s not going off accidentally. I pocket carried a pistol for a little while and one malfunction at the range due to lint convinced me to go back to the revolver. Last addition: Ryan is wrong. I never thought I would say that, but there is an application where a revolver is better than a pistol hands down - hunting. His BFR is made specifically for that application. An 8” .44 Magnum with a scope is superior to any semiautomatic pistol made for hunting.

[@nathanminich8549]

Down here in the south in Texas I carry a wheel gone very regularly when I’m outdoors doing all the things. Typically I will carry my first two rounds of snake shot followed up with Skeeter load for the wild hogs. In my opinion that where the revolver really shines.

[@jaydunbar7538]

I’ve been running Remington HTP in my 357, not my first choice in bullet but my python shoots it so good that it would be silly not to use it. Also have some Barnes rounds that shoot ok, but those are more for the lever gun when I feel like taking it deer hunting lol

[@jamespaige7129]

When I became a police officer in the late '80s we were issued a S&W m586 with a 6" barrel. I quickly replaced it with a personal S&W 681 4", which had been modified to a round-butt and the LAPD/NYPD Double Action only lockwork. I carried a S&W 442 Air weight as my BUG in an Alessi shoulder rig. When we went to auto pistols, the 442 was still riding as back-up. I still have the 681 and the 442 and sometimes carry the 442. I shot expert in qualifying with the 586 and 681 and won PPC matches with the 586. Properly trained in their use and with regular practice, the trigger can be managed and they are accurate. While I never got to the level of Miculek I could reload quickly with speed loaders. I didn't consider myself under-gunned with a revolver. With six in the gun and 12 on my belt, I felt ready to deal with most situations. However, when one of our own was murdered by a psycho on a killing spree who rushed the officer while he was reloading his S&W M27, we pushed for authorization to carry autos. Before we issued them - Glock 22s and 23s - I opted for the .45 ACP Glock 21. With 40 rounds - 13+1 in the gun and two mags on my belt (even in plainclothes)as well as a box in my briefcase, I felt ready for whatever might come. Today, with new and better ammo, I EDC a GLock 19 or 26, with a second magazine.

[@mkshffr4936]

Levers, wheels, and SxS... Because I am Merican. Classic and effective.

[@Perry2186]

A more elegant weapon for a more civilized age

[@joshkrebs1999]

45lc is my favorite handgun cartridge, and single action revolvers are the sexiest pistols ever.

[@brian-in-ak]

I prefer to carry revolvers for bear protection. Not only for increased reliability of the weapon but in case of a bad round. If you get a bad round just keep pulling the trigger instead of having to rely on your skills of clearing a malfunction on a semi-auto.

[@maxkurland6413]

I’ve got a freedom arms 97 in 357 Mag. Beautiful revolver, and so much fun to shoot. I had a NAA 22 short revolver which I sold because I was afraid of shooting my fingers off. Ryan- they are still being made. You can get one off gunbroker for less than $300. They also still make the ranger ii (the top break version), the sidewinder (side eject model), and the companion (cap and ball black powder version).

[@TheBaldMiddleAgedMetalHead]

The tash brought Mark 😂

[@back_roadsairgunning2200]

Revolver the original fidget spinner :)

[@benneuls4142]

Yes!!!! Totally into this topic!

[@spencertidd]

@VortexNation has the framed picture of what appears to be Jason Alexander ever been discussed?

[@LBrawn]

😂

[@LBrawn]

I see it

[@CoolShadow80]

You guys can't even imagine how much I have learned from your Podcasts. Ryan is a treasure waiting to be challenged every episode. I like the way you bring knowledge on the table and everyone in team aknowledges it. Everyone in this table and those who listen or watch the podcast allways learn something new. I thank you for that. Ryan mentions just a little bit the Ruger GP 100 but goes not on. I would like to hear something more about it from you guys. Greetings from Switzerland

[@brenn330]

Jim's wheelgun is the model 340. The 360 is the external hammer option.

[@anrhowall4874]

Im convinced mark moonlights as the front man for rise against and you cant change my mind

[@tombraley3212]

I, too, carry a modern auto for EDC, but I’m infatuated with wheelguns. Single action, double action, rimfire, center fire…all fun to shoot. I feel that when I train on a double action revolver, my overall shooting improves. Great video, keep them coming, and a Happy (and somber) Memorial Day to all.

[@jaydunbar7538]

I mostly carry my python, hangin on my hip. Get the occasional funny look but it’s mostly positive, that polished classic gun just has a place in everyone’s heart

[@DanielPhillips86VA]

Great video!! My summer carry is a S&W 340M&P 357. It’s an amazing pocket carry with a sticky holster.

