rjmorel
Member
I take my 14 year old son to the range with his Walther P22 semi-auto and give him a box of 525 22lr. I have my S&W 317 rev . Guess who has lots and lots of shells to pick up after we're done. My back thanks you very much S&W.
Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?
- Thread starter Marshal Tom
- Start date
cREbralFIX
Member
As for "why" -- I don't carry a revolver. That will change in a bit as an experiment.
1) "Why I carry a revolver": it's a lesson in concealed carry issues. They are very different and I am in the business of providing revolver gear to people. Over the course of the experiment, I'll figure out what really needs to be addressed.
2) "Why I don't carry a revolver."
A) Self-defense vs. self-offense
Several posters have mentioned "offensive" versus "defensive" situations. I think this is playing with words in a public forum for any future courtroom testimony.
It's a fight for life...nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes, we'll be behind the curve and have to react. Other times, we'll see it coming and have the gun out (you're stupid if you have the opportunity but don't draw). Calling such a situation "offensive" or "defensive" is very misleading because it only describes the situation in terms of aggressor or victim. We engage in "defensive" tactics when reacting to an attack and engage in "offensive" tactics when we strike. Note the difference. Yes, we'll use different words in court, but this is the essence of the idea.
There are times where I know the enemy (criminals, terrorists, whatever) are setting up for an attack. In such a situation, I'm going to strike first because self-preservation requires it. The aftermath will require me to articulate why I chose that action and I have the vocabulary to do so. But, people engaging in this activity MUST know how to manage the legal system.
B) Reliability
Reliability how? Is a revolver always more reliable? Or is a semi-auto more reliable? As far as I can tell, it depends upon the situation.
Revolvers can have more trouble when they get dirty. We're all familiar with what dirt can do. Certainly, the weak point in the system is the ammunition if a revolver sits in a desk for two decades. Many semi-autos will do just fine in a drawer for a couple of years before showing problems. But, seriously, do people serious about fighting neglect their tools that way?
For me, the only answer to this question is to test frequently and maintain my weapons. Some of that testing involves attending shooting classes with high round counts. This yields confidence, though it does cause wear and tear. Then again, I always have duplicate models.
C) Capacity
Capacity is important. It is more important than terminal ballistics. The reasons include: 1) criminals are attacking in packs, and 2) the terminal ballistics of bullets fired from handguns are not good. Handgun shots cannot be relied upon to stop an attack quickly (or even slowly). Therefore, multiple shots will LIKELY be required.
When I think of this, I think in terms of bursts. A generally define a burst at 2-6 rounds, depending upon the situation. Therefore, a handgun with 15+1 capacity carries between 3 and 7 bursts. If my first burst to the body doesn't stop the attack, then another burst will be fired at the head.
Considering that most revolvers hold five or six shots, that's only one or two bursts. That's one attacking goblin. Even a S&W 627 with eight shot capacity is equal to that of a single stack 1911 or SIG P220 (two to three burst guns).
Some will cry out "Spray-n-pray! Spray-n-pray!" That's one way to look at it; it's also misleading. I would agree that a shooter using burst fire from a handgun at 50 feet would be engaging in "spray-n-pray". But, at five feet or even 15? Given the dynamics of real gun and knife fights, this is not unreasonable and the odds of success are high.
Accept that you will miss. This is reality, not some fantasy where you get to be picky about your shots. If only a knee is available, take it! Perhaps you're getting your weak arm sliced up by a knife as you attempt to disengage...it won't be easy (so say my instructors and guys who have been there).
So, if you account for misses, burst fire, multiple assailants, and non-range conditions, higher capacity is a BIG DEAL.
It really comes down to playing the odds. Will they attack if you put a gun in play? If they proceed (or don't notice), will it be sufficient? Will you have sufficient time to engage such that their multiple attacks against your one won't matter?
1) "Why I carry a revolver": it's a lesson in concealed carry issues. They are very different and I am in the business of providing revolver gear to people. Over the course of the experiment, I'll figure out what really needs to be addressed.
