Semi Automatic vs Revolver, what say you?

[refill1961]

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?

 

[thezoltar]

Paragraphs are your friend.

 

[Smith357]

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.

 

[Bard4jeff]

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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[allthumbs]

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.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I just say "YES" to both...

 

[BearBio]

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.

 

[pops326]

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

 

[ContinentalOp]

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).

 

[ParadiseRoad]

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

 

[zonker5]

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.

 

[haywood]

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.

 

[mazer]

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!

 

[Arik]

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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[cowboy4evr]

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

 

[Laketime]

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.

 

[Stevens]

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

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

 

[Warren Sear]

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

 

[Gunsguna]

Without a doubt,semi.

 

[Gunsguna]

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!

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