I'm about ready to buy some more guns. I have always been a "shotgun in one hand and a six shooter in the other" kind of guy. I have owned only two semi automatic handguns in my 55 years and I don't have either one of them anymore. I owned a Haskell 45 ACP that was pretty old and was so heavy it was like having a small block chevy in your pocket. It was cheap and it performed about like you'd expect. I also had a Glock 23, the 40 caliber. I'm not even sure what generation it would be. I took it in on pawn from a family member that was in a bad way and I fell in love with it. I didn't realize how far technology had come in the world of handguns. I had only known older, heavy, bulky, iron guns from the past. The Glock was like nothing I'd ever seen. Long story short, He came back recently after 6 years and asked to buy his gun back and in keeping with our agreement, I let him buy it back for what I had given him for it way back when. Now, I don't know what to do. I'm a revolver guy, always have been. I don't know why but I like the whole "old school" thing that it delivers. It's almost like the sound a pump shotgun makes when you chamber one, there's no mistaking it. Likewise, when you thumb the hammer back on a revolver, it's not quite as much of an attention getter as the shotgun, but it makes a very distinctive sound that delivers it's own message. Anyway, I would like to tryout something semi automatic and I liked the Glock enough to want another one but I want to buy S&W, just because it's what I want, because I believe in S&W. I've got a S&W 32 that was made in 1893 that is as solid a gun as any at 123 years old. I still fire it regularly. It's my go to gun when the young ones in the family are ready to learn to shoot. Which of you are old revolver heads that have gone over to the semi automatic side? Why did you go? Which semi autromatic handgun does S&W make that you think I should look at before I buy? Which one do you own and why did you buy it? Would you buy another semi automatic? If you went to buy a handgun today, what would you buy and why? Y'all help a fella out. I'm trying not to be so "set in my ways" which is what wives say about their husbands after the age of 45. I'd buy another M&P revolver in a New York minute but, let's just say it would be "another one". I'm open for suggestions. WHAT SAY YOU?

Paragraphs are your friend.

There is no right answer, there are many choices, and everybody has their own personal preferences when it comes to defensive firearms. Go to a range that rents firearms, or find a friend with a few different types and shoot them all, choose the one you shoot best.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Well I just went the opposite direction. Sold all my autos and went to j frames. Auto wise I had two favorites and those where glocks and believe it or not , sccy's. Best I can say is find a range that rents and try as many as you can. It's a different world, the malfunction drills are different and for me at least , I'm having to learn to manage the trigger all over again. Good luck


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I was just like you, strictly revolvers, until I bought a shield and now because I liked it so much I bought a full size M&P 9mm. The only reason I wanted the M&P was for the 17 rounds for CC. I still like shooting a revolver and they're more perty to me but having 17+1 if I want to is a nice option. IMO the shield is easier to carry and shoots very well, the M&P is easy for me to carry because I'm a big guy and man does it shoot sweet. Good luck with any choice you make.

I just say "YES" to both...

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

You liked the Glock so much, get a newer one. I have the Glock 22 converted to 357 Sig in my nightstand and use a converted G27as my everyday carry.

Smith357 has got the right idea. Try a few out . Yo might just find the right one. I bought the M&P Shield in 9mm sight unseen. HATE IT! I should have fired a few first. I will NEVER do that again So listen to Smith357 and learn from Me , My friend....By the way I love My Walther PPQ-2

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pops 326

I consider myself a "revolver guy." But I also consider myself a "whatever-works-for-you guy." I like both semi-autos and revolvers. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. You just have to decide what works best for you. I would echo Smith357's advice to try as many different guns as you can and decide based on that.

I've owned a Glock 23. It worked well for me, but the recoil was a little snappier than I liked for a gun that size (says the guy who carries +P in an airweight J-frame... ). I would consider a Glock 19 in the future, though. I think they make excellent self-defense guns. I would probably change the sights and use the NY1/"-" connector combo like I had in my Glock 23. Maybe a few other tweaks here and there.

