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11/29/2024 8:58:31 AM

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Section 8: Handguns
Subject: small frame revolver Msg# 1216026

From:

TJ Parmele

Joined 6/1/2005

To:

Kim Foster (Read)

Joined 5/26/2000

9MM Revolvers have been tricky. I've owned most of them on the market and have a bit of an opinion on them.
Smith and Wesson
940 Steel J-Frame. Expensive and out of production. Problems I had were with sticky extraction and cheap moon clips. The juice is not worth the squeeze as prices are just stupid. S&W currently makes some N-Frame revolvers, but those are too big for what you are most likely looking for.

Ruger
Probably the best sorted of the lot. They make an SP101 and an LCR in 9MM. I've owned both and preferred the LCR simply because it was lighter and it has the best extraction of the 9MM brass that I have experienced. It's also made DAO and DA/SA with the LCRX platform. It's not going to be as light as the .38 SPL because it's made on the Steel variant of the LCR platform (as opposed to the aluminum that the .38 SPL model uses). The SP101 is alright, and it's reliable enough. I just didn't get the same reliable extraction out of it that I did the LCR. I've had nothing but good things to say about my .38 SPL LCR. When I traded it off one time, I traded BACK to get the gun back. I've only done that with 2 firearms. The LCRs tend to have the BEST out of the box triggers from the factory as well.

Taurus
Probably the 2nd choice I'd make. This is probably the best value in revolvers out there with their prices being about 1/3 less than Ruger and a bit more than that off of S&W. I had some severe QC problems with my initial 905 to include metal shavings in the action. Taurus DID make it right by fixing the gun, but then I got rid of it.
Since then, I've purchased several Taurus revolvers and found that their overall QC has improved. I'm even toying around with the idea of purchasing another 905. I'd put their 905 second on my list if I wasn't getting the Ruger LCR.

Charter Arms
This is the Wild Card. Their QC has been iffy over the years, but their new guns are solid. I've handled a few and owned some goofy ones (including a Purple one in .32 H&R Magnum that was my ex-wife's). Their 9MM "pitbull" revolver uses a unique setup where you don't need moonclips. The only other manufacturer to have done this is S&W with their 547 and that's now a collector's handgun. Prices aren't bad either. This would also be unique where you might be able to carry say, a Glock 19 magazine that holds your reloads and can skip moonclips altogether.

I don't think Colt makes a 9MM revoler, nor does Kimber. Prices on those are just stupid to begin with.
So, current production leaves: Ruger, Taurus, and Charter.

1st PicK: Ruger LCR or LCRX
2nd: Taurus 905
3rd: Charter Arms Pitbull or Ruger SP101.

Hope this helps!

For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where:
I’m thinking about getting a small inexpensive revolver. Considering 9mm so I don’t have to buy .38's. Not at all interested in .357.
I’d like a 3" barrel. I’m not a big Taurus fan but have seen some very positive reviews of their revolvers, lately. As well as some negative S&W reviews.
What am I gaining or losing going 9mm instead of .38? Yeah, I know I’ll need moon clips for 9mm. I don’t see that as a problem, is it?
What says the hive?

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