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  #51  
Old 11-07-2011, 11:33 AM
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The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better?  
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I thought revolvers WERE pistols !?!
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  #52  
Old 11-07-2011, 11:45 AM
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There is no BETTER when discussing revolver vs pistol.

After owning most of the modern high-quality semis over the years..... I am now all-revolver for defensive carry purposes..

But am equally confident in Glock/Sig/Beretta/Colt/ etc...

I just like the revolvers because they meet my criteria for a defensive weapon, and....well...they are Smiths!
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  #53  
Old 11-07-2011, 12:14 PM
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I thought revolvers WERE pistols !?!
Technically, they are. The term "pistol" came into use somewhere in the 1500s, and referred to the single shot handguns in use at the time. So, while ALL handguns are pistols, I think most people today use the term pistol to refer to a semi-automatic:

"When distinguished as a subset of handguns, a pistol is a handgun with a chamber that is integral with the barrel, as opposed to a revolver, wherein the chamber is separate from the barrel as a revolving cylinder."
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  #54  
Old 11-07-2011, 01:45 PM
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I recall someone saying once that "you will be out of time long before you are out of bullets."

My real life experiences would seem to validate that opinion. In sixteen years working robbery/homicide in the DA's office in both urban and now rural jurisdictions, I've yet to see anyone shot and killed because they ran their gun dry. I've not seen anyone set upon and killed by more than two assailants either. In over 200 gunshot homicides I've only seen one decedent shot more than two times. The vast majority of gunshot homicide victims I've seen, were also laid to rest by 9mm or less. BTW, based on what I've seen I think those "shot placement" folks are on to something.

I think the chances of "joe average" who doesn't hunt felons, serve warrants, kick in doors or storm beaches seeing any of these things are less than mine.

So I think folks are best served by whatever they are proficient with. Whatever you can place a fast, accurate shot on target with, be it semi auto or revolver, that is what you should use and carry. The first shot is the most important shot in an exchange of gunfire, not the fifteenth or seventeenth.

I'm a revolver guy and when I've been required to, I carry semi auto's. When the decision is left up to me, I carry a revolver. Make mine a 4" 66-2. I'll be armed just fine, thanks! YMMV Void where prohibited. If it lasts longer than four hours....ect. Regards 18DAI
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  #55  
Old 11-07-2011, 03:19 PM
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The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better?  
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I thought revolvers WERE pistols !?!
Actually on a technical basis no. It's like the difference between a "mag" and a "clip." To most people the difference doesn't really matter, but then there's guys like me who get caught up in technicalities.
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Old 11-07-2011, 04:17 PM
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I should also mention that my decision is also based upon the fact I don't shoot revolvers all that well. I could with more practice, but I started out shooting semi-autos then tried out revolvers, which is the opposite of how most of you guys started out.



Well at last a HONEST poster. Some people shoot one platform easier than the other. My little girl, 12, can shoot a wheelie better than most men can shoot ANYTHING, but she hates bottom feeders. she says it "just doesn't feel right."

I shoot a bottom feeder a LOT better than a wheelie BUT wheelies are vastly more reliable so that is what I carry, and that is what is on my nightstand. YMMV
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  #57  
Old 11-07-2011, 05:46 PM
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Well at last a HONEST poster. Some people shoot one platform easier than the other. My little girl, 12, can shoot a wheelie better than most men can shoot ANYTHING, but she hates bottom feeders. she says it "just doesn't feel right."
Now doesn't that depend on the two handguns you are comparing? Which do you think my 10 year old prefers, my 6" .357 wheel gun or my model 41 .22? (Actually neither, he likes the Ruger Standard )

I don't like the angle of a Glock grip. I like my M&P's. I don't care for the way the grips on most wheel guns are curved so the recoil flips them up, and the barrel is often higher above your arm centerline for more twist.

So within each species there are thousands of variations. The argument here is in design differences and safety is the implied criteria. Safety encompassing usability, accuracy, reliability etc. because if it isn't reliable, it isn't safe to carry.
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  #58  
Old 11-07-2011, 05:53 PM
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Which ever one gets the job done.
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  #59  
Old 11-07-2011, 06:30 PM
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I recall someone saying once that "you will be out of time long before you are out of bullets."

