Why a Revolver?
- Thread starter Citiboy289
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DevilDog72
US Veteran
well.....
I remember a long time ago in Marine boot camp we cleaned our weapons with dish soap, hot water and tooth brushes...dried, oiled and reassembled. They worked great.
They're going to be dishwasher safe soon.
I remember a long time ago in Marine boot camp we cleaned our weapons with dish soap, hot water and tooth brushes...dried, oiled and reassembled. They worked great.
eTripper
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Both types of handguns have a place in my battery. It just really depends on the application. I have large N-frame revolvers, and 1911-type autos. Both of them, have over-lapping capabilities, and each have their own specific limitations.
Why a revolver? Because they work every time. I love the feel of a revolver compared to any auto except a good Colt 1911.
I've been shooting revolvers in competition for 40 years. I've never had a jam. Back in the good old days when you only had 6 shots I counted my shots and could reload as fast as an autoloader. Now with the 8 shot revolvers times are equal to the stock .45s. Well, a little slower because I've slowed down with age.
I love the feel and the look of a good revolver. The heft of revolver just makes me feel secure and if you need more than 6 shots you shouldn't be in that situation.
I've been shooting revolvers in competition for 40 years. I've never had a jam. Back in the good old days when you only had 6 shots I counted my shots and could reload as fast as an autoloader. Now with the 8 shot revolvers times are equal to the stock .45s. Well, a little slower because I've slowed down with age.
I love the feel and the look of a good revolver. The heft of revolver just makes me feel secure and if you need more than 6 shots you shouldn't be in that situation.
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Revolvers photograph better than semi autos. And they wear Ken Driskill and Patrick Grashorn stocks quite well. Here are a few of my favorite N frame .44's that date from 1916 to 1946, time worn but still elegant and quite functional and accurate. And a my fishin' guns, a Model 13 3" wearing Pachs and a 640-1 wearing Spegel boot grips. I like my semi autos, specifically HK USP's and a 1943 Colt 1911A1 resto-mod. But for sheer beauty and satisfaction I like my Smith & Wesson revolvers.
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Lobster Picnic
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That old 5-screw one-line M&P is beautiful, Gila.
Let's add:
22. Revolvers are much better at handling long, thin, high velocity ammo like .17 HMR and .22 WMR.
Let's add:
22. Revolvers are much better at handling long, thin, high velocity ammo like .17 HMR and .22 WMR.
TomkinsSP
Member
Fixed it... (.17HM2 as well)
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Eddie Southgate
Member
Eddie Southgate
Member
TomkinsSP
Member
Roy Rodgers, The Lone Ranger, Sam Spade, Joe Friday, Officers Malloy and Reed, Sam McCloud they all carried revolvers.
Eddie Southgate
Member
Been carrying either 1911's or some form of Colt , S&W , or Ruger revolver for near 50 years and intend to carry on in the same fashion as long as I am able . I have had the same 1911 since 1972 and would hate to let it go but I would before I let my Ruger 1955 Blackhawk go . It's been a part of my family since 1955 and was the first cartridge handgun I ever fired . It was my paps then my dads and now it's mine to be passed to one of my sons so history has something to do with my preference . I was weaned on single actions and nothing else fits my hand quite as good . Been carrying that old Blachawk a lot lately .
Eddie
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500SNW
Member
Harry Callahan too !!!
I reload all my centerfire ammunition so chasing and looking for brass is a pain in the posterior.
I also rarely go to a structured range. My shooting is done outdoors, and usually while I am hiking. I like my wheel guns for mountain and desert hikes because for me, I can take shots at much more distant targets than I am capable of with a semiauto.
I also rarely go to a structured range. My shooting is done outdoors, and usually while I am hiking. I like my wheel guns for mountain and desert hikes because for me, I can take shots at much more distant targets than I am capable of with a semiauto.
I'm glad this thread didn't turn into a disputation on "why revolvers are better than semi-autos." Clearly, semi-autos are pretty good, not the least of all because they have become very reliable and they generally can hold a lot more ammunition (and can reload a large resupply of ammunition pretty quickly). That's a critical reason that makes them the right weapon for many circumstances, first of all military and uniformed police work. A lot of us own semi-autos as well as revolvers.
But revolvers still have some advantages.
The list is up to 23 reasons:
1. Under stress, revolvers are generally easier to operate.
2. Typically easier to operate with weakened or injured hands or compromised gripping ability.
3. Inherently more accurate (slights attached to barrel on a revolver; aligned with the barrel but attached to the slide on a semi-auto).
