Stopsign32v
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That's a great post with good points that cannot be argued. I agree
Are revolvers going the route of manual transmissions?
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That's a great post with good points that cannot be argued. I agree
F75gunslinger
Member
That has nothing to do with being connected to a car. I'm talking about driving experience, not the normalities of starting a car, or having power windows and locks. Creature comforts are nice to have, but they don't necessarily "make a connection" between car and driver.
As far as automatics and commercial trucks go, I drove for years, and HATED every single automatic transmission that I drove in a big truck. They always shifted wrong, too soon or too late, skipped gears to save fuel at the cost of getting up to speed. It never felt that I was totally in control of the truck. A couple of times it shifted in a spot where it could have potential to cause an accident. Also when on less than perfect conditions a manual allows you more control to get unstuck or keep moving compared to an auto.
As far as revolvers go, most seem to think that semiautos are better for self defense. Revolvers lost much of their commercial influence as police switched over from them to semiautos. I don't think anyone carrying a revolver is undergunned, and as always shot placement is far more critical than caliber. A well placed. 38 special will be far better than an entire magazine of 9mm +P+ that hit non vital areas.
Arik
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Auto trans are creature comforts too. After sitting in traffic for an hour going between 1st and neutral I realized I really don't need that deep of a connection with the car. Has nothing to do with laziness.
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SilentKnight
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I am a S&W wheel gun guy. I am 61 and a retired Army officer. During my active duty years I carried an issued Colt Detective for concealed carry while on special duty, the 1911 from the time I was a platoon leader thru my Captain years, and then the Beretta. I qualified expert with all three. The advantage of a high capacity semi-automatic is well known for police and soldiers. As a retiree and civilian I think the chances of being in an extended gunfight are low (assuming society doesn't breakdown); however, a short, close and violent one is more likely. I always carry a speed loader reload or two and practice double tapping multiple targets on my range. I find the revolver totally reliable and have enough experience with them to be accurate in double action. I think the revolver will be around for a long time but people should carry what they are comfortable with for their circumstances. Practice, practice, practice.
Stopsign32v
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Hate to hear your negative experience with automatics but now days they have very sophisticated ones that even rev match when down shifting, constant variable transmissions, and even automatics you can shift yourself. So now are you sold from the manual trans? If not can you explain why?
And the police went to semi autos because they are better. The military went to semi autos because they are better. They are accurate enough, handle recoil very well, and can pack as much of a punch as you want. Any bullet hitting non vital areas does no good. Not sure why you mentioned that in a .38 vs 9mm debate.
My 43 micro single stack shooting +p+ 9mm handles recoil better than my 642 S&W with underwood .38spc +p.My adult daughter had never expressed any interest in my shooting hobby, but then she moved to the city. Before long, she called me, told me stories about her scary neighbors and the general mayhem ongoing in her new surroundings. 'Daddy, can I have a gun?'
I could have chosen anything from a derringer to a 12 gauge for her, but I settled on a .38 spl Taurus 4" 6 shot revolver and here is why. First is safety. You can see that it is loaded instantly. You know that if you pull the trigger it's going to go off, no if or maybe. She will be keeping it in her apartment, not carrying it around. It was much easier to teach her how it works than a semi-auto. It is dead reliable but if it gets lost I won't cry like it was a nice S&W. At the range, she was soon on the paper double action at 10 feet. I gave her some Golden Sabres +P to keep in it and some of my cast bullet handloads for practice. She was a brainwashed lefty when she got out of college but she's getting over that now faced with the unpleasant reality of the real world. Maybe someday she'll graduate to something more modern but for now, she is very well armed and secure in her own home.
I could have chosen anything from a derringer to a 12 gauge for her, but I settled on a .38 spl Taurus 4" 6 shot revolver and here is why. First is safety. You can see that it is loaded instantly. You know that if you pull the trigger it's going to go off, no if or maybe. She will be keeping it in her apartment, not carrying it around. It was much easier to teach her how it works than a semi-auto. It is dead reliable but if it gets lost I won't cry like it was a nice S&W. At the range, she was soon on the paper double action at 10 feet. I gave her some Golden Sabres +P to keep in it and some of my cast bullet handloads for practice. She was a brainwashed lefty when she got out of college but she's getting over that now faced with the unpleasant reality of the real world. Maybe someday she'll graduate to something more modern but for now, she is very well armed and secure in her own home.
Nothing like pushing in that clutch and easing your truck into granny gear in preparation for doing some real work. Kinda like pulling back the hammer on a pre-war long action Smith. Worked yesterday, works today.
Here are some facts and speculation (I'll distinguish the two). S&W sales have increased 200% since our current president took office, with banner years in 2013 and (so far) 2016. It's stock has increased an amazing 957% during the same time frame. S&W says 3/4 of their sales are from hand guns. These are all facts, available via Google. What I've been unable to determine is what percentage of those hand guns are revolvers.
