I'm new to firearms in general & especially to the pistols. I did take a concealed course. My instructors did not exactly hide their disdain for revolvers. They are firmly devoted to the semi auto 9mm. They might forgive a person for choosing a different caliber but a revolver??? Nope. Nope. Nope. But everyone can have an opinion & I imagine there some folks here who have a different view. I like that a misfire isn't as major. They seen pretty simple. And, hey, they've got the cool cowboy/wild west look going on (I know, "it looks cool' is not a good way to pick a firearm but I've not shot many & don't have much else to go on). I've looked some pin Google & I can see the advantages of lots of rounds with semi autos. But from real people who own them......are revolvers a good starting point for new shooters? Any that you recommend or don't like or that take a more practiced shooter? Thanks all!
Revolvers for new shooters?
- Thread starter Trekked
- Start date
- Replies 96
- Views 1,923
Nothing wrong with revolvers.
My first two pistols were revolvers. The first was a S&W 29-2 (44mag), the other a Ruger SP-101 (.357mag).
My 3rd pistol was a Browning BDA380 semi auto.
My first two pistols were revolvers. The first was a S&W 29-2 (44mag), the other a Ruger SP-101 (.357mag).
My 3rd pistol was a Browning BDA380 semi auto.
Last edited:
Maybe @BatteryOaksBilly can give his thoughts on revolvers. Bet he knows something. š
Timfoilhat
Time is my accomplice
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
I've been into guns for 30 years, and only ever got a revolver last May. There's nothing wrong with them, but as semi auto pistols have progressed they've equalled or surpassed the revolver in the hands of an average shooter providing fast reloads and reliability.
I don't want to start the capacity advantage conversation since my carry gun only holds 7.
I don't want to start the capacity advantage conversation since my carry gun only holds 7.
Last edited:
^^^ @BatteryOaksBilly and @Etruett have forgotten more about wheelguns than Iāll ever know. Thatās why I listen when they speak. One thing Iāve noticed is that revolver shooters are nearly always good auto shooters, too. Not always the other way around.
There is no doubt the auto has a capacity advantage as well as a quicker reload unless you are Jerry Miculek, but my advice is carry what you shoot the best. A. Hit with a 6 shot revolver beats the hell out of 15 misses with an auto. If you canāt stop a real threat with 6 shots, odds are you wonāt stop it with 15. Escorial ly if the threat is advancing toward you.
Last edited:
Jmoser
Well-Known Member
Not that much difference in good DA revolver trigger pull vs many striker fired guns.
Most revolvers fired SA have good clean pulls.
A good way to develop marksmanship fundamentals.
Look for a used .38 4ā bbl with adjustable sights and never look back. Or .357 which can shoot .38s.
They are addictive. . . .
Most revolvers fired SA have good clean pulls.
A good way to develop marksmanship fundamentals.
Look for a used .38 4ā bbl with adjustable sights and never look back. Or .357 which can shoot .38s.
They are addictive. . . .
If you can run a K frame or J frame well, autos are easy. Your trigger control is fundamental on a revolver.
Revolvers are far less forgiving, run faster than autos, and point better for me.
Revolvers are far less forgiving, run faster than autos, and point better for me.
Last edited:
When I shoot my DA/SA guns in DA more I get better at everything. If you can shoot DA well, the rest is easier.
LazyBones
3rd Rate Henchman
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Life Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
There's pros and cons to both. I personally like revolvers a great deal, and carry one. I grew up shooting revolvers, I'm a better shot with revolvers, I still shoot and carry semi-auto pistols, but have a soft spot for revolvers.
But you need to find out what you like better. Like you said, everyone has opinions, and only you can find out what your opinion of revolvers are. That said, as a new shooter I would recommend you stay away from anything with a barrel length shorter than 4 inches. Snubnosed revolvers are very hard to shoot accurately, and are not for the new shooter.
I would suggest a full size 357 magnum, like a S&W 686, 4in or longer, or a Ruger GP100 with a similar barrel length.
One of the great things about a 357 magnum is the ability to shoot 38spl out of it, which is what I recommend you shoot first, before moving up to 357 magnum.