4. Ammo, #1: Precise overall length of the round not as much of a factor as with semi-autos (revolver rounds headspace on the rim, semis on front of the chamber)
5. Ammo, #2: Major revolver calibers (.38, .357, .44, etc.) have larger case capacity than major semi-auto calibers (9mm, .40, .45).
6. Ammo, #3: More variability possible in ammo; rounds can be very low to very high power, and will work; unlike semi-auto, where rounds have to be within a certain range of power to operate the recoil-driven mechanism properly.
7. Ammo, #4: Bullets of almost any design will function in a revolver, whereas most semi-autos require a properly ogived bullet of the right material, for proper feeding.
8. Ammo, #5: Higher power rounds are more practical in a revolver than a semi-auto.
9. Ammo, #6: Revolver ammo will not suffer bullet setback from repeated loading, as bullets in semi-autos can if chambered repeatedly (this can lead to dangerously high pressures in rounds, esp. 9mm and 40). Bullet setback can occur in revolvers from recoil, but is less dangerous (see para 5, above).
10. Revolvers have more choice for grips, in terms of fit and aesthetics. S&W revolvers photograph really well.
11. Greater functional reliability than semi-autos, especially small semi-autos; fewer malfunctions and stoppages than semi-autos.
12. Easier to operate from inside a jacket pocket, especially "hammerless" models. Hard to operate a pistol with a reciprocating slide inside a pocket.
13. Revolvers don't leave shell casings on the ground (No brass to pick up; no shell casings left at the scene).
14. Revolvers have a soul; semi-autos are tools.* *Certain semi-autos designed by JMB may be an exception to this observation.
15. Long, heavy DA trigger press makes handling most revolvers safer in practice than most semi-autos, especially striker-fired, pre-cocked, light-triggered semi-autos.
16. Revolvers are more amenable to mounting of scopes (an advantage that is lessening a bit with new technology, e.g., RMR sights now available for many semi-autos).
17. Can't be pressed out of battery during a struggle.
18. Revolvers typically telegraph incipient mechanical problems before they cause the gun to stop operating – cylinder timing, failure to carry up, cylinder binding ("cramps"), extractor rod loosening, etc., all these let you know they are starting to need repair or adjustment.
19. A dud round can be bypassed by a quick trigger pull, unlike on a pistol, where the slide has to be cycled by hand to chamber the next round.
20. Needs less lubrication than a semi-auto; less susceptible to becoming "dried out" or to suffering congealed lube like a semi-auto that has been stored for along period of time.
21. Most common ammo caliber (e.g., .38 Special) is not listed as "military" and thus not restricted in sales (as is 9mm, .40, and .45) in certain areas, e.g., Mexico, Latin America, etc.
22. Revolvers cannot slamfire if their firing pin becomes gooped up from lube, carbon etc. (Credit to scooter123 on another thread.)
23. Ammo, #7: Revolvers are much better at handling long, thin, high velocity ammo like .17 HMR and .22 WMR. Added: and .327 Fed Mag.
But revolvers still have some advantages.
The list is up to 23 reasons:
1. Under stress, revolvers are generally easier to operate.
2. Typically easier to operate with weakened or injured hands or compromised gripping ability.
3. Inherently more accurate (slights attached to barrel on a revolver; aligned with the barrel but attached to the slide on a semi-auto).
4. Ammo, #1: Precise overall length of the round not as much of a factor as with semi-autos (revolver rounds headspace on the rim, semis on front of the chamber)
5. Ammo, #2: Major revolver calibers (.38, .357, .44, etc.) have larger case capacity than major semi-auto calibers (9mm, .40, .45).
6. Ammo, #3: More variability possible in ammo; rounds can be very low to very high power, and will work; unlike semi-auto, where rounds have to be within a certain range of power to operate the recoil-driven mechanism properly.
7. Ammo, #4: Bullets of almost any design will function in a revolver, whereas most semi-autos require a properly ogived bullet of the right material, for proper feeding.
8. Ammo, #5: Higher power rounds are more practical in a revolver than a semi-auto.
9. Ammo, #6: Revolver ammo will not suffer bullet setback from repeated loading, as bullets in semi-autos can if chambered repeatedly (this can lead to dangerously high pressures in rounds, esp. 9mm and 40). Bullet setback can occur in revolvers from recoil, but is less dangerous (see para 5, above).
10. Revolvers have more choice for grips, in terms of fit and aesthetics. S&W revolvers photograph really well.
11. Greater functional reliability than semi-autos, especially small semi-autos; fewer malfunctions and stoppages than semi-autos.
