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  #1  
Old 02-02-2010, 01:10 AM
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Question Pistol or revolver?

I've been doing some reading that makes some very valid points to advantages of carrying a revolver versus a pistol, and I'm giving serious consideration to getting me a good revolver to carry as opposed to the pistol I've been carrying. I'm just curious as to what other folks prefer...do you carry a revolver or a pistol (not as a back-up gun, but as a primary).
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Old 02-02-2010, 02:38 AM
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It would be interesting to read what you are referring to. My only concern would be that I am sufficiently familiar with the gun to be convinced that it is reliable and properly maintained.
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Old 02-02-2010, 03:20 AM
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The bottom line is that there is alot more that can go wrong with a semi-auto than a revolver. It makes perfect sense to want a revolver as a primary, it's worked for many years. I'll keep my auto for my usual EDC, but I do want to get a J-frame for a reliable BUG and deep concealment primary. I have as much faith in my P3AT as I do my M&P40c, but excrement happens.
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Old 02-02-2010, 04:17 AM
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I only carry my wheel gun at a main gun only if i'm in what I like to call a "low risk" area only. I just don't like the fact that after 5 shots, I'm out were as even with my M&Pc which I pocket carry I have 13 rounds of the good stuff until I have to reload to join the party again. I know I can reload my wheel gun but I will never be as fast I am with my autos/
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Old 02-02-2010, 05:37 AM
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I alternate between a 686+ 3", a 642 and an M&P9c depending upon circumstances.

If I had to choose just one, it would be the 686+ for the reason that it is hands down, the most reliable and most versatile.
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Old 02-02-2010, 05:50 AM
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I like semi-auto's for fun at the range, but I don't want to carry one for protection. I either carry a 642 or a 640-1, both no lock and both concealable. I have a bigger 686+ and a 1911 for range fun, but they're not my personal defense guns. B
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Old 02-02-2010, 05:59 AM
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I switch back and forth between the two. You need to be proficient with both, meaning lots of practice. A lot of folks think that just because it's a revolver, that nothing can ever go wrong, and it doesn't require as much practice as a semi-auto. That is not necessarily true. To become good with a revolver, you still need to practice a lot.

Revolvers are less prone to have malfunctions though, and I would think that many carry them over semi-autos for just that reason. It's a trade off between potential reliability problems VS capacity. Practice a lot with the revolver, and you may not really need 14+ rounds!

I like both, and tend to switch back and forth. I practice a lot with both.


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Old 02-02-2010, 07:49 AM
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I alternate between auto and wheelgun.
Normally, however, its auto as primary and revo as a BUG.


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Old 02-02-2010, 10:16 AM
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I carry both interchangeably.
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Old 02-02-2010, 10:32 AM
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A 640, or 60 on the hip, and an airweight in the offhand pocket would seem to be a logical compromise between revolver reliability, and capacity.

A speedloader, or speed strips would give secondary capacity if needed.
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Old 02-02-2010, 10:32 AM
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After years of shooting autoloaders in competition, I started carrying J- frame revolvers when I got my concealed carry permit.
They are easier to conceal than any of the semiautos I have.

I've made occasional attempts to switch to semis but have always come back to revolvers.
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Old 02-02-2010, 10:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gboling View Post
It would be interesting to read what you are referring to.
it's "The Snubby Revolver" by Ed Lovette
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Old 02-02-2010, 10:35 AM
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Revolvers ARE pistols ;D. My bedside firearm is a revolver because it many get loaded then not touched for a few weeks. My carry firearm is usually a semi-auto, but I make a point of changing magazines weekly. For years my routine has been on Saturday afternoon fire the carry magazine into a target behind the barn, clean and wipe down the pistol, then load a spare magazine with bright new cartridges for church on Sunday morning.
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Old 02-02-2010, 10:44 AM
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I own two Glock 21s that are as reliable as any semiauto can possibly be but I still choose to carry one of my 625s for any and all serious use, even though it holds less than half the rounds. There's just too much that can go wrong with any good semiauto (and I don't want to even think about the many BAD ones out there), such as cycling problems from a less than ideal or weak hand grip and stoppages from the slide cycling into the clothing I am wearing while shooting from retention. I have none of this with my 625. The 625 also shoots .45 Super without any modification and will handle any weight, shape or length of bullet with complete reliability. Another problem with the auto is the need to constantly chamber and un-chamber ammo, which is very hard on good, expensive carry ammo.

