Feeling more secure with a revolver vs. a semi-auto?

[Harv 24]

I agree with this but only to a degree. While I do own both a Glock 19 and Glock 43 I carry a Chief special or Airweight Chief Special almost exclusively. I find a small snub nose to be the better option for my style of carry, pocket carry, because in the extraordinarily rare chance I ever have to use it there’s a damn good chance it’s going to be at a very short distance. A revolver is not going to limp wrist, someone’s hand is not going to push it out of battery, it’s not going to hang on a shell casing, and the only real possibility of a failure would have to be catastrophic.

If I were in security or law enforcement I would run a Glock without a moment of thought. Law enforcement and security are the ones who are more likely to need more than a few rounds in their duty. So naturally it makes sense. Which even then there are a decent number of these guys out there ankle carrying a 642 as a back up.

And I cannot predict what my fight might look like, so I'm erring on the side that gives me the edge, which is why I carry in the first place, otherwise, I would just be like the majority of people and not carry and go with the odds that bad **** will never happen to me.

If I'm going to bother to carry, then I'm going to chose a tool that gives me a leg up on a 5 shot revolver.


We all make our choices, and I know why I chose mine.

 

[Motorsporting]

Right; nobody would do that. So why would she walk around with a chambered semi, with just as light a trigger pull as a revolver in single action (cocked)?

That's what I was saying.

A chambered semi auto, like a loaded revolver, belongs in a proper holster. No gun, regardless of make, model, or "safeties," needs to be floatin' around anything.

 

[Frailer]

…
Anyone who relies on a firearm professionally carries a Semi Auto pistol.

That's called a clue where I come from....

It is indeed a clue. A clue that if you have a job where you are reasonably likely to encounter a bunch of people who might wish to do you permanent harm you should probably carry a firearm that is capable of firing a relatively large number of projectiles quickly.

When I had such a job I carried such a firearm. Now that I don’t, I carry a firearm better suited to my current lifestyle.

 

[Harv 24]

It is indeed a clue. A clue that if you have a job where you are reasonably likely to encounter a bunch of people who might wish to do you permanent harm you should probably carry a firearm that is capable of firing a relatively large number of projectiles quickly.

When I had such a job I carried such a firearm. Now that I don’t, I carry a firearm better suited to my current lifestyle.

Most cops go there entire career without an OIS, If you apply that scenario, they don't really need to carry much more then a revolver...

We will have to agree to disagree.

 

[b737lvr]

And I cannot predict what my fight might look like, so I'm erring on the side that gives me the edge, which is why I carry in the first place, otherwise, I would just be like the majority of people and not carry and go with the odds that bad **** will never happen to me.

If I'm going to bother to carry, then I'm going to chose a tool that gives me a leg up on a 5 shot revolver.


We all make our choices, and I know why I chose mine.

my reasoning is that a revolver is the edge because of how close the fight would likely be

 

[Harv 24]

my reasoning is that a revolver is the edge because of how close the fight would likely be

Most shooting statistics from the FBI show the majority of fights are 3-5 yards..
I've watched lots of folks miss at 5 yds. And every officer involved shooting Body camera I've seen, the majority shoot to slide lock.
Typically because it's there first gunfight. and they train (somewhat) for that.

I want more ammo, because it's going to be my first gunfight. Maybe after I get a few under my belt, then I'll switch to a small 5 shot revolver in my pocket.

 

[31FordA]

I still carry a revolver, or two, on the job. My job as an investigator is 90% focused on knocking on doors and asking questions. If my luck runs out and I need to use a gun it will probably be at contact distance. Revolvers can’t be pushed out of battery in a contact shot, so for my purposes a revolver works just fine.

I just requalified with my revolvers, the only guy not using a striker fired 9mm. I know the future belongs to the high cap guns, with optics, but I retire in a few years so I’ll hang on to my revolvers as I head for the door.

 

[rwsmith]

I neither agree or disagree. I have both and they both work for me. Not the most exciting answer, but true.

 

[Jay Hall]

I am opposite of most.

I play with semi autos and never had an issue but I stake my life on revolvers.

Well said!

 

[ViperVette]

I think it’s telling that Dirty Harry seldom if ever reloaded but John Wick goes through magazines and guns like they’re French fries.

I don’t usually carry but am licensed to do so. I have more SA’s than revolvers but love ‘em both.

But if I ever do, it will be a Semi Auto. I like knowing I have at 2-3 times capacity over my trusty revolvers.

 

[seabright60]

I hope this question is in the right Forum.

I like both and my collection reflects that but I still feel more secure about my revolvers than I do with any semi-auto I own. I carry either depending on my mood but when the SHTF it's the revolver that will go bang every time.

Does anyway agree? Disagree

 

[GnarlsR2]

Snatch and grab , purse with money, credit cards, keys AND GUN all gone.

