Loading Revolvers vs Pistols

[LevelOne]

A question has been swirling through my mind lately.

As I stated I have been researching mainly semiautos and recently turned on to revolvers.

Lets say I have an encounter with two BG..and need to fire out all 6 shots in the revolver.

My question is how quickly can you reload the revolver in the middle of a stiuation (Or how do you guys go about reloading a revolver quickly) vs. a semiauto is fast to reload by changing the magazine?

Is this one of the week spots using a revolver?

(Sorry for asking questions that possibly be asked before) I appreciate any input. Thanks

 

[LevelOne]

A question has been swirling through my mind lately.

As I stated I have been researching mainly semiautos and recently turned on to revolvers.

Lets say I have an encounter with two BG..and need to fire out all 6 shots in the revolver.

My question is how quickly can you reload the revolver in the middle of a stiuation (Or how do you guys go about reloading a revolver quickly) vs. a semiauto is fast to reload by changing the magazine?

Is this one of the week spots using a revolver?

(Sorry for asking questions that possibly be asked before) I appreciate any input. Thanks

 

[john traveler]

If you have ever attended a practical shooting competition, you would know that semiauto shooters can effect a reload very fast: say, two seconds between the last shot from the first magazine and the first shot from the second magazine.

Revolver shooters can be fast too, if they use speedloaders. Last shot to new first shot, say 3 to 4 seconds. It's all a matter of practice.

 

[panamajack310]

Level one, You speed in reloading depends on what you have and how much you practice reloading.I personaly can reload a revolver faster than I can reload a semiauto. on my 45 I use moon clips that is super fast when you reload. With a speedloader it is a little slower. If you practice a-lot you can reload as fast as any one.

 

[bountyhunter]

Originally posted by LevelOne:
A question has been swirling through my mind lately.

As I stated I have been researching mainly semiautos and recently turned on to revolvers.

Lets say I have an encounter with two BG..and need to fire out all 6 shots in the revolver.

My question is how quickly can you reload the revolver

The only question in this scenario is where they will bury you. If you are in a gunfight with two opponents and fail to neutralize the threat before expending six shots, they will have already killed you. Civilains don't typically get in long range firefights with multiple targets, about 99.999% os these type of encounters are at ranges of five yards or less. The fight will typically be decided in the first or second shot.... yours or his. Even if the other person has no gun, if he charges you that means you will only have about one second to stop him or he will grab the gun. Again, first or second shot needs to be on target.

 

[OKFC05]

Is this one of the week spots using a revolver?

No. It is an area that requires the correct equipment and practice.

As stated above, clip loading a revolver is as fast as magazine loading a semi-auto. I watch it done at a match while I hold the timer every month. Speeloaders are a little slower, say 3 to 4 sec. (I shoot IDPA/SSR)

Also as noted above, you seriously need to take a good defensive pistol course, and then come practice with us in IDPA.
We had a new shooter with a revolver at last Saturday's match, and he took 5 times as long to shoot because he (1) had no tactical training or equipment and (2) was reloading with loose rounds from his pocket. His holster was so bad I had him start with the gun in hand. I think he will be back with a new holster and a set of speedloaders. IDPA isn't a substitute for training, but it is good practice and also sometimes a reality check on your equipment and tactics.

 

[505Gibbs]

The only question in this scenario is where they will bury you. If you are in a gunfight with two opponents and fail to neutralize the threat before expending six shots, they will have already killed you. Civilains don't typically get in long range firefights with multiple targets, about 99.999% os these type of encounters are at ranges of five yards or less. The fight will typically be decided in the first or second shot.... yours or his. Even if the other person has no gun, if he charges you that means you will only have about one second to stop him or he will grab the gun. Again, first or second shot needs to be on target.

Couldn't agree more!! Great statement of the facts!!

 

[LevelOne]

Originally posted by OKFC05:

Is this one of the week spots using a revolver?

No. It is an area that requires the correct equipment and practice.

