Can we show Revolver's are not as reliable as today's Semi-Autos

[one eye joe]

This is not a revolver versus Semi-Auto thread. The issue I did not convey well enough is that how a product is designed and manufactured results in a level of reliability. The features the product has as well as the processes used to make it will affect it's reliability and its meeting requirements.

I don't believe today's revolvers except for a few are designed and manufactured to the same standards as today's semi-autos.

The M&P revolver might be.

I have had both semi-autos and revolvers fail. I have had magazines drop their base plate spilling ammo at the range. I have had rifles and shotguns fail to cycle and fire in competition and even hunting. If you use guns enough they will fail. I have had new and old guns fail to work.

My point is I think you are more likely to get a semi-auto that if you calculate an MTBF or a calculation of whether it would fire reliably if carried for 5 years ASSUMING you maintain the gun the numbers for the Semi-Auto would be higher than we think.

I don't know how to make the calculations. The answer above was the closest I have found.

For my use I have decided to use Polymer semi-autos and J-Frame. They have worked the most for me.

I NOTICED THAT YOU ARE RELATIVELY NEW TO THE FORUM, SO I JUST WANT TO WELCOME YOU......

I ALSO NOTICED THAT YOU HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A "LIKE" ON ANY OF YOUR POSTS, SO FAR.....

IMHO, AND WITH ALL DUE RESPECT---YOU WILL NOT BREAK YOUR STREAK, WITH THIS ONE...lol.

 

[AimHigher]

I recently read an article on this subject (I don't remember the publication or the name of the article), but in summary, the author determined that all else being equal, there is quite a bit more potential for something to go wrong when using a semi-auto than with a revolver. Things such as magazines not properly locking when inserted in the gun - and subsequently falling out and the limp wrist semi-auto misfire. Also, if a light primer strike should occur, with an auto, you need to manually cycle a new round into the chamber. With a revolver, you simply need pull the trigger again and the gun does the rest.

 

[silentflyer]

Semi's violate the KISS principal of engineering "Keep It Simple Stupid".

Years of working on all sorts of electro/mechanical systems,electronics, automobiles,motorcycles,aircraft etc. has convinced me simple is better.
However I must admit complicated has put bread on my table for years.

 

[Johnnu2]

rev. vs. auto

My revolver shoots 100% even with weak (or wounded/even frightened to death) wrist.
Happy 4th everyone.
J

 

[Practical]

I am going to give this issue some more thought. In 5 years I might have more say on the subject. I may try a 686 or 67. IF I break it before then I will report it if using factory ammo.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Out-of-spec ammunition is an equal opportunity for of all handguns. In most cases if the ammo defeats the revolver it will also bedevil the automatic. In fact a list could likely be made of myriad forms that out-of-spec ammunition could take and one would find that the revolver would successfully deal with more of them than would the automatic.

The automatic is the big loser when it comes to out-of-spec ammunition.

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

He who is painted by the front sight of a Glock Pistol or S&W Revolver should seek cover immediately.

 

[Ranger514]

OP claims that while newer manufactured semi-autos have improved, most revolvers haven't. Apparetly (to him) that means that newer semi-autos are now more reliable than most of the currently manufactured revolvers. Interesting theory. From what I can tell from the postings of those who have bought the newer Smith revolvers, with few exceptions they seem to work fine.

 

[one eye joe]

I am going to give this issue some more thought. In 5 years I might have more say on the subject. I may try a 686 or 67. IF I break it before then I will report it if using factory ammo.

THAT'S A GOOD PLAN ! ! !

MEANWHILE---I THOUGHT YOU WERE NEW TO THE FORUM, BECAUSE OF YOUR LOW NUMBER OF POSTS, SO I WELCOMED YOU. NOW I SEE THAT YOU'VE BEEN SILENTLY LURKING SINCE 2003. MY MISTAKE---THE WELCOME STILL STANDS......

 

[josywales]

Semi's violate the KISS principal of engineering "Keep It Simple Stupid".

Years of working on all sorts of electro/mechanical systems,electronics, automobiles,motorcycles,aircraft etc. has convinced me simple is better.
However I must admit complicated has put bread on my table for years.

Revolver = KISS?

Moving parts, including the reloading process:

1911 Semiauto 25 parts
S&W DA Revolver 22 parts

When compared to a 1911, it appears you are correct, the revolver is KISS..ish.

 

[gto364ci]

Is this a SPAM question to generate post?

Yes, it is.

 

[st regis]

In my 32 years and counting, LE career, the only malfunctions/stoppages I have had, were with semi autos. These were a 220 in .45, a 6906, Colt 1911 45. The 66, 681 and 25-5 NEVER failed (yet).

 

[Invictus357]

You are asking if my non-pinned, non-recessed, swing out cylinder, three screw hand ejector is less reliable than a semi-auto?

No. No it is not.

 

[Invictus357]

Up next......

Which do you prefer...Blonds or Brunettes?...


And....


Ford or Chevy- which is the best?


Best Regards, Les

I'll take a blonde F-150 STX.

Wait..what?

 

[S&W Rover]

The full-size semi-autos are more reliable than they used to be, that's for sure. It has a lot to do with refining the mechanism a bit (e.g., working out the right angle for the feed ramp) and employing better manufacturing techniques (CNC machining, drop-in parts that are finally really interchangeable, etc.).

The small semi-autos remain problematic.

My revolvers have let me know when they have a problem, always in time for me to fix them or clean them up while they still work. I have had many FTEs, FTFs, etc., over the past 50 years with semi-autos -- most notoriously, a Series 70 Mk IV Colt and a S&W Mdl 457, neither of which would run - ever.

We all know about magazines, too.

