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Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Nightstand Revolver: An American Tradition Makes a Triumphant Return (In Polymer)

By Berkley R. Bruce 

      
       Keeping a weapon in one's sleeping quarters to dispatch marauders goes back to the very beginnings of man. Once firearms were invented, they primarily became this weapon for those with access to them. 

"Bump In The Night Gun" by the bedside is certainly a tradition that goes back to the beginnings of America. 

In the early years, when most people lived in rural areas, long guns (Rifles and Shotguns) served that purpose most of the time. Even now, in such places this is still often the case. 

As time went on and more people moved out of the open spaces of rural areas and into the closer quarters of urban and suburban dwellings, the bump in the night gun changed as well. 

Granddad's ole double barrel gave way to the handgun, more often than not, a revolver. Commonly known as "Wheel Guns" or "Six Shooters" revolvers can have more or less than six chambers. These "Nightstand Guns" where simple, reliable and effective for the task at hand.

Over time in most urban areas Gun Control outlawed firearms for almost everyone but dangerous criminals. During this time the nightstand gun appeared to fall out of favor. Notice...... I said appeared. Wisely, many still secretly kept those ole "Lemon Squeezers" and Saturday Night Specials handy. 

Most of us had a Dad, Grandpa, Uncle or someone who kept the ever popular .38 snub nose or bigger to protect home and family. The smaller calibers like .22 and .32 were usually more popular with the Moms, Grandmas and Aunties. 

I am aware that some shit-for-brains is going to send me hate mail about the people who kept their guns being criminals. To that, I say that Gun Control itself is Unconstitutional....So, there's that. Many of those people wouldn't have been alive if they hadn't kept their guns, they would've taken out by real criminals.

With Gun Control still being ineffective for anything beyond denying citizens their Rights, many are now demanding that their Second Amendment Rights be recognized, no matter where they live. 

Fortunately, here in America, we have access to many different types of quality firearms. A nightstand gun, can be as fancy or as simple as the owner chooses. This piece however, is dedicated to the fans of the revolver.

Several firearm manufacturers have recognized that these fans exist, by creating updated versions of the classic wheel gun. Like their semi-auto counterparts, they are composed of modern materials and usually marketed for concealed carry. These firearms could just as easily fulfill the role of nightstand duty. 

In no particular order, here are a few to consider.

RUGER LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver)

The lightweight comes from the polymer grip and fire control housing and aluminum frame on the .22 and .38 Special models. Only the barrel and cylinder are stainless steel on these models. The frame on the 9mm, .327 Fed and .357 Mag models are stainless steel.




Specs.

Calibers and Capacity: .22LR (8), .22WMR (6), .38 Special +P Rated (6), 9mm Luger (5) comes with three moon clips, .327 Federal Magnum (6), .357 Magnum (5). *NOTE The .327 Federal Magnum, is the latest addition to this line.

Weight: 13.5-17.5 Caliber and option dependent. Options available include Hogue Tamer MonoGrip and Crimson Trace Lasergrips

Barrel Length: 1.875" Some models available with 3" barrel.

Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO) *LCRx Models feature External Hammer and are DA/SA 

Price (MSRP): $545.00-$899.00 Caliber and option dependent.


TAURUS POLY PROTECTOR 

The polymer version of the Taurus 605 Protector Revolver. Lightweight polymer with a stainless steel cylinder, barrel and inner skeleton. All the same features of the steel 605, including the Taurus Security System (TSS) in a lighter weight package. 







Specs.

Calibers and Capacity: .38 Special +P Rated (5), .357 Magnum (5)

Weight: 19.75

Barrel Length: 2"

Action Type: DA/SA 

Price (MSRP): $356.06-$371.21 Caliber and finish dependent.


TAURUS PUBLIC DEFENDER POLYMER

A smaller version of the popular Taurus Judge. This one has a lightweight polymer frame with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. Capable of firing the same combo of ammunition and having the same features as the original, including the Taurus Security System (TSS).




Specs.

Calibers and Capacity: .45LC/.410GA (Shot Shell) (5)

Weight: 27.0

Barrel Length: 2"

Action Type: DA/SA 

Price (MSRP): $514.17-$653.32 Options and finish dependent.


Although, some of these revolvers are available in calibers ranging from .22LR to .357 Magnum. Personally, I'd skip the .22LR for anything beyond target shooting unless you have medical issues preventing you from comfortably shooting anything larger. I'd also skip any firearm chambered solely for .38 Special. You'd be better off getting a firearm chambered in .357 Magnum and loading it with .38 Special, there is no .38 Special ammunition made with enough +'s or P's behind it to even scuff a well made .357 Mag. Given the limited capacity of a revolver, go for the largest caliber you can handle. But I say that about any defensive firearm. 

Do your own research to see what will best meet your needs. Whatever you choose, be safe, keep it clean and well maintained. Training, practice and education are very important. 

Learn what your rights are and exercise them before someone else decides that you no longer need or want them.




Berkley R. Bruce  Founder of Dragon Shadow Training Group. Berkley R. Bruce, is a NRA Certified Firearms and Personal Protection Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, State Of Nevada Concealed Carry Instructor, USA Carry Registered Instructor and Martial Artist based in Las Vegas, NV. Email: berkbru@gmail.com