My real life experiences would seem to validate that opinion. In sixteen years working robbery/homicide in the DA's office in both urban and now rural jurisdictions, I've yet to see anyone shot and killed because they ran their gun dry. I've not seen anyone set upon and killed by more than two assailants either. In over 200 gunshot homicides I've only seen one decedent shot more than two times. The vast majority of gunshot homicide victims I've seen, were also laid to rest by 9mm or less. BTW, based on what I've seen I think those "shot placement" folks are on to something.

I think the chances of "joe average" who doesn't hunt felons, serve warrants, kick in doors or storm beaches seeing any of these things are less than mine.

So I think folks are best served by whatever they are proficient with. Whatever you can place a fast, accurate shot on target with, be it semi auto or revolver, that is what you should use and carry. The first shot is the most important shot in an exchange of gunfire, not the fifteenth or seventeenth.

I'm a revolver guy and when I've been required to, I carry semi auto's. When the decision is left up to me, I carry a revolver. Make mine a 4" 66-2. I'll be armed just fine, thanks! YMMV Void where prohibited. If it lasts longer than four hours....ect. Regards 18DAI
Careful, now! Someone with far less experience than you will soon chime in that carrying a revolver is putting you at a tactical disadvantage, and when the armed terrorists storm your location, you'll be screwed with a 6 shot revolver. It's funny how real world experience gets ignored or written off as "lucky for you so far", while internet rumor and tactical TV shows pushing a product are treated as gospel! Stay safe, brother!
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Old 11-07-2011, 08:08 PM
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I tend to agree with 18DAI. I remember a discussion back in the early 70's between an pro 45 Auto instructor and a group of metro coppers where the instructor took the position that only the Gov't Model was the gun to carry. One of the old timers basically ended the discussion when he said' "the last three men I shot with my 357 went down never to get back up". I think that were we knowingly going into a fight , a squad of fully equipped Marines would be my carry choice,otherwise I would suggest carrying whatever you personally could shoot the best with. With over 40+ years of carrying a handgun , my thoughts have not changed and the guns I carried at 21 are not too different than the ones I carry at 62. I should say also that my carry guns involve both autos and revolvers, depending on when and where I am going. I don't think there is a problem by having more than "one" choice, just spend the time to be able to use what you carry.
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Old 11-07-2011, 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Springfeildkid585 View Post
Actually on a technical basis no. It's like the difference between a "mag" and a "clip." To most people the difference doesn't really matter, but then there's guys like me who get caught up in technicalities.

All handguns are pistols. As my expert witness I'll quote Sam Colt who discribed his handguns as pistols in his patent apps.

I rest my case.
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Old 11-07-2011, 08:40 PM
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Careful, now! Someone with far less experience than you will soon chime in that carrying a revolver is putting you at a tactical disadvantage, and when the armed terrorists storm your location, you'll be screwed with a 6 shot revolver. It's funny how real world experience gets ignored or written off as "lucky for you so far", while internet rumor and tactical TV shows pushing a product are treated as gospel! Stay safe, brother!
I'll be that guy!

If you are traveling 30 miles in a car that gets 15 mpg do you only take 2 gallons of fuel?
If you want to scuba dive for 20 minutes do you take 20 minutes of oxygen?
Do you have more than 50 feet of fishing line on your reel?

When I cary my .380 with only 6 rounds I feel vulnerable. Same with my .357 so it's not the number of rounds. I get a warm fuzzy feeling with an unlucky 13 rounds of 9mm or 17 rounds of .40.

So maybe it's just the number of rounds that scares me the most. I can promise you when a gang of 10 or more come at you in Milwaukee (happened at least twice this year so far) pointing a six shooter at them is just going to make them madder. We've had Mac 10's on the streets here for a long time... When they come after me I'll be running and shooting (and screaming and wetting myself) if only to make myself more visible in case some good guys want to help out....
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Old 11-07-2011, 09:07 PM
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I'll be that guy!

