Penquin
Member
Currently strictly revolvers - M60-9 & M642, but thinking hard about that Bersa 380 CC (conceal carry) model. I just can't find one in the area to do the feel-in-the-hand test.
Ever Been Tempted to Switch to a SEMI for CCW?
- Thread starter Nalapombu
- Start date
cmort666
Member
I recently switched from a Smith 36 "no dash" to a Citadel 3.5 CS 3.5" M1911 in .45acp.
Between San Bernardino and the upcoming Republican National Convention here, I was no longer comfortable with 5 rounds of .38 Special 158gr. LSWC-HP +P.
Seven rounds of 200gr. 45acp Gold Dot and much quicker reloads seem like a lot better idea these days.
While making a holster for the Citadel, I've been carrying my Glock 19 with fifteen rounds of 147gr. JHP Winchester White Box.
The threat has changed, and with it my response.
Whitwabit
US Veteran
For self defense I never thought of a revolver to carry after talking to LEO friends who convinced me that an auto was the only thing to carry .. S&W 40 Compact my current carry 10+1 almost twice the rounds as a revolver with out reloading .. and the reloading in less then half the time of a revolver where I can have 15 more rounds at the ready.. 26 rounds with one reload .. verses a revolver and how many reloads ? especially those who don't even reload a full 6 rounds .
Sorry but No Contest !! Had to go with the Auto ..
Sorry but No Contest !! Had to go with the Auto ..
What was it they said that convinced you?
Squarebutt
Member
Anyone carry a Scandium S&W 1911? Ten ounces lighter than steel.
Whitwabit
US Veteran
One - several multiple shooter robberies ..
two- several shootings had well over 6 rounds fired .. think one had 18 casings found at the scene ..
So the number of rounds that can be carried in an auto verses a wheel gun and 2 the ease and speed of reloading were the 2 over riding comments they continued to make .. that and they said that the perps seem to be better armed then ever before .. not so many Saturday Night Specials and more autos .. with 9mm the most used ammo ..
Don't get me wrong I like shooting revolvers and had a Ruger 357 while I was in Alaska years ago ..
But if I'm carrying my Beretta PX4 in 9 mm I can carry 17+1 that's one less then 2 New York reloads .. and I carry an extra magazine with 17 more .. my S&W 40 Compact is 10+1 with a 15 round magazine for the reload and my third carry P229 is 12+1 in 40 S&W with a 12 round magazine for the reload ..
Another important thing is 95% of my training in a pistol has been with an auto of some kind .. from the service where we had 45's and M16's to the present where I carry either a S&W, Berretta or my new sig P229 Legion ..
If I were to have to defend myself or my wife I want every advantage I can come up with ..
What were the circumstances/details of some of the robberies?
Arik
Member
Circumstances are that not all bad guys run away from the sight of a gun and that cops can call for backup
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Whitwabit
US Veteran
Home invasions were the robberies with multiple intruders ..
Most of the shootings were considered gang related ..
Started with a revolver; been carrying small auto for a while; preferred it over revolver because it lay flat, making it easier to conceal and the couple extra rounds and speedy reload was a bonus. However, my off hand grip is getting so weak from arthritis, I fear not being able to rack the slide in case of a malfunction and I'm reconsidering my revolver.
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Ok, that makes sense. I was focused solely on concealed carry.
For home defense, I prefer a high capacity semi-automatic as well providing I have adequate lead time/distance although I do still default to the revolver even at home for such things for things such as investigating a strange noise or just checking out the house since those would likely be reactive close-quarter events.
And just as in home defense, if I worked in a pawn shop, convenient or jewelry store or similar situations, I would probably opt for a high capacity auto. Cases such as the Lance Thomas incidents and countless other cases like it illustrate the need.
Otherwise, with the vast majority of muggings, street robberies and assaults whether against unarmed or armed(gun, knife, bludgeon)attackers, single or multiple assailants, car jackings, I just don't see the pressing need for greater capacity based on available stats. I do see a need to be well versed in comprehensive ECQ skills and being armed with and able to use a capable weapon in that context.
I'm sure there a few, but I haven't come across any recent civilian defense shootings occurring out in public that involved high round counts outside of the aforementioned circumstances. I prioritize my training and choose weapons based on what is most probable and IMO, the revolver is best choice for what is most likely. YMMV
For a backup gun, I switch off between a S&W 642 or 640Pro and a Glock 43 or G26. The revolvers carry & conceal a bit better for me. These are worn on my ankle or in my pocket.
My primary concealed, off-duty carry is usually a semi-auto, but I have carried a revolver at times and practice with both.
As some others have mentioned, with the semi-autos I'm using for backup guns, I tend to be able shoot the semi-autos faster, with the added benefit of more capacity.