Make sure the first time you shoot it you are at a outdoor range, as it will probably be louder than what you are use too.
But you need to find out what you like better. Like you said, everyone has opinions, and only you can find out what your opinion of revolvers are. That said, as a new shooter I would recommend you stay away from anything with a barrel length shorter than 4 inches. Snubnosed revolvers are very hard to shoot accurately, and are not for the new shooter.
I would suggest a full size 357 magnum, like a S&W 686, 4in or longer, or a Ruger GP100 with a similar barrel length.
One of the great things about a 357 magnum is the ability to shoot 38spl out of it, which is what I recommend you shoot first, before moving up to 357 magnum.
Make sure the first time you shoot it you are at a outdoor range, as it will probably be louder than what you are use too.
Last edited:
I wish there was a course offered that was just range time with a whole lot of different pistols & putting lots of rounds through them. I guess that would be a costly course to offer given the prices of some ammo
Timfoilhat
Time is my accomplice
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
I know of one in Illinois. GAT Guns in East Dundee hosts instructor TD Rowe who puts on a Guns 101 class that features the gun buffet.
If you are not proficient shooting the firearm then capacity will not help. Nothing wrong with a nice .22lr revolver,
so many to chose from to help develop your shooting skills and not break your bank account on ammo.
so many to chose from to help develop your shooting skills and not break your bank account on ammo.
Last edited:
I started shooting with revolvers...when I decided to try autos, in the early-mid 1970s, I sought out the best auto shooters and builders I could find.
"The" Don Carroway and S.C. State Champion longer and with higher scores than anybody up until that time C.B. Riley. Thelbert Almond was their choice for a builder. Thelbert's guns Still hold the record for the Highest Aggragate Score ever fired in competition at Camp Perry [2668]. This was done with Irons and has stood the test of time since 1969.
What these men told me was to put away my revolvers for one year. This was After they were secure in their knowledge that I could shoot a revolver. As some have pointed out already, this doesn't work as well in the reverse. Trigger control is best taught with a Double Action Revolver/Auto combination. These old birds pointed out that the human brain is capable of picking up strange things that it then tries to "correct" for safety reasons. For instance, Mr. Brain Sees that slide coming back at you with unbelievable speed pointed right between your eyes. Then if That wasn't enough, your own gun is Hocking empty cases back at you to burn you at the stake. This can all be quite disconcerting if done without getting Broke In with the old DA revolver. There, Mr. Brain sees the hammer coming back in a slowish arch while watching the cylinder come around to put a cartridge in place to be smacked by that big falling hammer. All this happening in relative slow motion compared to the Auto Cycle. Much less death defying that the auto.
The DA Revolver to Single Action Auto is easier to help folks with than the other way around. NOW, the Glock Squish-Spoing trigger pull is an unbelievable transition for folks that have been brought up on a crisp SA Auto trigger...rounds go Low and Low Left from folks trying to MAKE the gun go bang instead of LETTING the gun go bang. It goes like this...Squeeze, Press, Mash [nothing happening] and JERK!
Most all trigger control problems can be eliminated with a proper grip On The Gun. Obviously IF you are holding it hard enough, nothing you do to the trigger can move your point of impact. To prove this I let shooters Hold the gun and Align the sights and I pull the trigger....5 rounds in a nickel size group at 10 yards is common while demoing this. Folks look at you with their jaw dropped when they see what "they" and their gun can do at 10 yards.
Shooting by it's purist definition is a simple act....it is certainly not as difficult as playing a musical instrument...and Yet, to do it at a concert level, requires no less dedication. I Shoot Every Day.....occasionally I still "hurry" a round out of a nice group....The Great Rob Leathem goes to Camp Perry most every year. He usually will finish in the bottom third of shooters. When shooting at the concert level and trying to perform at that level, even The Great One comes up lacking.
It is a wonderful and satisfying endeavor....just remember, nobody has ever shot a 2700 in competition. Keep practicing....it could be You!
