What Are The Essential Features for a Personal Defense Revolver?

[Revolver_Fan]

This topic should be interesting!

IMHO your basic PD revolver only needs:

1. Crisp, smooth trigger @ 9 to 12 lb.
2. Good sights
3. Grips that allow for proper trigger control

It is assumed that the average revolver is accurate and reliable enough for Personal Defense straight out-of-the-box. Afterall, you can't get any more reliable than a revolver.

 

[Nframe357]

Reliabilty first and foremost! Adequate caliber, aequate weight for the chosen caliber so you can become proficient with the weapon. Lastly size if you plan on CC.

 

[kmyers]

Reliabilty first and foremost! Adequate caliber, aequate weight for the chosen caliber so you can become proficient with the weapon. Lastly size if you plan on CC.

Perfect answer.

 

[GoHogs]

Have it on you or near you.

 

[whitecoyote]

Reliabilty first and foremost! Adequate caliber, aequate weight for the chosen caliber so you can become proficient with the weapon. Lastly size if you plan on CC.

+1
Also a short barrel.

 

[Marshal Too Sweet]

The one in your hand is much better than the 10 in your safe!

 

[KurtC]

1. No Lock

 

[pred]

Pink grips?
~
~
~
~
~
Pretty much what was said above, There is no real need for glowing sights/lasers/flashlights/toaster ovens ect...
Just so long as you're comfortable with it, It's reliable and a reasonable caliber.
Once you are good with it, Sights arent needed at 10-15 feet or so....
Peter

 

[BarbC]

Easily accessible. Digging for it in your purse or underwear isn't a good defense tactic.

 

[tac803]

Figuring out what will work for you as a personal defense revolver is difficult. There are, however, some thoughts that come to mind.

1) Become familiar with the gun. Know it well enough that you can reload it in the dark, or with your eyes closed.
2) Pick a caliber that is effective for self defense. I would choose a .38 cal revolver at a minimum.
3) Find a gun that shoots well for you. It's not necessary to keep everything in the 10 ring at 50 feet. Practice at realistic distances, 21 feet and under, and practice with it until you can keep your shots where you want them.
4) Carry the biggest gun that you can comfortably and consistantly carry. A 6" model 29 might be cool, but is probably going to be left in the safe for a trip to the corner store for smokes at 23:30 hrs.
5) Learn how to use whatever you choose SAFELY. Safety is paramount, and one of the biggest responsibilities that we have as firearm owners.

Go to a local range and shoot a variety of guns if available. The best part is, buying a gun isn't like getting married. If you don't like it, you can trade it in for something that you like better.

 

[tac803]

Easily accessible. Digging for it in your purse or underwear isn't a good defense tactic.

That all depends .

 

[Cocked & Locked]

This works well for me...8-shot 627-PC .357 Magnum, Spegel Grips, 8-cartridge speed strips from Tuff Products, Murph's Leather holster (local maker), B&H Saddle (local maker) 8-cartridge drop pouch, and RafterS belt.

 

[fyimo]

Carry

Something you will carry, getting proficent with it, and is reasonably accurate and small enough to conceal it. I carry a S&W Model 36 or my S&W Model 64 for carry. I did just ordered a German made Sig P228 9mm that I will work into my carry scheme.

Home defense

Some that you can get to quickly (I have several around the house) and that you shoot well and I prefer night sights. I keep Semi auto high cap guns in the house for home defense. I have a Sig P226 in 40 S&W, Sig P220, and a P226 in 9mm and they are always handy. They all function exactly the same so there's no transition from gun to gun.

 

[Catshooter]

Good responses. I would this: The definition of 'adequete' caliber starts and ends with 45. It's all you need.

(On with the Nomex . . . )


Cat

 

[N_itis]

Have it on you or near you.

...and loaded.

 

[Ron H.]

It is assumed that the average revolver is accurate and reliable enough for Personal Defense straight out-of-the-box. Afterall, you can't get any more reliable than a revolver.

Sir, these are not safe assumptions. A quick look around these boards will turn up many instances of reliability and accuracy problems with revolvers.

Accuracy and reliability must be demonstrated on an individual basis--your gun, with your ammo, in your hands. Staking your life on general assumptions is less than wise.

Regarding the original question, here are my requirements, FWIW. These apply to autos as well.

1. The gun must be demonstrably reliable.

2. The gun must fit my hand easily, with no stretching or other gymnastics required. Mainly this means trigger reach.

3. The gun must possess sufficient power without undue recoil or noise. FWIW, I do not like magnum loads for a defensive gun.

4. The gun must have a smooth trigger action. Heavy I can work with; gritty and crunchy I can't.

5. The gun's sights must be easy to pick up quickly.

6. The gun must hit where I point it. It need not produce teeny-tiny little groups (though that would be nice), but it does need to shoot to the sights with my chosen ammo.

7. The gun must of a size and shape that I can conceal easily.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[skeeterbait]

#1... It MUST go BANG every time!

 

[Dale53]

I agree with most of what has been said here. However, by far, the most important piece of gear is YOU. Practice until you are absolutely POSITIVE you can perform when necessary. Speed is nice, accuracy is final. Accuracy is FINAL. Accuracy is FINAL.

Years ago, Jeff Cooper said it best. It takes one range session a month just to maintain your performance level. It takes one range session a week to improve. Most of us need to improve.

It requires deep pockets to shoot this much factory ammo. Most will not/can not do it. I keep harping on reloading but it is the most reliable path to success. Success being coming home safe from every trip (EVERY TRIP...).

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Three things are needed, one-it goes boom every time, two- it goes boom every time and three-practice, practice, practice.

 

[GF]

I like one with moon clips and a caliber of .45.

625-3

GF