Do You Completely Trust Semi-Auto Pistols?

[Flattop5]

Am I the only one who has a hard time trusting the reliability of semi-auto pistols?

I used to keep a 9mm Browning Hi-Power (made in 1972) as a bedside gun. No more. I had confidence in that gun until, one day, it choked on me twice during a firing range session (I had 2 failures to fully eject), even though I always kept the gun clean and lubed, and I always used fresh, good quality, factory ammo.

Am I the only one who has qualms about the reliability of semi-autos for defense?


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[Sayoc01]

Nope!! My H&K PSP has "Never"jamed or had any problems & I've had her for about 7yrs.
Jim

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Am I the only one who has a hard time trusting the reliability of semi-auto pistols?
. . .

Am I the only one who has qualms about the reliability of semi-autos for defense?

Of course not. While revolvers are not quite 100% reliable, either, they are far more reliable than most autos in an urban environment, and elsewhere if properly protected. That said, there are some pretty good autos around these days. If you're really concerned, remember that one is none, and two is one.

 

[MetalMan]

I have 2 first generation (Yonkers) Kimbers - Classic Custom and Ultra Carry - which I have owned since 2000. These have both sent thousands of rounds downrange and I cannot recall the last time I encountered a FTF, FTE or any other performance issue.

I carry both of these in my EDC rotation and trust them with my life.

 

[DevilDog72]

Every semi auto I have ever had including a Glock 17 and 19 had a malfunction at one time or the other. One of my favorite pistols ever is my 1911 Commander platform. When new it had many failures to feed and I was so exasperated I was close to just throwing it into the lake near my home. Turned out long story short a grain of powder was lodged under the extractor.... once it was removed no more failures of any kind.
All the above said, I have never had any malfunction with any of my 4 revolvers....I carry a 19-4 snub every day now and have for many years now. I gladly give up capacity for reliability.

 

[federali]

Stay with Autos

The alternative, revolvers, are not without their issues. The extractor rod can loosen, preventing the gun from opening. A hot round can cause the primer to extrude into the hammer nose hole, preventing the cylinder from rotating. Unburned powder can become trapped under the extractor star, mainly through improper reloading technique. That will prevent the cylinder from closing.

Back off on the strain screw (S&W) and the gun may not fire. Manage to get a shell casing under the extractor star and you're out of business. Bad guy wins. I've also seen people lose the cylinder release by failing to keep the retaining screw tight.

Semi autos need to be maintained and sometimes tuned. The very few stoppages I've suffered with my Browning HP was the result of faulty ammunition. My Glock 19 has been running nearly 20 years without a stoppage.

 

[Rpg]

Interestingly, the only time I can remember is when setting the gun up for failure to fire drills.

Since we should know how to quickly clear a malfunction, and practice to proficiency, I don't worry about my 1911s.

 

[RG686]

Mechanically, there is more to go wrong with an auto than a revolver. However, if something does go wrong with a revolver it's more likely to be catastrophic, i.e., explode in your hand. With an auto, in an emergency situation you have to consider, is there a round in the chamber? Is the magazine properly seated, or in my haste to get the gun out did I accidentally hit the mag eject button? Does it have a safety, is that on? Will it feed the next round, or eject the spent case properly? Lot's of moving parts and at any time one of them can go a little awry and cause an issue. A revolver, in an emergency situation, is simple, pull the trigger and as long as the cylinder aligns with the barrel and the hammer strikes the the primer, it will go bang. Both of those issues are ones you can determine well in advance of when you need the gun to work if they will be a problem.

All that said, today's autos at least are generally excellent and reliable. I've had most of the issues I described happen to my Glock when practicing with it (except for the safety, it doesn't have one), but if I were to need it I feel I can rely on it. One other thing to consider is if you want a gun that will sit loaded for months at a time, then if it's an auto you'll at least need to pull the bullets out of the magazine periodically, switch out with another mag. Leaving them in the mag for extended times can affect the spring, and that can lead to feed problems. So for sure, if it's a gun that just sits in a drawer for months on end, and you don't want to pay any attention to it, then a revolver is better option for that reason if no other. But if it's a carry weapon that you will handle regularly, take to the range and clean it periodically, keep it maintained, then an auto is a perfectly fine option, despite all that I've pointed out.

