Videos tagged with Short Barrel Revolver

This expert analysis from Tools&Targets details a ballistic gel test of Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain ammunition. The instructor, demonstrating experienced authority, highlights critical performance differences between short-barreled (2-inch Taurus 856) and slightly longer-barreled (3-inch S&W 686 Plus) revolvers. Key findings indicate that the Punch .38 Special +P struggles to achieve adequate velocity and expansion through short barrels when encountering heavy clothing barriers, leading to over-penetration and a failure to expand.

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test of Federal Punch .44 Special 180-grain ammunition, conducted by the host of Tools&Targets. The test utilizes a LabRadar chronograph and standardized gel blocks with clothing barriers to assess performance from both a Charter Arms Boomer and a Taurus Tracker revolver. The data reveals impressive expansion and penetration, making it a viable self-defense option, particularly for short-barreled revolvers.

This video reviews the Smith & Wesson Lou Horton Model 24, a limited production .44 Special revolver. The presenter, Hickok45, highlights its unique 3-inch barrel and round butt configuration, commissioned by Lou Horton in the 1980s. He discusses its collectibility, shooting characteristics, and compares it to other S&W revolvers, ultimately finding it a surprisingly pleasant shooter despite initial reservations about the short barrel on a large frame.

This video details the creation of a tribute FitzGerald Special, a custom revolver based on a Colt Cobra. Key modifications include bobbing the hammer, removing the trigger guard, shortening the barrel, and applying an 11-degree crown. The build highlights the historical context of custom firearm requests and modern techniques applied to classic designs.

This video provides an overview of the new Diamondback SDR 9mm Luger revolver introduced at Industry Day at the Range 2025. It highlights the short 2-inch barrel, use of moon clips for 9mm Luger ammunition, and features designed for concealed carry, such as its smooth exterior and lightweight construction. The review also touches on the high-viz fiber optic sights, captured crane for easy cleaning, and textured grips.

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test comparing 110-grain and 125-grain Remington HTP .357 Magnum ammunition fired from a 2-inch barrel Taurus 605 revolver. The instructor analyzes velocity, penetration, and expansion, noting significant differences in recoil between the two loads. The 125-grain load demonstrated superior penetration and expansion, making it the preferred choice despite higher recoil.

This video conducts a ballistic gel test comparing Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special (110gr FTX) and .32 H&R Magnum (80gr FTX) ammunition fired from short-barreled revolvers. The .38 Special demonstrated superior expansion and energy transfer, achieving 14 inches of penetration with significant expansion. The .32 H&R Magnum, despite higher muzzle velocity from the 2-inch barrel (965 FPS vs. 900 FPS for .38 Spl), exhibited minimal expansion and relied on tumbling for its 16 inches of penetration, with only slight flaring observed on the projectile.

This video tests Winchester Ranger Bonded 38 Special +P 130-grain jacketed hollow-point ammunition through a Taurus 605 (2-inch barrel) and a Ruger GP100 (4-inch barrel) using a heavy clothing barrier and ballistics gel. The ammunition performed poorly from the short barrel, failing to expand and penetrating 19 inches after tumbling. However, from the 4-inch barrel, the ammunition demonstrated excellent expansion and consistent performance, achieving around 14.5 inches of penetration with significant wound channel disruption.

This video tests Remington Ultimate Defense Full Size .357 Magnum ammunition, loaded with Golden Saber, from short-barreled handguns. The test involves shooting through heavy clothing into ballistic gel using a Taurus 605 and a Ruger GP100. The focus is on how full-size ammunition performs from shorter barrels, simulating real-world self-defense scenarios.

This video reviews the Heritage Barkeep Boot, a new 2022 model featuring a bird's head grip and a very short barrel (approximately 1.5 inches). The reviewer highlights its compact size, lack of a front sight, and the interchangeable cylinder system for both .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum. Accuracy is noted as challenging due to the short barrel, making it more suitable for close-range fun and as a conversation piece rather than a precision firearm.

This video from Tools&Targets tests the performance of two .38 Special hollow-point ammunition types, PPU 158 Grain and Ammo Inc 125 Grain, fired from a Taurus 856 revolver with a 2-inch barrel. The test focuses on expansion and penetration in ballistic gel. The instructor, with experience in firearms testing, notes that neither round achieved significant expansion, attributing this to insufficient velocity from the short barrel. Both rounds demonstrated substantial penetration, exceeding typical defensive needs, but failed to perform as designed regarding expansion.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Colt 'Fitz Special,' a highly customized revolver designed for quick draw and concealed carry. Originally based on Colt's Model 1917, the Fitz Special features a shortened barrel, a cut trigger guard, and a de-spurred hammer. The presenter highlights the historical context of these modifications, often performed by gunsmiths for police detectives and, notably, gangsters during the Prohibition era, earning it the 'gangsta gun' moniker. The example shown is exceptionally rare due to its factory-style engraving and custom grips, suggesting it was a high-end, bespoke piece.