Considering switching from Semi to Revolver for CC....

[GLV]

and was curious from those that have if they have switched back. I am currently carrying a G19 strong-side in a Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster. BUG is an LCP in pocket holster front right pocket. I was wondering what your thoughts are on:
1. round capacity
2. conceal-ability
I know that there will be differing opinions as to the capacity issue, but I am a strong advocate of shot placement instead of "spray and pray", not taking into account for multiple assailants. I thought maybe a .357 with a 2 1/2" barrel.

As a trainer in today's world, I am sure you see far more semi auto handguns than revolvers. I know I do.

1. Round capacity: Not really a factor for me, I usually carry three revolvers when I leave the house, two currently as I make this post. I started with revolver in 1945 when I was 14. Went to Auto shooting Bullseye in the late 60s, back to revolvers in the 70s and 80s, to semi auto in the late 80s, and back to mostly revolvers about 10 years ago. The last change brought about by arthritis--seems to be bothered less with revolvers.

2. Concealability: While it is hard to beat the ability to conceal a P7M8 or BHP, it is not difficult to conceal one of my N frame revolvers. Today it was 2.5" 325PD 45ACP carried IWB, with a S&W642 in left front pocket, and a S&W 296 in my vest.

I have a great love for short barreled revolvers, and seem to shoot them fairly well given my age. I also like to load, and like my ability to shoot and to train others with light revolver loads. My arthritis is much calmer with light loads, especially When shooting my light weight Ti guns.When I do an instructor class, I try to have the candidates shoot as many different guns as possible.

Last, the Glock 19 is IMO the best of the Glocks. I own a very early one from the late 80s, and if I had to carry a Glock it would be the one. Full of Federal 9BPLE it would be hard to beat.

 

[RightWinger]

Maybe this is the wrong reason to carry the guns I do but typically I'll carry either a .40, .38, or 9mm because these are the calibers I can get free from our department. We can get free practice and carry ammo.......not a bad deal. In the summer time I usually carry a 342 in my galco pocket holster, and another speed loader in my pocket. In the winter time I might add a 686 or a glock 19 to my side. There is not a correct answer as far as what gun is better for carry, so carry what works for you. I would love to carry a 1911 however I don't feel like I would get as much practice with it if I had to buy my own ammo, so I decided against it.

 

[shooter-55]

I appreciate all of the input and experience that you all have shared on this subject. I have acquired a S&W Model 66-1 (2.5" barrel), born in 1981 and will be alternately carrying both the G19 and this. Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[ace1001]

2 1/2in .357 1246fps--15grs. 2400, 158 cast bul.
4in. .38spec. 989fps--10grs. 2400, 158 cast bul.
My findings tell me that a short barrel .357 has more power than a long barrel .38spec
To get that from a 2 1/2 inch barrel, you must use a heck of a load or really fast powder. My .357 load gets 1550 in a 20" rifle and 995 from my 2 1/4 inch snubby, but is very managable because it is a STEEL gun. Ace

 

[Wyatt1]

I have made the change over to a wheel gun (j frame) for 90% of my CCW. I let the situation (dress, where I will be) dictate my weapon. I am a CCW instructor and I think back to Ms Grupp's statements on that fateful day of deciding not to carry. The J is light and easier to carry (IMHO) than a Glock (my gun that used to be my everything) of any size. But again situation...

 

[C/O]

When I started CCWing I had a S&W 3913 but got rid of it in a moment of stupidity. Then I got a Glock 19, but was not happy with it because it did not fit my hand well. I sold it and bought a Ruger SP101 to replace it. Now the Ruger carries and conceals well, and has been my main CCW for atleast a year. However, I was able to get my hands on a 3913NL the other day. Its it about the same weight but is thinner than the Ruger, atleast when comparing the slide thickness to the cylinder. I may still carry the Ruger on occassion, but the 3913NL will be my primary.

I never felt under armed with the 5 shot snubbie, and will never part with it (hopefully, but if the right deal comes along who knows I might trade for a J frame for pocket carry). So go with what suits you better. For me it is between the two different guns, each has its advantage.

 

[230therapy]

This is an honest post in response to the OP's question:

and was curious from those that have if they have switched back. I am currently carrying a G19 strong-side in a Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster. BUG is an LCP in pocket holster front right pocket. I was wondering what your thoughts are on:
1. round capacity
2. conceal-ability
I know that there will be differing opinions as to the capacity issue, but I am a strong advocate of shot placement instead of "spray and pray", not taking into account for multiple assailants. I thought maybe a .357 with a 2 1/2" barrel.

In my experiments with revolvers, the trouble spots were in carrying spare ammunition, fast reloads and shooting technique. Never mind the delusions of grandeur I had about beating Jerry Miculek in ICORE competition

I found carrying spare ammunition in "round" configuration to be very annoying. The best solution I came up with was to put the ammo in a cargo pocket. Speed strips are anything but speedy and I don't consider them adequate given the combat focused mission parameters I use.

Reloading is more difficult because it requires more coordination due to the small movements required to complete the reload. Breaking it down into steps:

0) Identify that gun is no longer loaded
1) Change grip to support hand
2) Open cylinder
3) Control cylinder with support hand fingers
4) Tilt gun muzzle up-ish
5) Dump ammo with primary hand
6) Acquire ammo with primary hand
7) Tilt gun muzzle down-ish
8) Insert rounds into cylinder
9) Close cylinder and ensure lockup
10) Reaquire grip and sights

This is all fine and dandy standing around on the range, but it's really difficult to do reliably while moving (which needs to be done in a fight unless the shooter is behind bullet stopping cover). I'm sure it can be done very quickly with sufficient practice; I have not developed that skill.

