Revolvers have more moving parts than semis, even double-action semis. Revolvers are more complex in operation. A semi is simplistic in operation. When a revolver fails -and revolvers will fail- it's usually catastrophic meaning it becomes a throwing weapon. While I've never had a good quality semi fail, drills I was taught to clear malfunctions took a few seconds and the semi was back in the fight. I have had S&W revolvers fail & were hopelessly useless until fixed/repaired.

I'd bet that the S&W Model 5904 was more reliable than ANY revolver EVER produced by S&W.

For self-defense, I'd take a Performance Center 3" Model 1911 9MM over ANY revolver.

I'd pit a Sig P229 against any revolver in competition of reliability.

Antiquated beliefs die very slowly. Some hand gunners, especially six shooters, refuse to believe that a semi is more reliable that their beloved revolvers. I'm good. It's their business, not mine.

The reality is revolvers are far more persnickety and vulnerable to catastrophic malfunction than are good-quality semis.

BTW, I Love J-Frame revolvers.