Need to teach woman to carry on their person.

I agree.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Carry what you shoot well enough to feel confident. Everything else is just opinions.

 

[gwpercle]

When my life depends on it ... Revolver .
See the one in my avatar ... That's my Life Guard .
Simple and Reliable .!
Gary

 

[seabright60]

Depends on the situation for me. In my car I prefer my revolver with 357 158 grain as the power of my 8 shot smith at cl9se range will stop any car jacker or road range nut with a crow bar , my edc is usually a j frame 357 smith m and p 340 or a shield plus with the 15 round mag if I'm at a crowded festival . The florida climate lends itself to smaller carry firearms especially if your originally from the north east and haven't worn long pants or a jacket since you moved here like me. Accuracy and crowded unpredictable surroundings I like the semi auto with more capacity,accuracy and speed of follow up shots. Edc for sudden unexpected bad guys when my head isn't on a swivel because it's a regular daily deal I like the higher caliber 1 shot at close range and the bad guy is toast aspect.

 

[9Mary7]

I carried revolvers on and off duty for over 33 years. Today after collecting a host of Gen3 Smiths, I have to admit I prefer the S&W DAO models 3953 and 4053 as my favorite choices for a CCW. I consider them to be the best of both worlds.

My 3953 or my 5943SSV if I'm feeling the need for more capacity. Best of both worlds indeed!

 

[PittsburghJon67]

My ex had her purse snatched with her S&W Mod-60 inside many years ago. Years later my then girlfriend had a similar purse snatching but without losing her revolver. I agree with the above poster, handguns belong on the body, period. I have been CCW S$W Chief Model 36 and 642 for 50 years and never feel under-gunned. I sold a Glock 26 because it was uncomfortable in AIWB carry, blocky and heavy for a smaller guy. God bless the folks that can conceal a 1911, and I absolutely would if I could, but even the Glock-19 is too big for anything but OWB carry, at least for me. The older I get the more I see CCW is always a compromise, and I also don't frequent bars or venues that could be trouble. Most of the time if you are home by 10pm you avoid lots of problem places and problem people. At my age that's not a compromise, it's just a smart, normal lifestyle. And 50 years with the same platform gives great confidence and speed in a life changing event - that alone should be worth a lot. Many folks I know switch their CCW at a whim, but my J-frames are always in the same place, same manual of arms, and ready if needed. YMMV, and some gunners wouldn't CCW anything less than .45ACP, but reality and knowing one's limitations should always be the deciding factor. The goal is also not to get in a pistol confrontation where you send 17 rounds off. Remember you own every bullet you fire and a court of law will judge you as a civilian not a LEO. My two cents.....

 

[heavyduty5150!]

I hope this question is in the right Forum.

I like both and my collection reflects that but I still feel more secure about my revolvers than I do with any semi-auto I own. I carry either depending on my mood but when the SHTF it's the revolver that will go bang every time.

Does anyway agree? Disagree?

I am the same. I love my Beretta's and Sig's but Smith & Wesson revolvers like this will never (as long as you maintain them) jam.

 

[walkin' trails]

In line with thr FBI statistics the person who carries a Glock Model 45 with a WML, a red dot sight, and mag extensions for 21 rounds, two extra 21+ round mags, in the latest and greatest self adjusting AIWB holster with extra self adjuster attachments made from the latest space program derived materials is no more likely to have to use that handgun than anyone else.

In 33 years as an LEO working in big cities and the southwest border, I can reflect on my career and times when situations got pretty tense. There wasn’t any time that a revolver wouldn’t have been sufficient. There were times I felt better going into something with 50+ rounds of ammunition, but never needed it. I still carry a semi auto - a small semi auto only because I haven’t felt like springing for a new 5-shot that has better sights. But I may…

 

[jjfitch]

I hope this question is in the right Forum.

I like both and my collection reflects that but I still feel more secure about my revolvers than I do with any semi-auto I own. I carry either depending on my mood but when the SHTF it's the revolver that will go bang every time.

Does anyway agree? Disagree?

Been retired for 20 years. As a member of the department national pistol team we of course had to be Expert or above in revolver, pistol, rifle and shot gun. As a POST certified Firearms Instructor we had to be able to transition from type to type at a moments notice for show and tell training. Both strong hand and weak hand! Of course with age my proficiency has diminished a little.
But I carry what suits my fancy on that day. I don't have to have hi-caps or even a 6-shooter. I'm quite comfortable carrying an M36/60 or a M 36-2!
Some say "it's the Indian not the arrow"!
As far as optics and lights, not on my daily carry. My competition "action" pistol and revolvers have optics and nightstand gun has a light.
By the front door, nothing says "wrong house" like racking a 12 gauge pump!