12. Easier to operate from inside a jacket pocket, especially "hammerless" models. Hard to operate a pistol with a reciprocating slide inside a pocket.
13. Revolvers don't leave shell casings on the ground (No brass to pick up; no shell casings left at the scene).
14. Revolvers have a soul; semi-autos are tools.* *Certain semi-autos designed by JMB may be an exception to this observation.
15. Long, heavy DA trigger press makes handling most revolvers safer in practice than most semi-autos, especially striker-fired, pre-cocked, light-triggered semi-autos.
16. Revolvers are more amenable to mounting of scopes (an advantage that is lessening a bit with new technology, e.g., RMR sights now available for many semi-autos).
17. Can't be pressed out of battery during a struggle.
18. Revolvers typically telegraph incipient mechanical problems before they cause the gun to stop operating – cylinder timing, failure to carry up, cylinder binding ("cramps"), extractor rod loosening, etc., all these let you know they are starting to need repair or adjustment.
19. A dud round can be bypassed by a quick trigger pull, unlike on a pistol, where the slide has to be cycled by hand to chamber the next round.
20. Needs less lubrication than a semi-auto; less susceptible to becoming "dried out" or to suffering congealed lube like a semi-auto that has been stored for along period of time.
21. Most common ammo caliber (e.g., .38 Special) is not listed as "military" and thus not restricted in sales (as is 9mm, .40, and .45) in certain areas, e.g., Mexico, Latin America, etc.
22. Revolvers cannot slamfire if their firing pin becomes gooped up from lube, carbon etc. (Credit to scooter123 on another thread.)
23. Ammo, #7: Revolvers are much better at handling long, thin, high velocity ammo like .17 HMR and .22 WMR. Added: and .327 Fed Mag.
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All the reasons why I like my revolver is already mentioned above.
One other thing is I just like the mechanical nature of it (yes I know semis are mechanical as well). I like seeing the cylinder rotate when it fires. I like the feel of the rounds dropping in to the cylinder. I like the feel of dropping out the empty brass. There is just something romantic about a revolver.
One other thing is I just like the mechanical nature of it (yes I know semis are mechanical as well). I like seeing the cylinder rotate when it fires. I like the feel of the rounds dropping in to the cylinder. I like the feel of dropping out the empty brass. There is just something romantic about a revolver.
Ghost Magnum
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I love revolvers. They are simple, powerful, awesome. With everyone trying to be John wick wannabe these days. Revolvers are a great way to stand out.
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Corollary: you know when you load a revolver whether each round will chamber.
75Vette
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Because they don't make bottom feeders with 10 5/8" barrels!
OP
Citiboy289
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Just an added comment to this thread. I posted awhile back that the reason for a revolver was " because they can ban magazines " Which seems to be true in the current federal bill
Anyway as a side thought -- Several years ago myself and a few of my friends were shooting our older revolvers , when a new person approached the line with a new poly multi extended round magazine piece. Funny but it looked like a "Mini Pearl Hat'" , still had the price tag and trigger guard zip tie attached ---- After his shooting several relays he approached us , commenting on why we would shoot such revolvers, that were heavy and all steel and so outdated.
My friend, who has the best Poker Face known to man, commented on the guys new piece and asked the price he paid. The guy said $500 , to which my buddy ( totally straight faced) said " that's a fair price , did the seller give your the anti virus coating ?". The owner said "what are you talking about ? " To which my buddy replied that " there is a virus that will eat Poly guns and is usually caught at public ranges ! , But he said no worry we are all shooting steel "
The guy boxed up the piece and said he was going back to the seller!
We beat feet a few minutes after he left.
Might have told this story before But loved telling it again.
Anyway as a side thought -- Several years ago myself and a few of my friends were shooting our older revolvers , when a new person approached the line with a new poly multi extended round magazine piece. Funny but it looked like a "Mini Pearl Hat'" , still had the price tag and trigger guard zip tie attached ---- After his shooting several relays he approached us , commenting on why we would shoot such revolvers, that were heavy and all steel and so outdated.
My friend, who has the best Poker Face known to man, commented on the guys new piece and asked the price he paid. The guy said $500 , to which my buddy ( totally straight faced) said " that's a fair price , did the seller give your the anti virus coating ?". The owner said "what are you talking about ? " To which my buddy replied that " there is a virus that will eat Poly guns and is usually caught at public ranges ! , But he said no worry we are all shooting steel "
The guy boxed up the piece and said he was going back to the seller!
We beat feet a few minutes after he left.
Might have told this story before But loved telling it again.