If you are traveling 30 miles in a car that gets 15 mpg do you only take 2 gallons of fuel?
If you want to scuba dive for 20 minutes do you take 20 minutes of oxygen?
Do you have more than 50 feet of fishing line on your reel?

When I cary my .380 with only 6 rounds I feel vulnerable. Same with my .357 so it's not the number of rounds. I get a warm fuzzy feeling with an unlucky 13 rounds of 9mm or 17 rounds of .40.

So maybe it's just the number of rounds that scares me the most. I can promise you when a gang of 10 or more come at you in Milwaukee (happened at least twice this year so far) pointing a six shooter at them is just going to make them madder. We've had Mac 10's on the streets here for a long time... When they come after me I'll be running and shooting (and screaming and wetting myself) if only to make myself more visible in case some good guys want to help out....
Well, speaking as someone who has actualy responded to shootings, and not someone who read about them in a newspaper, I can assure you that once you fire a shot (if you even have to since pulling a gun usually ends the fight), those ten guys are gonna scatter like roaches when the kitchen light comes on. None of them are gonna be the ones to gamble if they're gonna be the ones to take a bullet. If you live in a high crime area where gangs roam with impunity, then I guess I could see the benefit of a high cap auto. If you live in an area where Mac-10's are common (the weapon of choice for gang banging lowlifes with a second grade education and long rap msheets), you hve more problems than the gun you choose to carry, because your 17 shot 9MM isn't gonna save you if a gang of lowlifes with Mac-10's are intent on doing you in. Personally, I'd expend my energies on relocating over what i carry.
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  #64  
Old 11-07-2011, 09:47 PM
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Really can't add anthing except to say, barring a Zombie Apocalypse I'll stick with a revolver.

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Old 11-07-2011, 11:46 PM
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It all comes down to what you have trained with, and how much you have trained. At the young and tender age of 61 I CHOOSE to continue to carry, train, and shoot revolvers. They have never failed when I needed them. I can't say that about a semi-auto; others can, but I can't. Having seen the elephant, and having survived; I'll stick with my seven revolvers. As always YMMV (but mine won't). Regards...........
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Old 11-08-2011, 07:39 AM
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It all comes down to what you have trained with, and how much you have trained. At the young and tender age of 61 I CHOOSE to continue to carry, train, and shoot revolvers. They have never failed when I needed them. I can't say that about a semi-auto; others can, but I can't. Having seen the elephant, and having survived; I'll stick with my seven revolvers. As always YMMV (but mine won't). Regards...........
I agree. Carry what you're comfortable with, but don't disregard revolvers because of some perceived notion that you may be taken hostage by a bunch of gang bangers who aren't going back to prison for the rest of their lives so you may have to pull a John McClane to get out of there. On some other forum, I recall participating in a discussion much like this one. One of the posters (and he was dead serious) said 'Look at the movie"Die Hard". Imagine if John McClane only had a 5 shot revolver against the terrorists. He wouldn't have had a chance". The line between the real world and the fantasy world is very faint with some people, and in some cases, not there at all. You fire a shot at 4 guys trying to rob you, and the're gonna head for the hills. And they're not gonna care that you jusy fired 1 shot out of a revolver and you only have 5 more.
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Old 11-08-2011, 10:04 AM
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Revolver... Semi-auto... Whatever! Just HAVE a gun.
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Old 11-08-2011, 10:31 AM
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I don't carry, but my chosen home defense gun is a M625 in .45 auto. I like 1911's better, and have been shooting them for a long time. The reason I finally went with the 625 is I often load/unload as it goes in and out of the safe. I am a bit uncomfortable with repeatedly chambering rounds in the 1911 because of possible bullet setback.

The 625 seems a little safer in that respect - just dump the moonclip and put it away when I leave, pull it out and drop the moonclip back in when I get home.
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Old 11-08-2011, 11:25 AM
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I think the chances of "joe average" who doesn't hunt felons, serve warrants, kick in doors or storm beaches seeing any of these things are less than mine.
I agree. Ones life experiences often dictate the measures in which they take to try to ensure their safety. With the exception of storming beaches, my experiences doing all of the above are why I carry everyday, and why I carry my duty weapon that I am familiar and comfortable with.

