Goodbye Revolvers for Defensive Carry

[dwever]

My revolvers have included a .38 J Frame, a 617, PC627 5", PC627 2 5/8", and PC629.

It was in the Spring of 1978 that I received my first professional training with a firearm, compliments of Uncle Sam. When, more recently, through the agency I serve, I was introduced to Glocks, I was not impressed. However, given what was approved, I have since had two Glock 22''s, the latest a 4th Gen., a Glock 35, and a Glock 27 BUG, all .40.

Thousands of rounds later, it seemed increasingly logical to move away from revolvers to a Glock for defensive carry. No malfunctions from either my Glocks or two S&W 1911's (Gun Site Edition and a PC Melonite). To stave off the switch to semi's cause I'm a revolver guy, last Summer I purchased a UDR (PC 627). Beautiful weapon, balanced, and accuracy that belies it's 2 5/8" barrel. This had 8 rounds, I bought match grade moon clips for fast re-loads, a Galco Combat Master holster, took more training, but in the end, my head prevailed over my heart. It just no longer made sense to carry the beauty of the PC 627 over the business of a Glock 22.

I looked at my duty Glock 22 (.40) with the Federal Premium 180 grain loads at 392 ft. lbs. of muzzle energy, and compared to the revolver I had good energy, less recoil, faster follow-up shots, more accuracy (http://www.pbase.com/dwever/image/139037121), DOUBLE the capacity chambered, better concealment, better at night, and my pants aren't being pulled down. On duty I'm at 46 rounds minimum, 71 with an extra mag and BUG; defensive carry I'm at 31 with one spare mag - even at that lowest number, with the PC 627 that is one round shy of four moon clips and three re-loads.

I carry the Glock now, and last month sold my UDR PC 627 on this site as I came to realize the hard truth that there is a significant difference between an Ultimate Defensive Revolver and an Ultimate Defensive Weapon. In the end, I chose duty over beauty, function over feelings, reality over romance.

I am not to posting to engage a debate. I know I'm being provocative here to the revolver crowd, but this is simply my narrative, my report to you regarding a personal change in my thinking, my reasons why, and the resulting actions on this topic of concealed carry and self defense. Ironically, without the financial reasons, I ended up mirroring my agency when they moved away from the wonderful 686.

 

[1 old 0311]

So there is 46 rounds, 76 rounds, and 31 rounds? I learned to hit with just a few. WOW! Two examples? Then it MUST be real.

 

[ladder13]

If you feel the auto suits you, fine, it's your choice. Be safe.

 

[Larry from Bend]

Why not make it an even 100 rounds? ---- You might run out!

 

[snub56]

You make some very good points and I can see why you have chosen not to carry a revolver. Although you do not think revolvers are a viable option that does not mean they are not good for others in different situations.

 

[Big Cholla]

dw: Well written and presented. You make a great case for a small segment of our self-defenders population; those that can afford to carry a 'selected' firearm type. My contention is the old adage that "any gun is better than no gun" still applies to those that for any miriad of reasons can't equip themselves with the latest in semi-auto weaponry. The old guy in his wheel chair with his tried and true S&W Model 10 in a side pocket. The young professional lady who has had only the time and interest in learning to shoot and carry her Charter Arms five shot revolver. The house wife that has been taught to shoot her husbands BUG revolver. The Taxi driver that only has a S&W Model 19 at his disposal, etc, you get the idea. ....... The day of use of revolvers for self-defense will never be over for some. May all good intentioned people be equipped with the revolver of their choice! ........... Big Cholla

 

[dwever]

You make some very good points and I can see why you have chosen not to carry a revolver. Although you do not think revolvers are a viable option that does not mean they are not good for others in different situations.

Correct. I am not saying to the revolver crowd on any level that they need to convert. I am simply reporting my own narrative topically within, "Concealed Carry and Self Defense."

 

[tomcatt51]

If I was trying to use a 627 as a concealed carry gun I'd be looking for something else too. I'm not out looking for a fight or to save the world or to step in between gang bangers doing a public service (shooting each other), or fantasizing about it either. A 342 and a speed strip will do just fine as personal protection. If I were to "what if" things enough I guess I'd want a hi-cap semi-auto and extra mags too, or better yet an MP5 and extra mags. Seems like it depends where you draw the line.