[@josephwallace4485]

Favorite Western...Stagecoach. Favorite wheelgun...Ruger Bisley 44 mag. I have 5 revolvers and one semiauto. This episode is long overdue and well done. I conceal carry 44 special.

[@oliviermorneau2819]

Colt did make a lever gun for a short time, forgotten weapons has a video on it, its called the colt burgess

[@sterlingcrroundtable8158]

Love my wheel guns. From my Ruger Security Six trail gun, to my first issue Colt Officers Model 38. Both have adjustable sights and both shoot amazing.

[@erikwilliamson4336]

I had to re-watch this episode! For the simple fact that the first time I watched this episode I stared at Mark's majestic mustache and didn't pay attention to a single thing y'all said. Mark, keep the 'stache!

[@Perry2186]

Henry is making revolvers and back in the day. Or reason why I didn't happen is there was a gentleman's agreement between Colt. And winchester not to produce guns in each other's fields

[@kevincolonel3070]

Mark hit it out of the park with mentioning Unforgiven, and either version if 3:10 to Yuma is great!

[@MrTacklebury]

I love revolvers and it was the first modern handgun I purchased. I bought an H&R 9 shot target pistol in 1986, when they were still produced. I didn't buy another revolver for a while, but when I moved back to Michigan, I picked up a .45 Colt Ruger Blackhawk that also has a .45 ACP cylinder. I also got my wife her first as a .38 Special Pink Lady by Charter Arms. I then bought a Taurus 605 .357 Magnum. I also purchased a Taurus 692 which is a cool 7-shot .357 which also has a 9mm cylinder. All great revolvers and I recently added a 2-7x32 scope to the Blackhawk to extend my range as my eyes get older, but it's still a beauty. I took a 6 point buck with it as I always carry it during deer season on my chest in a holster. My other favorite is my Charter Arms .45 Colt Bulldog and that resides in my truck. ;) Jims is a 340 M&P. As an aside, the only reason that Charter Arms made the .45 Colt Bulldog was because I was begging him to do so. I really wanted a concealed carry revolver that used the same ammo as my Blackhawk. Forgot to mention also, I have a lever gun for each one or a single shot H&R that is available. I have the Rossi Triple Black .357 M92 and the Henry X model in .45 Colt.

[@craigsteinkamp12]

I have been enamored with the big bore hunting revolvers. Having the purpose or job for them makes the size make sense, because for my own situation the big for bigs sake revolvers do not interest me. Loved the podcast topic guys.

[@oscarbear7498]

You guys listened to my video request 😊 I've been asking tor a revolver podcast ever since I started hand gun hunting. Great intro Mark 👏

[@OnSceneHotShots]

You guys should have went further down the rabbit hole and talked about the sacrilege of rimless pistol cartridges in revolvers. You touched on the moon clips, which was good. 9mm, 38 super, 10mm and 45acp in wheel guns, oh my! World record holder and gentleman Jerry Michulek proves that the revo is a formidable counter to speed, efficiency and accuracy in the handgun world.

[@sterlingcrroundtable8158]

Speaking of cool revolver tricks.. my Webley only ejects spent rounds when you open the break. Unfired rounds remain in it. Its brilliant.

[@MKD.357]

I own three vintage S&W revolvers and they are my favorite pistols. I also have a SA Ruger Blackhawk variant that is my bear country and hunting companion. Next pistol on my list is a S&W 351C .22 magnum for my summertime/ “on the river” ccw

[@idahohermit4634]

Henry recently released their Big Boy Revolver. .38/357. One with a Birdshead grip, one traditional

[@samwilliams1142]

The 1847 Walker had a loading lever, trigger guard, and trigger. It originally shot 60 grains of blackpowder and a round ball. 60 grains proved to be too much for the metallurgy of the day. These were horse pistols, saddle carried, they are heavy.

[@MrThomass281]

Favorite wheel gun Colt Single Action Army in 45 Colt with a 7 1/2 inch barrel. Favorite Western The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Favorite use of a wheel gun in a movie is from Fist Full of Dollars shooting off the hats duel by Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef.

[@AaronBleess-yz4cw]

I was in the Gander Mountain years ago and they had a 10” 7STW barrel for a TC Encore. It would have been so much fun to watch other people shoot. Had to be a fire breathing dragon.

[@toddboyer9691]

With the resurgence in lever guns, will companion wheel guns become more popular for the inner cowboy in all of us? I hope so!