Just yesterday, at the Stop-N-Rob a mile from my house, I ran into a lifelong criminal who I put behind bars last spring. He eyed me the entire time, never saying a word. The day may come when I encounter someone whom I've put in jail or had a run in with and they may choose to try to come at me, I hope not, but it is a possibility.
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Old 11-09-2011, 01:28 AM
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If you go up against 10 guys, all of whom are armed with firearms, my guess is that the best firearm you can have with you is the cheapest one you own. Leave the good ones at home so your wife can sell them to pay for your funeral because with those odds, I think you are toast.
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Old 11-09-2011, 02:00 AM
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The perfect personal defense handgun is the one that works best for you. It doesn't matter to you what works for me or what the latest gun guru of the month says.

1. With your lifestyle can you really carry your chosen firearm every day, all day? Try living in South Texas where it is too hot for covering garments most of the year, especially if you have to work in an environment that requires a tucked in shirt. Unless you can really wear a tuckable (I can't) that means a pocket gun or ankle holster. A J frame rides in my front pocket just fine.

2. Can you run the gun well? I shoot a revolver just a tab better than an auto. I see folks all over the board. Find the gun that you can run well even if it isn't the latest cool beans deal out there.

3. What fits your hand the best? That is a bigger deal that most folks realize. For instance I can't run a gun with fingergrooves. They just are always in the wrong place for me.

4. What is your budget? Some folks can only afford one handgun and it has to do full duty for them. Some folks full duty requires a big wheelgun. Others can afford a different gun for every occasion. I would rather see you carry a 4" K frame police trade in than not carry because you haven't saved enough nickles to buy your dream custom 1911.

5 Can your spouse or significant other use your handgun in an emergency? The biggest handgun my wife can handle is a J frame .38. Little bitty lady, little bitty short fingers. When she tried a J frame and replaced her Walter PP with it, I switched to a J frame as well. She works in my office. Most of the time, work time or off work we are together. Now if the poo hits the fan, I know she can run my carry gun. I can run hers. The spare ammo in my back pocket or in her purse will fit either gun. Is that important? I hope I never have to find out but it makes sense to me.

6. Will you carry your chosen gun every day, all day? I know the saw about comforting not comfortable but most folks won't carry something that is uncomfortable. I love N frames and 1911s but I can't make them fit into my everyday life with what I do for a living. If I was a rancher or farmer, darn right I would carry a N frame every day in a good holster on a good belt. If I had to go into town, untuck the shirt or put on a covering garment.

Just my thoughts. Your situation may be wholly different than my own. Do your own analysis and figure out what works best for you.
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Old 11-09-2011, 02:02 AM
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On some other forum, I recall participating in a discussion much like this one. One of the posters (and he was dead serious) said 'Look at the movie"Die Hard". Imagine if John McClane only had a 5 shot revolver against the terrorists. He wouldn't have had a chance".
Movie guns never run out of ammo...or, on the rare occasion they ever do, then you throw it at the bad guys. I get a laugh counting the shots fired in a given scene...for example, in "Open Range" Kevin Costner fired 14 shots from one 6 shot revolver without reloading. In a discussion about the film, Costner acknowledged it, but said stopping to reload would have ruined the scene.

What we need, gentlemen, are movie guns. Or, ask the bad guys to freeze the scene until we can reload.
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Old 11-09-2011, 07:36 AM
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Movie guns never run out of ammo...or, on the rare occasion they ever do, then you throw it at the bad guys. I get a laugh counting the shots fired in a given scene...for example, in "Open Range" Kevin Costner fired 14 shots from one 6 shot revolver without reloading. In a discussion about the film, Costner acknowledged it, but said stopping to reload would have ruined the scene.

