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View Poll Results: Is the revolver still an effective police sidearm in 2019?
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Yes
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134 |
55.37% |
No
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108 |
44.63% |
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06-11-2019, 01:24 AM
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LEOs: Revolvers for Duty in 2019?
Friends, this one is mainly directed at our large group of Law Enforcement members, past and present.
I am aware that some agencies allow revolver carry as an option, but don’t know any that issue revolvers as standard anymore. Still from time to time I’ve read of folks running into officers carrying revolvers in the present day. I’ve only ever personally seen various security guards and corrections officers carrying revolvers, but my main question is:
For uniformed LEO use, is the service revolver still effective in 2019?
Just wondering, gang. Thanks!
-Jay
Last edited by JayFramer; 06-11-2019 at 01:27 AM.
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06-11-2019, 02:03 AM
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Sure, if your name is Jerry Miculek.
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06-11-2019, 06:03 AM
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I am no longer wearing a badge. When I did wear one, I was also the assistant RO. I got to meet and train a lot of cops. Most of them treated their sidearm as just another piece of equipment to weigh their belt down. Some understood why they had such an item and a few should not have been issued a sharp pencil.
I feel there is still a solid need for a revolver in uniformed Police work. If I were to go back to LE work, some version of a 45 ACP revolver would be ideal.
Kevin
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06-11-2019, 08:41 AM
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I was “on the job” during the move from revolvers to autos. The investigators were the first to get autos and during the following qualification, they kicked butt against all the uniformed revolver shooters. The revolvers were S&W 66’s and had seen better days... they were beginning to show the typical signs of timing and end shake issues. The autos were HK P7’s. The 66’s were seriously outclassed and never had a chance... As time passed, everyone had an auto and nobody looked back. New officers were indoctrinated into the world of autos and a revolver was looked upon as primitive. Very few guys even took advantage of the trade-in buy back offer on the 66’s at $185. There were a few NIB 66’s still in the armory that went for $225.
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06-11-2019, 10:43 AM
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Last revolver I saw carried openly by a police officer was OHare airport, Chicago Police, about for years ago. The officer was old, not at all fresh and his never shined leather holster was listing out at 45 degree angle. Looked to be Model 10, with the right hand stock appearing to have hit 10000 door jams. My assumption was the cartridges were all green based on the overall package.
The only place I see “police” with revolvers is the District of Columbia Special Police. Effectively they are armed licensed security officers anywhere else. Over the last few years, I seem to only see about 50% of them carrying revolvers, almost always Taurus guns. Glocks are very common now and I noticed an external vest for the first time recently.
In my department, the last officer carrying a revolver was a plain clothes juvenile detective/SRO with *ahem* issues. He was in his last two years before retirement but couldn’t carry a revolver in uniform. That was also 19 years ago.
The last uniformed officer that I knew and friendly with was carrying a revolver was a Major in decent sized department. He retired in 2006, now 14 years ago. He was carrying the same gun that dated to Richard Nixon being President.
The revolver’s time passed in the Reagan era. I would question the competence of any uniformed officer and department that still widely issues revolvers - we don’t see 1970s Diplomats patrolling the streets nor police call boxes for communication. Law enforcement evolves, has a standard of care/training and revolvers are outside the reasonable standard equipment.
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06-11-2019, 11:43 AM
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I find the overwhelming amount of people that think a revolver is still an adequte sidearm for police work alarming. It's likely those that voted in that manner have absolutely no experience with modern law enforcement profession.
Don't get me wrong. I love revolvers and carry them almost exclusively while off duty. Part of me even lauds you gentlemen for yalls unwavering fandom.
However, in a situation that sometimes requires one to gain firepower superiority with a handgun, capacity matters. Especially when the option is 8 rounds of .357 magnum or 18 rounds of 9mm; that's over twice as many rounds. You don't want to be reloading while the other guy is still shooting; trust me when I say, it's one of the worst feelings in the world.
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06-11-2019, 02:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THEmodelof1989
I find the overwhelming amount of people that think a revolver is still an adequte sidearm for police work alarming. It's likely those that voted in that manner have absolutely no experience with modern law enforcement profession.
Don't get me wrong. I love revolvers and carry them almost exclusively while off duty. Part of me even lauds you gentlemen for yalls unwavering fandom.
However, in a situation that sometimes requires one to gain firepower superiority with a handgun, capacity matters. Especially when the option is 8 rounds of .357 magnum or 18 rounds of 9mm; that's over twice as many rounds. You don't want to be reloading while the other guy is still shooting; trust me when I say, it's one of the worst feelings in the world.
