Whitwabit
US Veteran
How can you assess a threat to where your going before you get there an know what is going on ???
Revolver vs. Pistol
- Thread starter Doc Holliday 1950
- Start date
How can you assess a threat to where your going before you get there an know what is going on ???
I've carried many different guns at one time or other over the last 40+ years, 1911's, BHP's, Colt and S&W 38-357 wheelguns, S&W 9mm, SIG 9mm and 40, Glock 9mm and 40. Some by personal choice some by department regulation. I've never felt inadequately armed with any of them. I still own examples of each but these days 99% of the time I carry a Glock 19 by choice. It's light, concealable, easy to shoot, provides 30 rounds when carried with a spare mag and if the worst happens and it ends up damaged, lost, or setting in a property room as evidence, then less then $500.00 (blue label) at any gun shop and I'm back in business without me mourning the loss of one of my custom 1911's, or S&W's. Just my .02
I have the utmost confidence in my old BHP which I carried for over 40 years backed up by a model 36. I have since retired and replaced the 36 with a 649-2 which I pocket carry. If I were going out to a place where I suspected trouble I would bring both guns. Today however, I avoid troublespots like the plague and for SD being a very close encounter I just carry the 649-2 with an extra speed strip. If I could only carry one it would always be a revolver.
Protected One
Member
Considering the number of realistic possibilities I've read or heard about and that criminals often work in pairs (or more) - not to mention 4 legged attackers, I am more comfortable carrying a higher round count than my chiefs special allows. Thus, I carry a Shield 9mm.
DWalt
Member
For me, lighter and smaller is always better, That is why my carry gun is a .25 ACP Galesi that fits in my front pants pocket. I have never been in circumstances where it was needed and do not expect to be. If I ever find myself in such circumstances, that pistol will be enough.
Still hoping I can find a .357 Sig barrel for my S&W Performance Center "Shorty 40" (first issue 1993)
I know there are a few out there in 2 barrel sets and, at one time in the past, there were drop in barrels from outside manufacturers.
DANG, if I could just find one !!
I know there are a few out there in 2 barrel sets and, at one time in the past, there were drop in barrels from outside manufacturers.
DANG, if I could just find one !!
Rastoff
US Veteran
Do you really think 2 more rounds makes a difference?
texasjarhead
Member
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2008
- Messages
- 240
- Reaction score
- 121
When hiking on my hunting lease which has an active wild boar population- a S&W model 19 loaded with 180 grain hard cast bullets. At home, a 12 gauge mounted with a good flashlight or the model 19. When I feel I need to carry concealed, a S&W 3913 due to weight and size considerations.
You forgot the chamber. Make that 3 or 4 depending on which magazine. Plus way quicker reloads. So you're talking, at minimum, more than half again the capacity of your J frame 38.
Last edited:
But then... If you use the MagGuts replacement springs, depending on the Spring set you get (the original, or the +2), you're talking 10-11 rounds per Shield mag.
I'll relate a short story some may find relevant: On my last visit to the range with my new 69, which I like very much, I fired about 40 rounds and then the gun locked up. I had just cleaned it before my range session so I knew it couldn't be lead or gunk, besides I was shooting jacketed bullets. I opened the cylinder to look for a high primer (my reloads), nope. Closed it up again. Nope, still won't turn. Opened again, looked again, nothing. Try again but still no go. OK, open again, dump rounds, both fired casings and unfired rounds. Aha! the extractor/star has a small piece of what looks like lint but upon closer examination is found to be a very small shred of a couple of short threads of cleaning patch. That was locking up the gun, that tiny piece of patch. Picked it out with my fingernail and all was good. Just where the heck was it hiding during the previous 40 or so rounds.
The bigger issue is that it's a bit concerning that such a tiny little scrap could lock up the gun. Hows that not an issue with pocket carry. Does no one besides me ever have a thread come loose from inside their pants pocket. Well, apparently that thread is enough, given bad luck, to find the perfect spot to lock up your gun and be darn near invisible while doing it.
Don't get me wrong, I love revolvers and I have an AIWB holster for the 69 and speed strips for it too. It's really a pretty easy carry. And I do use it for my carry gun sometimes. But not because I think it's the wisest thing to do. I accept that my reasons for using it for the occasional EDC are because I can, although retired I'm still a better shot than the majority of current crop of cops (I used to enjoy outshooting the younger guys and their wonder 9s with my wheelguns), I love revolvers and carried one on duty most of my career, and I like big bores.
A small or medium size quality 9mm or similar really does, IMHO, make more sense for EDC and in my experience the reliability of Glocks is unsurpassed.
So there! That's my opinion on the topic that everyone was waiting so impatiently for.
The bigger issue is that it's a bit concerning that such a tiny little scrap could lock up the gun. Hows that not an issue with pocket carry. Does no one besides me ever have a thread come loose from inside their pants pocket. Well, apparently that thread is enough, given bad luck, to find the perfect spot to lock up your gun and be darn near invisible while doing it.