What we need, gentlemen, are movie guns. Or, ask the bad guys to freeze the scene until we can reload.
And that 6 shot revolver would only have 5 rounds since single action revolvers were never carried with a hammer on the round. Sometmes movie producers do try to get it right, but they forget to only load 5.
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Old 11-09-2011, 02:54 PM
Springfeildkid585 Springfeildkid585 is offline
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Originally Posted by kbm6893 View Post
And that 6 shot revolver would only have 5 rounds since single action revolvers were never carried with a hammer on the round. Sometmes movie producers do try to get it right, but they forget to only load 5.
I wouldn't say never, I'd say rarely. There were wannabe rambos even back then(though they obviously wouldn't be called rambos) who carried their revolvers fully loaded resting on a live round.
This thread truly boils down to preference. There are advantages to both. I choose 1911 because I trust Browning's designs and like the weapon. I would gladly carry a revolver as a BUG.(Though not a DAO because I can't stand firing double action)
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Old 11-09-2011, 03:41 PM
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The interesting thing about this thread is that I remember as a kid (late 70s early 80s) standing around the magazine rack at the Ft. Sam Houston PX reading gun magazines while my mother shopped. The primary topic/headlines in all these magazines was the revolver vs semi auto argument. I remember articles about the death of revolvers as semi autos were gaining in the LE arena. And 30 - 40 years later the same debate rages on.

I cut teeth on a Mod 14 with a six inch barrel my father bought for my mother. He preferred the 1911A1 (he's retired Army) and my mother preferred a revolver (she grew up in Mexico and her father carried a SAA in .45). While Dad didn't like revolvers and much less the.38 Special he let me shoot it (and I fired thousands of rounds) and insisted I practice loading with speedloaders and single rounds over and over without looking at the revolver. He insisted everytime I fired a round with any weapon I utilized good marksmanship and not just "waste ammo". Even though I fired and trained on his 1911s, fired 9mm and 45s in the Military/competition, own several 1911s and am very comfortable carrying and using semi autos, I always tend to gravitate back to revolvers ( in any caliber). They feel right in the hand, point naturally and reloading them is a matter of muscle memory these days. So I think its a matter of training, quality tools, tactics and timing that matter over the platform.
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Old 11-09-2011, 03:53 PM
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Lotta truth in what you say wogentry and I also notice that you hardly ever see a revolver on tv. Like every gun fight is at least 20 rounds with the dramatic reloading. The _kids_ aka 20 yr olds think that is pretty neat. Don't mention to them that the average gun fight according to police reports is 3 rounds, last maybe 2 seconds, from around 10 yards. Don't tell them that - they won't believe it anyway - because on tv or the movies its not that way.
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Old 11-09-2011, 04:12 PM
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The average gunfight is three rounds....

So if you carry 5 or 6 you will be well prepared for the average gunfight.

Some of us prepare for perhaps a bad gunfight. I guess we are wrong.

Some may want more than 6 rounds. We are wrong.

Some of us may not hit anything with the first 6 rounds under pressure. We are wrong. AND we are wrong to think that way.

If anyone carries a semi, you are wrong according to anyone who carries a wheel gun. This simple thought permeates every wheel gun poster's comments.

And then boiled down to the basics, nearly every thread can be distilled to "if you don't do what I do, you are WRONG".

It gets really tiring. This thread needs to die.
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Old 11-09-2011, 05:32 PM
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If you go up against 10 guys, all of whom are armed with firearms, my guess is that the best firearm you can have with you is the cheapest one you own. Leave the good ones at home so your wife can sell them to pay for your funeral because with those odds, I think you are toast.
True, but I'll have the satisfaction of knowing I took two or three of them with me. Actually, it's HIGHLY unlikely they will be going with me where I'm going but you know what I mean.

p.s. Don't forget, there are no rules that say you can't pick up one of their guns and shoot the others with it. And it might help if you blow the first one's brains all over the other nine.
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Old 11-09-2011, 06:13 PM
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Talking about the "average gunfight" reminds me of the old saw about a guy who drowned in a lake with an average depth of four feet.

Chuck
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Old 11-09-2011, 07:33 PM
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Both. Carry an auto as a primary gun and a J-frame revolver as a BUG. Or vice-versa, carry a service revolver as a primary and a small auto as a BUG.
Seriously though, each person should carry what works best for them and what they are most comfortable with.
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Old 11-09-2011, 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Photoman44 View Post
True, but I'll have the satisfaction of knowing I took two or three of them with me. Actually, it's HIGHLY unlikely they will be going with me where I'm going but you know what I mean.

p.s. Don't forget, there are no rules that say you can't pick up one of their guns and shoot the others with it. And it might help if you blow the first one's brains all over the other nine.