"The" Don Carroway and S.C. State Champion longer and with higher scores than anybody up until that time C.B. Riley. Thelbert Almond was their choice for a builder. Thelbert's guns Still hold the record for the Highest Aggragate Score ever fired in competition at Camp Perry [2668]. This was done with Irons and has stood the test of time since 1969.
What these men told me was to put away my revolvers for one year. This was After they were secure in their knowledge that I could shoot a revolver. As some have pointed out already, this doesn't work as well in the reverse. Trigger control is best taught with a Double Action Revolver/Auto combination. These old birds pointed out that the human brain is capable of picking up strange things that it then tries to "correct" for safety reasons. For instance, Mr. Brain Sees that slide coming back at you with unbelievable speed pointed right between your eyes. Then if That wasn't enough, your own gun is Hocking empty cases back at you to burn you at the stake. This can all be quite disconcerting if done without getting Broke In with the old DA revolver. There, Mr. Brain sees the hammer coming back in a slowish arch while watching the cylinder come around to put a cartridge in place to be smacked by that big falling hammer. All this happening in relative slow motion compared to the Auto Cycle. Much less death defying that the auto.
The DA Revolver to Single Action Auto is easier to help folks with than the other way around. NOW, the Glock Squish-Spoing trigger pull is an unbelievable transition for folks that have been brought up on a crisp SA Auto trigger...rounds go Low and Low Left from folks trying to MAKE the gun go bang instead of LETTING the gun go bang. It goes like this...Squeeze, Press, Mash [nothing happening] and JERK!
Most all trigger control problems can be eliminated with a proper grip On The Gun. Obviously IF you are holding it hard enough, nothing you do to the trigger can move your point of impact. To prove this I let shooters Hold the gun and Align the sights and I pull the trigger....5 rounds in a nickel size group at 10 yards is common while demoing this. Folks look at you with their jaw dropped when they see what "they" and their gun can do at 10 yards.
Shooting by it's purist definition is a simple act....it is certainly not as difficult as playing a musical instrument...and Yet, to do it at a concert level, requires no less dedication. I Shoot Every Day.....occasionally I still "hurry" a round out of a nice group....The Great Rob Leathem goes to Camp Perry most every year. He usually will finish in the bottom third of shooters. When shooting at the concert level and trying to perform at that level, even The Great One comes up lacking.
It is a wonderful and satisfying endeavor....just remember, nobody has ever shot a 2700 in competition. Keep practicing....it could be You!
alpharius
Well-Known Member
I have carried autos but I like my revolver the best. If I knew I was going into a war zone (I'd just stay home) I'd carry my full-sized HK P30L semi-auto, yes, higher capacity is necessary for high-threat IMHO. But for everyday carry nothing wrong with a revolver. I carry a S&W 638 everyday. With a 5 shot revolver you will be armed better than 95% of the people out there.
Donāt listen to the dinosaurs. Revolvers are exponentially harder to master than a semiautomatic plain and simple. Once you master them they give ZERO advantages in a self defense situation so all that hard work is for a lower return.
If a person has no desire to understand or practice with a firearm but wants āsomething ā the revolver works better as it ks pretty self exclamatory on how it works-open it up, the ābulletsā go pointy end first and then it is ready to sit in the nightstand until stolen.
If a person has no desire to understand or practice with a firearm but wants āsomething ā the revolver works better as it ks pretty self exclamatory on how it works-open it up, the ābulletsā go pointy end first and then it is ready to sit in the nightstand until stolen.
alpharius
Well-Known Member
Zero advantages? I've shot both a good bit. I've literally never seen a revolver malfunction. Most semi-autos I've shot extensively have malfunctioned at least once.
I do appreciate that with my 22 rifle I can go out & shoot several rounds and only spent a few dollars. That may be a bigger point than I've given it credit for. If it costs $1.40 every time I fire......how much will I really practice?
Thank you for making that point
Started talking to some friends that I had no idea had a firearm. I'm amazed. Anyhow, one of them does in fact keep a revolver in the night stand but it's not been fired in years. Honestly I wonder if you're better off with nothing. Maybe someone won't shoot if you're not shooting. I'd rather not find out though.
