Are revolvers going the route of manual transmissions?

[susieqz]

automatic transmission better?
ever pull a real heavy trailer down a steep hill?
as to revolvers, i'm a fan of making the first shot perfect.
i love this quote, but i don't know who said it:
''if i can't get it done with six, i can't get it done.''

 

[lrrifleman]

This is an interesting thread. I have both revolvers and semi-autos. Fortunately, I am comfortable with either platform, but I also consider myself to be old school. I can only speak to my area.

When I was contemplating the purchase of a new 686 via GunBroker.com, I went to the local gunshops, looking to handle a 686. The closest shop that sold handguns, had only one revolver on the shelf. I then went to the local Bass Pro, and of the maybe 8 counter cases of handguns, only half of one contained revolvers, from Smith and Ruger. Since I was looking for a S&W, I focused only on the Smiths. There were a few J frames, and an X frame or two, plus what looked like a polymer framed revolver. Semi-autos out numbered revolvers at least 8 to 1. I really don't think that new gun buyers are consciously steering away from revolvers, they are being steered away by the gun dealers and manufacturers. Earlier this year, a friend was looking for a new 586 or 686 6 shot 6", and was told that they had little choice, since it was said that Smith's steel revolver production for the year was finished for the year.

I feel that the new shooters being lured into the fold by the current salesman of the year are being steered towards what is more readily available, the polymer pistols. Additionally, many new shooters are influenced not only by what the police and military carry, but what they see in the media and on the silver screen. Honestly, how many new movies have you seen recently that featured revolvers?

 

[Mister X]

Its fun to debate these things.

A lot of people don't like to debate these things and take everything personally. They are really just looking for validation rather then possibly learning something. In matters of self-defense preparedness, which could potentially be life saving, I think it prudent to keep an open mind and challenge your own thinking and ideas by seeing if they hold up when questioned. My thinking has changed a lot over the years on this topic, so I know it can change again.

 

[tug700]

My mentor; Jim Clark Sr of Clark Custom guns explained that most handgun users are novices in the world of life threatening situations. Therefore, they are not aware of the condition of their weapon of how to rapidly resolve any issues. He explained that a revolver can sit in a drawer, lay on the top of a cabinet and will function when picked up and the trigger is pulled. If you have a misfire, just keep pulling the trigger. Today, I feel that advice is just as reliable as when he provided it back in 1969.

 

[paragain]

In my opinion the revolver, involved in a gun fight is as able as any other. Usually 3 to 5 rounds maximum. It holds it own with exceptional firepower and unquestioned reliablity. A great selection for a concealed gun because of the ease of use no need to train the user for weeks to handle the complexion of the semi auto 's.
It will be around for a long time to come......

 

[Laketime]

Too much talk of transmissions here ,rather than the topic posted.The answer is yes they are heading to being a thing of the past.My first love will always be revolvers,but a 1911 will be always be my SD weapon.

 

[DavidWJ]

I qualified with two pistols and two revolvers. Love my 6" SS Security Six revolver and shoot it for fun and accuracy. It's too big to concealed carry, so yes, I CCW a small pistol.

 

[DonD]

Some of the highest performing cars have manual transmissions!

Most of the highest performing cars use DCT transmissions. Essentially manual transmissions w/o a clutch. They shift automatically or manually with nothing other than a paddle so really not manuals in the sense you refer to. Don

 

[DonD]

I won't argue against semi autos but revolvers have true advantages. My CCW guns are Ruger SR9Cs or a SP101.

Anyone who says revolvers are antiques couldn't have watched Jerry Miculek at work.

In addition to generally greater reliability, they can't be pushed out of battery in a contact shot situation like a semi can. They don't use magazines that can easily be damaged and malfunction.

In terms of power, it is simply no contest, revolvers are king hands down and have the additional advantage of functioning with virtually any style or shape slug. Don

 

[Riptide]

automatic transmission better?
ever pull a real heavy trailer down a steep hill?

Depends on the application.

There is a saying in drag racing. Automatics win races.

 

[rwsmith]

I would hope....

I would hope that there will always be a place for revolvers outside of SD and hunting. They are just fun to shoot.

 

[shouldazagged]

I drive a five-speed manual transmission and have for years; but I didn't think that was what this was supposed to be about, and I don't give a damn one way or the other what people drive.

I care about the guns people are buying around the country, because I want the revolver to continue to hold a place in our gun culture.