 

[BigBill]

My 1911's are tuned to perfection. They run FMJ ammo flawlessly. the problem with some pistols is there not made to run JHP's. My 9mm pistols run flawlessly also.

Revolvers never a problem.

Inspect every gun we purchase carefully used or new. Completely disassemble it, clean it, inspect it, lube it, reassemble it.

I purchased every 1911 tool there is for tweeting, tuning and building the 1911s. The tools for checking the extractor tension, installing the barrel bushing, adding a interrupter ramp, frame fixture, slide gauges ect. I want it built perfect. I purchased every vhs, DVD videos on how to work on 1911s, like the set of Wilson combat, AGI, ect. Plus the Jerry k book and DVD. Education is the key to make them run like a Swiss watch.

I feel confident with any revolver or pistol to grab it and go into battle. If you don't have confidence in your handgun you have a problem and fix it.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I am an avowed semi guy. I have been fascinated with them for over 45 years. I respect revolvers but they are not my thing. Maybe I'm missing a few chromosomes.

I trust my life to them everyday.

Besides, there are a few million cops and soldiers around the world that do too.

I'm in good company.

 

[joebiker]

I have never had an auto pistol failure or stoppage.

I have had 3 smith and Wesson revolvers fail. My first was my brand new mdl. 19 broke a hammer return spring during my police academy qualifications, second was a mdl. 63 that would misfire due to tight chambers. The third was a 442 that had its lock self activate.

 

[DocB]

Not the plastic ones. A few days in a hot car can cause some parts to sort of melt. . .or so they say. You can tell I'm not a big fan of semi-autos and definitely not a fan of plastic ones. Although, here's a few that were trusted by a lot men during WWII.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Well maintained gun + proper ammo + competent shooter = Trust in autoloader reliability.

Revolvers are more forgiving, particularly with ammo choices and shooter competence.

I trust my autoloaders in my hands. Your's in your hands...... not so much.

 

[STCM(SW)]

"I trust my life to them everyday.

Besides, there are a few million cops and soldiers around the world that do too."

They don't have a choice, there told what to use as a sidearm and what ammo they have in them.....

 

[Muss Muggins]

I trust my pistol(s) more than I trust myself.

Muss Muggins - 2016

 

[Smoke]

Do you completely trust semiautomatic pistols?

Of course not, that's why I practice malfunction drills

 

[Old cop]

I used to be in the revolver-only camp until my former dept. transitioned to the Glock 23. While I've had failures w/others the Glock has never chocked on me. Recently I put my J frame in the safe and started carrying the no laser M&P .380, never a failure w/that either. A couple of days ago I took advantage of a sale at Gander Mountain and purchased an LCP for $199. Two range trips so far and no failures w/that either. I appreciate the convenience of these small .380 pistols and while I no longer go in harm's way either of these .380s will suffice if something really bad comes my way.

 

[Brasky]

Not the plastic ones. A few days in a hot car can cause some parts to sort of melt. . .or so they say. You can tell I'm not a big fan of semi-autos and definitely not a fan of plastic ones. Although, here's a few that were trusted by a lot men during WWII.

Cause the parts to melt? You do realize a barrel gets the internals far warmer than a hot car. Someone sure got you good with that joke (or they owned some cheap, low end handgun)

My Glocks have never had an issue that wasn't ammo related (bad primers or under-powered loads)

 

[Smoke]

One other thing to consider is if you want a gun that will sit loaded for months at a time, then if it's an auto you'll at least need to pull the bullets out of the magazine periodically, switch out with another mag. Leaving them in the mag for extended times can affect the spring, and that can lead to feed problems.

Care to source that claim?

 

[ContinentalOp]

I've had failures with both semi-autos and revolvers. I think that as long as you have good quality guns, maintain them properly, and use good quality ammo, there's very little difference between semi-autos and revolvers under typical conditions.

I would have no problem trusting a semi-auto as much as a revolver so long as I've tested them to my satisfaction. But I would continue practicing malfunction clearing drills for both gun types, because stuff happens.