As a non-dinosaur, there are a few advantages for revolvers, especially as pocket guns, but in general as well:
- Easy to operate with arthritis or shoulder injuries (opening cylinder versus racking a slide)
- Cannot be pushed out of battery by muzzle contact
- Misfire/ammo failure cured by pulling trigger again
- Rounder shapes on guns like centennials or internal hammer LCRs conceal exceedingly well in pockets and draw with zero snag potential
- Can be topped up
- Agnostic to bullet shape or operating pressures: you can shoot a big flat bullet as reasonably fast, or low-recoil, as you preferāand flat meplats of a reasonable size are a great thing
- Agnostic to lint and too much/too little lubrication, which causes issues in semi auto pocket guns
- Agnostic to your grip (cannot be limp wristed, also a concern for subcompact guns)
- Grip options for common concealed carry revolvers allow far more customization of gun weight and gun fit than comparable pistols
No one is going to argue that cops in the street should go back to K frames and 158 LRN for patrol work. No one is going to say revolvers have all the capacity someone would want for heading to trouble. No one is going to argue that the trigger is āeasier,ā but for a beginner? Master the DA revolver, and the world of triggers is your oyster.
For a basic āget out of trouble/get off me/get off my carā anti-robbery/assault tool? A J frame, LCR, D frame, etc. comes with benefits. Whether theyāre substantial and relevant enough to sway you away from a semi-auto is completely a matter of personal preference.
- Easy to operate with arthritis or shoulder injuries (opening cylinder versus racking a slide)
- Cannot be pushed out of battery by muzzle contact
- Misfire/ammo failure cured by pulling trigger again
- Rounder shapes on guns like centennials or internal hammer LCRs conceal exceedingly well in pockets and draw with zero snag potential
- Can be topped up
- Agnostic to bullet shape or operating pressures: you can shoot a big flat bullet as reasonably fast, or low-recoil, as you preferāand flat meplats of a reasonable size are a great thing
- Agnostic to lint and too much/too little lubrication, which causes issues in semi auto pocket guns
- Agnostic to your grip (cannot be limp wristed, also a concern for subcompact guns)
- Grip options for common concealed carry revolvers allow far more customization of gun weight and gun fit than comparable pistols
No one is going to argue that cops in the street should go back to K frames and 158 LRN for patrol work. No one is going to say revolvers have all the capacity someone would want for heading to trouble. No one is going to argue that the trigger is āeasier,ā but for a beginner? Master the DA revolver, and the world of triggers is your oyster.
For a basic āget out of trouble/get off me/get off my carā anti-robbery/assault tool? A J frame, LCR, D frame, etc. comes with benefits. Whether theyāre substantial and relevant enough to sway you away from a semi-auto is completely a matter of personal preference.
fieldgrade
waiting...
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Good review.
Definition of agnostic clearly co-opted by the young.
Definition of agnostic clearly co-opted by the young.
contender
Well-Known Member
Well, I'll step in & offer a bit of things to consider.
First off, any instructor who fails to offer a CHOICE,, and tries to force his/her opinion as the ONLY opinion is not much of an instructor.
Not everybody is the same in size, ability, thoughts, hand size, abilities, desires etc.
Your CCW instructor failed you as an instructor.
Next,, the majority of serious handgun hunting is done with a revolver, followed by single-shot's & then semi-autos. But when it comes to dangerous game animals,, almost ALWAYS a revolver is used.
Self defense. A DA revolver is the KISS method of handgunning. No magazine to drop, lose, or malfunction. No safety button or lever to worry about or accidentally re-engage. Weak hands can have a hard time racking the slide. A revolver can be fired from inside a pocket or purse more than once. A semi-auto will most likely jam while trying to cycle. And a DA revolver can be operated with one hand.
Having taught hundreds of ladies how to shoot over a few decades,, I can attest to the fact that many older ladies can not operate a semi-auto easily.
A semi auto can jam, and it takes (2) hands to clear it. Or to rack the slide. (Side note; My mother was attacked & robbed in her store many years ago. She had a pocket sized semi-auto. She was sprayed with pepper spray (3) times, and was TRYING to get her gun into use.) Try fending off an attacker who is physically assaulting you, and a one handed operating handgun is a better choice. A DA revolver can be operated one handed, with EITHER hand, and will be more reliable due to the fewer controls necessary to make it operate.