Well and you have to remember that BGs chose that profession because they are lazy, and cowards.
I have seen a LOT of news, and YouTube videos of gunfights. In E-V-E-R-Y one that I can remember once the hammer is dropped they run for the hills. Unlike the Military, who are trained to handle a protracted firefight, and radical religious nuts waiting for their 'reward,' street punks will RUN when the rubber hits the road. They don't issue a Medal Of Honor in the ghetto.
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Old 11-09-2011, 09:49 PM
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about the only issue I see with mag disconnect is a hasty and somewhat fumbled draw where its possible to drop the mag in the draw and lock up your gun when you need it the most ...
This actually happened to me with an LC9. Thankfully, I was on a square (not two-way) range at the time.

I'm not saying mag disconnect safeties don't have their purpose, nor would I try to talk anyone out of buying a gun that has one.

But *I* won't carry a gun with one.
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Old 11-09-2011, 10:03 PM
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I have about an equal number of pistols v revolvers.
For CCW for me ; it has to be a revolver.
I am not planning on getting into a fire fight and reloads are not an issue, so 6 rounds of .357 or .44 mag. and a Crimson Trace Laser grip satisfy my needs.
If a .41 mag. comes my way that will become my next CCW.

My decision was made due to a couple of instances where a semi-auto malfunction scared me and convinced me to go revolver.
Just my $.02
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Old 11-09-2011, 10:22 PM
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I shoot both really well, but I'm going thru my Glock phase. I don't live in fear. Just have a gun and shoot it well...
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Old 11-09-2011, 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by 1 old 0311 View Post
BGs chose that profession because they are lazy, and cowards.
I have seen a LOT of news, and YouTube videos of gunfights. In E-V-E-R-Y one that I can remember once the hammer is dropped they run for the hills.
Oh puhlease.... How about the 911 calls where the woman fires a gun and the BG says 'What, you gonna shoot me? I'll kill you!!' and she has to shoot him several times. Or the guy busting into the old guy's house? And several members here have relayed tales of drugged up BGs that just keep coming without even feeling the bullets.

Yeah, you just keep believing when you pull that golden gun out bad guys will panic and wet their pants and run away, because that's what happens when Dirty Harry pulls out his gun right?
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Old 11-09-2011, 10:48 PM
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Wow, And I read all nine pages. I have carried for a very long time a model 640 .38spl I can hit what I need to with a revolver. Just recently
I have been working with a Kahr CM-9.
Carry what you are comfortable with and proficent with. Both a revolver and an auto have there place. As joe citizen I am not going in the direction of bad guys day in and day out. No john McClane antics here

For all that have dealt and deal with BG's, day in and out Thank you.
Ill stick to dealing with smoke and fire
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Old 11-10-2011, 11:57 AM
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Quote:
The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense. Which is better?
The thread kinda turned into a "This is what I carry" topic but I will just say that neither is better across the board. Both offer advantages and disadvantages, and it boils down to personal preference, personal needs, and personal experiences.

Lets just not get to a point where we think if someone carries more than I do they are paranoid or if someone carries less they are undergunned and doomed to become a bullet riddled corpse.

Good day and be safe out there.
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Old 11-10-2011, 12:54 PM
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Oh puhlease.... How about the 911 calls where the woman fires a gun and the BG says 'What, you gonna shoot me? I'll kill you!!' and she has to shoot him several times. Or the guy busting into the old guy's house? And several members here have relayed tales of drugged up BGs that just keep coming without even feeling the bullets.

Yeah, you just keep believing when you pull that golden gun out bad guys will panic and wet their pants and run away, because that's what happens when Dirty Harry pulls out his gun right?

Well as I said "I EVERY ONE I CAN REMEMBER" you obviously can, so would you please enlighten us IF and WHEN your 'story' happened? And tell us how many of the video's you have to scroll through, that prove my point, before you find even one that supports yours?
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Old 11-10-2011, 01:18 PM
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For my tastes, on the street it will be a 442 or 642 revolver stoked with +P .38s. Concealable, quick into action, and 5 for sure. Nothing to think about - point and shoot. No cases on the ground to tidy up afterwards, either.