[@chipsterb4946]

Or… you could get a Ruger LC 45 pistol caliber carbine and carry a Glock G21 for the modern cowboy 😝 They share the same magazines!

[@peterconnan5631]

Would love to own a Freedom Arms Casul. In .454 of course. And a Ruger Bearcat. Favorite western: Silverado. Or maybe Josey Wales. Quigley was a great movie too.

[@turnerappleton5026]

Tombstone with Wyatt earps peacemaker! I have a colt new service 5” revolver chambered in 455 webley it was my great grandfathers!

[@MrTacklebury]

Henry makes a .357 revolver, North American Arms makes the .22 Short version still... My favorite western was also "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly". I have tried to get one and nearly succeeded in getting the .357 Maximum Blackhawk Ruger made. That's the ultimate multicartridge .357. I'm actually revolver shopping now also and am torn between the scandium framed (pricey)340 PD or M&P .357, but will likely go for the .38 special Airweight that's black performance center version with the moon clip cutouts capable.

[@Accuracy-A2Z]

South Korean Police carry a S&W Model 10 in 38 caliber.

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Yeah Mark keep that caterpillar around for a little while. I thought the extra space in the headliner was for a garage door opener. I kept every single stinking piece of brass of brass i ever pulled the trigger on. AND I did that because at a very early age I was told “do you know you can reload that” best thing somebody has ever mentioned to me. Because I indeed have well over a thousand pieces of 38 and at least a thousand pieces of 357. Both nickel plated and brass.

[@driftlessbowhunter449]

The Outlaw Josie Wales with his 2 Colt Walkers……you going to pull those pistols or whistle Dixie?

[@OnSceneHotShots]

Best "western" movie, and the greatest line ever. Only to be followed by, "... how 'bout the one on the right? Never paid him no mind, you were there."

[@jimyeats]

Revolvers, lever guns, and bolt guns being “infallible” just comes from the fact that you typically shoot less from them, and they appear simpler superficially. When a revolver goes down, they go down hard, and I’ve had more revolvers go down than semi-auto’s.

[@brenn330]

Next j-frame will be the model 60 pro 3". The smallest model that has a full rear sight (ie: a red dot mount built in!)

[@michaelmcatee221]

Ryan Im glad im not the only one encouraging other men to have mustaches 😂

[@matortiz2322]

The most comfortable gun I've ever carried is a j frame S&W and it's legal in every state 😂

[@daltonburroughs3811]

Its not really American but I somewhat recently got a 5" Chiappa Rhino and I love it.

[@snoopxdoug]

Henry does make a wheel gun!!

[@TyrelLong-nm9sg]

Not sure if I missed it but what about the colt revolving rifle? I believe some modern clmpanies even make a version that could possibly be a “companion gun” for jimmy too!

[@bronco686]

In so far as I’m inclined to reach for my Glock 19 for concealed carry, when it comes to woods carry I’m reaching for my 357 or my 44. I don’t have to worry about a magazine button being accidentally bumped, and I also get a second chance pull of the trigger if a round doesn’t go bang. Plus being familiar with the manual of arms of both I don’t necessarily feel under gunned in the deer woods.

[@LeakyJoosbox]

A good example of the patterson is the revolver in the show supernatural

[@dinkinflicka1385]

Just a slight correction, Henry does make a wheel gun companion for there lever rifle

[@Blong243]

Wheeled guns? That's an interesting topic. Gatlin or mounted. I'm a fan of the LCRs smooth double action pull. Something else ruger needs to bring back. Marlin tube fed bolt action but thread the barrel. Magazine tube would then have to be in the stock.

[@aaronfarnsworth7653]

They also make a black powder version of the NAA. Back ordered a year or more I think and no extra cylinders for quick clint eastwood style reloads.🤠 They should make one in 22 short with more barrel to use up the extra room.

[@samwilliams1142]

They now make a spring loaded speed strip that you can carry flat pull it out it curls into a speed loader.

[@afallencheetah6610]

The Colt Patterson is the Colt from Supernatural.

[@jaybirdtapsnracks3460]

Speed strips resolve the orientation issue, and prevent a pocket-full of loose cartridges. Easy to draw from the pocket, and you can reload 2 rounds at a time with just a little practice. I wouldn't say "their quickness to reload is zilch" as they definitley shave time off your reload. Whether that's important to you or not is a different story. And no, I am not saying they compare to autos.

[@brenn330]

I want the NAA top break with the belt buckle!

[@toddunruh3998]

Henry makes a Big Boy Revolver

[@WayStedYou]

Mark: "flattery will win you prizes"

[@jodylivengood4061]

Does anyone know if the semi auto pistol predates the modern swing out cylinder revolver?