As stated above, clip loading a revolver is as fast as magazine loading a semi-auto. I watch it done at a match while I hold the timer every month. Speeloaders are a little slower, say 3 to 4 sec. (I shoot IDPA/SSR)

Also as noted above, you seriously need to take a good defensive pistol course, and then come practice with us in IDPA.
We had a new shooter with a revolver at last Saturday's match, and he took 5 times as long to shoot because he (1) had no tactical training or equipment and (2) was reloading with loose rounds from his pocket. His holster was so bad I had him start with the gun in hand. I think he will be back with a new holster and a set of speedloaders. IDPA isn't a substitute for training, but it is good practice and also sometimes a reality check on your equipment and tactics.

This is the second time or so you guys have mentioned taking a defensive class/training. I am taking a NRA training class that last for 3 hours.

Does this not count as a defensive class? THanks.

 

[Chromedhearts]

This is the second time or so you guys have mentioned taking a defensive class/training. I am taking a NRA training class that last for 3 hours.

Does this not count as a defensive class? THanks.[/QUOTE]


The NRA class will focus mainly on gun saftey and target shooting, and is not a "fighting class".

 

[OKFC05]

This is the second time or so you guys have mentioned taking a defensive class/training. I am taking a NRA training class that last for 3 hours.

Does this not count as a defensive class? THanks.

Glad you asked. As an NRA instructor, I appreciate your invitation to express an opinion.

The short pistol course is called "First Steps" and intended to get a person to the point they understand basic safety, can hold correctly, load and unload one specific pistol, and can hit a paper plate at 5 yards with no time limit. It is a short version of the NRA Basic Pistol Course, which covers different types of handguns and involves a little more range time. Neither of these is a defensive pistol course.

The first NRA defensive course is "Personal Protection Inside the Home" which covers basic laws on defense, shooting at different distances, and firing multiple shots center of mass. It starts with the gun in hand and loaded, and does not cover drawing from concealment, tactical reloads, moving and shooting, etc. It minimally preapres someone to defend their home from invasion.

The next course is NRA "Personal Protection Outside the Home" with the previous course first required. This second course is 18 hours, with about half of that on the range. It covers drawing from a holster or purse, using low cover, barricade shooting, point shooting, moving to cover, basic tactics, and so on.
I semi-joking call "Personal Protection Outside the Home" the "How to Shoot IDPA Course."

I think the above courses taken in sequence are the MINIMUM training for anyone who carries a concealed handgun. At this point, the shooter has learned the basics, and is prepared to benefit from advanced tactical training if they wish, or to participate confidently in the simulated stress of IDPA, and perhaps survive an armed encounter.

 

[LevelOne]

Originally posted by OKFC05:

This is the second time or so you guys have mentioned taking a defensive class/training. I am taking a NRA training class that last for 3 hours.

Does this not count as a defensive class? THanks.

Thank you all for sharing your knowlege. I greatly appreciate it. So if I understand you correctly the 3 hour NRA class is NOT a defensive class and the IDPA is?

Would the NRA instructor do the IDPA as well or how do I go about getting into a IPDA course.

Thanks...

Glad you asked. As an NRA instructor, I appreciate your invitation to express an opinion.

The short pistol course is called "First Steps" and intended to get a person to the point they understand basic safety, can hold correctly, load and unload one specific pistol, and can hit a paper plate at 5 yards with no time limit. It is a short version of the NRA Basic Pistol Course, which covers different types of handguns and involves a little more range time. Neither of these is a defensive pistol course.

The first NRA defensive course is "Personal Protection Inside the Home" which covers basic laws on defense, shooting at different distances, and firing multiple shots center of mass. It starts with the gun in hand and loaded, and does not cover drawing from concealment, tactical reloads, moving and shooting, etc. It minimally preapres someone to defend their home from invasion.

The next course is NRA "Personal Protection Outside the Home" with the previous course first required. This second course is 18 hours, with about half of that on the range. It covers drawing from a holster or purse, using low cover, barricade shooting, point shooting, moving to cover, basic tactics, and so on.
I semi-joking call "Personal Protection Outside the Home" the "How to Shoot IDPA Course."

I think the above courses taken in sequence are the MINIMUM training for anyone who carries a concealed handgun. At this point, the shooter has learned the basics, and is prepared to benefit from advanced tactical training if they wish, or to participate confidently in the simulated stress of IDPA, and perhaps survive an armed encounter.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Just remember-practice doesn't make perfect.
Perfect practice makes perfect.

