Semi Automatic vs Revolver, what say you?

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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refill1961 said:
.... 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.......
Click to expand...

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!!!
 
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 :cool:
 
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. :D. 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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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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.
 
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.
 
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