For home, any of a number of .45 autos - my fave is probably the H&K USP - never had a FTF with it. Firepower combined with reliability.

There is no correct answer; one has to ask "Best for what?"

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Old 11-10-2011, 01:39 PM
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For my tastes, on the street it will be a 442 or 642 revolver stoked with +P .38s. No cases on the ground to tidy up afterwards, either.


John
Now that is a great point I have heard before.... No cases left to tell a story. Good point.
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Old 11-10-2011, 01:42 PM
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Well as I said "I EVERY ONE I CAN REMEMBER"
My bad, you did say that you remember....

I should have bit my tongue, or keyboard...

Armed Babysitter said it much better than I could have.
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Old 11-10-2011, 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Lost Lake View Post
Oh puhlease.... How about the 911 calls where the woman fires a gun and the BG says 'What, you gonna shoot me? I'll kill you!!' and she has to shoot him several times. Or the guy busting into the old guy's house? And several members here have relayed tales of drugged up BGs that just keep coming without even feeling the bullets.

Yeah, you just keep believing when you pull that golden gun out bad guys will panic and wet their pants and run away, because that's what happens when Dirty Harry pulls out his gun right?

Statistically speaking, two or three yards, two or three shots in two or three seconds and it's all over IF shots are even fired.

On the one hand, hoping the sight of my gun scares them off is wishful thinking and, on the other hand, the idea that I'm going to have to go up against ten heavily armed, pain-immune jihadi killers is pure fantasy.
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Old 11-10-2011, 03:32 PM
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I carry a S&W model 13 with a four inch barrel. I carry one extra speed-loader. That's what I carry because that is what I shoot best.

I focus more on avoiding situations that will expose me to attack than I do worrying over whether 12 rounds of .357 Magnum are enough. I don't go inside banks or use walk up ATM's. I don't shop in convenience stores in the middle of the night, etc.

Choosing and carrying a particular firearm is only part of a personal security plan. JMHO
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Old 11-10-2011, 10:20 PM
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The average gunfight is three rounds....

So if you carry 5 or 6 you will be well prepared for the average gunfight.

Some of us prepare for perhaps a bad gunfight. I guess we are wrong.

Some may want more than 6 rounds. We are wrong.

Some of us may not hit anything with the first 6 rounds under pressure. We are wrong. AND we are wrong to think that way.

If anyone carries a semi, you are wrong according to anyone who carries a wheel gun. This simple thought permeates every wheel gun poster's comments.

And then boiled down to the basics, nearly every thread can be distilled to "if you don't do what I do, you are WRONG".

It gets really tiring. This thread needs to die.
You are right, I am wrong,
you are cool, I am not,
you know everything, I am an idiot.
You use an example of gangbangers shooting people and then attempting to take you hostage and you expect to be treated seriously. You're not wrong for prefering your semi auto over a revolver. I like my semi autos, too. You're wrong for assuming that the revolver is not worthy of defending your life based on completely unrealistic scenarios. The truth is that millions of people carry them and thousands of people have successfully defended themselves with them. And your argument is flawed because if you carry a 1911, you only have 7 rounds. if you carry a 10 round magazine, you're at a disadvantage over a 15 round one. If you carry a 15 round one, you should have a 20 round one, etc. Jst what number of rounds if your minimum? Honestly, you sound like you're very young. Life experience trumps youthful exuberance (and I'm only 40). Do you go to the range with your drop leg holster and Molle gear?

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Old 11-10-2011, 11:48 PM
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And your argument is flawed because if you carry a 1911, you only have 7 rounds. if you carry a 10 round magazine, you're at a disadvantage over a 15 round one. If you carry a 15 round one, you should have a 20 round one, etc. Jst what number of rounds if your minimum? Honestly, you sound like you're very young. Life experience trumps youthful exuberance (and I'm only 40). Do you go to the range with your drop leg holster and Molle gear?
Yes, I am young... But I'm a lot older than you!!