Don't get me wrong, I love revolvers and I have an AIWB holster for the 69 and speed strips for it too. It's really a pretty easy carry. And I do use it for my carry gun sometimes. But not because I think it's the wisest thing to do. I accept that my reasons for using it for the occasional EDC are because I can, although retired I'm still a better shot than the majority of current crop of cops (I used to enjoy outshooting the younger guys and their wonder 9s with my wheelguns), I love revolvers and carried one on duty most of my career, and I like big bores.
A small or medium size quality 9mm or similar really does, IMHO, make more sense for EDC and in my experience the reliability of Glocks is unsurpassed.
So there! That's my opinion on the topic that everyone was waiting so impatiently for.
labworm
US Veteran
I used a fly rod and reel when trout fishing.
A spinning rod and reel when bass fishing.
I could use either one if I wanted too.
A spinning rod and reel when bass fishing.
I could use either one if I wanted too.
I started out with the BG380 after many probs I sent it to Galloway Precision and had em do the full treatment it is now a very good weapon.I then got a 327 8 shot 357 revolver I love it but it is somewhat hard to carry I now have a Kimber K6s,which is a joy to carry with a remora holster So sometimes I carry the 327 or the K6 with the BG as backup.
I agree ! if ever you need something, quick easy and ready, the .25 autos (depending on your preferences) fit this need, perfectly.
My only concern in reliability. The Beretta 950s and baby Brownings, seem to have this market cornered, other than the clones. Both are nice, neat, petite, easy to maneuver, shoot rapidly and accurately at close range.
Inside the front pocket holster is just perfect.
Back in the early 1990s a Company in Florida "Felicci" made a mini 25 in stainless that looked almost exactly like a Seecamp .32.
See some patent material: Semi-automatic pistol with a dual safety - FELICCI; JOSEPH E.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
I'm eighty years old. I have congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stage 3 COPD, slow-progressing pulmonary fibrosis, and less than 45% circulation in my right leg. I have degenerative disk disease and head-to-toe arthritis. I use a four-wheel walker and 24/7 oxygen. I am the poster child for easy pickings. It's too late to say I should have lived a cleaner life and stayed in shape. I'm not inclined to consider mat training in CQC even if I could afford it. I know a few really nasty little tricks if they are needed. But I also always carry a gun.
And silly me, I thought this thread was going to be a discussion of which kind of firearm to carry, and why. Which, if I think about it, pretty much could have ended for me with Inspector Callahan's thoughtful post, much earlier. Carry the gun with which you are familiar, comfortable and proficient.
I'm out. Carry on.
And silly me, I thought this thread was going to be a discussion of which kind of firearm to carry, and why. Which, if I think about it, pretty much could have ended for me with Inspector Callahan's thoughtful post, much earlier. Carry the gun with which you are familiar, comfortable and proficient.
I'm out. Carry on.
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,020
- Reaction score
- 7,102
I prefer the G19 rather than the revolver. Smaller size and weight, almost three times the capacity, less felt recoil, quicker reloads, etc., etc.
Why choose? I carry a revolver AND A pistol, and a NAA 22 Magnum with Gold Dots.
Kimber K6S 6 Shot with 125 gr 357 Magnum in the right front pocket, and the NAA in the left.
Then, I have a Glock 19 or a Sig P365 Appendix Carry using Hornady Critical Defense.
Pocket carry is my first option to draw, as I have my hand in the pocket on the gun while I walk. I can draw faster than some can react in that mode. Faster than IWB Appendix by 0.25 sec.
Revolvers can't be easily grabbed. Double action is hard to have a ND. 6 shots of 357 Magnum is not a slouch. The trigger is a smooth 9 lbs. there is nothing to snag, and my wood grips from Altamont are smooth and thin.
Appendix doesn't interfere with the pocket carry, whereas 3:00 does. I don't like 4:00 as it can be potentially grabbed from behind if someone felt it.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Walkingwolf
Member
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2017
- Messages
- 1,624
- Reaction score
- 1,655
I carry a G22 while riding the motorcycle, just because if I fall down it is expendable. Though I have thought of buying a Hi Point for that duty, it also would be expendable.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Yet another reason I don't pocket carry. Of course a good holster would prevent this, but that's not what this thread is about. It's surprising what a tiny piece of debris can do to any gun, revolver or semi.
You're dodging the question. Do those few rounds really make a difference? Just for the record, I carry a semi, but extra capacity is not why.But then... If you use the MagGuts replacement springs, depending on the Spring set you get (the original, or the +2), you're talking 10-11 rounds per Shield mag.
Glock 19 with an extra magazine
Engieman
Member
I have CC'd either a Walther PPS or a Kahr P380 for many, many years. Every time I think I 'need' something better, newer or different, some careful consideration brings me back to the fact that these will do everything I need them to do, are reliable, and are perfect for their intended purpose. And at my age.......l am no longer concerned with the latest wonder product some gun writer or YouTube star is enamored with, or that my aged holster doesn't color coordinate with my belt, shoes, nail color and expensive imported handbag.......