I hope revolvers are still being manufactured and sold after I'm dead and gone (not much of a risk, I'm old); but it does appear the autoloaders have pretty much carried the day.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I think revolvers are 100% the best choice for a new shooter. My wife is not a "gun person" and has zero interest in semi-autos, but has mastered the Colt PPS/DS/Agent platform with little issue. Why change?

I got my DL at 16 with an auto, but have driven sticks ever since ('79 Saab 99, '79 Jeep J-20, '91 S-10 Blazer, '04 Wrangler X - My current DD with 175K along with the J-truck).

 

[5Wire]

I would guess that the ratio of revolvers to automatic produced might be on line with manual transmissions to automatics.

I have no math to back that up, though. A stick-shift will get the job done, same as your three-five-seven.

Here's the math. From the 2015 Interim ATF Manufacturing and Export Report

Roughly 80:20
​

 

[Brian in Oregon]

I'd be buying a lot more revolvers if the revolvers I want were being made.

Non-fluted cylinders, slab sided barrels, unnecessary machining on the ejector rod housing, accessory rails, porting, JM initials on the side (if anyone's initials are going there it will be mine), lack of the barrel lengths I want, etc.

Some examples:

Stainless version of the 27, with traditional features such as the (example) 27-2 had, including checkering on the top strap and barrel rib. Five, six or six and a half inch barrels.

Model 25 family. Can't get a 3" 625. Nor a 5". And the 4" either has someone else's initials on it, or has a non-traditional barrel. The 325 would be awesome with a 3" full underlug barrel without slab sides.

Model 69. It's a no brainer this gun should be made in 3". I can't even have the barrel cut to 3" and the sight moved because it is the shrouded barrel version.

There would be two black tire marks out of my driveway to get a blued clone of a 19 or a stainless clone of a 66 with an 8-3/8" barrel chambered for .327 Federal Magnum. This would be a very flexible revolver for small game, varmints, pest control, and the smaller predators, even coyotes at handgun ranges. The long barrel is needed for sight radius for accuracy. A full underlug is not needed and would be too muzzle heavy.

I'd also like to see a twin of the above in 17 HMR. A full underlug is not needed with this cartridge, but the 8-3/8" barrel would be nice. (I've had Jets, and both of these would be more useful to me than any Jet was.)

I could go on and on with other examples, but the point is I want traditional looking guns, without gimmicks, and in useful calibers and barrel lengths. Combine that with S&W not offering metal frame double action autos anymore and that's why I'm out running amok buying SIG Sauers.

 

[S&W Rover]

An old debate but worth revisiting from time to time!

The revolver is far less vulnerable to ammunition problems, mechanical issues, and 'brain lapses' when put into use in emergency conditions. .357 Magnum is notably effective; .38 Special is in the same league as 9X19.

No semi-auto pistol is faster than a revolver. A moonclip doubles capacity and is easy to carry and use. They are fast - faster than a magazine change in many cases. Check out Jerry Miculek - 8 rounds in one second, and then 6+6 hits in 2.99 seconds: jerry miculek 12 shots in 5 seconds - Bing video

In addition, and this is important in this day and age, a revolver is readily portrayed as a "defensive weapon," not a dangerous gangbanger spray and pray "automatic pistol." It just is a more benevolent appearing, almost old fashioned looking, gun that a criminal would not select to rob liquor stores. "I've had it for years, officer, its a family heirloom - just an old fashioned revolver."

 

[twodog max]

I have had three striker fired semi autos. I have to disagree with the easier to use statement. For me striker fired is almost an unnatural feel. Double action revolvers for me are extremely easy to use DA. Having trained and seen training with semi autos a considerable amount of the training is in what to do when you have a malfunction. With a double action revolver just pull the trigger again. Can't get much more basic than that.
I doubt that I will ever be called on to be involved in a prolonged high volume shootout and in the very unlikely event I need to use my handgun defensively 6 rounds will statistically be enough. I have used my handgun several times defensively against aggressive critters and 6 was always more than enough for that scenario which out here in the sticks is the most probable event. I will be sticking with the revolver. To each their own. That's why there are options.

 

[silentflyer]

I will stick to my wheel guns and my 69 Elcamino with a 4 speed in the floor....to each his own...

 

[Joe Hohmann]

Revolvers are also nice in that you don't have to take one apart to clean it. They also are not fussy about what brand/charge ammo you are using. Above .22, you do not have to chase your brass. A .357 or .44 magnum revolver can scare a bad guy simply by the look of it.

 

[fdw]

I like um both, carry both. Shoot semis better cause I practice more with them.

Both are good.