Reliability "problems" with the revolver are very easy to fix. Make sure that the springs are strong enough to fire the harder Winchester and CCI primers without fail, and then Loc-tite the strain screw all the way in against the grip frame (unless it's a J Frame, which does not have a strain screw). Some Loc-tite on the yoke screw is a good idea too. It's also a good idea to shoot 100 rounds of dirty cast bullet ammo through a revolver to make sure you do not feel any binding from an excessively tight cylinder gap. If your revolver passes all these tests, you will not have any reliability issues on the street when you need it most.

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Old 02-02-2010, 11:14 AM
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It would depend on which revolver and which auto you are talking about. I carried a S&W revolver over any auto when on duty as a primary sidearm which was my decision. The only time I carried a semi auto was if I was on bike patrol and then it was for comfort and not logistics.

On the other hand, I don't care for S&W J or L frames and if would choose an auto, of the single action type, before one of those. Especially the J frame, they just don't fit that well.

You can find all kinds of junk in print about the topic, some good reasons and some just plain stupid ideas, all intended to sell the book or magazine in question by appealing to the readers personal opinions.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:57 AM
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I carry either. Really, it just depends on the mood I'm in for the day. A psychologist would probably read something into all that, but some days I'm in an auto mood (Kahr or Glock) and sometimes I'm in a revolver mood (J, K, L or N-frame). Circumstances rarely influence my choice, as I live a pretty boring life. If I think there's a good chance for trouble, I'm gonna stay home.
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Old 02-02-2010, 01:13 PM
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Hi neighbor:
As an instructor, I recommend a revolver if the person is not experienced in pistols. There are too many varibles and possible malfunctions if you are proficient in clearing the malfunctions. A revolver is extremely reliable. If the round does not discharge, you simple pull the trigger again. Also, a person can be just as fast or even faster with a speed loader loading a revolver. It takes lots of practice. I can attest to that by viewing Jerry Michulek as he shots his revolver and reloads quicker than a pistol. Very impressive. Most incidents are at close range and with less than five shots. Take some of the NRA firearm courses to learn the basics and advance shooting techniques. The firearm technology is advancing today than it ever has been with new ammo and accessories. I teach in Hudson and and the courses are available on the NRA training education web link.
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Old 02-02-2010, 04:03 PM
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+1...

If there is a perfect answer, this it it !
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Old 02-02-2010, 05:55 PM
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Generally, I use revolvers. I will use a P3AT where weight and/or deep concealment necessitate doing so.

I like the ease of operation and reliability of revolvers. I also like the long heavy trigger of a DA wheel gun. As important, actually moreso, than being a great weapon is using guns that one can safely live with. The long, heavy DA trigger of a revolver has a "fudge factor" that I find comforting.

Last of all, revolvers allow me to deal in power levels that generally aren't available to auto pistols. I decided to trade capacity for power.
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Old 02-02-2010, 06:14 PM
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I usually carry a pistol as a primary (9x23 Aegis Ultra, most days) and a snubby revolver for backup. Even so, I don't feel undergunned with a 6 or 7 shot revolver as a primary and occasionally carry a 3" 681+ PC or one of my 3" or 4" 629s as such. Depends on weather, clothing, where I am and what I'm doing, my mood, and the position of the moon, stars and tide. For reasons I don't fully understand, I usually get feeling "revolverish" in cold, wet weather, but I'm old enough to relish certain idiosyncrasies. I view good pistols, with good ammo, in trained hands, every bit as reliable as revolvers, in the most general terms. I've seen more "gotta have tools to fix" malfs in revolvers than I have in autos, even though autos have more malfs of SOME kind than revolvers do. Most can be cleared in a second or two, unlike revolver lockups. But, for my students whom I know won't practice jam-clearing or get fully trained on autos, I always recommend the simplicity of a revolver, nonetheless.
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Old 02-02-2010, 06:26 PM
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I carry a Revolver most of the time...DAO (5,6,7,shot)
All of them...that have a hammer are "Bobb" and ride in a IWB rig or front pocket. The longest barrel length is 3", I always carry extra ammo.

