Revolver vs. Semi Auto for CCW

[GnarlsR2]

It's obvious watching the news, and an actual shooting here in June about 10 minutes from my house (five individuals stole items from the Sinclair Fuel Station at 2012 North Trekell Road in Casa Grande, Arizona. When a store employee followed them, one of the suspects fired gunshots, though no one was injured. The suspects were later arrested after a standoff with a SWAT team.) that increased violence is more often perpetrated by gangs and more than one individual. Is it better to have more than 5 rounds?

If the stats are accurate, the average bullet hit percentage is about 50% in a defense situation, so if I was defending myself against 5 bad guys, if I'm lucky it may take 10 rounds to land one shot per attacker, so much for double tapping.

One aspect of a defense carry is simply the level of mental security that it adds. When I'm at lunch with 3 to 12 of my range buddies, as we sit in a nice restaurant, or a rowdy sports bar, I know that at least 4 or 5 of them have a concealed carry firearm and know how to use it.

I comply with all Federal, State and private property laws, and restrictions. However, I don't judge my range buddies if they do not comply.

 

[JMD999]

As I age (well over 65!), a J-frame makes a lot of sense

Same, always 1, often more than 1.
Use- contact to 5 yards, one hand point shoot.

 

[eagle1944]

There is nothing worse than a trainer that figured out last year which end of the barrel the bullet comes out. Unless of course it's someone telling you what its like to be in a shooting and they have bever been in a shooting.

I was a cop when we still carried revolvers. I have been out of it for decades. I occasionally carry a J-Frame when I am willing to give up round count for concealability. My revolvers that I carried as a cop are my favorite handguns to shoot, but they are now range toys. Most of the time I'm carrying a Shield, or a M&P Compact or a Full Size M&P, all in .40S&W.

I have been in shootings. I have been in a fight for control of my revolver, and I know of a State Trooper that is alive today because of a magazine disconnect on a semi-auto. I assume that is what's being referred to as a "California Gun" in #3 of the first post.

Many things are greatly debated like Caliber choices, Firearms types, Firearms manufacturers, Safeties, Magazine disconnects, Hammer/Hammerless, frame materials, dry firing, and the list goes on and on.

It's a big reason these forums and YouTube is so popular. People can seek out information and see what makes sense to them at what does not.

Most cities of any size have paid training available. Many areas have local gun forums that might help with reviews. Start with basics and try to choose wisely.

In addition to hands on structured training, shooting in local matches is a great resource. You may find fellow shooters that are more qualified to help you than what you are paying big bucks for.

Another thing is always running through scenarios in your head. For example, you are in the store and this happens or that happens, what do you do.

And most important…. Know the laws for the use of deadly force wherever you carry. As cops, we had any questions we had on the use of deadly force answered by our States Attorney. They were who was deciding what would be charged and what would not. You should see if your States Attorney, District Attorney, etc. would be willing to have a group get together for a seminar. I don't think most firearms trainers are qualified to teach the use of deadly force, but its done in every carry class there is.

So which is better for you, a revolver or a semi-auto? Now you have the answer… it depends on you, your abilities, your training, and your carry situation, no one here can answer that.