That said, ALL types of firearms require PRACTICE. And I do not mean standing on a firing line, holding the gun with both hands, relaxed shooting. Practice is necessary for all functions necessary to making sure the gun will do as you desire.
Shooting with both hands, one handed, using each hand only, reloading, shooting while seated, laying down, or other positions that put you in a "less than optimal" body position. With a semi-auto, you also have to practice the potential jamming issues, dropped mags, the accidental re-engaging of the safety, racking the slide with only the use of one hand, etc.
In short,, to be proficient, you have to really practice all sorts of things,, no matter if the gun is a Single-Action, A Double action, or a semi-auto.
I fully agree that most of the quality modern made semi-autos are very durable, and reliable.
And they can be mastered by those willing to practice, practice practice. I always teach that if you want to really learn to operate a semi-auto, become very involved in a type of competition where time is part of your scoring. USPSA or IDPA both offer such stresses to where you really learn to operate a semi-auto w/o thinking. But as a Range Safety officer,, I have seen all kinds of malfunctions during matches. Jams, dropped mags, re-engaged safeties, rounds of ammo flipped backwards & jammed into the chamber, are among the first things that come to mind.
So, while semi-autos are very good they are NOT the only option.
And to the poster who said; "Donāt listen to the dinosaurs. Revolvers are exponentially harder to master than a semiautomatic plain and simple. Once you master them they give ZERO advantages in a self defense situation so all that hard work is for a lower return." I respectfully disagree. Once you master a revolver,, others are a bit easier to master. But read my thoughts on why a revolver can have advantages over a semi-auto. One handed, easy to operate. Grab, point, and pull the trigger if necessary for self defense.
Now, to the OP, you said; "I wish there was a course offered that was just range time with a whole lot of different pistols & putting lots of rounds through them. I guess that would be a costly course to offer given the prices of some ammo"
I don't know where you are in NC, but if you are near WNC,, I can assist you in that type of training.
First off, any instructor who fails to offer a CHOICE,, and tries to force his/her opinion as the ONLY opinion is not much of an instructor.
Not everybody is the same in size, ability, thoughts, hand size, abilities, desires etc.
Your CCW instructor failed you as an instructor.
Next,, the majority of serious handgun hunting is done with a revolver, followed by single-shot's & then semi-autos. But when it comes to dangerous game animals,, almost ALWAYS a revolver is used.
Self defense. A DA revolver is the KISS method of handgunning. No magazine to drop, lose, or malfunction. No safety button or lever to worry about or accidentally re-engage. Weak hands can have a hard time racking the slide. A revolver can be fired from inside a pocket or purse more than once. A semi-auto will most likely jam while trying to cycle. And a DA revolver can be operated with one hand.
Having taught hundreds of ladies how to shoot over a few decades,, I can attest to the fact that many older ladies can not operate a semi-auto easily.
A semi auto can jam, and it takes (2) hands to clear it. Or to rack the slide. (Side note; My mother was attacked & robbed in her store many years ago. She had a pocket sized semi-auto. She was sprayed with pepper spray (3) times, and was TRYING to get her gun into use.) Try fending off an attacker who is physically assaulting you, and a one handed operating handgun is a better choice. A DA revolver can be operated one handed, with EITHER hand, and will be more reliable due to the fewer controls necessary to make it operate.
That said, ALL types of firearms require PRACTICE. And I do not mean standing on a firing line, holding the gun with both hands, relaxed shooting. Practice is necessary for all functions necessary to making sure the gun will do as you desire.
Shooting with both hands, one handed, using each hand only, reloading, shooting while seated, laying down, or other positions that put you in a "less than optimal" body position. With a semi-auto, you also have to practice the potential jamming issues, dropped mags, the accidental re-engaging of the safety, racking the slide with only the use of one hand, etc.
In short,, to be proficient, you have to really practice all sorts of things,, no matter if the gun is a Single-Action, A Double action, or a semi-auto.