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Agree, I had to reload my revolver under fire during a gunfight in ‘74 and ran out of ammo after firing twelve rounds. It definitely changed my perspective.
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Last edited by Old cop; 06-12-2019 at 07:55 AM.
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06-11-2019, 02:14 PM
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I voted no. While i think they are perfectly adequate for Joe Q. Citizen to carry for self defense or to have for home defense, I think there are much better higher capacity options for those who chose to take a career path that will always run towards danger.
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06-11-2019, 02:44 PM
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I carry a revolver as my EDC but voted no. The primary reason is that the criminal element has changed tactics and crimes are many times committed by a gang. The speed of auto loading and capacity could make the difference.
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06-11-2019, 03:06 PM
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No, not today with the advantages of a semi with superior firepower and ease of reloading. Cops are in a different environment than are civilians.
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06-11-2019, 03:14 PM
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There's an old timer, I think Philly PD, who I see at Phila Airport carrying a 4 inch revolver in uniform. Two speed loaders. It has what looks like uncle mike's rubber grips. Looks very cool.
That said, when the bad guys had revolvers, a revolver made sense for a lawman. When the bad guys have a Glock 17, or an AK47, a revolver does not make sense for a lawman.
I've spoken to a neighbor whose been with Philly PD for a long time, started with the revolvers. After encountering thugs armed with a MAC-10, he realized that the bad guys had more bullets *in their guns* than he had on his entire person with a revolver.
Different times call for different equipment.
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06-11-2019, 05:41 PM
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Some years ago there was a post wich stated that if you need more that 2 shots, you start a war. Yes, maybe. But outlaws use guns wich can handle more than 2 shots. You should be prepared on that. I am a revolver guy for sure. The only pistol I do have is a Colt model 1903 in .32acp. Rest are all revolvers. But when my life depents on it I hate to say it. I do need a pistol with a bigger capacity then my only 6 or 8 rounds of a good revolver. Did I already say that I hate to say this? No? I hate to say this. But time and development overruled my trusty revolver.
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06-11-2019, 05:53 PM
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Well, I'm one of those guys who carry a revolver most of the time, but voted "no". I'm no longer active duty police, and the needs of an armed citizen vs an on duty police officer are different.
I like the comment above about Jerry Miculec...if we could all shoot a revolver like him, we wouldn't need semi autos at all!!
But I still love my revolvers!!
Best Regards, Les
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Last edited by les.b; 06-11-2019 at 05:55 PM.
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06-11-2019, 05:59 PM
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Yes. I forgett to mention. I sure love all of my revolvers.
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06-11-2019, 06:54 PM
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Like many, I started with a revolver and ended with a semi auto. I voted no. I don't think the revolver is the best choice for front line safety forces. I think they are satisfactory for bailiffs, security, corrections, probation and parole. In these agencies handguns are predominantly used for self defense. First responders need to be equipped for potentially anything from bank robbery teams to terrorist attacks. You will have to respond with what you have on you. It's easier to carry extra ammo for the autoloader than for a revolver. A glock with 2 extra mags is lighter and more compact than most revolvers with 4 speedloaders.
A revolver requires more training and practice, more fine motor skills and maintenance to achieve proficiency than the modern autoloaders. As a former firearms instructor for my agency I found it easier for personnel to learn and maintain a higher level of skill with a glock than with a model 10 .38spl. The annual re-quals proved it.
Don't get me wrong. I understand it is the Indian, not the arrow. If someone is skillful with a revolver, they are no less prepared or deadly. Mindset is more of a factor than the tool. But for general agency issued weapons for first responders, the modern semi auto pistol gets the nod in my opinion.
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06-11-2019, 07:01 PM
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I was listening to the Primary&Secondary podcast while working midnight shift at my PD job last night. The host and guests made some very telling points about snubbie revolvers for backup use while on duty. The points were so telling that I am now considering a SW M638 for backup use.
Having said that, for primary duty carry, the revolver's day is long past. One of the guests in the podcast, Darryl Bolke, is a former LAPD (IIRC) patrol Officer and is now a well known trainer. He was the one that brought up most of the excellent points for a revolver for backup use. He said that there are two types of guns, guns to get you into trouble (primary guns that you use when responding to calls for service) and guns to get you out of trouble (guns that you use when you get mugged, robbed, when your primary fails, etc). Even he admitted that in this day and age, revolvers aren't good for primary guns. Very limited capacity and very slow and awkward reloads doom revolvers when used as primary carry guns. In this day and age, multiple perps are becoming more common, and God forbid you run into one of the ANTIFA protests. A lot of determined perps also aren't running away at the display of a gun anymore like they used to. When you look at the current trends, a high capacity, low recoil, quick to reload auto only makes sense as a primary gun.