However, if I were going to buy a semi-auto for carry and self-defense right now my first choice would be the Sig P239 DAK, probably in 9mm (though .357 Sig in that size package has some appeal to me). I haven't shot one, but I've handled and dry-fired one. It fits my hand really well and has probably the best DA pull I've tried on a semi-auto.

I've also considered going smaller than my 642 with a Ruger LCP. I normally carry my 642 in an IWB holster. Pocket carrying the J-frame is a little awkward for me. I would like to have the option of a gun for really discreet pocket carry and the LCP seems like a good choice for that role.

I'm actually not that interested in S&W semi-autos. The only one that I have any real interest in is the M&P45c, mostly because dimensionally it's very close in size to a Glock 19. I haven't tried any of the Shield models, so I wouldn't rule them out without trying them. I like their 1911s, but a 1911 isn't my first choice for a self-defense gun (just my preference, though...I'm sure they work well for those who prefer a 1911 for self-defense).

...semi-automatic?...what in tarnation is that?...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Semi's are fun to shoot and impress the kiddies, but for a "middle of the night when I don't have my glasses on" gun I stick with revolvers. There is never a question about one being in the chamber or not, no levers to get in the right position, just point and pull. If perchance you get a dud round just pull again, no slide to fool with....and a revolver doesn't jam or stove pipe.

High capacity is not an issue, remember this is for immediate defense, not a running gun battle with alien invaders. If 6 rounds of .357 won't do the job I don't think another 10 will help.

I have a small amount of handguns. I've sold more than I kept. Out of all that I had and now have I like the J-Frames best.

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Two Handguns every day

I have owned a number of semi-auto pistols...sold them all...replaced them with these...and it's only a portion of what I have all wheel guns...so, right tool for the right job!

Here's an easy answer. Since you already know revolvers but only had experience with a Glock. Go rent a bunch of different semi autos and see what you like

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I've always been a revolver guy for many many yrs . I finally decided that I needed to familiarize myself with semi autos so I have a couple now . I can see the reasoning behind them , but personally I just don't care for them or shooting them .
I recently went through a tactical training course . Making a long story short , yes I started with a semi auto as it's what my instructor prefered . Anyway , on the last run through , I asked if I could use my 44 mag model 29 - 6" . He smirked but agreed . I had obstacles to clear, be on the move , hit multiple staggered targets (kill shots ) and empty all 6 rounds in 7 seconds . I was successful in all but one aspect , I took one second too long (8 sec) . I used 240 gr full magnum loads . I had a huge smile on my face . I loved using my big revolver and would gladly do it again . Yes, I need more practice but it would be with my 44 , not a semi . To each -- his own

I foolishly made a departure from revolvers in the very late 80's.I fell into the beloved 1911 trap,and have never looked to anything else for a full frame defensive weapon.I feel foolish now having sold dozens of Smith and a few Colts for then small money to fund some Wilson and other higher end semi autos.

My heart wants a semi automatic, but my head says revolver!

Maybe a Country & Western song can be written around that.
Steve W

Yes, absolutely. Semi-auto or revolver. That is my favorite.

Without a doubt,semi.

Nice collection, but i'm still a semi man.

I have an about equal number of autos and revolvers. I like them both, with most of semi-autos being 1911s, Glocks and a S&W Shield. My revolvers, however, are all S&W and range from N frames to J frames and .38 to .357 to .45 ACP (most being .357). I have some revolvers I will never part with. In fact, I find the longer I'm retired (LEO 37 yrs.) the more I carry my J frames for daily concealed carry. After all, I started out with revolvers and never felt under-gunned.

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Dave Frost

This isn't what you asked for opinions about, but I hope you realize that this is a movie thing that has no place in actual self-defense scenarios. It's a recipe for accidental discharges and unintentional corpses, not delivering messages, and quite different from chambering a round in the shotgun. NYPD switched to DA-only revolvers after an officer who tried this killed someone accidentally.

