Personal Defense World
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Politics
    • Gun Facts & Laws
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Specialty Guns
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Shotgun Ammo
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
  • Accessories
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
  • Gear
    • Knives
    • Flashlights
    • Storage
  • Lifestyle
    • Shooting 101
    • Training
    • Concealed Carry
    • Home Defense
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
    • Competition Shooting
  • Videos
    • Video Series
      • At The Ready
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Politics
    • Gun Facts & Laws
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Specialty Guns
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Shotgun Ammo
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
  • Accessories
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
  • Gear
    • Knives
    • Flashlights
    • Storage
  • Lifestyle
    • Shooting 101
    • Training
    • Concealed Carry
    • Home Defense
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
    • Competition Shooting
  • Videos
    • Video Series
      • At The Ready
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
No Result
View All Result
 
*FREE GUN FRIDAY* Enter to WIN >> IWI Zion-15 Rifle & Black Hills 5.56 Ammo

5 Ways to Wring Speed & Accuracy Out of Your Revolver

Richard Johnson by Richard Johnson
September 11, 2017
in Guns, Handguns, Revolvers
0
5 revolver upgrades
1
SHARES
187
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
revolver shooting
revolver dry fire practice
How’s your trigger control? The next time you dry fire, try to keep a penny balanced on top of the barrel throughout the trigger pull.
revolver speedloader
Safariland’s push-button Comp II Speedloaders are available in four different sizes.

revolver bianchi speed strips
While Bianchi Speed Strips are not quite as fast as a speedloader, they are easy to conceal in a pocket and are much faster than loading loose rounds one by one.
revolver speedloader
revolver grips
Thin factory grips are great for concealment, but they may not fit your hand very well. An aftermarket grip can significantly improve how the gun feels in your hand, and there are literally hundreds of options out there.

revolver front sights
revolver target
There are hundreds of firearms trainers out there, but when it comes to running a revolver, it’s hard to beat Grant Cunningham, who has also written several books on the subject.
revolver book

revolver smith wesson book

Wheelguns may not receive the same consideration from buyers they once did, but that doesn’t mean they are ineffective tools for self-defense. Competition shooters like Jerry Miculek have shown that revolvers can be very fast. Decades of use in military and law enforcement settings have proven revolvers to be both effective and reliable. Like any tool, the revolver has its own special set of considerations that need to be taken into account if you wish to improve your efficiency with it. Most efficiency improvements require an investment of time in training and practice. Other improvements can be made through careful choices in upgrades. Let’s take a look at a few things that can help you rev up your wheelgun efficiency.

Dry Firing

revolver dry fire practice
How’s your trigger control? The next time you dry fire, try to keep a penny balanced on top of the barrel throughout the trigger pull.

If there is one aspect of shooting that can improve your accuracy and speed more than anything else, it is trigger control. In my experience, the short distance that the trigger moves has the biggest impact on where the bullet flies when it exits the barrel. Barring professional training, it has been my experience that one of the best ways to improve trigger control is through dry firing.

Dry firing costs no money and can be safely done at any time in your home. Consistent practice of good techniques can cause a measurable improvement in your ability to put rounds on target. Of course, not all practice is equal. Just pulling old Roscoe out and stroking the trigger without any specific training goal isn’t likely to help. Keep in mind that practice does not make perfect; rather, practice makes permanent. If you dry fire with bad techniques, you will simply ingrain the poor performance.

  • RELATED STORY: 8 Reasons Why Revolvers Are a Great Choice for New Shooters

There are a variety of dry-fire drills that you can do. One of the most basic uses a penny to improve your trigger control. Start by ensuring the gun is unloaded and there is no ammo in the room with you. Find a safe direction like an exterior wall, and then tape a target to that wall. Check again to make sure the gun is unloaded.

Take the gun in a firing grip and get into a comfortable stance. Aim at the target. Then place a penny on the end of the barrel. Your goal is to dry fire while aiming at the target without the penny falling from the end of the gun.  Over time, you should be able to complete more and more pulls without the penny falling from the gun. This should be a good sign to you that you are exerting more and more control over the gun. Don’t overdo it; just spend five minutes a day working on this. After a month, I’m willing to bet that you’ll see an improvement in your shooting.

Of course, there is some debate about dry firing, and some instructors do not believe it adds much value to your ability to shoot accurately. I can only say that in my experience, it worked wonders for me when I was first learning to shoot a revolver. Additionally, I’ve seen it work very well for others.

Faster Reloads

revolver bianchi speed strips
While Bianchi Speed Strips are not quite as fast as a speedloader, they are easy to conceal in a pocket and are much faster than loading loose rounds one by one.