For primary carry, the semi-autos are easier for me to conceal and have more capacity. Being in California (for the moment), time will tell if capacities greater than 10+1 will be allowed, which will narrow the capacity gap with the revolvers.
My primary concealed, off-duty carry is usually a semi-auto, but I have carried a revolver at times and practice with both.
As some others have mentioned, with the semi-autos I'm using for backup guns, I tend to be able shoot the semi-autos faster, with the added benefit of more capacity.
For primary carry, the semi-autos are easier for me to conceal and have more capacity. Being in California (for the moment), time will tell if capacities greater than 10+1 will be allowed, which will narrow the capacity gap with the revolvers.
Nice thread, enjoyed reading all the different aspects. Here is mine, at this present time I have never carried a revolver as my CCW. At the moment I carry either my Sig P239 or my Glock 26.
My revolver collection has been growing and I am about to change over and start carrying my Model 65-5 in 3 inch. Had her out to the range and she handles great, shoots even better. I post a week or so ago looking for a good holster. Not sure why up to this point, that I never carried a revolver. I carry my P239 about 75 % of the time. Carry the Glock 26 the rest of the tme.
But now, this 65-5 in 3" has changed my mind. As I said early in my post, it's a great shooter, awesome feel and balance in my hand. Looking forward to having this on my hip.
Brian
My revolver collection has been growing and I am about to change over and start carrying my Model 65-5 in 3 inch. Had her out to the range and she handles great, shoots even better. I post a week or so ago looking for a good holster. Not sure why up to this point, that I never carried a revolver. I carry my P239 about 75 % of the time. Carry the Glock 26 the rest of the tme.
But now, this 65-5 in 3" has changed my mind. As I said early in my post, it's a great shooter, awesome feel and balance in my hand. Looking forward to having this on my hip.
Brian
I own S&W revolvers but my concealed carry pistol has always been a Semi Auto Pistol. My current one is a Sig P228 9mm with a 15 round magazine. I used to carry a Colt Government 45 ACP but I find the Sig easier to conceal. I was a combat soldier in Vietnam and I always felt 16 rounds of 9mm was much better than 6 of something else.
Very Nice !!! I like !!
G.T. Smith
US Veteran
I wouldn't just quit the revolver carrying to start carrying a semi. I own both and depending on what I'm doing and where I'm going my carry gun may be anything from a 37 to a 65 to a 1911 government. It just depends. I shoot them as much as I can and I am comfortable with any of them. Got lots of good leather so carry on!
Peace,
Gordon
Peace,
Gordon
MCorps0311
US Veteran
I never carried one or the other all the time,I would carry my .38 special revolver a day or two then carry one of my compact semi auto's 9'mm or 40 Shield.I decided about two or three weeks ago to pocket carry my BG & G42, 380's this summer,and maybe longer.
OK Hog Shooter
Member
I started off with a M4013TSW in an OTW Don Hume holster as my primary CCW, alternating with a M60 in my hip pocket in an Uncle Mikes holster for a while. I then switched to an HK USP .45 compact, Don Hume OTW holster. My most recent carry is a SIG P938 Scorpion in my right front pocket. It's incredibly concealable and lightweight. I probably carry it more consistently now than anything else I have carried in the past. I definitely have an identity crisis deciding what to carry! [emoji3]
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I got a Sig P250sc in 9mm for the 12 + 1 capacity and the DAO trigger. The trigger is very revolver-like and lighter than most (~6.5#), and I shoot it well enough. However, compared to my preferred carry, a 2" S&W 64, the trigger feels about 1/4" longer. Even though the K-frame trigger is heavier, I still favor it. The other thing is, for me, the K-frame just points so naturally. I can draw and press out with my eyes closed, and when I open them, the sights on the Model 64 are always aligned on target. I've yet to find a semiauto that works like that for me. I'm considering some type of DA\SA auto, the Beretta PX4 Storm compact seems promising, and the CZ 75 PCR looks really good on paper, but I have yet to shoot one. Currently, I'm looking at only hammer-fired pistols (hey, baby steps), so if anyone has a suggestion, I'm open to it. But for now, the Model 64 just feels like an old friend: predictable, reliable, and comforting.
You can't really compare what an on-duty LEO might encounter with what the average EDC'er will going about his/her daily business. Most of us have never drawn our weapon in anger, and in all likelihood, never will. Is it possible you could be standing in line at your credit union when a robbery occurs? Of course, but not very likely. That said, if you feel more secure carrying a 17+1 auto pistol and 2-3 spare mags, by all means, do your thing. MHO? If you have to reload, it's no longer self defense, it's a fire fight. If that's the case, you're in deep excrement, no matter what you're packing.
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