As for your actual question, I carried semi-autos for decades before switching back to revolvers exclusively about 10 years ago or so. If you feel the need for higher magazine capacity, pick a modern pistol that you feel comfortable with; shove all nostalgia and reverence for brands or legendary handguns aside. No major manufacturer makes a bad gun. Pick one that requires nothing but pulling the trigger; at the risk of loud squeals of outrage from enthusiasts, that means 1911's and Browning HP's are not particularly good choices unless you actually train professionally (and way too many folks mistake Saturday practice at the range for training).

Glock, HK, Sig, S&W, all make suitable models, and what fits your hand well is much more important than the brand name. The HK P 2000, although quite pricey, happened to fit me most perfectly; it was the last of my modern pistols I ended up selling a few years ago. As others have advised, try to get a chance to shoot different models before you decide.

Do I like red heads, brunettes, or blonds? Well, yeah! But I'm only allowed to have one of those at a time if I expect to live!!! Thankfully, I can have both revolvers and semi autos and live. I'm an old revolver man, and they are my sentimental favorite. But my striker fired M&P semi autos (including the Shields) operate pretty much like the revolvers I am so programmed to use. Plus I can carry a few more rounds of ammo and reload them a bit more quickly and easily as compared to my revolvers. The semi autos are a bit flatter in profile and my Shields are a slightly more comfortable carry for me. I much prefer the way my revolvers look but pretty is as pretty does! I am just thankful that I can have and use both without any real change in the way I carry, draw, and fire either one. In the bargain, either choice is a good one for me. So I see this as a win/win situation.

My bedside gun is a full sized M&P semi auto that holds 17+1 rounds. It fits my hand and shoots very well. I have a second mag full of rounds right next to it just in case and I can reload it in the dark very easily. What's not to like? Ain't it grand that we don't have to choose only one platform to protect ourselves or to enjoy just bustin' caps at the range!!!

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So long ... Ken

I've owned and shot a pile of each....still prefer the revolver.

Nothing at all bad about a 16 round magazine but I just feel more confident with a revolver's simple-safe operation.

As others have said, carry what YOU shoot best...only hits count. I just happen to have fired way more rounds through a wheel gun than anything else.......and I think they're cool too

I am a revolver guy, but own 1 semi auto and that is for when I need hi-capacity.

It is a Beretta PX4 compact 9mm. It is DA/SA with a fantastic trigger. It is just the right size for concealed, but not too small, and it has the rotating barrel instead of tilt. Came with dual 15rd mags but will take the full size PX4 mags of 17 and 20. I don't even take to the range anymore because it is so accurate that I am just wasting ammo.

I would recommend you go somewhere that rents and try out as many as you can also. There are too many other higher quality makers out there to be set on a Smith.

Nobody ever speaks up for a good, solid flintlock pistol. I carry 4. . I dunno- I like revolvers and pistols both, but tend to gravitate toward snubbie .38's.

I had a .22 semi years ago...when I first shot it at the range, I learned the hard lesson of slide bite...ouch! Only have three semis in the collection these days, a Bersa .380, an East German Mak, and a CZ50 .32 ACP...learned to keep my thumb out of the way. Have ten revolvers, none of which has attacked me to this day...but they are all fun. My 7-shot Ruger GP100 .327 carries enough of a load for practically any situation...and large capacity mags are a no no here in CA.

Why not glock again? I have 4 glocks and 4 revolvers -3 s&w K frames and a ruger security six. I like them all. I like to shoot the revolvers at the range but I carry a glock 43 or 26 depending on what I'm wearing. I understand trusting S&W but if it's about made in America,you can buy US. Built glocks.
Beautiful revolvers are what you show your friends- Glocks are what you show your enemies! Haha.

I own both and enjoy collecting and shooting both: but my bed-side middle of the night-carry on long hikes companion is this one

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John

Let me help muddy the waters. Revolvers outnumber semi-autos in my collection. In semi-auto pistols, I have a S&W Model 439, then a Colt Government Model, a Springfield Armory Trophy Match, a Ruger Commander, and a Mauser HSC.

