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  #201  
Old 06-29-2018, 09:20 AM
hostler hostler is offline
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As always happens when someone asked about carrying a revolver, the conversation takes a left turn to "capacity". Rightfully so I suppose as limited storage capacity seems to be the big drawback of a revolver. So lets talk about "capacity". Why would anyone carry a 45ACP or even a 40S&W instead of 9mm in the same size platform, and give up 15-20% capacity? The reason is there are things that people value more than capacity. The 45ACP and 40S&W people value bullet size more than they value capacity.
I value a 5 shot revolver over the capacity of a similar sized semi auto (7-8 shot) because a revolver doesn't depend on a magazine, the ammo, my grip, interference of the slide, etc. for continued operation.
The capacity of a semi auto drops to ONE if the magazine is unfortunately ejected in the frenzy of fighting for your life. The capacity of a semi-auto drops to ONE if the slide doesn't completely cycle for any number of reasons, the capacity drops to ONE if you limp wrist it because you just got punched in the temple. The capacity drops to ZERO if you pull the trigger on a bad primer.
If you have a revolver and any of those things happen you just keep pulling the trigger and it'll go to the next round.
I you stop thinking of "capacity" as how many rounds are "stored" in the magazine and start thinking about capacity as how many rounds can be brought into action with just a trigger pull, there are a number of defensive situations where the revolver actually has a huge capacity advantage over a semi-auto. The capacity to continue firing multiple rounds with little regard for outside influences on the firearm.

Last edited by hostler; 06-29-2018 at 09:22 AM.
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  #202  
Old 06-29-2018, 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Dump1567 View Post
First off, I'm not trying to offend anyone or ruffle any feathers. Everyone is free to carry whatever they wish or feel comfortable with. I worked with several cops over the years that only carried a J frame or .380 and no re-load for it.

I own 3 J frames and several other wheel guns. In fact, my house carry is a 5 shot S&W 340 in .38 spl (see below). It's light enough to wear tucked into the waistband of draw sting elastic waist shorts. I also have quick access to larger/higher capacity guns near by.

But with that said, when I go out into the world, I almost feel naked if I don't have at least 8 rounds in the gun (preferably 10 or more) & a re-load.

For those that just carry a 5 shot, why do you feel that's enough gun in today's crazy world? In most of the real life videos I've seen, 5 rounds just doesn't seem enough. Nor is there time for a reload. Sorry if I'm stepping on any toes, just trying to understand.

First off, nice gun.


Second, it's all based on your experience, your level of training, your personal preference and of course the criminal.


Why do I say this? Well, you never know what criminals are going to do. A lot of their behavior is predictable and we can anticipate it but some is not.


You can live in the best neighborhood and still fall victim to a break in. We had home invasions here with not just one or two offenders but 5.


So you make the call what's comfortable for you. You know.... life is pretty much unpredictable, so is most of the criminal behavior. They travel, they check out neighborhoods, they send their baby momma, taking pictures/videos while driving by, etc.


Anybody can become a victim at anytime. Having a firearm is like a life insurance. Buy it and hopefully you'll never need it. Unlike an insurance written on paper, at least we can play with a gun every now and then at the range.


It's all about the one time something bad happens. That's the time you want to make sure a) you got it and b) it better works.


Now, I'm not saying buy a 33rd magazine for your Glock and carry 10 extra mags every day. It's really up to you assessing the need/want in regards to your situation. I choose to carry my M&P on- and off duty. I don't switch guns for home defense/carry/bbq/whatever. I have 2 different loads that I use and when we leave I'll just grab more mags, have 1 reload on me and put the rest in the car. I do not feel under gunned with my 9mm. Now, if we really go out in the bushes I'll either take a 5.56 or my .30-30 with me. Or both.


So I'd suggest to assess your total situation and then make a decision. There's nothing wrong with a 5-shot and speed loaders and/or -strips, but there's also nothing wrong with a semi auto with a higher capacity.