The only Auto that I carry is a full size 1911 and they are set-up as carry guns, I only carry them when the "Threat Level" of Multiple BG's armed with Auto's or a Massive attack of BG's is on going or forth coming and I always carry extra ammo.

A Revolver is a wise,smart,easy and safe choice for many to carry
for SD.
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Old 02-02-2010, 07:06 PM
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Technically, ALL handguns are "pistols" and there are semi-autos and revolvers. Personally, I feel a revolver is MUCH more reliable and tend to carry one as the primary concealed choice. Sometimes I'll add a semi and still carry a revolver. More often I'll add a 2nd revolver. I've seen just too many FTF by semi's, even top of the line semis, to have 100% faith in them.
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Old 02-07-2010, 12:16 AM
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Usually revolvers because I shoot them better. Today my back has been bothering me so I have a lighter weight S&W 1911PD instead of my model 10.
I always have a J-frame for BUG/NY reload, so I don't worry too much about capacity or reloading, but I still carry at least one speed strip in the watch pocket of my jeans.
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Old 02-07-2010, 11:55 AM
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I carry both, but the revolver is always there, some times as a BUG and sometimes as the primary.
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Old 02-07-2010, 10:40 PM
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I started out with revolvers in the seventies and moved over to semi-autos and stayed there for more than 20 years. Now that I’m older with a few battle scars, I noticed my reactions are not as fast, and so on. In short, our motor and sensory skills diminish with age and that’s just way it is. So, returning to a more basic system just seemed logical to me. Besides, I forgot how much I liked revolvers. ~

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Old 02-08-2010, 10:14 AM
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I carry either one, depending on my planned activities. Off-duty I carry my 642 the majority of the time. The rest of the time it's my issued Glock 23. I have faith in the reliability of either one. I have a Kahr CW-40 on lay-a-way right now, if it proves to be reliable after break in it'll go into the rotation. While my expectations for accuracy are lower than many folks, I won't own an unreliable gun.
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Old 02-08-2010, 12:15 PM
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I initially picked up a XD9 Subcompact for carry, but more and more I pocket carry my well worn nickel Model 37. With the warm weather in Florida it slips easily into light clothing and the slight bulge prints like a keyring. Due to my job I'm in the public eye, most of the time on a ladder or having to bend over or stretch frequently. Personally I feel more safe with 14 rounds of 9mm+p, but sometimes concessions have to be made. If I run into anything serious hopefully the 5 rounds of .38 will get me to my go bag, which I try to keep near, and my xd with 2 spare full size mags. At home I keep the 37 in the pocket and usually have a Model 10 on the belt.
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Old 02-08-2010, 07:23 PM
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Get one of each !!!
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Old 02-08-2010, 08:06 PM
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Quote:
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Get one of each !!!
already there

I think my model 60-4 3" I just picked up is going to start traveling with me as soon as I get an IWB for it.
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Old 02-08-2010, 08:25 PM
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Depends on the auto. The best of them have an advantage or two under certain circumstances, and are almost as reliable as a revolver. You should probably carry a reliable backup for either revolver or bottomfeeder.

Myself, I don't believe in playing with guns in the house on a daily basis. When I load a gun, it usually stays loaded until I empty it at the range next week. If I do have occasion to load or unload a gun in the house, I would much rather do it to a revolver than an auto. I for sure don't unload a gun, particularly an auto, when I come home late at night (very rare, these days). If it's an auto (a Colt Series 80), I remove the holster with the gun in it, put the whole thing in the safe, and hang a "loaded" tag on it in case I die in my sleep.

