The Space Cowboy Revolver is a mix of style and function. You could argue that it’s 99% style cause a space cowboy could just buy a Glock and put a red dot on it, but I bet you’ve never been to space. Let alone met a cowboy there.
One of the most functional pieces of the build is its rangefinder. In fact, this is the component that drove much of the rest of the build.
This project started with the question, “What modifications could be added to a classic revolver to enhance its performance?” Answers basically fell into three categories; increase ammo capacity, improved target acquisition/precision, and recoil management. I’ll discuss the ammo capacity later and all the weight I'm adding to the front end will help with recoil.
A rangefinder seemed like a solid choice for the build as it is very uncommon to see on any kind of pistol and adds a real (hypothetical) benefit for your average Space Cowboy: improved accuracy from knowing distance and therefore bullet flight path.
Flashlights and laser were considered but are lame and not useful at 100+ meters – the distance this gun is being designed to be used at.
On earth, the .357 magnum cartridge is effective for deer hunting out to 100, maybe 200 meters. Over that distance you can expect the bullet to drop from several inches and a foot or more. Knowing exactly how far off a target is allows the cowboy to better estimate his hold over the target and place more precise shots.
Enough about the “why.” On to the “what.”
This build is using LaserWorks LE-032 Rangefinder. I selected this one for several reasons. First, it’s small enough to fit inside the handguard I’ve selected. A rangefinder hanging off one side of the revolver isn’t cool. It would also make the revolver difficult to holster and lobsided to shoot. Second, it can measure several hundred meters of distance. Other mounted rangefinders are for bows or crossbows and only measure up to 100 meters. Third, it has a laser that makes it easy to ensure its measuring the thing you’re aiming at. Fourth, the range is displayed on a screen that is viewable without having to look into a scope.
You’ll notice in the images that I’ve fully disassembled the rangefinder – even dislocating the laser on top. Sorry LaserWorks team for tearing apart your brand-new rangefinder. I did this because even though the range finder is small, it’s still going to be a very tight fit inside the M-LOK handguard. I’ll reattach the laser once I get the fit in the handguard just right.
Shoutout to the team at LaserWorks for hustling to get me this rangefinder. Only their latest model has the laser, and I was having trouble finding one online, so I reach out to them directly and they sent one from their factory in less than two weeks. Pretty impressive.