Hunting pistols and revolvers are gaining more and more popularity in the civilian arms market in the US. Gradually, in other parts of the world, they find a response in the hearts of lovers of small arms, primarily because of their versatility. The first to appreciate the "pocket shotguns" were farmers. This weapon has repeatedly saved them from unexpected encounters with dangerous snakes. In Russia, gunsmiths are also trying to "keep their finger on the pulse." About what a hunting revolver is, what are its pros and cons - will be summarized in this article.
Versatility
Fierce competition among traditional handguns encourages manufacturers to take bold, risky steps. A revolver that can deal significant damage guarantees a successful hit even in the hands of an inexperienced shooter. This is the main idea in the development of hunting revolvers designed not only for shooting 410caliber for smoothbore guns, but also 45 caliber for rifled ones. Such "omnivorousness" and the low price of ammunition immediately conquered a certain group of people. It is necessary to understand: are these products so beautiful, about which various laudatory reviews are aspirated.
A few notes about 410
410 - caliber - low-power rifle cartridge. The main advantages are small dimensions and weight, moderate impact. Here, perhaps, all its obvious advantages. Many manufacturers produce such a cartridge. The most famous and sought-after of all the variety is with a cast spherical bullet (Foster bullet and, of course, the Brenecke bullet).
If this is not a magnum option, then such a cartridge calls into question success in hunting and self-defense. The charge of a bullet, buckshot, shot in ordinary ammunition is small. Therefore, it is more often implemented in the Magnum or Semi-Magnum version. They have 76 mm and 73 mm sleeve lengths, while the usual one is only 70 mm.
What happens when you use the 410 Magnum to hunt? The results won't be stunning. If you shoot such a charge of shot at long distances, then nothing good will come of it. Somehow you can get used to the average distance if the shooter is well-aimed. Card charge is even worse. With only a few buckshots, it will only be suitable for short distances.
In a word, this caliber is very specific.
The best revolver for American judges
There are several companies developing a revolver for hunting cartridges. The most popular are Taurus, Smith and Wesson,Charter Arms, Magnum Research. Each of them has created quite successful models, but the undisputed leader at the moment is Taurus.
Why are the products of this company so loved in the West? The Brazilian Taurus hit upon the idea of using a rifle and revolver cartridge in one weapon without changing the barrel. This is embodied in their main brainchild - the 4510 revolver. This marking most fully reflects its versatility (45 Colt and 410 caliber rifle cartridge). Their diameter is the same. He was even almost ranked among the shotguns. The existing barrel cutting helped, and, to the delight of the creators, it was ranked as a conventional weapon.
The model was immediately positioned as the most optimal means of self-defense. Shotgun shells dissipate well at a distance of 10-15 meters. You don't even need to aim. You can also use 45 Colt rounds, which further increases the range of its use. American judges fell in love with this hunting revolver, and its creators had a reason to call it Judge or "Judge".
The drum allows you to load 5 rounds. The range of application of rifle ammunition is really impressive (spherical bullets, shot, buckshot). But even this is not enough. The owners of this miracle equip the drum with rifle and pistol cartridges at the same time. This gives them the opportunity to feel confident in the middle and close range. And most importantly, it is equipped with a safety lock, in case it suddenly falls into the hands of children. With the help of a screw, the trigger is locked in the frame. You can screw it in and outonly with a miniature hex wrench.
Taurus Public Defender
Another 410 caliber hunting revolver, but lighter and more compact than its big brother. The drum is identical, designed for 5 rounds. Double action trigger mechanism: self-cocking and manual pre-cocking. The fly in the Taurus family is not regulated. The branded handle is made in combat style.
Another important distinguishing feature of this family is that the barrel and its frame are made from one solid milled blank. Muzzle energy can exceed the norm twice, but for such revolvers this is not a problem.
Smith&Wesson Governor
The stunning success of the Judge revolver haunted the monster of the American arms business - the Smith & Wesson company. They announced their answer - Governor. Its drum is made of steel, the handle is made of various synthetic materials, and scadium was added to the alloy in the manufacture of the frame. The novelty turned out to be light, durable.
But the main focus of it is the expansion of the use of various types of ammunition. It also provides the possibility of combining them when charging. What ammo can be used? It's still the same 410 caliber, 45 Colt and 45 ACP.
Drum capacity - 6 rounds. Its trigger mechanism is double action (fire can be fired both with self-cocking and with a pre-cocked trigger). The weightwithout cartridges 839 grams.
Conclusion
Hunting revolver is banned in Russia. This prompted domestic gunsmiths to rather extraordinary actions. As the most striking example of Russian ingenuity - the creation of a gun - the MTs 255 revolver based on the Gnome revolver, which, for obvious reasons, could not fall into the hands of the civilian population. The scheme of mechanics remained unchanged, as in a revolver for official use. They lengthened the barrel, added a buttstock, made a gas collection hole and some other “buns” on the fore-end.
There were supporters and opponents of the idea of revolving guns, which at the moment, due to some design solutions, are still far from perfect.
And the West continues to develop more and more reliable and accurate hunting revolvers.