YMMV.
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Old 02-08-2010, 09:16 PM
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CCW both a semi-auto and a revolver
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Old 02-09-2010, 12:07 AM
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M&P9c and Ruger SP101 357... One in the Jeep and one on my belt...
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Old 02-09-2010, 02:51 AM
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I started of with a Colt commander & Glock 21 as my carry guns. I recently bought a Smith & Wesson model 442 with no internal lock and haven't left the house without it since. A good snub nose is a gun you can always have with you and is very reliable. People say five rounds isn't enough but I have to disagree after taking it to the range!! Get something that you'll always carry either way.
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Old 02-11-2010, 04:50 PM
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I started off w/a S&W® Mdl 10 M&P. When the semi-autos came along I made a conscious decision to be grandfathered w/my revolvers. I fully retired on 11/08/2008. These days I carry two revolvers, a primary and a BUG. Primary is a snub nosed 357 Magnum; BUG is the ubiquitous 5 shot 38 Special. I Load the 357 Mag with THIS. BUG carries THIS LOAD. As I'm getting a little long in the tooth, will be 60 in three months; I try to keep things as simple as possible. Revolvers allow me to do that.
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Old 02-12-2010, 01:14 PM
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I believe I've settled on my new model 60 becoming my primary (as soon as I can get a holster for it). Depending on how I'm dressed I'm either carrying my S&W M&P40c in an IWB holster, the M&P40c in a Smartcarry, or my 638 in a pocket holster (and sometimes a combination). I'm 99% confident in my M&P40c, but I'm 100% confident in my revolvers which is why I'm going to go that route. The only problem I've got to solve is that revolvers don't work for me in the Smartcarry as the cylinder hangs up when I'm trying to draw, but I think I've got a solution worked out for that...just have to try it out
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Old 02-14-2010, 05:12 PM
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after more research I've found several answers to questions. I made a modification to my Smartcarry that allows me to carry revolvers in it with no problems. But, as far as my primary carry gun I've gone back to my M&P40c simply because I shoot it a whole lot better than the model 60. In a stressful situation I figure I need to have the best chance I can of hitting something, and my M&P gives me that. Also, the M&P40c in a Comp-Tac MTAC is the best carry combination I've ever had...it rides just right, and it conceals great. Adding my 638 as a BUG gives me the best of both worlds.
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Old 02-23-2010, 11:35 PM
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I carry both and am happy with both.It just depends what mood I am in.
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Old 02-24-2010, 01:53 AM
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Depends on the places I'm going, weather, clothing and mood. Mostly a Model 64 3", then a Kimber 5", then a Kimber 4", then a Model 39, then a 640 and last a P3AT. I just got a nice Model 19 in 4" so might do that also. I've been known to carry a Model 629 and a Ruger .44 camping. I can hit with them all. If I'm headed to the forest or the Big Thitty, I might have two...one on the shoulder and one on the hip. My lovely spouse once asked me why I was carrying two and I asked her why she had a spare tire in her car. She didn't ask anymore. I believe you can avoid trouble if you're prepared to do so. I like to avoid trouble.
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Old 02-27-2010, 01:47 AM
jeffrey jeffrey is offline
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Although I carry a revolver (a 640 or a 37-2, depending), it's not because I am under any misapprehension that nothing goes wrong with revolvers, or that they can be readily fixed when something does go wrong. The hand snapped off the 37-2 the second time I took it to the range. S&W fixed the gun (within days of my sending it to them) -- but I would have been in deep trouble had this happened when I needed it. The 640 has been fine, but the hammernose snapped off my new 629-4 after a round count of 50 or so (of mostly .44 special). S&W fixed that too, quickly and at their cost, unlike other manufacturers we could all name.