Here is where the speculation comes in. Even if the percentage is low, say 20%, that is still a sizable market. While one could argue that S&W has dropped several revolver models, I would counter that they have done the same with semi auto pistols. For example, I would love to see them do a run of 952's. Additionally, S&W introduced two revolvers that weren't only new to market, but added two new calibers: the 460 and 500 magnum.
Many people are enamored with high capacity firearms, but there is still remains lots of "real" shooters who recognize the advantages of a design that's basically 160 years old. Those people recognize that simplicity and reliability of a firearm is a good thing. Whenever an inexperienced or new shooter asks what they should get for a self defense carry weapon, be it male or female, I always refer them to a J-frame. Small, easily concealed and utterly reliable are the reasons why.
People probably asked if it was the death knell for single action revolvers when double action revolvers became available, yet here we are, well over 100 years later and single actions are still being made and people are still buying them.
In the end, I don't ever see revolvers disappearing from the manufacturing scene, unless Star Trek phasers become available - and maybe not even then.
Here is where the speculation comes in. Even if the percentage is low, say 20%, that is still a sizable market. While one could argue that S&W has dropped several revolver models, I would counter that they have done the same with semi auto pistols. For example, I would love to see them do a run of 952's. Additionally, S&W introduced two revolvers that weren't only new to market, but added two new calibers: the 460 and 500 magnum.
Many people are enamored with high capacity firearms, but there is still remains lots of "real" shooters who recognize the advantages of a design that's basically 160 years old. Those people recognize that simplicity and reliability of a firearm is a good thing. Whenever an inexperienced or new shooter asks what they should get for a self defense carry weapon, be it male or female, I always refer them to a J-frame. Small, easily concealed and utterly reliable are the reasons why.
People probably asked if it was the death knell for single action revolvers when double action revolvers became available, yet here we are, well over 100 years later and single actions are still being made and people are still buying them.
In the end, I don't ever see revolvers disappearing from the manufacturing scene, unless Star Trek phasers become available - and maybe not even then.
If I had to, I would give up all of my semi-autos in favor of my SA revolvers (various makes, but mainly Rugers) and my DA Smiths. Mainly for the reasons already stated by other members. Revolvers also have the added advantage of staying more or less under the radar in the current political climate. Politicians know what Glocks are but they probably think that a Super Blackhawk is a hockey goalkeeper.
OP
jmr986
Member
Also, If you look at all the high-end supercars; Bugatti, Lambo, McClaren, etc. they all have auto only. One of the engineers explained that the engines computer can communicate with the trannies computer faster, more efficiently and more optimally than any human can. Thus, making auto the tranny of choice for the hypercars. Now maybe its the manufacturer's choice not the owner.
In a recent year only about 15% of all handguns produced in the U.S.
were revolvers. The 85% of course being semi-automatics. 9MM
accounted for about 40% of all the new 9MMs.
As an instructor I don't keep statistics, but those numbers jibe well with
what I see on the range.
were revolvers. The 85% of course being semi-automatics. 9MM
accounted for about 40% of all the new 9MMs.
As an instructor I don't keep statistics, but those numbers jibe well with
what I see on the range.
As stated in the "do only old guys edc revolvers" thread, I'm not quite in my mid 30's, and I am a revolver guy. Also... I hate to say it after seeing some posts here, but I'm one of those who never learned how to drive a manual transmission car. 
I started on pistols and really like the ones I own, but what made me look into revolvers was more experienced shooters encouraging me to learn about and try both. What I learned is that for me, revolvers are the best match for concealed carry given my abilities, preferences, and lifestyle, and that that's ok. I think the key is that people welcomed me and took me under their wings when I was new to shooting. I never forget how important that's been for me, in a lot of ways.
I started on pistols and really like the ones I own, but what made me look into revolvers was more experienced shooters encouraging me to learn about and try both. What I learned is that for me, revolvers are the best match for concealed carry given my abilities, preferences, and lifestyle, and that that's ok. I think the key is that people welcomed me and took me under their wings when I was new to shooting. I never forget how important that's been for me, in a lot of ways.
kfields
Member
I am a semi-auto guy but I purchased a Model 60 S&W at the beginning of last year just for kicks. I was surprised at how well I shot it and how concealable and safe it was to carry so I decided to bring it to my concealed carry class last summer.
I am also an older guy (62) and my classmates were all in their 20's-30's. I am no great marksman but I impressed myself and the teacher as I ended up with the tightest groups and with the most shots on the bullseye as compared to my classmates. A year later, it still amazes me how well that revolver handles for me. I guess my point is that the choice of a revolver vs a semi auto depends on how well the individual handles their particular firearm in all respects. I think a revolver is a great choice for someone who is a new shooter and/or not a frequent shooter or a shooter who may have difficulty quickly diagnosing a semi-auto FTF especially in a tense situation.