I am the head firearms instructor at my PD and the Chief and I are in the process of updating the firearms policies. As part of the update, revolvers are no longer permitted as a primary gun. You can carry one as backup or off duty, but not primary anymore. I hated to do it, and no one has even asked about carrying one as a primary for many years, but it was time.
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06-11-2019, 10:16 PM
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I'm not and never have been a law enforcement officer. I sold my last autoloader twenty years ago. I carry a .38 special J-frame. But if I were a police officer on today's streets, I would want a handgun with a minimum of fifteen rounds and at least one reload. And a shotgun and maybe a patrol rifle in the car.
When you may be up against guys with AK's and AR's and extended-magazine handguns, six rounds and a couple of speedloaders would seem less than comforting.
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06-11-2019, 11:58 PM
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No. I started out with revolvers in the '70s. I'm still a very big fan of revolvers, and as a retired old fart, I still enjoy and carry them regularly. However, as a range master for most of my career, I came to recognize the advantages provided by the semi-auto over the revolver. I was even a big proponent of the change-over, and pushed for my department to go to the S&W 645 when they first came out. As time went on, that evolved to Glocks, then Sigs, then Glocks again.
I have plenty of Glocks and M&P plastic framed pistols in all sizes and shapes. They are all effective defense firearms. I rarely find a need these days to carry the higher capacity, larger guns, but I have the compacts for carry. And as I have said before, I ALWAYS carry a spare magazine or two. Being retired, though. I carry a revolver regularly. If I'm on the road, or going to a less that hospitable area, I carry something with more capacity.
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06-12-2019, 12:39 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Minorcan
I carry a revolver as my EDC but voted no. The primary reason is that the criminal element has changed tactics and crimes are many times committed by a gang. The speed of auto loading and capacity could make the difference.
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^^^^^^
I am in this camp
I happily and confidently carried a 4” 686 for the 7-8 years of my career, before the department switched to Glocks. At the time, I never felt disadvantaged, but as times changed I was content sticking with 10+ round automatics as my duty weapon; still carried a M60 for my BUG.
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06-12-2019, 01:09 AM
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Unfortunately in the modern police environment capacity and speed of reload has become significant. For retired cops and armed private citizens, not so much. For current duty officers, especially uniformed officers, it could be a big deal.
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06-12-2019, 01:39 AM
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You will still see J frame sized revolvers as back up pistols for those who understand fighting at contact distances, but beyond that...no. I also transitioned from revolvers to semi autos during my 30 year LE career. I deeply love revolvers, but I loved going home at the end of the day a lot more.
BTW-in all but one of my shootings I used an MP5 sub machine gun or a Remington 870. Most cops grab a shoulder fired weapon if they can before the situation gets to the point that they have to shoot.
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06-12-2019, 04:38 AM
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I still could do the job , but its a auto all the way now a days .
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06-12-2019, 05:13 AM
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I started with a 4in mdl 66 & 2 speed loaders. I can't say I ever felt "undergunned" but I was also one of the first to buy an auto when they were finally authorized (S&W 1086). Carried that for a good while, & now I carry a Glock 31 (I'll retire before the mandatory 9mm comes).
I sometimes laugh that I was once satisfied with 18 rounds & now carry almost that many in 1 magazine. I carry 4 shy of a full box of 50 on my belt now, with a spare mag on my plate vest, & my go bag; along with AR mags & shotgun shells (Yeah I still carry one of those too). Several of the young guys are carrying 3 mags (with +2 bases) on their belt.
I do still carry the same bobbed hammer model 60 as my BUG that I have from day 1.
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06-12-2019, 05:58 AM
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i voted yes. if the officer was more comfortable with a revolver than a auto, i for one would rather have him using a rev. location: in areas where an officer is much more likely called to say a moose/car incident than a gang banger with a gun....... and no you dont dispatch a moose or black bear with a 870 the the head as the public goes driving by.
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06-12-2019, 07:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshal tom
No, not today with the advantages of a semi with superior firepower and ease of reloading. Cops are in a different environment than are civilians.
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I agree with Marshal tom on his views of pistol VS. revolver.
But unless he is a Military Policeman, he too is a civilian.