Overall, my experience (with lots of disparate data but little scientific method) tells me that my revolvers are more reliable and dependable than my modern semi-autos.

I hope I'm not too much of a chump for responding to this thread.

 

[josywales]

I hope I'm not too much of a chump for responding to this thread.

Not possible. See, it doesn't matter if this thread was started as SPAM for posts, trolling, etc. We can all still share our experiences and opinions. That's why forums exist. I read everything, apply what I've experience/learned, then decide what's best for ME. Hard to be a chump for doing that.

I think at the end of the day, everyone is looking to cover their ***.

IBM had very early commercial, "No one ever got fired for buying an IBM." Why? Because IBM had a reputation and if everything went to ****, no one could really fault a buyer for purchasing the IBM units in the first place.

Anyway, it's my guess that lots of folks are looking to have their safety net. So, after the transmission craps out on your Chevy, you can say, "See honey, most people online agree, the Chevy is the better truck!" Something like that. Of course, if you make the wrong choice in weapon, you might not get to say anything after a failure... Which brings me to another point.

We're talking about MBF - Mean Time Between Failure and statistical probability that a semi or revolver will fail. Well, if we're discussing the probability of a gun failing in a gunfight, then shouldn't we also apply the probability of being in a gunfight to begin with? So the probability of getting into a gunfight, then the probability of your gun failing, then the probability of it failing before you get off 3 rounds. Something like that.

Chance favors the prepared mind. The simple fact is your most reliable weapon is between your ears. Know your exits, look for other weapons, etc., know how to clear malfunctions, be prepared for a New York reload if the opportunity presents itself. I'm no expert, but my wife, who shoots a few different guns herself, can't fathom how I know to operate so many different firearms. it just comes with time I guess.

 

[jtcarm]

To answer the question posed in the post title: Barring objective and exhaustive testing or empirical evidence, the answer is an emphatic no.

As to your "decision": I hope you don't make a lot of decisions based on YouTube videos.

Assuming it's accurate and from a reliable source, out-of-spec ammo kills any and all arguments. An autoloader wouldn't function reliably with it, either. That cannot be blamed on the weapon design. If anything, revolvers are much less finicky about ammo. They don't care about bullet profile, or whether the load is hot enough to cycle the action.

If the rims were too thick, I would be more concerned if the revolver cylinder had closed. That would mean potentially sloppy headspace. Have fun with an autoloader that has excessive headspace.

Aside from all that, you'd be a damn fool to rely on a gun/ammo that you haven't thoroughly tested.

Your assertion that revolvers are "consumer grade" is pure speculation. You mean to tell me a Glock isn't consumer grade?

I could not care less what anyone chooses to carry, but I do object to categorical pronouncements based on speculation or anecdotal evidence.

 

[Chubbo]

Top this reliability.

Practicial:

Here is a reliability record, for you to consider. I have my first S&W handgun, it's also my first center fire handgun, a 1952 S&W Mod. 15, Combat Masterpiece. I bought it new, in 1953, and it has served me, reliably for 65 years. It has been, my self defense weapon, I shot it in Bullseye competition, recreational shooting, trained my two sons, and it's Traveled in my autos, and RVs with me all over the USA, and Canada. That little revolver has had a countless number of rounds shot in it. I doubt if ten bushel baskets, would hold all of the rounds that have been fired in that Mod. 15. During that 65 years service, not one "good round" ever failed to fire and do it's job in that mod. 15 "REVOLVER". Now, I love a good Semi-Auto handgun, but, match that record, with any Semi-Auto that you would care to come up with, including all of the "Horse manure & Soy bean" Semi-Autos, and see if you can top that reliability. Just My 2¢ worth.
Chubbo

 

[Practical]

Practicial:

Here is a reliability record, for you to consider. I have my first S&W handgun, it's also my first center fire handgun, a 1952 S&W Mod. 15, Combat Masterpiece. I bought it new, in 1953, and it has served me, reliably for 65 years. It has been, my self defense weapon, I shot it in Bullseye competition, recreational shooting, trained my two sons, and it's Traveled in my autos, and RVs with me all over the USA, and Canada. That little revolver has had a countless number of rounds shot in it. I doubt if ten bushel baskets, would hold all of the rounds that have been fired in that Mod. 15. During that 65 years service, not one "good round" ever failed to fire and do it's job in that mod. 15 "REVOLVER". Now, I love a good Semi-Auto handgun, but, match that record, with any Semi-Auto that you would care to come up with, including all of the "Horse manure & Soy bean" Semi-Autos, and see if you can top that reliability. Just My 2¢ worth.
Chubbo

I am glad you had a good run, with a revolver made in Smith & Wesson's peak years. My #1 revolver has only been a Model 60-9.

 

[DD357]

Practicial:

Here is a reliability record, for you to consider. I have my first S&W handgun, it's also my first center fire handgun, a 1952 S&W Mod. 15, Combat Masterpiece. I bought it new, in 1953, and it has served me, reliably for 65 years. It has been, my self defense weapon, I shot it in Bullseye competition, recreational shooting, trained my two sons, and it's Traveled in my autos, and RVs with me all over the USA, and Canada. That little revolver has had a countless number of rounds shot in it. I doubt if ten bushel baskets, would hold all of the rounds that have been fired in that Mod. 15. During that 65 years service, not one "good round" ever failed to fire and do it's job in that mod. 15 "REVOLVER". Now, I love a good Semi-Auto handgun, but, match that record, with any Semi-Auto that you would care to come up with, including all of the "Horse manure & Soy bean" Semi-Autos, and see if you can top that reliability. Just My 2¢ worth.
Chubbo

I've parts (not springs) break on a 67, 19, 36 and a Python. Only the 36 had the lock. Anything mechanical can break.