CCW...Revolver or Semi?

[LL617]

Hiya folks,

I'm debating on the pros and cons of revolver vs semi. I've looked over the bodyguard (.380 and .38) as well as the lcp/lcr and the m&p 340. I have an M&P R8, tried concealing it once, didn't work out.

I actually am changing my concealed weapon from a Bodyguard. I have purchased a model 10 snub nose because I have fat fingers and did not like the recoil on the Bodyguard. So whatever you decide on, try to handle it and shoot it before you buy.

 

[CaterpillarCrangle]

New to the site and I have to say I love it so far. I carry a bodyguard 38 myself. There are guys at work who are new to CC and are buying these full frame 6" or 8" 357 and think they are going to be able to conceal them. Personally I think the best conceal gun is the one that you yourself can easily conceal. Also, remember the hottest and fastest load is not usually the best for CC. I know in my state (AR) you are responsible for the bullet from the moment it leaves the barrel until it stops, wherever that may be.

 

[retired 302]

Key to any carried weapon Revolver of Auto PRACTICE PRACTICE and be comfrotable with the choice and most of all have a real good holster and practice with that.

 

[tag73]

Nowadays the amount of rounds isn't so much of an issue with 7-8 shot 357s and 10 shot 45acps. I like one of each. I carry a Kimber Pro Raptor as a side gun, and a S&W 642 with +P ammo on my back. 1911s may be the most reliable semi-auto ever made but I've NEVER had a S&W revolver (or pistol actually) fail.

 

[Armed Babysitter]

Guys, just because your semi auto runs flawlessly at the range does not mean it will do the same in a self defense situation. At the range you are in a perfect situation, two hand grip on the gun, arms extended, feet apart, calm heart rate, no stress, exactly what is perfect for the gun to fire. This is not what is going to happen if you are in a self defense close encounter. Bad guys will not let you take the "proper position". Your more likely to shoot one handed, while falling to the ground or eating dirt and still trying to take your gun out or being punched and trying to place the barrel on the bad guys belly as you fend off with the other hand.... lets be reasonable here. Bad guys do not want to get shot and if they do not flee they will fight and there goes your "proper position". Law enforcement use semi's because they have the luxury of distance, bad guys want as much distance from cops as possible. You can fix a malfunction when you have distance. For us civilians, bad guys want to be in your face a malfunction means your dead. I choose a revolver because of this.

The limp wristing phenomenon, much like prolonged multi-mag change high round count civillian shootouts, is greatly exagerated on the internet. Yes they happen, but not common enough to mean that semi autos are a bad choice for a carry gun. I've tried to induce malfunctions in all the pistols I've owned, Glocks, M&P, SIG SAUER, and I've never been able to. I've limp wristed them to the point of the gun almost jumping out of my hand upon recoil, and they just wouldn't do it.

To say that a semi auto may run well at the range but not on the street is correct, but the same logic has to be applied to any weapon, even a revolver.

And just to be clear, I'm not saying choosing a revolver is a bad choice or that I wouldn't carry one, just challenging the points made in the above post.

And just an fyi, I have in fact cleared leather in a self defense situation, I know exactly how my body and motor functions reacted to the sudden onset adrenaline, fear, and stress coursing through my body, and I was perfectly capable, able, and willing to operate the semi auto, just a little more shakey than normal.

 

[LL617]

I have a .357 in a 686, and that gun is a hand full. One of the keys to proficient self defense IMHO, is practicing a lot, under different conditions and shooting a lot of ammunition. Shooting while moving, running backwards, rapid fire, and weak hand.

[/QUOTE]

As a new shooter, where can you go to practice like that? At the ranges that I attend, you are forbidden to practice drawing, rapid fire, or any moment that takes you out of your "cubbyhole". I have bought practice bullets so that I can practice drawing here at home.

Actually, I may not yet be proficient enough to do that sort of fancy shooting, but I do practice weekly and want to become comfortable shooting in whatever type of situation that I find myself.

 

[wheelgunguy]

I have a .357 in a 686, and that gun is a hand full. One of the keys to proficient self defense IMHO, is practicing a lot, under different conditions and shooting a lot of ammunition. Shooting while moving, running backwards, rapid fire, and weak hand.

As a new shooter, where can you go to practice like that? At the ranges that I attend, you are forbidden to practice drawing, rapid fire, or any moment that takes you out of your "cubbyhole". I have bought practice bullets so that I can practice drawing here at home.

Actually, I may not yet be proficient enough to do that sort of fancy shooting, but I do practice weekly and want to become comfortable shooting in whatever type of situation that I find myself.[/QUOTE]

I would suggest getting some training and asking your local instructor where there may be places that you can practice these things.You may also try putting pistol competitions into a search engine and see if any strike your fancy and where these competitions are held.These folks may also be able to tell you where these tactics can be practiced.