I fully agree that most of the quality modern made semi-autos are very durable, and reliable.
And they can be mastered by those willing to practice, practice practice. I always teach that if you want to really learn to operate a semi-auto, become very involved in a type of competition where time is part of your scoring. USPSA or IDPA both offer such stresses to where you really learn to operate a semi-auto w/o thinking. But as a Range Safety officer,, I have seen all kinds of malfunctions during matches. Jams, dropped mags, re-engaged safeties, rounds of ammo flipped backwards & jammed into the chamber, are among the first things that come to mind.
So, while semi-autos are very good they are NOT the only option.
And to the poster who said; "Donāt listen to the dinosaurs. Revolvers are exponentially harder to master than a semiautomatic plain and simple. Once you master them they give ZERO advantages in a self defense situation so all that hard work is for a lower return." I respectfully disagree. Once you master a revolver,, others are a bit easier to master. But read my thoughts on why a revolver can have advantages over a semi-auto. One handed, easy to operate. Grab, point, and pull the trigger if necessary for self defense.
Now, to the OP, you said; "I wish there was a course offered that was just range time with a whole lot of different pistols & putting lots of rounds through them. I guess that would be a costly course to offer given the prices of some ammo"
I don't know where you are in NC, but if you are near WNC,, I can assist you in that type of training.
Cole_McD
:^)
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Life Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Millennial aged shooter here so take it with a grain of salt š
.
The only real advantage to a revolver nowadays is the roundness of the handgun for concealment in a pocket and magnum loadings. Outside of that there's really no benefit imo.
Modern 9mm handguns are better in every conceivable way with regards to defensive use, are plenty accurate, reliable, controllable, and of course carry plenty of ammunition with easy reloads. Anyone who says they've never seen a revolver malfunction probably just hasn't shot enough. Revolvers do malfunction, and when they do they go down hard, not to mention smith and Ruger have both been having spotty qc lately.
There's also the issue of ammunition cost, another reason why 9mm is objectively better for a first handgun. The most important thing is to familiarize yourself with your handgun and shoot the snot out of it, affordable practice and training ammunition helps tremendously. A lot can be worked out in dry fire, but there's no substitute for real range time or training with a legit training outfit.
Revolvers are cool, but I don't think there's a sound argument (outside of niche points) to get one over a modern semi auto for defensive use.
The only real advantage to a revolver nowadays is the roundness of the handgun for concealment in a pocket and magnum loadings. Outside of that there's really no benefit imo.
Modern 9mm handguns are better in every conceivable way with regards to defensive use, are plenty accurate, reliable, controllable, and of course carry plenty of ammunition with easy reloads. Anyone who says they've never seen a revolver malfunction probably just hasn't shot enough. Revolvers do malfunction, and when they do they go down hard, not to mention smith and Ruger have both been having spotty qc lately.
There's also the issue of ammunition cost, another reason why 9mm is objectively better for a first handgun. The most important thing is to familiarize yourself with your handgun and shoot the snot out of it, affordable practice and training ammunition helps tremendously. A lot can be worked out in dry fire, but there's no substitute for real range time or training with a legit training outfit.
Revolvers are cool, but I don't think there's a sound argument (outside of niche points) to get one over a modern semi auto for defensive use.
fieldgrade
waiting...
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
and doing a reasonably good job of it.
Jeppo
Bold inspired solutions for America š
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Life Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Hereās the story of my 2019 revolvers-only yearā¦
Post in thread 'Aftec 1911 extractor.'
https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/aftec-1911-extractor.51985/post-909071
Post in thread 'Aftec 1911 extractor.'
https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/aftec-1911-extractor.51985/post-909071
-Easy to operate with arthritis?
Itās called a S&W EZ 380 actually a great pistol for this.
Ejecting cases from a J frame is not easy for anyone regardless of physical health!
-Canāt be pushed out of battery? sure, but a very niche case. what about when there are 7 targets? again a niche case.
