Revolver vs semi auto for CCW

[Elliot45]

Otreb, much like Rastoff, I too would like to know where the research comes from that supports your statement "Auto pistols jam frequently in gunfights, it's a fact". If that were true, I don't think most law enforcement personnel would be carrying Glocks and other semi-automatic handguns because there lives would be at risk. I still will stand by my Shield against any small revolver, not one jam in over 1,200 rounds and greater capacity than a 5 or 6 shot revolver. Remember, there's no guarantee that you might be going up against only one assailant And if I was carrying on the belt, I would choose my 5" M&P Pro with 17 round magazines, it doesn't jam either and is deadly accurate. I think many years ago pistols may have had more issues than they do now but we're in an era that there are many semi-automatics being manufactured that are as reliable as revolvers. Just for the record, I also own revolvers too so this isn't coming from someone who only owns 1 semi-automatic and thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Elliot45

 

[Arik]

Semi auto jams are about as overstated as revolver jams. And you seem to be specifically focused on pocket guns.

 

[ClayCow]

I don't think they were wrong going to auto's, but there are some very glaring differences. Civilian self-defense is completely reactive/defensive in nature with disengagement/avoidance, escape being the primary objective. Military/Police is usually proactive/offensive with intentional engagement/pursuit being an essential part of the job(although there is more crossover with Law Enforcement and Civilian defense than with the military.)
Therefore, capacity is generally not as big of a consideration in civilian self-defense. IMO marksmanship shouldn't have as high priority as close-quarter skills since you likely won't be able engage a threat from any relatively lengthy distances for legal reasons or even if you wanted to with the majority of civilian scenarios being responses to up close ambush style attacks. An active shooter would be the exception, but it's an extremely rare occurrence comparatively and you shouldn't sacrifice capability to deal with the likely to be prepared for the I probable. I don't think an auto is a bad choice for a civilian, I just believe there are many tactical points most overlook that can be mitigated with proper training, but most don't seek out the instruction.

Auto's do often jam in ECQ fights and you can't count on one shot to stop a big, aggressive and determined attacker. These are things you really should consider in your training and when choosing your weapon(s). Consider the following video as an illustration of these points... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=23c7ovuSd2U

In terms of pistols, unless youre sf, youre using that pistol for CQB in the military. Its a sidearm you take in conjunction with your rifle. Just my observance. So id say both are reactive

 

[ColbyBruce]

Here is a photo of my K frame S&W 65-3 lying on top of my Beretta 92 FS Inox.

The Beretta offers greater cartridge capacity and faster reload capability than the S&W can dream about, in a same size package. I am just giving this a WAG, but I believe a human, if head shot at a range of seven yards or so, would not be able to tell a difference between the impact of a 9mm or a .357 magnum. I could be wrong.

It was mentioned earlier that S&W 10's had fixed front sights, but not all do. My S&W 10-8, 3" HB, RB has a pinned front sight. This sight can be swapped out for another type.

 

[Stu Honea]

In 1974 I was in a gun battle with three bad guys who just held up a liquor store. As a plain clothes detective my service weapon was a Colt DS and I emptied it twice before coming out on top, but this was luck as much as skill. Until this past Feb. I carried a J frame but recently switched to an M&P .380 b/c it's just easier to carry, at least for me (I pocket carry in a holster). The gun has been 100% w/everything at the range so I have confidence in it. My daily travels are pretty safe, I no longer go to bad areas knowingly and I don't "engage" anyone. As has been said carry what you shoot best and hope you never have to employ this skill set but practice regularly.

Great job and a great post Old cop.The 70's were a lot more tumultuous for us than most people now days really realize.