Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?

[Kframerbluvr]

My work mandates the issued Glock 23 when on the clock and mandates semi-auto pistols for off duty carry on the badge. I got a state CWP and started carrying round guns again on my own time when advantageous to do so.
When I retire, I see myself gravitating back to revolvers for EDC, especially when traveling with the bride. No magazine capacity issues in restricted states and she, with her limited hand strength from a traumatic brain injury, can still manage six shots from a .38.

 

[oldiesradio1560]

In the 70's I carried a 4" M66. Automatics jammed. Now I retired, have CC and carry a M640 .357. Automatics still jam. Maybe less than back then but am I going to be dead because my automatic jammed and pissed off at myself for forever?

 

[mazer]

I'm curious and a bit confused. You have a birth defect that makes shooting autoloaders difficult, but it didn't disqualify you from military service and you shoot scandium snubnose .44 mag revolvers without any issues?

15 rounds won't likely be needed in a civilian self-defense situation, but you never know. I'm currently fine with a 5-shot revolver for carry most of the time looking at available stats, but will admit to having some concerns with it's low round round. Either way, they will almost certainly be resolved with what's in the gun. Thinking you can make up for low capacity by carrying reloads isn't realistic IMO, especially so with a revolver.

Well, I was born with 6 fingers on my right hand (5 fingers and a thumb), things were not developing properly, so the thumb was removed when I was four and the index finger "adjusted" into the thumbs place. It functions like a thumb, but it changed the hand so that the normal gap between a thumb and the index finger is deeper, which doesn't allow the 1911 or any slide auto pistol to sit where it should. The beaver tale actually rests on what would be the knuckle at the base of my thumb/finger. Very painful to shoot, glocks will actually hit the knuckle when cycling (found that out the hardway). It really didn't become an issue in boot, (Parris Island)that was where the "grenade" possible issue was discovered, the gap in my hand deeper and the concern was that the grenade "spoon" would not be able to be kept squeezed tight enough once the pin was removed. not something to experiment with! Who knew?

 

[shouldazagged]

If anyone is interested in such trivia, on the 23rd of this month this thread will be exactly nine years old.

Opened 03-23-08.

Obviously some subjects are timeless.

 

[31FordA]

I grew up shooting revolvers. When I got hired by the county I had to provide my own gun, so I bought a new 19-7 and a used 36ND. Over the years I have gone on to carry a variety of revolvers, currently relying on a SP-101 and a 340M&P. The only automatics I have carried were the Colt 1991A1 (full size and Commander) and the Keltec P32. I have never felt I was at a disadvantage with my revolver. Given the nature of my job if I ever have to fire my revolver it will most likely be in a really close range, one on one encounter. The revolver excels in that environment.

Beyond any practical considerations, I simply like revolvers. A Glock is a fine pistol, but it doesn't have the style of a revolver.

 

[jrd1976]

Confidence.
How can you be intimidated when you have 6 rounds of 357 Magnum,
125 gr JHP?

 

[.357magger]

Used S&W revolvers the majority of LEO career (66 (had all bbls but the 3"), 686 (all bbls but the 6"), and later transitioned to S&W 1 and 2 Gen 9mms during the "Wonder Nine" years. In retirement I've been a die hard Glock-O-Phile and relied on G-19 exclusively. GREAT CCW imo. More than accurate enough.

But have recently received 66-1 2.5" and am working it into rotation. Just feels like an old friend. But...wish I still had 21 to 41 year old eyes. That R/R front just not as distinct as it once was. Won't alter that classic snubby, just can't do it. Looking now to add maybe a Ruger Speed Six as the front is pinned, or a 686-5 for same reason. Doing respectable targeting as is, but could be more distinct. Don't feel under gunned at all. It's about attitude and skill, not equipment.

Just my .02.

 

[CH4]

I have trouble making decisions, so I carry both - not usually at the same time.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have gotten lazy since I retired from active law enforcement. Back then, I carried my duty weapon (usually a 1911 clone) off duty as well. After I retired, I worked uniformed security in a Federal office for almost 7 1/2 years and am now completely retired.

Whenever I leave the house, I have a .38 Colt Agent in my pocket, along with a speedloader. A lot lighter load for sure.

 

[mhg2tld]

Mostly because I love the revolver. I love the aesthetics of the well kept old Smith. To me they are far and away better looking than most any automatic although I do own a few of those also. I also like the simplicity of function and reliability. I don't have to worry about if there is one in the chamber, is the safety on or off. Just point and shoot.

 

[Jupiter01]

Because I can!

 

[dben002]

Some most interesting logical and illogical rational and irrational reasoning .....but a good read all around.....

 

[JSR III]

Zombie thread from 2008 resurrected.

I couldn't take the time to read 10 pages of replies so this may have been posted already.

The main reason that I heard in support of a revolver over a semi auto was the ability to reload and fire with one hand. A semi auto takes two hands to rack the slide and if you have been hit and one arm is not usable then you can still work a revolver with one hand.

Obviously there is also the issue of jamming with a semi that doesn't usually happen with a revolver.

Personally however, I carry a shoulder holstered S&W model 59 with 15 rounds of JHP's. I will take my chances on a stovepipe or FTF and just like the idea of having 15 rounds compared to 5 or 6. I also carry a 9mm shield back up gun in my waistband with 8 more. If both of those can't protect me then the big guy upstairs really must want me to come home.

 

[MVDUY]

As many already said : RELIABILITY first.-
Of course I miss the high capacity of wondernines.-
For that reason I"m considering purchase the 8x snub.-
By now, I carry a model 60 in summer time, and a model 64 with heavy winter clothes.-
And 2 speed loaders in my fanny pack or pocket.-

 

[Mister X]

The main reason that I heard in support of a revolver over a semi auto was the ability to reload and fire with one hand. A semi auto takes two hands to rack the slide and if you have been hit and one arm is not usable then you can still work a revolver with one hand.

It's possible to rack the slide on an semi-auto with one hand.

Reloading is extremely rare in civilian defense scenarios, but if I was in a situation where I had to do so, I would much rather reload an auto.