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06-12-2019, 08:06 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Breaker
...Most cops grab a shoulder fired weapon if they can before the situation gets to the point that they have to shoot...
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This sums up the reason I still maintain that the majority of uniforms will be well served with a revolver.
Kevin
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06-12-2019, 08:48 AM
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I am not a LEO, but I feel the need to chime in. I do believe that the increased firepower of the semi-auto has it's place in law enforcement, provided that the rounds hit the designated target. I think that, as a civilian, I could have more confidence in a properly presented LEO carrying a revolver than most of the young officers carrying some flavor of semi-auto.
Personally,I believe that the worst "advancement" to hit police training is the Q target with the 70% qualification standard. I believe that most officers are better served by training with the decimal silhouette or the old "Kill/Disable" silhouette .
A case in point is a local trooper armed with possibly a Glock engaged in a firefight with an armed suspect. He fired 3 shots and never connected, and then a foot chase resulted. Suspect was caught, but was the officer effective in the firefight? Had it not been a rural setting, there is a high probability that there would have been collateral injuries.
The extra firepower is beneficial only when it connects with the adversary in the firefight!
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06-12-2019, 09:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lrrifleman
The extra firepower is beneficial only when it connects with the adversary in the firefight!
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This just isn't true. Suppressive fire is not necessarily used to hit a target, but to keep the target's head and eyes down so you and/or your partner can assualt the objective without the target knowing you are moving or where you are coming from.
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06-12-2019, 09:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THEmodelof1989
This just isn't true. Suppressive fire is not necessarily used to hit a target, but to keep the target's head and eyes down so you and/or your partner can assualt the objective without the target knowing you are moving or where you are coming from.
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WOW!!!!!!!! Suppressive fire??????
revolvers in the 21st century? Not likely .... IMO....handguns are convenient to carry... if you're not expecting to need to use your gun but need to have on available................
if the SHTF or trouble is expected....... the "Patrol Rifle" has become the primary ....... around the Burbs of the Burgh most cars have one between the seats.
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06-12-2019, 11:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fatcat3
i voted yes. if the officer was more comfortable with a revolver than a auto, i for one would rather have him using a rev. location: in areas where an officer is much more likely called to say a moose/car incident than a gang banger with a gun....... and no you dont dispatch a moose or black bear with a 870 the the head as the public goes driving by.
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I am not a LEO; although in the 80's I did shoot with the East Arkansas Peace Officer's Assn. Same applies to the Arkansas Delta; West Memphis being the exception. Otherwise a revolver would be sufficient putting down a run over deer or a hog.
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06-12-2019, 11:43 AM
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It breaks my heart to vote no, but I did.
I started my law enforcement with a Mod 19 and thought I was a big time operator when I switched it out to a 4" 686!
I was fortunate during my LE career to train with Col. Cooper, Ed Stock, Scotty Reitz and Larry Vickers to name just a few and to learn how to professionally operate a semi auto pistol. I learned that the auto pistol is the more superior tool for LEO's.
Retired now, I tend to lean toward the revolver for EDC. They fit my lifestyle and they bring back very fond memories of my career and the officers that I served with.
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06-12-2019, 03:24 PM
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Carrying a quick to reload semiauto and extra magazines has one thing in common with fire extinguishers and parachutes.
It's better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.
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06-12-2019, 03:26 PM
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I carried a revolver for over half my career and would have carried my entire career if allowed.I was dragged kicking and screaming into the auto era.I was carrying the perfect duty pistol, a M-686 loaded with 145 gr Silvertips. I ad a 3" 65 for plain clothes and a M60 for backup and off duty. I kept track of police shootings in the Southwest my entire career and still do as much as possible and rarely there one that exceeds 6 rounds.
So yes I voted yes, as long as the officer is willing to train especially in reloading.
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06-12-2019, 11:59 PM
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If I returned to duty today, I would carry a quality 1911 in 45 ACP. I carried a revolver for a time in the 1970's and changed to the 1911 when the bad guys started carrying semi autos. I would also make certain that I had a quality Patrol Rifle close by.
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06-13-2019, 09:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAM-BAM
WOW!!!!!!!! Suppressive fire??????
revolvers in the 21st century? Not likely .... IMO....handguns are convenient to carry... if you're not expecting to need to use your gun but need to have on available................
if the SHTF or trouble is expected....... the "Patrol Rifle" has become the primary ....... around the Burbs of the Burgh most cars have one between the seats.
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If you read my previous post, you will see I'm clearly against using revolvers for police work. Why would I suggest using a revolver for suppressive fire? Quite the opposite.
