Seven revolvers worth trusting: a specs-based breakdown of their roles
Revolvers keep getting written off as relics, but a video from Line45 makes the case that seven modern wheel guns are still earning their keep in daily carry and range use. Host Ted walks through what makes each one dependable, from full-size duty guns to pocket-sized carry pieces.
Snapshot
Ted of Line45 runs down seven revolvers he considers standouts for reliability and build quality: the Ruger GP100, Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, Ruger SP101, Smith & Wesson 642, Ruger LCR, Colt Python, and Kimber K6S. His central point is that these guns trade trendiness for construction and function that holds up under real use, each filling a distinct role from duty gun to deep concealment.
Key points
- Ruger GP100: Ted highlights its triple-locking cylinder and transfer bar system, noting current 4.2-inch 7-shot models balance .357 Magnum control with enough mass to stay manageable.
- Smith & Wesson 686 Plus: He points to the 39.2-ounce L-frame's seven-round capacity and stainless build as a middle ground between K-frame handling and bigger-frame durability.
- Ruger SP101 and 642: Ted contrasts the SP101's added steel for taming .357 Magnum recoil with the 642's 14.4-ounce J-frame design built purely for concealment.
- Ruger LCR and Colt Python: He credits the LCR's friction-reducing cam for a smoother trigger at 13.5 ounces, while the Python's redesigned internals and transfer bar modernize a classic at around 42 ounces.
- Kimber K6S: Ted calls out its six-round capacity in a trim 1.39-inch cylinder, saying it closes the gap between concealability and shootability.
Quick take
Ted's rundown treats reliability as the baseline, not a selling point, and lets each revolver's specs make the case for its role. It's a useful refresher for anyone weighing a wheel gun against the latest polymer pistol.
Watch the full video: Line45