 

[badge 851]

To each his own. I had a semi auto fail at the worst possible moment. Thank GOD I had a snubby 38 Special revolver as a BUG! I love my Mdl 37 Airweight®.

 

[StatesRightist]

Revolvers have will always have a place in SD. The have advantages the Semi's cannot compete with in accuracy, caliber choice etc. They are also great choices for BUGS. As some have also said, for the guy who shoots twice and year cleans his gun once a year, it is the only choice. I own Semi's and Revolvers. Personally I feel like carrying one of each gives you the best of both worlds, simplicity/specialization and capacity.

From a LEO standpoint....My issue with the "younger set" is the spray and pray philosophy many have developed, revolvers eliminated that mindset. I watched a Dept last week have 30-40% of it's officers have to stay over to attempt to qualify 2-3 times, we're talking 70% anywhere in the black on a B-27 from 3-25 yds. I can do that left handed, I'm a good shot, but certainly no comp shooter. As many have said before, it's not who shoots first or most, but who hits what they are aiming at.

In the end, I agree the Semi probably is the best choice for a duty weapon 70% of the time, especially in city settings. In rural areas, the power and accuracy of a .41 has something going for it. Firearms are tools, I wish Depts would focus more a giving a set of tools for varied situations instead of 1 size fits all, but in the end budgets drive decisions.

You should definitely carry what you shoot the best and are most confident with. Stay safe out there, good job expressing your viewpoint.

 

[seagill]

I went in the opposite direction. I started out carrying a S&W 908 but wanted something that was lighter, easier to conceal and would allow me the option of pocket carry. I chose the Ruger LCR and haven't looked back. The biggest factor is that I shoot the LCR much better.
As far as capacity, I'm not in law enforcement. I will never have to chase a perp down a dark alley, kick in the door of a crack house or take someone into custody. I also have an option that LEO's don't, I can run away from a bad situation! I also avoid bad areas and seldom even go out after dark.
This all goes to show that there is no one perfect carry option for all, carry what works best for you. Maybe when I get more experience with different weapons I'll change my mind again, but for now I say snubbies rock!

 

[ContinentalOp]

As many have stated here as well as in many other, similar posts, each individual needs to decide what tool will work best for them (presuming you have a choice and aren't limited to an issued gun, in which case you just do the best you can with what you have). I was a big fan of semi-autos until a year ago when I re-assessed my own personal situation and decided revolvers were a better choice for me. Does that mean I think anyone who chooses a semi-auto is a mall ninja waiting to take out zombies? Of course not. It just means that for me, at this point in time, revolvers are the best tools. I still like semi-autos and will likely own them again someday (if someone has a spare M&P 45c they'd like to give away for free, let me know... ). Who knows, I may even decide to carry them. Times change and I think it is good to be adaptable.

 

[NKJ nut]

Hello Dwever. you make some good points and I believe that you have made a sound choice. kinda sad really that a few people saw fit to belittle your choice simply because they choose otherwise.

 

[StatesRightist]

Maybe I'm missing it, but I did not see anyone belittle anyone else, just state their opinions.

 

[Old cop]

Good for you for stating your case and I agree w/you. Anyone in LE should carry off duty the same type of weapon their agency requires on duty, and semi-autos make a lot of sense in today's world. My issued gun was the Glock 23, but since retirement in '97 I've carried a small .38.

As others have said a civilian CCW is only concerned with self protection and has the option of running away if at all possible. If I were to return to LE it would make sense to carry a modern self loader, but since I'm too old for that I feel well armed with the .38.

Stay Safe,
Old Cop

 

[badge 851]

Good for you for stating your case and I agree w/you. Anyone in LE should carry off duty the same type of weapon their agency requires on duty, and semi-autos make a lot of sense in today's world. My issued gun was the Glock 23, but since retirement in '97 I've carried a small .38.

As others have said a civilian CCW is only concerned with self protection and has the option of running away if at all possible. If I were to return to LE it would make sense to carry a modern self loader, but since I'm too old for that I feel well armed with the .38.

Stay Safe,
Old Cop

Very sound advice (as always). Now that I am a civilian I follow the same logic. My only difference is that I carry two J frames.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

First off let me say that I'm a revolver carrying type of person.

