What's the reliability of 5 and 7 shot revolvers?

[Bowhunter57]

I'm considering the purchase of a snub-nosed revolver as a CCW, but was curious as to the reliability of an odd cylinder size....as opposed to a standard 6 shot revolver.

Are 5 and/or 7 shot revolvers prone to timing issues?
Are there any other mechanical malfunctions associated with these revolvers?

Your opinions and experiences are appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

[BRL]

I've put several hundred rounds through my little Smith 1 7/8" revolver in .38 +P without a hiccup. I like the 5 shot Smiths.

[v-man]

5 shot Smiths and a 7 shot Taurus ti have never given me a problem after quite a few rounds. This particular Taurus snubby .357 is actually the only Taurus I've ever had or shot that didn't have somekind of timing or lock-up issues.

[teamnelson]

The timing of the gun is tuned to the number of chambers so it doesn't matter, even or odd, for indexing. I've got double action revolvers in 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9 shot, in Ruger, Smith & Taurus with no timing issues at all. The 586+ 7 shot Smith is a great all around size gun.

[Bowhunter57]

Thank you, for the very informative replies, gentlemen!

I will be purchasing one of these snubbies, in the near future.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[teamnelson]

In a snubbie look at a Taurus 606, 6x357. Little bigger but I love mine; it's not for pistol whipping, it's for pistol beating.

[Bowhunter57]

TeamNelson,
Thank you, for the tip on the model 606. However, I'm interested in the Taurus model 617SS, in .357 Mag. (7-shot) or the Rossi 46202, which is also a .357 Mag. SS model (6-shot). Both of these snubbies have a nice balance in the hand, a full size grip and the SS finish require less maintenance.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[Ahab]

Go with the 606.

[hardluk1]

I have had a Taurus model 85ss that has been my old carry gun for most of 25 years and been shoot alot. and a old model 94 blue thats also a great revolver

[Hank08]

I've been packing a 5 shot S&W M60 for 37 yrs. been shot thousands of times with never a bobble.  Has had some +P+++ loads thru it and still tight as new.
H08

[Bowhunter57]

Go with the 606.

Ahab,
If you're refering to the Taurus model 606, they don't make it any more. Now, it's the model 650 or 605, which have very small differences, but they're 5 shot revolvers...not 6 shot revolvers.

To get the same thing, in a 6 shot revolver, a Rossi model 46 would have to be purchased.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57