I've also pondered a potential tense situation where I am forced to draw and fire. Whether I hit anyone or anything, I kinda' like the idea of brass (evidence) remaining in the cylinder of my revolver and not flying all over the place as would be the case of a semi-auto. My story to the police officers after the fact is more apt to remain my story and my facts (for better or worse) rather than someone attempting to rescript actual events by tracking where my brass landed after bouncing off walls.
Kim
I am also an older guy (62) and my classmates were all in their 20's-30's. I am no great marksman but I impressed myself and the teacher as I ended up with the tightest groups and with the most shots on the bullseye as compared to my classmates. A year later, it still amazes me how well that revolver handles for me. I guess my point is that the choice of a revolver vs a semi auto depends on how well the individual handles their particular firearm in all respects. I think a revolver is a great choice for someone who is a new shooter and/or not a frequent shooter or a shooter who may have difficulty quickly diagnosing a semi-auto FTF especially in a tense situation.
I've also pondered a potential tense situation where I am forced to draw and fire. Whether I hit anyone or anything, I kinda' like the idea of brass (evidence) remaining in the cylinder of my revolver and not flying all over the place as would be the case of a semi-auto. My story to the police officers after the fact is more apt to remain my story and my facts (for better or worse) rather than someone attempting to rescript actual events by tracking where my brass landed after bouncing off walls.
Kim
Everyone plays the odds to some degree. Would it make sense to choose a weapon that better equips you to handle 5% of likely situations, but leaves you significantly less prepared for 95%? What is and is not going to be effective is debatable. A lot of folks think they will be able to use a Glock 19 just as effectively as a hammerless snub in an ECQ scenario and the extra rounds are just a bonus. I do not and don't think it's even close, so I currently opt for a snub revolver.
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buck460XVR
Member
I personally don't see the similarities of Automatic transmissions to semi-auto pistols or how high performance cars with auto transmissions relate to semi-auto firearms. Plenty of *** cars out there with auto and manual trannys too. With a semi-auto pistol you just pull the trigger after manually chambering a round. Same is true for a DA revolver with the exception you do not have to manually work the action for the first round. So is a DA revolver like a high performance car with a auto tranny that can also be slap shifted if wanted?
Stopsign32v
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Everyone plays the odds to some degree. Would it make sense to pay more for collision insurance on your car in the case of the 5% you cause the accident? However saves you money 95% of the time?
Same thing
I can carry a 15rd Glock 19 BETTER than I can carry a K or N frame 5rd S&W.
I can carry a 9rd Glock 43 BETTER than I can carry a J frame S&W.
Where is the benefit of the revolver?
TAC
Member
Most young people don't know how to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, and they don't want to learn.
Same with revolvers!
If it doesn't have an app on their iPhone, forget it!
ridgewalker
Member
When it comes to cars, I learned on and had manual trannies but when I thought about it, I sold my last manual tranny car about 20 years ago. I felt bad about the kids not having a chance to learn on a manual transmission but oh well. At least I explained MT's to them.
Regarding handguns, I learned on semiautos but didn't really become what I will call a handgun enthusiast until I finally tried revolvers. For my tastes revolvers are way better and I wouldn't use a semiauto if there was a revolver available. ( Obligatory: YMMV )
And I agree with the young man above who felt obliged to the folks that introduced him to revolvers. I suggest we all do the same.
Regarding handguns, I learned on semiautos but didn't really become what I will call a handgun enthusiast until I finally tried revolvers. For my tastes revolvers are way better and I wouldn't use a semiauto if there was a revolver available. ( Obligatory: YMMV )
And I agree with the young man above who felt obliged to the folks that introduced him to revolvers. I suggest we all do the same.
I own both revolvers and semi autos. I enjoy shooting a revolver more than a semi but I carry a semi every day. I enjoy shooting 5 0r 5 rounds double action then viewing my group. I have shoot at indoor ranges with younger people shooting next to me and you know how you feel someone is watching and turn to see someone standing behind me the approach and ask what I am shooting. I show them my revolver and many times they will saw I was only offered (PUT IN PLASTIC GUN HERE) when I bought my gun.
Many of the counter shop help are younger and push customers toward their likes, plastic high capacity guns.
I feel if you can master a double action revolver you can shoot a plastic semi auto. Maybe as shooters get more experience they will try
to expand their knowledge and experience and try revolvers.
Many of the counter shop help are younger and push customers toward their likes, plastic high capacity guns.
I feel if you can master a double action revolver you can shoot a plastic semi auto. Maybe as shooters get more experience they will try
to expand their knowledge and experience and try revolvers.
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