But then... If you use the MagGuts replacement springs, depending on the Spring set you get (the original, or the +2), you're talking 10-11 rounds per Shield mag.
You obviously disregarded the Big Grin emoji I used in my comment.
I carry the Shield and use the MagGuts kit, but (as I know you've seen in my comments in the MagGuts threads) not because of the extra capacity.
Protected One
Member
I'll let you know if I ever have to shoot. Until then, it is ALL just speculation.
One things for sure though....having them won't hurt.
EMP3
Member
I disagree. This can be quantified. We can deduce using reason and logic which is superior for self-defense.
Put another way, what handgun is superior for saving your life: a 5-shot J-Frame, 6-shot K-Frame, or a Performance Center 1911 9-shot 9MM?
We can do the metrics & factually determine superiority w/o opinion. Just the facts, ma'am.
keith44spl
Member
I've tried the 357 and 9mm, but they jest left me feelin' somewhat light.
Now, it's 44's and 45's in the carry corral.
.
Now, it's 44's and 45's in the carry corral.
.
one eye joe
US Veteran
HEY DH1950, WELCOME TO THE FORUM......
IMHO, THE ENHANCED M686+ IS A SUPERB WEAPON. YOU STARTED WITH A MODEL WHICH IS THE VERY BEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION, AND ACTUALLY MADE IT BETTER ! ! !
THE ICING ON THE CAKE IS THAT YOU CAN CARRY IT 24/7, WITH CONFIDENCE IN BOTH THE WEAPON AND YOURSELF......
I agree to a point, but it depends on the scenario. What's inherently better in one situation may not be better in another. I'll take an enclosed hammer J-Frame over any auto or full sized revolver in an ECQ scenario, but in a ranged gunfight, I would prefer a high capacity auto.
EMP3
Member
Hi Mister X,
While it might've been true in a bygone era, revolvers are not more reliable than good quality semis. I can tell you from direct knowledge of 3 catastrophic S&W revolver failures. When a revolver fails, it's outta da fight. I've never seen any good quality semi fail, and I have no clue of how many I fired and seen fired. The S&W 5904 was one of the very best handguns I've ever carried. The Sig P229 might just be the best self-defense double-action semi ever created. I've never seen a P229 experience any type of problem. I have no clue of how many thousands of rounds I fired through my P229.
I love J-Frame revolvers. I don't own lightweight J-Frames. I prefer all steel. With the FBI load, recoil ain't fun. I couldn't imagine shooting a .357 Mag outta a J-Frame, assuming a magnum round would have appreciable advantage at belly gun distance. My guess magnum founds in J-Frames would define diminishing returns.
Double-action revolvers are more complex and with more moving parts than semis, even double-action semis. A tiny spring breaks in a revolver, and it becomes a throwing weapon.
At best, The Chief Special is a one threat handgun. It takes far too long to reload another 5 rounds. The FBI load is at the apex of J-frame self-defense cartridges.
If I were to buy another self-defense handgun, it'd be a copy of Performance Center 1911 3" 9MM. I can reload a semi inside a few seconds while never taking my eyes off of a bad guy who's putting rounds on me.
Self-defense is a very personal decision. One has to choose the right way for him, not the right way for another. I love the Chief Special, but it's not a good choice for saving my life.
While it might've been true in a bygone era, revolvers are not more reliable than good quality semis. I can tell you from direct knowledge of 3 catastrophic S&W revolver failures. When a revolver fails, it's outta da fight. I've never seen any good quality semi fail, and I have no clue of how many I fired and seen fired. The S&W 5904 was one of the very best handguns I've ever carried. The Sig P229 might just be the best self-defense double-action semi ever created. I've never seen a P229 experience any type of problem. I have no clue of how many thousands of rounds I fired through my P229.
I love J-Frame revolvers. I don't own lightweight J-Frames. I prefer all steel. With the FBI load, recoil ain't fun. I couldn't imagine shooting a .357 Mag outta a J-Frame, assuming a magnum round would have appreciable advantage at belly gun distance. My guess magnum founds in J-Frames would define diminishing returns.
Double-action revolvers are more complex and with more moving parts than semis, even double-action semis. A tiny spring breaks in a revolver, and it becomes a throwing weapon.
At best, The Chief Special is a one threat handgun. It takes far too long to reload another 5 rounds. The FBI load is at the apex of J-frame self-defense cartridges.
If I were to buy another self-defense handgun, it'd be a copy of Performance Center 1911 3" 9MM. I can reload a semi inside a few seconds while never taking my eyes off of a bad guy who's putting rounds on me.
Self-defense is a very personal decision. One has to choose the right way for him, not the right way for another. I love the Chief Special, but it's not a good choice for saving my life.
EMP3
Member
My take on the .380 Auto is that recent technology that has facilitated creation of 100% reliable sub-compact 9MM such as the Performance Center 1911 3" 9MM will cause the .380 Auto to become less attractive.
Similar threads
