Would You Trust Your Life To A 120-Year-Old Revolver?

Published on February 2, 2021
Duration: 3:39

This video explores the viability of using a 120-year-old revolver for self-defense, focusing on a Smith & Wesson Hammerless Safety Revolver in .38 S&W. The instructor emphasizes that while not ideal, such a firearm can be reliable if it's in good condition, locks up tightly, and is used with appropriate, low-power ammunition. He demonstrates its accuracy and discusses potential issues like sighting and parts availability.

Quick Summary

A 120-year-old revolver can be trusted for self-defense if it's in good mechanical condition, locks up tightly, and is used with appropriate, low-power ammunition. The instructor highlights a Smith & Wesson Hammerless Safety Revolver (.38 S&W) as a potentially reliable vintage firearm, emphasizing the importance of checking lock-up and action cycling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Can You Trust a 120-Year-Old Revolver?
  2. 00:10Conditional Trust and Specific Models
  3. 00:17Smith & Wesson Hammerless Safety Revolver
  4. 00:24.38 S&W Caliber Discussion
  5. 00:29Caution with Older Top-Break Revolvers
  6. 00:33Ammunition Safety for Vintage Guns
  7. 00:44Importance of Low-Power Ammunition
  8. 00:51Examining the S&W Hammerless Revolver
  9. 01:06Assessing Vintage Firearm Condition
  10. 01:16Grip Condition and Parts Availability
  11. 01:24Benefits of a Good Original Gun
  12. 01:29.38 S&W Reloading and Fun Factor
  13. 01:33Vintage vs. Modern Pistols
  14. 01:40Shooting the Vintage Revolver
  15. 01:44Addressing Accuracy and Reliability Myths
  16. 01:54This Gun is a 'Real Shooter'
  17. 02:00The Cost of Cheap Vintage Guns
  18. 02:16Personal Experience with Repairs
  19. 02:19Testing Mild Factory Ammunition
  20. 02:25Chronograph Readings: 525 FPS
  21. 02:32Target Setup and Shooting
  22. 02:48Accuracy Demonstration
  23. 02:51Accuracy Observations
  24. 02:54Common Sighting Issue: Sighted High
  25. 03:03The Charm of Old Guns Working
  26. 03:07Ejection and Gravity
  27. 03:10Finding and Enjoying Vintage Firearms
  28. 03:17Realistic Expectations for Vintage Guns
  29. 03:20Ammunition and Velocity
  30. 03:25Hobby Enjoyment
  31. 03:31Stay Safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 120-year-old revolver be trusted for self-defense?

Yes, a 120-year-old revolver can be trusted for self-defense if it's in good mechanical condition, locks up tightly, and is used with appropriate, low-power ammunition. The instructor highlights a Smith & Wesson Hammerless Safety Revolver as an example of a potentially reliable vintage firearm.

What are the key factors to check when evaluating a vintage revolver for reliability?

When evaluating a vintage revolver, check for a tight lock-up, a correctly cycling action, and relatively clean, straight grips. These indicate good mechanical condition and can impact future repairability and overall function.

What type of ammunition should be used with old revolvers?

It is crucial to use very low-power, dead-stock factory ammunition with vintage revolvers. Using modern, high-pressure ammunition can be unsafe and damage these older firearms. Reloading with mild loads is also an option.

Are old revolvers accurate enough for self-defense?

Yes, many vintage revolvers can be surprisingly accurate. The instructor demonstrates this with a Smith & Wesson .38 S&W, noting that while they might be sighted high, their inherent accuracy can be sufficient for self-defense purposes.

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