Revolver for NRA DR & CMP

Trying to figure out ideal revolver for both NRA & CMP events.  Presently have a 686+ with decent trigger that shoots 148’s well.  Would it be beneficial to move over to a Model 14?  I know NRA needs 158s.

My 14 is currently DAO and don’t think it qualifies for competition.  Would look to get another one.

Best,
Hammer457

Other way around. NRA requires 158. CMP is any safe ammunition, 9mm and larger.

Dave

My path went like this: I picked up a Model 14-4 and worked up a load for it. 2.8 grains of Titegroup using a 158 grain LRN that I cast from a 6-cavity Lee aluminum mold. It’s a tumble lube type of bullet. It’s a soft shooting load and it happens to shoot quite well. So even though the CMP allows other ammunition combinations, there’s no point for me to change. My load shoots great. Why come up with another one? 

So for you I’d say come up with one legal ammunition for NRA and use it for both NRA/CMP unless you really feel you’re going to get a better load that follows CMP rules. Since my load shoots good I really don’t wish to bother making two different kinds of ammo.

I went distinguished with a Smith 14-4, it shot 2-3" groups at 50 yards.  I have a Manurhin MR38 now and wish I had it back then.

Most revolvers have at least one chamber that’s good enough for long line performance. Two-thirds of the game is short line.

Do you want to shoot single action or double action for rapid? What is your hand size?

In my experience, the E/I frame Colts (Python/Trooper (not MKIII)/Officer’s Model Match) are easier to cock at speed without huge disturbances to the firing grip.

In my experience, the K frame Smiths are much easier to tune for a DR-legal double action pull, and they won’t have the weight stacking found in the Colt actions.

You can find good shooter-grade examples of OMMs, Troopers, and Model 14s under a grand without much hassle. The K frames have an additional advantage of having easily-purchased spare parts and accessible gunsmiths. The Colts have a theoretically-suicidal advancing hand action, but I’ve yet to have a Colt shoot itself out of time or experience any measurable parts wear when limited to single action shooting only (less force on the hand in overtravel).

Steve B wrote:I went distinguished with a Smith 14-4, it shot 2-3" groups at 50 yards.  I have a Manurhin MR38 now and wish I had it back then.

Is the MR38 legal for Distinguished Revolver matches?

The new Colts are said to have an improved DA pull.

Thanks for the input.  I have large hands and anticipate shooting T/R double action. 

Does anyone know if the Manurhin MR38 is legal for DR matches?  My understanding is it has an overtravel screw built in from factory

Don’t know why not, model 14’s had adjustable overtravel stops!

3.3 Distinguished Revolver ...
  (f) The following are not allowed. ... any external trigger stop device; any internal trigger stop not originally
  installed by the factory as original equipment in stock revolvers of the same make and model.

Many people on various forums and YouTube have said they used S&W PC revolvers and Manhurin revolvers in DR matches.  Both S&W PC and Manhurin revolvers usually have external trigger over-travel stops.  Some of these shooters, but not all, claimed to have earned points towards the award.  I once asked NRA about this but never received an answer.

Boxturtle wrote:3.3 Distinguished Revolver ...
  (f) The following are not allowed. ... any external trigger stop device; any internal trigger stop not originally
  installed by the factory as original equipment in stock revolvers of the same make and model.

That looks like it could be interpreted both ways. First, an external trigger stop is not allowed or secondly, an external trigger stop is allowed if it was originally installed by the factory. Are there no referees on this site anymore?

I believe the S&W is considered internally adjustable.
External refers to screws and rubber bumpers on the back of triggers

Any other suitable revolvers recommended?

I like my GP100. Trickier to recock in SA but once you get used to it it's OK. Super reliable. Plop a set of Wolff srpings in it and you're good to go.