I started my pistol experience with the Government Model, thinking I could shoot bullseye with it. The Trophy Match became my 45 bullseye gun. I bought the 439 for shooting steel plates. I bought the Commander and the HSC once I entered the world of concealed carry.

Honestly, I am not fond of plastic or polymer guns, nor do I like striker fired handguns. My handguns have to be graced with steel and walnut, and must be equipped with a firing pin. We all have our unique taste and preferences in firearms, so it is hard to suggest one firearm over another. That said, I would suggest a quality 1911 or a second generation S&W semi-auto.

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Judge control not gun control!

The New Amsterdam reload?

I like the wheel guns but do have semi autos also, all 1911s. As stated
above the revolvers have less to go wrong when and are always ready
to fire if needed.

Mt Concealed carry guns are two with the primary one being a Sig P228 9mm and the one when I have just shorts and a Tee shirt on is a pre Model 36 flat latch carried in my pocket.
Sig P228

S&W pre 36

If you don't go with another Glock, try an M&P Compact in whatever caliber suits you. Just remember, auto or revolver, the gun's only as good as the guy behind it.

I don't like striker-fired pistols, Glocks don't fit my hand, and I consider revolvers safer than autos in what limited everyday handling I do with my everyday-carry handguns. I also kind of like S&W revolvers and autos, along with Colts, and even one H&R (a 195).

That said, I think you are making a big mistake to abandon the Glock you like in favor of an S&W with not much more on it than the name. Why not an Escort? That's got S&W on it, and it will fit really well in your pocket.

Get a Glock as much like the reclaimed one as possible, maybe get a revolver for backup (that's MY prejudice and personal opinion, as out of place here as it can be), and leave "brand loyalty" out of it. You know, in some circles, even Glock has a good reputation, and YOUR experience with one has been good.

That's how I see it.

I've had several semi-autos and revolvers throughout the years and liked them all for different reasons. When it comes to EDC however, I prefer my latest acquisition, a model 638, hands down. Very easy to conceal, lightweight & with reasonable power.
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20160428_090145 (1) by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20160724_072007 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

I have both revolvers and Semi's. I'm an old revolver guy but I'm trying to like semi's. I have a Shield 9mm, full size 9mm, and a Glock 19. I like the ergos on the Shield best of the three.. I have more revolvers both old and new... I everyday carry is the 442 or 642 in an IWB. If I'm going into a particularly bad area of the city, the Glock 19. I really just bought the Full Size 9mm and can't stand the front travel on the trigger. I'm taking it to a smith this week to have an APEX Duty Carry trigger installed so I can maybe carry that for those city trips. Right now I can't get used to the trigger on the full size. So it's either the J frame, Shield or Glock.

Like I always say, you can't go wrong with a S&W 3rd generation auto...especially the models that start with "10"

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

Aloha,

I am very comfortable with a 1911, Beretta 80 and 92/96 series and

S & W K and N frames.

The Wife is comfortable with her Beretta 92/96s.

I think being comfortable with any gun is a matter of LOTS of PRACTICE

with the firearm.

I am the first to admit that I am not comfortable with Glocks and

other similar firearms.

I do Not have the experience with them to feel "safe" with them.

Thus, I stay with what I am comfortable with.

Hi, sir.
I have a revolver and recently bought a semi-auto. I personally find the pistol a lot easier and faster to shoot, but it's just 'meh'. :/
On the other hand, I profoundly enjoy shooting revolvers. Handling them, loading them, even just looking at them.

I would buy revolvers 'til the cows come home and probably just keep a semi-auto, or two (ok, maybe three).

Regarding your purchase... If you are a revolver guy I suppose you'd prefer a steel framed, DA/SA pistol,or maybe even DAO.
Have you looked into some SIG SAUER's? I really like those.

Happy buying!