Hey, I carry a BG380 sometimes... I wish it had more rounds, but I can reload in a second or two. I have a speed loader for my wheelgun, and I can't load that as fast.

Yes I know that 99% of those who carry a wheelgun never needed more rounds than they had, but that's just not me.

Let's just leave my view at that. It's just not my style. I want to carry more rounds than I will ever need. Period.
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Old 11-11-2011, 01:53 AM
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Default Revolver vs. Semi-Auto

Durn, thought I was going to turn in early tonight but got to reading this thread.

Revolver carrier here. It's what I learned on and shoot best. Most often a J-frame .38, occasionaly a six-shooter.

Course if I knew I was going to a gunfight when I left the house I'd carry a high-cap semi, like a Glock or M&P in 9mm. But then if I knew a gunfight was coming up, I'd never leave the house, right? Or carry a shotgun or a carbine!

Anyway, this whole thread tired me out! Common sense says carry what you are good with and some spare ammo in a way you can get at it.

That's about the best you can do.
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Old 11-11-2011, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by feralmerril View Post
There must be studys and statistics somewhere. I think far too much is made of how many rounds the gun has. We are talking civilian encounters here arent we? I would like to hear just how often if at all any gun fight between a civilian and a BG went past a couple rounds!
I know the possibility never cross`s my mind. This aint like a grade B western where we get behind a water trough and try to hold out for the cavary or hero shows up! I cant say when I ever read of a shootout like that! So takeing away THAT senerio, I see no advantage at all with a auto.
Now I know there is also romantics out there with a 12 year old mentality that think they need a backup besides, and a fighting knife to gut the remaining aggressers. Maybe I would be half that bad if I lived in bagdad or detroit myself.
Hi:
You forgot two hand grenades in addition to the main weapon, Backup, and knife.
A cell phone to call for reinforcements, or an air drop for more ammo, or a bombing run.
Moral: don't fight with an old guy.
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  #98  
Old 11-11-2011, 04:22 PM
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everReady Rob everReady Rob is offline
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The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better?  
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This thread is approaching 100 replies. Wow, this apparently is a serious subject to many, and it is serious to me to have the right to make a choice. I don't think for a second that someone is going to change the type of gun they shoot because of something I (or anyone else) says, that choice was most likely made a long time ago.

I am guilty of saying things with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek and the problem with the written word is that it is difficult to tell how serious someone is. I don't really care if you shoot a revolver or a semi-auto pistol, like someone said - just have a gun, and on this veterans day, THANK YOU VETS for whatever job you did that gave me the right to carry a gun and to live in this great country. It doesn't matter if you sat on a bucket and peeled potatoes, it takes the sum of all parts, big and small, to make this the greatest land of all - and I think we all would agree it doesn't really matter what you shoot, shoot what you want - thank God we have a choice.

I have read through the post on this subject and some really sound upset about what I said or someone else said because it didn't agree with what they thought it should be. But you know, maybe they had their tongue firmly planted in their cheek also. At least, I would like to think so.

If we didn't share our opinions we wouldn't have much of a forum would we? We would all agree. Be pretty boring.

I guess there is a time and place for everything, and this is not the place to joke around. I apologize.

Last edited by everReady Rob; 11-11-2011 at 04:28 PM. Reason: spelling
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  #99  
Old 11-11-2011, 06:16 PM
1 old 0311 1 old 0311 is offline
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The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better?  
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Well I just got to say if the video games use semi automatics, and the 'gangstas' use them then they just HAVE to be better.
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  #100  
Old 11-11-2011, 06:32 PM
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Lost Lake Lost Lake is offline
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The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better? The Revolver vs. the Pistol for self defense.  Which is better?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1 old 0311 View Post
Well I just got to say if the video games use semi automatics, and the 'gangstas' use them then they just HAVE to be better.
And if the CIA, Navy Seals, FBI, Federal Marshals, State Police, Sheriff Department and local police use them,..... well,......

no I suppose that doesn't mean a thing.

If 1 old 0311 uses a wheel gun that is the best. I'm convinced.

How could I be so stupid to spend all this money on these garbage semi-autos?

Thank you for your wise advice 1 old 0311. You are super cool. I want to be just like you some day.
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