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Hasbeen1945
Absent Comrade
I love both autos and revolvers. I prefer wheel guns because they normally have a better single action trigger pull. Also I reload and I'm getting old and I hate to chase brass.
Because They don't make a 475 Linebaugh semi-auto.
Flintlock1
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I started out reading this thread and found myself hitting the Like button at everything. So, a Blanket Like goes out from me.
What does concern me more than a little is the ban question. At some point, no matter what they say about limiting mag cap, somebody over there is going to figure out that a revolver is actually a semi-auto in function. Or, an argument may be compelling that it is.
Personally, I think the hand writing is on the wall. It's coming. There are too many sheep who vote and too many cowards in congress to resist much longer.
What does concern me more than a little is the ban question. At some point, no matter what they say about limiting mag cap, somebody over there is going to figure out that a revolver is actually a semi-auto in function. Or, an argument may be compelling that it is.
Personally, I think the hand writing is on the wall. It's coming. There are too many sheep who vote and too many cowards in congress to resist much longer.
SeamasterSig
Member
I'm a bit late to this discussion... but even though the OP is obviously baiting contrary responses in a revolver forum, I'll take the bait and say that a potential magazine ban is hardly the only reason to choose a revolver over a semi-auto.
Disregarding personal preference for the basic functionality and/or aesthetics of semi-autos vs. revolvers, revolvers in particular have significantly greater flexibility in bullet weights and power levels for a given caliber. For example, 357 mag (or even 38 spl) vs 380 and 9mm, 44 mag (or even 44 spl) and 45 Colt vs 45 acp, 41 mag vs 40 S&W, etc. Semi-autos are strictly limited with regard to overall cartridge length due to their design, which severely limits their potential power level. If you want more power or a heavier bullet than the typical load, you generally have to step up to a bigger caliber. A secondary advantage of revolvers is their nearly fail-safe simplicity (although some might consider that the primary advantage).
IMO, the primary advantage of semi-autos is higher capacity for a given weapon size along with a slight edge in reloading speed. However, if you practice reloading a revolver, you can narrow the gap more than you might think. A secondary advantage would be that semi-autos can be made smaller and lighter in a given caliber, but the older I get, the more I consider this a "diminishing return" kind of a thing.
cbore
Member
Because there are revolvers!! Got 5/6/7 shot Smith and never felt under gunned. The gun control and magazine limits is a scare. All they want is for US to react in a wrong way.
Got rim fires with 10 round and a few auto rifle all with 3-4 hot magazine. Same argument as a shot gun 3 shot vs 5 shot. My 870 is set up with 7 shot but the double barrel next to the bed is OK with 2.
Don't fall victim to the Media hupe
Got rim fires with 10 round and a few auto rifle all with 3-4 hot magazine. Same argument as a shot gun 3 shot vs 5 shot. My 870 is set up with 7 shot but the double barrel next to the bed is OK with 2.
Don't fall victim to the Media hupe
hostler
Member
I either carry a revolver or a semi auto. My semi auto carry guns have been 100% reliable or i wouldn't carry them, as has been my revolver carry.
I still feel better carrying the revolver though. Heres the reason why, whether it works is not dependant on the ammo or the magazine or the immediate environment. No matter how reliable your semi auto pistol is, it's still only as reliable as the round in the chamber of the mag in the grip. A semi may or may not fire once while pressed against something or someone, but I can almost guarantee it wont fire the second time without some help. If a revolver doesn't fire you just keep pulling the trigger until it does.
Its the independent nature of the revolver that i like the best, it doesnt matter what else is going on (ammo, mag, environmental), if you can manage to just pull the trigger, it'll work.
I still feel better carrying the revolver though. Heres the reason why, whether it works is not dependant on the ammo or the magazine or the immediate environment. No matter how reliable your semi auto pistol is, it's still only as reliable as the round in the chamber of the mag in the grip. A semi may or may not fire once while pressed against something or someone, but I can almost guarantee it wont fire the second time without some help. If a revolver doesn't fire you just keep pulling the trigger until it does.
Its the independent nature of the revolver that i like the best, it doesnt matter what else is going on (ammo, mag, environmental), if you can manage to just pull the trigger, it'll work.
alfsauve
Member
They're going to be dishwasher safe soon.
At the GSSF national match, the pros have a head to head competition and Glock provides the pistols. The same two pistols used for an hour. They drop them in a bucket of water between competitors to cool them off. At least they did the year I watched.
Walkingwolf
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I need no validation for any type of gun I carry, or own. I carry them because I want to.