If there is one area where the revolver really lags behind the semi-automatic pistol, it is in reloading. Without a doubt, the semi-auto can be reloaded faster and easier than a revolver. That doesn’t mean you can’t quickly and efficiently reload your wheelgun, however. You can, but it requires practice and a little help from a reloading tool.

Probably one of the best revolver reloading tools I’ve found is the Safariland Comp II Speedloader. This small device securely holds a full cylinder’s worth of ammunition. When you dump the fired cases from your revolver, the Comp II Speedloader allows you to slap six more rounds right back into the gun. Comp I Speedloaders are a little more compact and come in sizes appropriate for five-shot revolvers.

The one drawback to the Comp I and II Speedloaders is that they tend to be a bit bulky for carrying in a pants pocket. Bianchi offers an alternative called Speed Strips. These flexible strips hold up to six rounds in a row by the cartridge rim. To use them, two cartridges are inserted into chambers and the strip is peeled off. While a little slower than a Speedloader, Speed Strips are faster than loading cartridges singly. Additionally, the Speed Strips keep the rounds together while carried concealed.

Re-Grip And Rip

revolver grips
Thin factory grips are great for concealment, but they may not fit your hand very well. An aftermarket grip can significantly improve how the gun feels in your hand, and there are literally hundreds of options out there.

One change you can make to your revolver that can improve your handling is the grips. Grips are that all-important interface between your hand and the gun. A well-matched grip optimizes your finger placement on the trigger and enhances your ability to control the gun during recoil.

There are many hand sizes in the world, and no matter how nice the factory grips are, no one pair will fit everyone the same. The grips that come on a revolver will fit a certain number of people well. However, there is a good chance that people with small or large hands will not have an ideal fit. That’s where companies like Hogue, Pachmayr and VZ Grips come into play. These companies all offer a variety of grips made in different sizes with a range of styles and materials.

It is impossible for me to tell you which grips to buy for your revolver without knowing your size or preferences. It is tough enough to find the right grip for myself. I have a box of revolver grips I’ve bought over the years to prove it. I highly suggest going to your local gun shop and having them show you the options available for your revolver.

Faster Sights

revolver front sights

As with any other combat handgun, good sights can make a big difference in your accuracy. Starting my professional gun-carrying career with a S&W Model 10, I learned to shoot using a plain black ramp front sight aligned in a rear notch that was integral with the gun’s frame. It worked, but it wasn’t ideal.

The front ramp wasn’t replaceable without the use of an angle grinder, but I still found a workaround that helped improve how quickly I could find the sight: finger nail polish. Sure, I felt a little uncomfortable picking out the brightest colors of polish I could find in the cosmetics section of the local pharmacy. A little discomfort, however, proved to be worth it.

I tried a number of colors and eventually settled on a bright white for the front sight. Three thick coats of the polish made the sight much more visible, and the polish was tough enough to stand up to daily carry use. Even Hoppe’s No. 9 didn’t seem to affect it. When I bought a matte-silver-finished S&W Model 642, I found that bright pink worked better than white as a contrast in the rear notch. Regardless of what bright color you choose, I recommend using a coat of white polish first. Adding the final color on top of the white layer seems to give it a brighter appearance.

If you don’t care to wander down the cosmetics aisle, no problem. Birchwood Casey makes a set of three paint markers for just this purpose. The kit includes white, neon green and fluorescent red. These paint markers have a felt tip that allows you to apply the paint fairly easily. Just take your time and you shouldn’t have any problems.

If you have a front sight that is replaceable, you have a great deal more flexibility. Companies like XS Sight Systems and HiViz Shooting Systems offer a variety of upgrades for revolver shooters. Like grips, replacement sights can be a largely subjective upgrade. For self-defense, I generally suggest something with a large front sight that is of a bright, contrasting color.

Serious Revolver Training

revolver target
There are hundreds of firearms trainers out there, but when it comes to running a revolver, it’s hard to beat Grant Cunningham, who has also written several books on the subject.

As much as a few new pieces of gear can help improve your shooting, the fact is that nothing can replace training. When it comes to revolver training, there are few I would label expert instructors. One of them is Grant Cunningham. Without hesitation, he is the man I recommend to anyone needing wheelgun training.

  • RELATED STORY: 23 New Revolvers Hitting the Marketplace in 2017

I’ve had the opportunity to observe Cunningham’s Threat-Centered Revolver class, and I was impressed with his knowledge, ability to communicate and the respect he shows his students. In addition to getting the best training on how to efficiently run a wheelgun, Cunningham introduces students to the realities of a self-defense encounter based on his experiences and the wealth of data he has collected and distilled. While he will push you to improve, his class is not filled with the comical puffed-chest machismo that many instructors exude. His rifle and pistol classes are also excellent, but he is unequaled in wheelgun training.