They are making a lot more Semi Autos now than revolvers. Over 6 to 1.
They are much more popular with younger folks. Probably because they
look cool in all the gunfights in movies and on tv.
About 40% of the Semi Autos being made are 9MM. Most popular caliber
I see on the range by far.
Get an instructor certification. Conduct classes for about 20 years.
Observe who shoots best and who has the least malfunctions. I did,
and I prefer revolvers.
I don't dis-like Semi Autos though. I shoot pretty good with my Colt
Gold Cup and my Model 22 .40 caliber Glock. Not too bad with my
Beretta M9 or my SIG P220 either.
But the main reason most folks have guns is for defense, and for that
I prefer revolvers. More reliable and simple operation, which is very
important when that stuff hits the fan.
Don't tell me I'm crazy. I know.

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In Omnia Paratus

I just went from auto to revolver last week. I like autos but traded my P95DC for a very nice Smith M10-5 whichLooks great.. I'm well pleased with the trade. A little big for carry,but just wanted it to shoot. Got a 637 and a Colt pocketlite to carry.

Old revolver guy myself....... didn't get my first auto until I was about 35 or so..........shooting revolvers at least 20 years by then.

Glocks have their place..... so do shovels..... I've had three...... Glocks that is... and numerous shovels...... a 19 and two 26s. Operative word is "had"...I still have the shovels!

As a revolver guy might I suggest "metal guns with wood grips"...............

A classic is the Smith Model 39 .........introduced in 1955 a 8+1, 9mm .... the 3913 is considered by many to be the best single stack concealed carry gun of the past 50 years ( wood grips are available from Hogue)

High Cap.......the timeless classic Browning/FN Hi-Power in production since 1935 ..... 13/15+1 single action....John Browning design.

S&Ws check out the Models 59, or the third generation 5906,6906 or 915.

IMO Beretta, Sig and CZ also make great guns........

Did you say exactly what you wanted it for? Home defense, carry, general shooting?

You liked the Glock, so I presume you aren't adverse to having a 'plastic' gun. That would make me think you would like an S&W M&P of some sort.

Personally, I REALLY like third gen S&Ws but for carry, I have a couple of plastic autos and a Model 36, that is an 'old fashioned' all steel J frame revolver. My favorite of all is a 686 that I don't intend to carry, but it's great fun to shoot and does home duty quite well.

Keep us posted on which way you go.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

REVOLVER. As someone already stated....if I need more than six rounds....I'm the wrong place.

It seems the defense lawyers prefer double action only guns, either revolver or semi-auto. I find I shoot revolvers better in single action and semi-autos better in double action. Rent some and try comparing rapid fire group size. If you're like most of us, one or two will stand out from the pack. 7 to 10 yards is good to show the differences.

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Foster Positivity.

To the OP, I'm not sure what your finances allow, but if you know you shoot the Glock well, then start there, by getting one you like. From there you can research and figure out which S&W you'll begin you collection with. Best of both worlds approach!


I think it's truck that shift's gears by itself



How often do you carry the Commander 1911? What style of holster do you use? Is yours solid steel frame and slide, or do you have a lighter frame?
I've been considering adding a 1911 for carry rotation, and because I've got bit by that bug..

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John 14:6, Luke 21:11

Auto .. I can carry 17+1 ..revolver would have to be reloaded 2 times .. and I carry another 17 rounds on my off side .. you can't match that with any revolver ..

Don't think the BG is going to wait for you to reload after you shoot 6 rounds off .. he could have a 30 round magazine in that stolen Glock he has .. seems they are the magazine sought after by the bangers ..

The one you can operate while still half asleep when the perp comes into your home in the dead of night... the one you can use effectively when you are confronted by a surprise altercation not of your choosing at a time you are not fully prepared for....... what ever it is it must work every time in all weather without even thinking about it. I have both and can accomplish all the above, that said, I carry a Mdl 19 or 66 snub.. it/they are also my night stand gun. Your choice.