 

[bountyhunter]

Originally posted by Gun 4 Fun:
Just remember-practice doesn't make perfect.
Perfect practice makes perfect.

Also remember: under extreme stress, you do NOT rise to your peak level of performance, you drop to your lowest level of baseline training.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally posted by bountyhunter:

Originally posted by Gun 4 Fun:
Just remember-practice doesn't make perfect.
Perfect practice makes perfect.

Also remember: under extreme stress, you do NOT rise to your peak level of performance, you drop to your lowest level of baseline training.

+100

 

[tom turner]

Originally posted by LevelOne:

This is the second time or so you guys have mentioned taking a defensive class/training. I am taking a NRA training class that last for 3 hours.

Does this not count as a defensive class? THanks.

Adding to what the others have correctly pointed out, no it isn't.

You are just getting started with handguns and have a long way to go. As you grow in your training and skills, please consider IDPA type competitions as a next step. This is SO IMPORTANT!

Most good "plinkers" get their tail kicked real bad when they start competing . . . and THIS IS GOOD, for it is a real reality check that helps one move to the next level. You'll quickly learn what equipment works, now to economize your mechanics fast, how to shoot acceptably well at speed and how to handle a mild case of the jitters!

The results will be a better YOU!

T.

PS: You'll also learn two other things competing:

1. You will soon become smoother, faster and much better with your skills than the typical gang banger would be!

2. Sometimes though . . . the worst shooter around will get REAL LUCKY on occasion!

 

[Mr. Tree]

Speedy reloading of a revolver is certainly possible after many years of practice. Watch the videos of Jerry Miculek who fired 6 accurate rounds, reloaded, then fired 6 more accurate shots ---- in under 3 seconds! But remember he HIT his targets 12 times and the first one would probably stopped the threat.

 

[Vanman]

As a PO with almost 30 years experience-5 years as a firearms instructor- I say this; an EXPERIENCED revolver shooter can be just as threatening in a gunfight as someone with a pistol.
Experience, training,practice , and mindset win gunfights.
Check this clip of World Champion revolver shooter Jerry Miculek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXSfbrAKLFY

 

[Lionhound]

This may be of interest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOVWwOahGf8

 

[tom turner]

I've shot hundreds of competitions with pistols and revolvers.

One of my favorite memories was winning the pot at a steel match's "Special Match." About 30-35 shooters competed. I won with a revolver against some mighty fine shooters . . . all using high capacity autoloaders.

RULES:
1. 18 steel plates or poppers, spread in a 60 degree angle in front of the line, from various distances between 10-35 yards.

2. ALL GUNS STARTED UNLOADED, IN A PISTOL BOX

3. First one to drop all EIGHTEEN targets won the pot.

4. ONE MANDITORY RELOAD (as to not favor the Glock 17 shooters using 33 round extended magazines.

I came to the line with a S&W M25-2 revolver in .45ACP that uses moon clips . . . and thus I'd have to load, then reload two times UNLESS I missed even once . . . and if I did, I'd have to reload again.

Thus, I'd have to be real fast, real accurate and real smooth. However, I shoot this gun better and faster than my competition 1911 anyway so I looked forward to the challenge . . . as well as possibly waxing the auto guys who normally don't face wheelgunners due to various classifications.

I won the match by nearly two seconds! Better . . . I got to rag the guys mercilessly for a few months!

Part of the fun of competitions is the fellowship!

Frankly, most deadly handgun fights last less than three seconds. Neither guy is gonna stand still and allow the other guy to shoot him. Gun games are nothing like a real, mortal confrontation. However, the games can surely make us far better handgunners who eventually develop skills at a higher level that greatly increase our chances of survival against those who don't compete and get smooth and fast!

There's an old saying, "Beware of the old man with a revolver . . . he probably knows how to use it!"

 

[LevelOne]

Thanks for the caring advice from all of you. Everyone had to start at the beginning somewhere. Some other gun forums where I lurk a lot of the older more experienced guys really tear into the new guys. It makes it uncomfortable to ask questions.

I don't see that here. I appreciate it. Well my NRA course won't take place until Feb. 5th. I have to leave for a few weeks. I'm excited to start the journey.