-misfire? if you are worried get a semiauto with double strike capability -
-Easier to carry/less snag? Only applies to 5 shot shrouded hammers revolvers. You arenāt gonna pack a K frame S&W easier
Can be topped up? Called a tactical reload grandpaw and semiautomatics can do that too just faster
Bullet shape? OK pops get some education. go over to Lucky Gunner and study some ballistic tests. Those new fangled hollow points work.
-Too much too little lubricant (what she said
) applies to all firearms and not relevant -Canāt be limp wristed? Why ? bec of the massive DA trigger pull? If you are not holding any pistol tight enough it will cause problems with shifting around so this is more of a training issue. Way easier to teach holding a pistol tight than shooting a J frame double action.
Grip options? How many flavors of semiautomatics with replaceable back straps and side panels are there? Talon grips? I would argue you have more options with semiautomatics.
And on there are NO benefits to a J frame style.
You have not shot enough.
Revolver malfunctions I have personally seen or experienced:
A chunk of lead fouling getting into the crane. Essentially soldered the cylinder. Required a hammer and full disassembling.
Primers backing out and causing enough drag to prevent the cylinder from rotating. Again hammer time..
Pocket lint getting between the hammer and frame causing misfires. Second strike capability here just gives you second misfires
Fouling on cylinder front causing drag on forcing cone.
Cylinder pawl spring breaking . Admittedly this was on Iver Johnson top break 32 but stillā¦
alpharius
Well-Known Member
It's unlikely enough that you can prioritize other parameters.
Well that only covers one possible malfunction with an auto. Plus, there are really not many of those around anymore...all the good carry autos are striker-fired these days.
I hear this alot and its not a good argument. Most people don't have hours and hours to train. Being forced to train (more) is a disadvantage. Its a legitimate advantage to a revolver to not have to worry about limp wristing. Plus you have no idea if your training is going to help in a defensive encounter until you've faced it. No plan survives first contact with the enemy and all that. Any number of things could go wrong and you may not be able to get a good grip on your firearm like you trained too.
OK sure. Everything mechanical malfunctions. We agree on that. Every revolver will eventually malfunction, sure. But a new, decent brand, cleaned and maintained auto will malfunction statistically far more than a new, decent brand, cleaned and maintained revolver.
S4f
I survived v- bulletin
Charter Member
Benefactor
Life Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Congratulations on your journey to become an armed citizen.
I think if you're enamored with the revolver, want to buy it put in the time to learn to shoot it go for it.
We're a pompous lot here sometimes and I include myself in that statement and love for new shooters to ask what they should buy so we can shower them with our years of knowledge and and sway them to our point of view.
But at the end of the day in your hour of need should it ever arise none of us are going to be there and it all falls to you.
If the revolver is what's going to get you home safely then you do you.
I still love Billy's line
We must all seek our own salvation.
I think if you're enamored with the revolver, want to buy it put in the time to learn to shoot it go for it.
We're a pompous lot here sometimes and I include myself in that statement and love for new shooters to ask what they should buy so we can shower them with our years of knowledge and and sway them to our point of view.
But at the end of the day in your hour of need should it ever arise none of us are going to be there and it all falls to you.
If the revolver is what's going to get you home safely then you do you.
I still love Billy's line
We must all seek our own salvation.
Last edited:
-Easy to operate with arthritis?
Itās called a S&W EZ 380 actually a great pistol for this.
Ejecting cases from a J frame is not easy for anyone regardless of physical health!
-Canāt be pushed out of battery? sure, but a very niche case. what about when there are 7 targets? again a niche case.
-misfire? if you are worried get a semiauto with double strike capability -
-Easier to carry/less snag? Only applies to 5 shot shrouded hammers revolvers. You arenāt gonna pack a K frame S&W easier
Can be topped up? Called a tactical reload grandpaw and semiautomatics can do that too just faster
Bullet shape? OK pops get some education. go over to Lucky Gunner and study some ballistic tests. Those new fangled hollow points work.
-Too much too little lubricant (what she said
-Canāt be limp wristed? Why ? bec of the massive DA trigger pull? If you are not holding any pistol tight enough it will cause problems with shifting around so this is more of a training issue. Way easier to teach holding a pistol tight than shooting a J frame double action.