Additional Reading

revolver books side by side

No matter how much I might encourage you to attend one of Cunningham’s revolver classes, I know that most people don’t have the time, money or desire to travel for a multi-day training session on the range. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn more about how to efficiently run your wheelgun from an expert like Cunningham.

When choosing a wheelgun for concealed carry, most people are likely to carry a snub-nose revolver. If this is you, I highly recommend checking out a book called “Protect Yourself with Your Snubnose Revolver.” This book was recently published by Cunningham on both the Kindle and iBooks platforms. Additionally, physical copies of the book can be purchased through Amazon.

In this book, Cunningham discusses many of the same concepts that he teaches in his classes. Concepts like efficiency in shooting and preparing for the most likely scenarios instead of every remote possibility. Additionally, he gives solid advice on ammunition selection, proper grip, unsighted fire and using the sights efficiently.

While I am on the topic of revolver books, I would be remiss if I did not mention one more. As much as I like to shoot revolvers, I also enjoy collecting them. I suspect there are many of you who do the same. If you like classic Smith & Wesson wheelguns, there is no better resource than the “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.”

This is a comprehensive look at all of the guns to come from the company from its inception through today. For me, however, the best part of the book is the extremely detailed information about the company’s revolvers. The book has original photos of the different models, information on special runs and details about rare variations. Without any doubt in my mind, it is the best resource on S&W revolvers available anywhere. The latest edition of this book was released in November of 2016, and it should be available at any book retailer.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

Using paper targets during shooting practice for immediate feedback.

Shred It: Shooting Paper Targets Provides Important Feedback

The C-MORE CRC Compact Micro Red Dot Sight.

The C-MORE Systems CRC Compact Micro Red Dot Sight

Dry fire practice gear.

Perfect Practice: Low- and High-Tech Dry Fire Practice Gear

XS Sights for Taurus 856 & 605 Revolvers.

XS Sights Offers Night Sights for Taurus 856 and 605 Revolvers

Load More

PERSONAL DEFENSE WORLD VIDEOS

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

Study Proves the Good Guy with a Gun Theory.

Good Guy with a Gun: Study of CCW Holders Stopping Mass Shootings

Following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, gun control advocates have taken the anti-gun narrative to a fever pitch. They insist...

Read more

TRENDING

The Faxon Firearms FX22 .22 LR Line.

Get Your Plink On: 4 Faxon Firearms in the FX22 .22 LR Line

...

We tested three of the most popular 8-shot revolvers on the market today.

8-Shot Revolver Showdown With S&W, Ruger, and Taurus

...

Two Tisas 1911 models.

Turkish Gold: Testing Two Budget-Friendly Tisas 1911 Models

...

The Magnum Research 1911.

Magnum 10: Shooting the Magnum Research G Model 10mm 1911

...

PICK A CATEGORY

CONCEALED CARRY SPOTLIGHT

Nexbelt Adds the Supreme Appendix EDC Gun Belt in Black Camo.

Nexbelt Adds the Supreme Appendix EDC Gun Belt in Black Camo

Nexbelt has brought innovation and performance to the gun belt arena in recent years. Fortunately, the company isn’t just a...

CONCEALED CARRY SHOWCASE

The Grey Man Tactical Safe Door Organizer.

Store More with the Grey Man Tactical Safe Door Organizer

25 firearm storage device options for keeping your guns safe.

Safe & Secure: 25 Fortified Firearm Storage Options

Memorial Day 2014 tribute

Memorial Day: Honoring Our Fallen American Heroes

CEO of Fenix Ammo Delivers Conditions for Free Ammo to MTOA.

Fenix Ammunition CEO Torches MI Police After Free Ammo Request

The Premier Body Armor Home Shield.

Premier Body Armor Home Shield – Protection You Can Get Behind

The Beretta 92XI SAO.

Beretta Expands Its Popular 92 Line with the 92XI SAO

Using paper targets during shooting practice for immediate feedback.

Shred It: Shooting Paper Targets Provides Important Feedback

Nexbelt Adds the Supreme Appendix EDC Gun Belt in Black Camo.

Nexbelt Adds the Supreme Appendix EDC Gun Belt in Black Camo

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

handloading, handloader, handloading tips, handloading ammunition, handloading ammo

5 Common-Sense Handloading Tips

A rundown of five essentials every handloader must know before he starts rolling his own ammunition.

site logo
Gun News, Gun Reviews, and Self Defense Tips

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Rifles
    • Specialty Guns
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Shotgun Ammo
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
  • Accessories
    • View All Accessories
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Laser & Lights
    • Suppressors
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Knives
    • Storage
  • Lifestyle
    • View All Lifestyle
    • Shooting 101
    • Training
    • Concealed Carry
    • Home Defense
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
    • Competition Shooting
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Politics
    • Gun Facts & Laws
  • Videos
  • Subscribe

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.