[@nickjohnson8780]

Any mateba is my dream revolver

[@brettsmith3703]

Could you imagine some new model 96 series Rugers with threaded barrels they would sell like crazy. I know I would buy one.

[@redbeardjedi3413]

I mean you wish Henry would make a wheel gun. .. they do now

[@tywiltse6390]

Movie: The Outlaw Josey Wales Smoke Wagon: 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver or "the gun that won the west".

[@DocOmaley98]

Patterson’s were fragile, chain fires, how to be completely disassembled to be reloaded, and were .36 caliber which at the time seemed probably minuscule as a fighting weapon, and had multiple parts (cylinder, barrel wedge).

[@toooffensive4185]

Henry makes revolvers now

[@roblund8557]

Jim, in my opinion Colt and Winchester did there thing in there part of the game and did it very well. But I see where you're coming from thinking from today's market.

[@jordanturner5048]

Favorite western is John Wayne in Rio Bravo, favorite wheel gun (wish I could afford it) Colt Walker

[@portersorensen8814]

Colt made a few short lived rifles. Namely the Burgess rifle(lever action) and the Lightning(pump action)

[@papaswoodshop4873]

Henry dose make a wheel gun. The Henry Big Boy.

[@batmanlovesbassfishin6747]

I have the Belt Buckle version of that .22 in black powder. 😂

[@kentwood9083]

Ruger I think makes a 22lr lcrx revolver in a polymer frame for a really light back pack grouse gun

[@jaydunbar7538]

Just to add to everyone else, Henry does make wheel guns

[@dominicteresi3835]

Not to be totally off topic but you guys should revisit Ryan's 6arc howa mini

[@jondashner4129]

Mark knew this episode was scheduled. "Clipper accident" my butt. He just wanted to look like he walked off the set of Tombstone 😂 and someone tell Jimmy wheel guns are for sure useful

[@jondashner4129]

Still waiting for new episodes of spaghetti Shootout by the way

[@g24thinf]

From what I've read there was a gentleman's agreement between Colt and Winchester that Colt who had started making rifles would stop and Winchester would not start making pistols.

[@anonymousf454]

I wish NAA made a scaled up mini revolver in something like 327 federal magnum

[@Mr.Pink1776]

At one time Smith and Wesson said they were going to make a 7-shot X-frame .44 magnum but it never happened.

[@randalldenham5127]

For older western, Will Penny starring Charlton Hesston. Newer western, The Shootist, John Wayne.

[@dillardfilth8933]

I'm thinking Henry just started making revolvers. I gotta go order... something

[@Mytwoscent]

Mark a smith and Wesson j frame 43c 22lr weights 11.4 oz empty holds 8 rounds so weights about 12 oz loaded

[@88gmchog]

have you guys not seen the new Henry Big boy Revolvers????

[@shawneckhart1824]

My 357s don't have cool stories, they where deals and damn cool. Also henry arms does make a wheelgun, only in 357 so far.

[@BrettBaker-uk4te]

If you want to learn more about revolvers, C&Rsenal has many great episodes exploring their history and use.

[@MartinVeneroso]

"It's a brand new car!" "It's a *96*!"

[@drmann15]

I also love Unforgiven. Tombstone/Wyatt Erp also deserve mentioning. I hated the logic to the ending of TIME to Yuma

[@McDanielRanch]

Pretty sure u guys are going to get under my skin to day. But before we even get started might I say a revolver can shoot 25 to 200 yd with more accuracy, then a pistol with a moving barrel. So we exclude a desert eagle? Maybes some others, but yes revolver better then pistol.

[@oscarbear7498]

The main selling point is accuracy at long range for sure

[@XxXTheFacelessOneXxX]

What an idea for a modern bar gimmick. Come in, get some bourbon, show your CCL, get a few rounds reloaded for you for free in a caliber of your choice. Keep a press right there next to the taps.

[@SurmaSampo]

Explosives and alcohol, what could go wrong?

[@MrThomass281]

Henry does make a wheel gun.

[@NcHalfrican]

Can’t someone grab the slide just the same as you can grab the cylinder?

[@toddunruh3998]

Not a mention of the Colt Python

[@jaydunbar7538]

Not by name but they did mention Colt as a major revolver brand a dozen times

[@jerrymartin5100]

Henry makes a wheelgun, model 25-2 in 45 autorim, find one of those, mine is a true shooter, 45acp with moon clips, nirvana, 6 inch. The Searchers