You've probably done a ton of police work in your time, so I beg you to think about the times you were first on the scene and going back to the car is NOT an option. I implore you to think about all the times you were beating feet working overtime security at a concert, parade, hospital, or school; we don't typically carry long guns around in those situations even though these places are often targeted by murderous cowards. The pistol is the primary in these situations.
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06-13-2019, 09:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S-W4EVER
Sure, if your name is Jerry Miculek.
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Does Jerry have any experience shooting under stress (as in being in a gunfight)?
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06-13-2019, 09:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THEmodelof1989
If you read my previous post, you will see I'm clearly against using revolvers for police work. Why would I suggest using a revolver for suppressive fire? Quite the opposite.
You've probably done a ton of police work in your time, so I beg you to think about the times you were first on the scene and going back to the car is NOT an option. I implore you to think about all the times you were beating feet working overtime security at a concert, parade, hospital, or school; we don't typically carry long guns around in those situations even though these places are often targeted by murderous cowards. The pistol is the primary in these situations.
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Sorry we are not connecting.......I agree the use of a revolver is highly unlikely in this day and age. Thou I think a J-frame may be a good back up weapon.....my point was we carry handguns (autoloading pistols) for convenience... not because it's the best tool when one finds themselves in need of a firearm! We are seeing more patrol rifles and sub-guns (MP-5) deployed on a routine basis ...... look at some of the videos of "security" in airports and places like NY City
My point was today if one is bailing out into a "nasty situation" more likely than not the patrol rifle will be employed as an officer primary weapon.... they are no longer just employed by the SWAT Team. Things and times change....for decades the first responding officers secured a perimeter ..... since Columbine they enter and engage ......generally with a long gun.
My other point is I don't think I've ever heard the term "supressive fire" used in Police training/ training manuals... while employing it may be necessary to resolve a situation .... seems like the Dept would get crucified in any follow up civil suit especially in urban or suburban areas.
As an aside: when I was much younger (late 70s) I thought the perfect combo would be a 4" 66 .357 backed up by a Browning HP. If six shots of .357 weren't enough to resolve the issue.... I wanted a high cap 9mm and a couple of extra magazines not just a couple of speed loaders........ at that time the Browning was just about the only high-cap 9 in common usage ..... and patrol rifles were rare.
Last edited by BAM-BAM; 06-13-2019 at 09:47 AM.
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06-13-2019, 10:11 AM
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I'm not an LEO... and I love and often carry a revolver, but usually only when I *assume* I'll only be venturing into low risk situations, in the yard, or in the woods. After dark, alone, in *higher risk* situations at minimum I'm carrying a 1076 with a spare mag but usually a G29 with a spare mag, and if I'm being especially careful in a *code red* area I'll carry my XDM 10mm with 2 spare mags... 45+1. To some this may seem unnecessary, but I live in a pretty rough neighborhood in a notoriously rough part of town.
I couldn't imagine being a copper nowadays with only a 6 shooter, even with a couple speedloaders.
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06-13-2019, 10:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAM-BAM
As an aside: when I was much younger (late 70s) I thought the perfect combo would be a 4" 66 .357 backed up by a Browning HP. If six shots of .357 weren't enough to resolve the issue.... I wanted a high cap 9mm and a couple of extra magazines not just a couple of speed loaders........ at that time the Browning was just about the only high-cap 9 in common usage ..... and patrol rifles were rare.
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I would have just the opposite - the 4" 66 would be backing up the Browning HP.
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06-13-2019, 11:30 AM
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I’m not in a traditional LEO environment, but if I were I would have to think twice about a wheeled duty gun. I do wear a revolver to court, on search warrants, and during daily interviews and inspections. I don’t typically interact with felonious criminals and if I do there are several other armed agents with me.
Last edited by Loyaljeeper; 06-13-2019 at 11:33 AM.
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06-13-2019, 11:33 AM
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As for the OP's question....
A good revolver man is...A man to be reckoned with.
A man that is good with an auto loading pistol, is a man to be reckoned with as well.
I've carried both, never felt any different.
In the 70s....
In the 90s...
In the last days...
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06-13-2019, 12:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THEmodelof1989
This just isn't true. Suppressive fire is not necessarily used to hit a target, but to keep the target's head and eyes down so you and/or your partner can assualt the objective without the target knowing you are moving or where you are coming from.
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I think you're referencing the wrong line of work.
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06-13-2019, 12:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Protected One
I would have just the opposite - the 4" 66 would be backing up the Browning HP.