Grip options? How many flavors of semiautomatics with replaceable back straps and side panels are there? Talon grips? I would argue you have more options with semiautomatics.
And on there are NO benefits to a J frame style.
Maybe the āWheelguns!ā Subforum should be on your āignoreā list?
The EZ series are crappy undersprung guns that have poorly-designed magazines, poor holster options, still come with the manual-of-arms of a standard semiauto, and cannot be placed into a pocket carry role, just belt carry. Ejecting cases on any revolver takes a light ābopā that anyone larger and more coordinated than a child can manage.
Entangled fighting is way less of a niche case than seven guys in a gunfight. People fight close with personal weapons all the time. I cannot recall the last time I saw or was informed of a roving water polo/rugby sevens team committing violence in a news story that didnāt mention gangs at a nightclub at 2 AM.
A ādouble strikeā semi-auto does not rotate to a new round. You can smack a dead primer twice and still need an immediate action. Revolvers rotate. Those arenāt comparable functions.
Your statement about no-snag revolvers (1) contradicts your last assertion about J-frames and (2) ignores shrouded D-frames or guns in alternative calibers like .32 mag and .22 mag.
Youāre ignoring Lucky Gunnerās own information about full wadcutters. Also ignoring obvious benefits of flat meplats on heavy-for-caliber projectiles. Yeah, hollowpoints workāsometimes. They clog with winter clothing, and they can glance off bone at sufficient angles because of rounded ogives. Seen it in person, and thatās consistent with larger sets of anecdotal evidence from guys like Jim Cirillo and Darryl Bolke, both of whom cataloged their departmentās shootings over several year periods. Flat-pointed bullets with sharp corners and good sectional density driven at moderate velocities for weight donāt have those vulnerabilities, especially with respect to bone.
Youāre not even addressing too much or too little lube/lint. Another point from a Lucky Gunner video on pocket pistols. We all know that semi-autos function by a bunch of stuff moving back and forth under spring pressureāand with short slide strokes, small magazines, and stout-by-necessity springs, adverse conditions cause failures earlier. A shrouded or internal hammer wheelgun is more tolerant of long days, adverse conditions, and neglect in general.
Youāre not addressing the limp wrist issue either. A bad grip (low on the frame, unlocked wrist due to injury, etc.) can induce ejection and feed cycle problems in small autos. Low or weak grips do not affect revolver function. You just need the web of your hand, some palm, and one working finger with enough strength to pull ~10 pounds to empty a cylinder.
Comparing (1) the universe of magna stocks, grip adapters, boot grips, combat stocks, target stocks, fingergroove versus non-groove grips, delta grips, hip grips, and so on to (2) grip panels is laughable. There is exponentially more adjustability to grip circumference, size, and angle with common revolver frames. Nothing in the semiauto market is even close.
Iām never going to argue that the average Glock 19 carrier should trade it all in for a 442 or LCR, but there are benefits to revolvers for self-defense. There are major cons (capacity, trigger learning curve, a different type of maintenance schedule).
Itās up to the person whether the pros of carrying a rounded, failure-resistant, snag resistant gun with tons of grip and holster options outweigh the cons of low capacity and heavier triggers in their life, with their routine, in the times and places they go regularly.
Last edited:
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Do you see a theme in the above???? Read and learn Grasshopper.
Timfoilhat
Time is my accomplice
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
No. I've also taken courses that feature something similar they call the "Battlefield Pickup". Point being learning proficiency with any gun you happen upon in a seriously worst case scenario. To complicate the situation the instructor rigs the guns laid out for pickup so the magazines will fall out, or the mags aren't loaded, cylinders not locked etc. Then they add a timer to induce stress. It's one heck of a good time and a challenge when you've not shot a single action revolver, or an airweight .357, a HK P7 or a Beretta with a tip up barrel.
Last edited:
Nope,
If a new shooter starts with a 642 and a box of 158 grain ammo they will end up frustrated and most likely with a flinch and will not likely want to repeat the experience. They start off with a G42 or a EZ they will have a good time, actually hit something and will very likely return