Shooting double action revolvers can be somewhat tricky. I had to do a bunch of reading and practice in order to figure out techniques to maximize speed and accuracy. Once I discovered what was required, my group sizes shrank to acceptable diameters. Speed is pretty good, but more work is required in order to get to the "professional" level that I demand of myself.

I can see why revolvers have been replaced by semi-autos: the training requirements for proficient use in a ***fighting*** role are higher than those for semi-autos. Users require serious training and most people refuse to train beyond their state's CCW requirement. I would say that the vast majority of gun owners need education in using guns for self-defense regardless of type.

So, yes, I tried revolvers and went back to semi-autos. The semi-auto allows me to shoot much faster while maintaining fist-sized groups. In my mind, the combat revolver should be used for its strengths: more powerful ammunition and, for small revolvers, concealability. I don't see the revolver as optimal for me except in those two cases.

 

[flop-shank]

I can see why revolvers have been replaced by semi-autos: the training requirements for proficient use in a ***fighting*** role are higher than those for semi-autos. Users require serious training and most people refuse to train beyond their state's CCW requirement. I would say that the vast majority of gun owners need education in using guns for self-defense regardless of type.

The flip side would be that most people I know who are licensed have a semi that they never broke in, or tested their carry ammo to insure reliability. Those cheap, lazy, sloppy types would be better served with a revolver (I doubt many of them can shoot for crap with either type, semi or wheelie, anyway).

So, yes, I tried revolvers and went back to semi-autos. The semi-auto allows me to shoot much faster while maintaining fist-sized groups. In my mind, the combat revolver should be used for its strengths: more powerful ammunition and, for small revolvers, concealability. I don't see the revolver as optimal for me except in those two cases.

Makes sense to me. Of course, some people really like the way revolvers fit their body and there is always the guy who has been using a gun for so long that it's like an extension of his body. Of course he's over the hump training-wise isn't he?

 

[uncle norman]

My carry changes with the circumstances. Most work days I'll have my Ruger .357 SP101 on my ankle. I open our shop before sun up and my greatest threat is somebody trying to steel scrap pipe out of our yard and me surprising them. There is likely to be one person. When I take my wife out to dinner or we are on the road I carry my G19. I figure somebody who would start something in a restaurant might have planned it and have some back up. Also on the road I can comfortably carry something bigger. Sometimes it'll be my G30.

 

[230therapy]

The flip side would be that most people I know who are licensed have a semi that they never broke in, or tested their carry ammo to insure reliability. Those cheap, lazy, sloppy types would be better served with a revolver (I doubt many of them can shoot for crap with either type, semi or wheelie, anyway).

Makes sense to me. Of course, some people really like the way revolvers fit their body and there is always the guy who has been using a gun for so long that it's like an extension of his body. Of course he's over the hump training-wise isn't he?

First rule: Have a gun. Revolvers count

 

[Glidin']

I am currently deciding on whether a semiauto or a revolver makes the most sense for my lifestyle.

One serious consideration I had was the slide having to cycle on a semi-auto. What if something gets tangled, such as:
* My jacket, scarf, clothing, etc...
* Possibly the attackers coat, scarf, clothing, etc...

I know if am not alert enough to recognize a threat before it is literally on top of me, it may be too late anyway...

...but what if?

 

[GLV]

Difficult questions. I do not know your life style, or how you dress.

I do know mine, and my normal carry is two or more revolvers. One carried strong side just past the pants seam or at about 4 on the clock. One in a pocket holster, and sometimes one in a vest, or in cooler weather, cross draw under a sweater or sweatshirt.

I do know whatever gun you choose, you will need to dress around the gun.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Congrats, the combo of a G19 or a snub M66 can work fine. I personally would feel more comfortable adding a J frame as a backup to either one of those, but that's me..

Both conceal well with proper clothing & leather. Both use a "sufficient" caliber. Hits count and are do-able with proper mindset and training.

The only actual pistol shooting I've been in, involved a full grown pit mix trying to eat students, staff, and others at a school. It took four good hits with a G23 to finally stop that dog from trying his hardest to bite everyone.

As I understand it, most home grown thugs are a lot less determined (than that dog) when discovering their chosen victim is armed & resolute.

So round count per gunload - I don't know. I often do better with revolvers, but probably reach for an autoloader when multiple dangerous thugs might be near me.

 

[davel686]

I Have carried about every type of popular auto made in the last 30 years, but when i started carrying A S&W M 66 2-1/2" loaded with .38+p silvertips I felt that i had found a comfortable gun that I could carry around town.
we live in a tiny mountain town with 1 grocery store, 1 gas station, 1 bank and 1 latte stand.
population less then 500.
but when I go down river to the 2 bigger citys where they have everything I need and the gangs and strange people to go with it, I carry a semi-auto.
I carry my 15+ year old Sig P229.40 cal. with a 12 round mag loaded and a spare on me, along with the M66 in the console with a couple of speed loaders.

 

[230therapy]

I am currently deciding on whether a semiauto or a revolver makes the most sense for my lifestyle.

One serious consideration I had was the slide having to cycle on a semi-auto. What if something gets tangled, such as:
* My jacket, scarf, clothing, etc...
* Possibly the attackers coat, scarf, clothing, etc...

I know if am not alert enough to recognize a threat before it is literally on top of me, it may be too late anyway...

...but what if?

This isn't really something to even think about. You'll probably be more concerned with the bad guy coming at you. Close range is very common in the typical civilian crime scenario. The result is that the "solution" to the problem may be combatives. It may not even be possible to get the gun into play if you're getting hammered with punches and kicks. At that point, it's better to handle it with combatives UNTIL such time as you can reliably and quickly deploy a weapon.