In spite of that fact I chose, for some reason, my Glock 32 when
going out to put some mail in our box the other night.

About 1/2 way down our driveway, which is 200 yd's long through open fields so I was
as exposed as I could be, a bunch of Coyote's started yapping up a storm about 100 yd's
to my left. I hear them all the time and don't feel that they are a threat, but, with a few threads
on here recently talking about their, sometimes aggressive, behavior I have to admit that I felt
a little more at ease knowing I had 12 rd's of .357 SIG with me, as opposed to the 5 of .38 SPL
that my normal "mail gun", a S&W M36, would have provided for me.

Different Strokes for Different Folks!!

 

[olwogo]

I think you stated your case very eloquently, and truly it is a well-thought-out course of action! As for myself, I am a civilian CHL. I live in a rural area, and carry (right now) a semi-auto. I am just thankful that manufacturers make so many different kinds! So many weapons, So little time. But the end of the whole matter is Gun Control! And Gun Control is being able to put the bullet where you want it to go!! So journey on people, and safe & happy shooting!!!

 

[1 old 0311]

To each his own. I had a semi auto fail at the worst possible moment. Thank GOD I had a snubby 38 Special revolver as a BUG! I love my Mdl 37 Airweight®.

You had "A" semi auto fail? I have had more than an "A" that's why I carry a wheelie.

 

[Fastbolt]

Hey, FWIW, I don't think you're being "provocative" in the least. You've made a realistic and informed decision based upon your needs and your experience.

As long as you continue to invest the training & practice time, and use the manufacturer's (or your agency's) recommended maintenance practices, and continue to develop and maintain your skillset with the weapon, it's your choice.

Besides, it's more about the mindset, training, experience and the ability to effectively access your training & experience under arduous, demanding and rapidly changing conditions that's more important, anyway. The gun is a tool. Use whatever tool is best suited to your perceived needs and skillset ... and move on down the road to something else that's important to you.

My choice to include some 5-shot revolvers in my typical retirement CCW is something based upon my experience, training, continued practice regimen and daily consideration of what best suits my daily needs. I have quite a number of 9, .40 & .45 pistols, ranging in size from small to medium to large (and some other 6-shot revolvers in .357 & .44 which still see some range time, but haven't been used for carry for a number of years). Sometimes my pistols get selected, and sometimes one of my diminutive revolvers. Depends.

All of them get a fair amount of trigger time, though, since I still keep my hand in things as an instructor & armorer. (Okay, and having the run of a LE-only range and large ammo inventory doesn't hurt, either. )

There are definite advantages to selecting one of the good quality service-type semiauto pistols of modern manufacture for LE duty. No doubt.

On the other hand, I'm one of the diminishing number of older shooters who wouldn't have batted an eye if they'd told me I was going to have to carry a 6-shot .357 Magnum revolver toward the end of my career (instead of the issued 7+1 .45 compact 4513TSW they'd issued me for a while).

I carried an issued M66 and then a M686 service revolver back as a young cop, and at various times carried issued 9, .40 & then .45 pistols of various capacities (7, 8, 9, 12, 14 & 15 rounds, in no particular order).

I've also often thought that it's been easier to transition a skilled revolver shooter over to semiauto pistols than the other way around, too. Handgun skills earned while shooting DA revolvers seen to make for a better, all-around skillset. (Little wonder, since DA grip angles & grip stocks are hardly "ergonomic" or "natural" ... DA trigger strokes are long and heavier, requiring a pretty developed level of trigger control ... and you only have 5 or 6 rounds available to use between loading. )


Yes, the ability to carry more rounds between loading (or "reloading", if you prefer ) is a fine thing ... but being able to hit my intended threat target rapidly, accurately & effectively with the first 1-5 or 6 shots was of greater importance to me.

I know other cops (including another instructor) who have been involved in on & off-duty shootings with issued and personally-owned hi-cap pistols. A couple of them still have 6-shot K-frames they like to carry as off-duty weapons, and one has a little 640 he favors, although they also have some pistols they'll occasional carry, as well. Just depends, it seems.

Suit yourself. Your choice. Your responsibility, right? You don't have to justify it to anyone else (outside your agency).

Take care and stay safe out there.

Best regards.