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LOL My way of thinking in the 70s was if the situation couldn't be resolved with 6rds of hard hitting .357 shooting DAO..... thinking it may go on for awhile.....
Guessing I was influenced by seeing "Serpico" and "The Wild Bunch" too many times
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06-13-2019, 01:28 PM
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I don't feel qualified to vote in the poll.
Cops at The Federal Building in St. Louis carry revolvers.
That is all I have to say about this.
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06-13-2019, 02:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S-W4EVER
Sure, if your name is Jerry Miculek.
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That's what I was fixing to say. I didn't vote, I am not an LEO, but I do think that in today's world some form of high capacity weapon is required for the police. If I see a cop carrying a revolver I presume he is VERY brave and I hope that he is VERY skillful.
When I go somewhere that is above the average in terms of being a target of gangsters or terrorists or crazy people I usually switch from a revolver to a high capacity pistol. Planning ahead is never a bad thing.
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06-13-2019, 03:09 PM
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I was the last one carrying a revolver in my jurisdiction. Made the transition to semi autos and never looked back. The threat has changed. I voted no.
On my own time as a retiree? Sure. I will occasionally wear my 3 inch 13-3 or 4 inch 66-2. But I'm no longer kicking doors or hunting felons. If I was, I sure wouldn't be comfortable any more doing it with a revolver. YMMV Regards 18DAI
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06-13-2019, 07:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick_A
I think you're referencing the wrong line of work.
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I'm not.
Police tactics have changed significantly over the years specifically in response to mass shooters, which are becoming more and more prevalent. Heck, in 2016 a maniac named Micah Johnson started shooting police officers in Dallas. Police there used a remote controlled robot with a bomb attached to it to kill him.
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06-13-2019, 08:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THEmodelof1989
I'm not.
Police tactics have changed significantly over the years specifically in response to mass shooters, which are becoming more and more prevalent. Heck, in 2016 a maniac named Micah Johnson started shooting police officers in Dallas. Police there used a remote controlled robot with a bomb attached to it to kill him.
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Well... the Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office missed the memo on changing tactics.
Patrol rifles are more common today, which is all in all a good thing. The will to deploy the trainIng, tactics and equipment is still needed.
Technically, the Dallas robot device was intended to “disable” the bad guy. Having enough explosives to drop the roof on him, literally, just happened to permanently disable him. If you have seen the AARs, it was a terrible tactical situation and the Dallas PD deserves huge credit for limiting any further loss of life.
I have seen hot pursuit situations that did not turn out so well. That speaks to evolving tactics, such as the phase out of duty revolvers on the belt.
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06-14-2019, 05:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Protected One
Does Jerry have any experience shooting under stress (as in being in a gunfight)?
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I’m sorry, I thought the question was addressed to “law enforcement members, past and present”...
I have no idea what Jerry’s experiences are but I do know he is a very capable revolver shooter. My impression of Jerry is he is a man of good moral fiber so I have no doubt he could do the job if he chose to.
As far as having “experience shooting under stress (as being in a gunfight)” I’m not sure I fit the bill either. I served three years Army Military Police (on two Continents), 29 years as a State Trooper, and ten years as a City Police Officer, all on the street. I never shot at anyone, I was always fortunate enough to talk the bad guys down. I know there are times when an LEO doesn’t have the luxury of time but while I came very close several times, I was blessed to never have to follow through...
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06-14-2019, 09:55 AM
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Let me get my flame retardant Nomex suit ready.
I was issued the SIG P226 9mm (My Favorite) and the Glock G21 45ACP. I would not feel underarmed with a 7 Shot 686. If I can get an extra round, why not?
I feel the revolver offers several benefits in the training arena. You get the same 2 weeks to train recruits that you always have, however with the semi there are more topics to cover. Malfunction drills etc... Also, many recruits today have no exposure to firearms. Approximately, half my class had prior military experience. My friends still in the game tell me that this is not typical today. A majority of the class has never even held a pistol. I think this is one of the reasons you are seeing a move back to 9mm by many agencies. It is easier to shoot an cheaper as well. With a revolver, you can start folks out with wadcutters and move up to duty ammo.
I also like to think about the lowest common denominator. Many officers in my experience only do the annual quals and little else. I feel that these folks especially are not under armed with a revolver.
Be clear, I am not a proponent of all police going back to revolvers. I am answering the question of if it would be effective, and I think it would be. If I could carry anything FOR ME, it would be my old friend Gerty (P226). The best cover is an accurate stream of return fire. I am not the lowest common denominator.
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