 

[Shooting Padre]

I carry a M&P9FS and admittedly it is a large gun to carry. I also have a Model 36 that I am carrying more and more, due to size, weight and comfort. Five rounds are a far cry from 18, but as stated, 13 of those 18 probably won't be needed. I do have a speed loader for the 36. So, there you are, your choice, lots of good advice here.

 

[Delos]

Revolvers have limitations

General Custer believed in big revolvers, and big single shot rifles, and he only lost one battle.

(But that enemy cheated, they did not shoot from organized lines or formations, or ride down narrow roads. And the new enemy loved the smaller lever action assault rifles when they could get them, and they had plenty. All that West Point training did not apply anymore ever again).

His famous second to last words to General Terry was something like - Gatling guns will only slow me down.

 

[photoman]

There is a common misconception that revolvers are inherently more reliable than semi-autos. That is simply not correct.

I remember when I first got my concealed carry permit, I spent a lot of time researching actual cases of citizens using guns to defend themselves and it was quite shocking to discover how many times the semi-autos failed. I can't recall finding one single case of a revolver ever failing.

 

[MP22]

Semi...semi...semi.

 

[Delos]

Old Slabside worked

I remember when I first got my concealed carry permit, I spent a lot of time researching actual cases of citizens using guns to defend themselves and it was quite shocking to discover how many times the semi-autos failed. I can't recall finding one single case of a revolver ever failing.

A locked and cocked 1911 45 slabside normally works. And later on, the big flat sides can take a lot of gold engraving.

I saw that movie "Pork Chop Hill". Nobody there would prefer a revolver.

I was taking a short-cut on my aircraft carrier one day. As I walked through a room full of marines they were all watching a guy under a blanket moving fast. A sergeant with a stop watch seemed to be in charge. Several seconds later the guy under the blanket emerged with a 45 all in one piece. The sergeant gave the time and they all softly cheered approval. Must have been gambling on something.
In the navy we did our jobs, played cards, and bet on when the anchor would drop next.
I never even saw one of our pilots even wipe off his little S&W revolver. Not much dust inside an airplane?

I guess it depends on where you are going and how many boxes of bullets you might need to shoot?

 

[lawrenceredneck]

You can't say things about "emergency" situations unless you yourself have been in that situation. If semi-auto pistols were so useless why are they the number one firearm for police and military?

 

[Delos]

CO2 pellet handgun in your house

As a new shooter, where can you go to practice like that? At the ranges that I attend, you are forbidden to practice drawing, rapid fire, or any moment that takes you out of your "cubbyhole". I have bought practice bullets so that I can practice drawing here at home.

Actually, I may not yet be proficient enough to do that sort of fancy shooting, but I do practice weekly and want to become comfortable shooting in whatever type of situation that I find myself.

Crosman 357 CO2 Pellet Revolver |
These crosman pellet revolvers are easy to shoot and can be shot indoors. If you have a basement that is better. Make sure you have lighting on both sides of your sights for any fine target shooting.

 

[Clovishound]

Nowadays the amount of rounds isn't so much of an issue with 7-8 shot 357s and 10 shot 45acps. I like one of each. I carry a Kimber Pro Raptor as a side gun, and a S&W 642 with +P ammo on my back. 1911s may be the most reliable semi-auto ever made but I've NEVER had a S&W revolver (or pistol actually) fail.

I have. I had one lock up on me while qualifying at the range. Started getting tight on trigger pull, then progressed to not being able to fire.

Not saying that between the two that revolvers are not the more reliable, but they do fail. Even the ones made by the better manufacturers.

 

[abbadon]

.380 is nice .357 in that gun is like catching fastball bare handed it hurts more that 44 mag go to inside pant holster and appendix carry

 

[computerdynamics]

It can happen?

I've had my S&W mod. 10 lock up one time for no apparent reason and I had a heck of a time getting it to work right and it's never happened again? the gun is mint and super cared for! It taught me a lesson that the only thing that doesn't FTF is a knife. I think "have a backup" comes to mind quickly?

 

[majortoo]

Great input! (I also had to share the laugh about "skinny" as I am 6'2" with 200 lbs, and the government BMI, or Body Mass Index, says I should be under 195!) Regarding the weapon of choice, I am very partial to the Model 60 S&W with a three inch barrel. Shorter barrels lose too much velocity and give you a shorter sighting plane. Also, choose your ammo carefully. Some loads are made especially for the short pipes! Use of standard ammo in the snubs gives you lots of flash and bang, but a significant loss of effect on the target. You may also suffer a temporary loss of your night vision. Finally, if you get a .357, you can save a few dollars by using .38 special for practice. Good luck, and practice soon and often.

 

[majortoo]

p.s.
I also spent many years packing a 1911. Great sidearms (I own several) but they require tuning to be reliable and accurate. To get there, we are well above your $500 guideline. The Army knew this, and spent a lot of time in training on "Immediate Action"....(what to do when the old slab-sided automatic decided to malfunction!)

 

[Shooter6br]

I carry a Bersa Thunder 380.Also a Mod 10-6 38 Special in a Smartcarry rig.