This is not to knock S&W, whose customer service is second to none, it's just to say that revolvers are machines and that machines break. Unfortunately, my benighted state no longer permits CCW holders the right to carry a back-up gun!
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Old 02-27-2010, 06:47 PM
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I carry and am happy with both. Depends on the situation I guess.
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Old 02-27-2010, 07:09 PM
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I love the simplicity of revolvers and round limitation is not the problem: just hate the "cylinder bulge"....
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Old 02-28-2010, 12:15 AM
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Ever since Ive retired its been exclusively revolvers.I love my snubs always reliable,very concealable and easy to use.
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Old 02-28-2010, 01:58 AM
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I carry a self loading pistol at work every day now (Glock 38 or 39) but for many, many years I carried a Smith revolver. I never felt like I was outgunned carrying either a Model 10 or 66....I have a backup gun in my patrol car, it is a Smith 64. I have a 696 by my bedside, and it sits next to me as I type this.
The "tactical high speed low drag" types have made us think that a revolver is nearly obsolete in a gunfight....I don't buy it. We would be just as well served with revolvers on duty as we are now with self loaders..
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Old 02-28-2010, 11:00 AM
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Just a few thoughts to add to this conversation. One nice advantage to a small revolver is the ability to carry it in a coat pocket and retain the ability to fire it repeatedly without the need to draw or brandish the weapon. It can be comforting to be able to walk to your car in a dark parking lot with your hand on the weapon. The extra capacity in the semi auto is nice, but statistically unnecessary for most (but certainly not all) civilian self defense situations. Of course one never knows when that extra round could make the difference. Several here have mentioned the Smart Carry holster. I have its competitor, a Thunderwear holster that I sometimes use. Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable carrying a Glock (or other light triggered semi auto pistol) with one in the chamber in such a rig, so close to the family jewels. For me it's a revolver, a true double auto semi, or a P7 or perhaps some other semi with a safety on it. Of course, others are free to do as they wish.
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Old 02-28-2010, 12:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheelgunner840 View Post
I switch back and forth between the two. You need to be proficient with both, meaning lots of practice. A lot of folks think that just because it's a revolver, that nothing can ever go wrong, and it doesn't require as much practice as a semi-auto. That is not necessarily true. To become good with a revolver, you still need to practice a lot.

Revolvers are less prone to have malfunctions though, and I would think that many carry them over semi-autos for just that reason. It's a trade off between potential reliability problems VS capacity. Practice a lot with the revolver, and you may not really need 14+ rounds!

I like both, and tend to switch back and forth. I practice a lot with both.


WG840
+1 I have and carry both, depending upon the area and situation. I feel good with a 17-round auto and extra mag wherever I go. But I also frequently just drop a 5-shot model 60 into my pocket when I am going out for a quick run to the store, etc. Five rounds is plenty for defensive purposes in 99% of any situations that might arise.


--Doc
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Old 02-28-2010, 05:34 PM
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David selected five smooth stones before he kicked Goliath's *****. If that were today, I'm sure he'd have killed him with a model 60. I believe in carrying multiple guns if possible, but the person packing only a five shot J frame is still doing themselves a great service.
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Old 03-08-2010, 01:34 AM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
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For my 30+ years on the job I have carried both. Always at least 2.

On and off duty...

Sometimes one of each, sometimes two of one...

I have also shot both in competition.

My primary has always been over 40 cal.

Here are my thoughts:::

The advantages of a semi auto, are that it can be reloaded faster, and topped off easier, even while on the move...

Also I can shoot a 1911, or a Glock faster, better,quicker, than a revolver...

Now that I am retired, and thus "working alone" especially when on a road trip, I "feel" better with a 1911 and a BUNCH of extra magazines.

[NOTE, I ALWAYS have a S&W Bodyguard in my pocket, reasoning to follow below...]

I think that for a civillian, or an off duty LEO, that most of the time if you are confronted, and need to use deadly force that you will be in a close situation, and maybe even in a contact situation. In this case a revolver is more reliable, especially of you are "grappling' with the bad guy...
[Which is why I always carry the Bodyguard, where I can get to it quick, whether my primary is a revolver or a semi auto].

Also, unless a person is very well trained, they are better off with the reliability and simplicity of a revolver...

But I will say, no matter what kind of handgun you carry, be sure to carry extra ammo, on your person.

Does not hurt to have a bunch more in the car as well.

Carry what you are comfortable with, and PRACTICE WITH IT.
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Old 03-23-2010, 04:16 PM
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tough question. I carried a model 64 38 special for many years "on the Job" never felt out gunned. Now that I'm retired I carry a M-60 in 357mag or my tried at true m-10. 4 inch heavy barrel. old habits die hard i guess.
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Old 03-23-2010, 07:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flop-shank View Post
David selected five smooth stones before he kicked Goliath's *****. If that were today, I'm sure he'd have killed him with a model 60. I believe in carrying multiple guns if possible, but the person packing only a five shot J frame is still doing themselves a great service.
I think a Model 642 with wadcutters (being smooth and all...)
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Old 03-23-2010, 09:56 PM
rz625-8 rz625-8 is offline
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I carry a Revolver all the time. A 5 or 6 shot Smith or Ruger revolver. ENOUGH SAID. I am always been old school. rz625-8
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