I'm sorry if it sounds like a lecture, it was certainly not meant to be one. My intend was to just share my personal opinion
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  #203  
Old 06-29-2018, 10:37 AM
getoff getoff is offline
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i own lots of guns, and a 442-2 is the one i go to most these days. i take 2 safariland comp II speed loaders in safariland holders along. as stated, contact type interactions, and flat out reliable are my reasons. all reloads are difficult under duress, be it with a G19 or a snubbie. i take time every week to practice a bit (with dummy rounds) to keep tuned up. yes i have 1911s, plastic fantastic, hi-power too, but my 442 is what i grab as a go to. if i think a place or situation is too much for the venerable 5 shot snubbie, not gonna go there. road trips with the family, i bring an AR pistol with a brace, 20 round mag in it, chest rig with 3 30 rounders for worst case, zombies, social unrest, get me home duties. sometimes an ankle rig will hold a 2nd 442-2, if i'm feeling frisky! some people will poo poo the J frame, but not a lot of people run towards gun fire... almost ALL people will run from it, me included.
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  #204  
Old 06-29-2018, 04:48 PM
Telecaster Telecaster is offline
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I shot my Model 63, M&P Compact 2.0, and my 640 today. The 640 was the most satisfying to shoot, knocking down all five plates at about 18 yards, where the others kept missing. I can't blame the 63, the sun was glinting off the polished stainless, obscuring the sights.

I just like the feel of the 640's trigger, especially compared to the striker fired M&P. The M&P trigger (1.0 and 2.0) feels like you're mashing hard on something in order to break it, while the 640 feels like you're finessing it back to gently push it off the edge. For me, that's more conducive to accurate shooting.

Is there a semi auto pistol with a trigger that feels like a S&W double-action?
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  #205  
Old 06-29-2018, 05:23 PM
Cal44 Cal44 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Telecaster View Post
Is there a semi auto pistol with a trigger that feels like a S&W double-action?
I would guess if you tried a bunch of DAO semis you would find one similar to a revolver DA.

When I first got my Ruger LC9, the old hammer fired DAO version, I couldn't hit a thing with it.

I put it into the safe and forgot about it.

But after 4 years of double action practice with S&W J frame revolvers, I found I could shoot the LC9.

Not just like a revolver, as the trigger is longer, but it's similar.
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  #206  
Old 06-29-2018, 07:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Telecaster View Post
I shot my Model 63, M&P Compact 2.0, and my 640 today. The 640 was the most satisfying to shoot, knocking down all five plates at about 18 yards, where the others kept missing. I can't blame the 63, the sun was glinting off the polished stainless, obscuring the sights.

I just like the feel of the 640's trigger, especially compared to the striker fired M&P. The M&P trigger (1.0 and 2.0) feels like you're mashing hard on something in order to break it, while the 640 feels like you're finessing it back to gently push it off the edge. For me, that's more conducive to accurate shooting.

Is there a semi auto pistol with a trigger that feels like a S&W double-action?
Best DA trigger I have shot is my P239. The pull is smooth as a an old k_frame & no stack.
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Old 06-29-2018, 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by jimmyj View Post
When I am invited out I CCW a 12 gauge M870 with magazine extension, a M1 Carbine with a 30 round magazine, two M1911 .45acp pistols, two hand grenades, several fighting knifes, and a flame thrower on wheels.

*** I haven't been invited out in several years. I am unsure if being nude or under armed was the reason ?
Put clothes on and I'll go out and about with you anytime!!!

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  #208  
Old 07-07-2018, 04:00 PM
Paper Clip Paper Clip is offline
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Did not have time to read all of the responses so dont know if my points have been said yet.

Firstly, big thanks to the OP for the polite wording of the question instead of the often tone, which implies that 5 shot carriers must be crazy.

I normally carry 2 guns and reloads for both, a fixed knife, folder (usually a buck 110 with thumb stud), flashlight, and multitool, so this may not apply to me as much as the people carrying solely a J frame and a pocketknife every day, but I think a good, small, quick on the draw with both hands (ESPECIALLY off hand) fixed blade knife is a must have companion for a revolver carrier, especially if you are only carrying one. If 5 rounds isn’t enough, you don’t have time to reload, or someone is fighting you for your gun, time to get that knife out. I personally carry a benchmade socp often angled for more comfort. I don’t think people who carry 5 shooters as their only gun are crazy, I think that they are confident in what they have and prepared for most situations. Even the situations you are not prepared for you can train for and make the best of. I am going on a multi-state vacation soon where I will have to fly and will not be able to carry (reciprocity issues, found out about trip too late to apply for a second permit) for half of the trip. The only gun I am taking in my checked luggage for the other half of the trip is a J frame. Everyone has a tolerance for how much **** they can carry every day.
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