2) "Why I don't carry a revolver."
A) Self-defense vs. self-offense
Several posters have mentioned "offensive" versus "defensive" situations. I think this is playing with words in a public forum for any future courtroom testimony.
It's a fight for life...nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes, we'll be behind the curve and have to react. Other times, we'll see it coming and have the gun out (you're stupid if you have the opportunity but don't draw). Calling such a situation "offensive" or "defensive" is very misleading because it only describes the situation in terms of aggressor or victim. We engage in "defensive" tactics when reacting to an attack and engage in "offensive" tactics when we strike. Note the difference. Yes, we'll use different words in court, but this is the essence of the idea.
There are times where I know the enemy (criminals, terrorists, whatever) are setting up for an attack. In such a situation, I'm going to strike first because self-preservation requires it. The aftermath will require me to articulate why I chose that action and I have the vocabulary to do so. But, people engaging in this activity MUST know how to manage the legal system.
B) Reliability
Reliability how? Is a revolver always more reliable? Or is a semi-auto more reliable? As far as I can tell, it depends upon the situation.
Revolvers can have more trouble when they get dirty. We're all familiar with what dirt can do. Certainly, the weak point in the system is the ammunition if a revolver sits in a desk for two decades. Many semi-autos will do just fine in a drawer for a couple of years before showing problems. But, seriously, do people serious about fighting neglect their tools that way?
For me, the only answer to this question is to test frequently and maintain my weapons. Some of that testing involves attending shooting classes with high round counts. This yields confidence, though it does cause wear and tear. Then again, I always have duplicate models.
C) Capacity
Capacity is important. It is more important than terminal ballistics. The reasons include: 1) criminals are attacking in packs, and 2) the terminal ballistics of bullets fired from handguns are not good. Handgun shots cannot be relied upon to stop an attack quickly (or even slowly). Therefore, multiple shots will LIKELY be required.
When I think of this, I think in terms of bursts. A generally define a burst at 2-6 rounds, depending upon the situation. Therefore, a handgun with 15+1 capacity carries between 3 and 7 bursts. If my first burst to the body doesn't stop the attack, then another burst will be fired at the head.
Considering that most revolvers hold five or six shots, that's only one or two bursts. That's one attacking goblin. Even a S&W 627 with eight shot capacity is equal to that of a single stack 1911 or SIG P220 (two to three burst guns).
Some will cry out "Spray-n-pray! Spray-n-pray!" That's one way to look at it; it's also misleading. I would agree that a shooter using burst fire from a handgun at 50 feet would be engaging in "spray-n-pray". But, at five feet or even 15? Given the dynamics of real gun and knife fights, this is not unreasonable and the odds of success are high.
Accept that you will miss. This is reality, not some fantasy where you get to be picky about your shots. If only a knee is available, take it! Perhaps you're getting your weak arm sliced up by a knife as you attempt to disengage...it won't be easy (so say my instructors and guys who have been there).
So, if you account for misses, burst fire, multiple assailants, and non-range conditions, higher capacity is a BIG DEAL.
It really comes down to playing the odds. Will they attack if you put a gun in play? If they proceed (or don't notice), will it be sufficient? Will you have sufficient time to engage such that their multiple attacks against your one won't matter?
Mr Benchrat,
Thanks for your opinion on how, if I am being mugged, robbed or car jacked and I shoot in defense of my life, or the lives of my family members, I am then 'honor bound' to submit my actions to judicial review. Your observations of our courts must be different than mine. First, if you are TOTALLY justified in a shooting and found not guilty, you are only out many thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars, in legal fees to get your acquital. (There goes your house and your 401k money).
But even if found not guilty, then comes the personal injury lawsuits. Mr. mugger can't 'get it up' after being shot, so his wife sues you for loss of spousal services. Or he has recurring nightmares...or post traumatic stress syndrome...or a thousand other real or imagined disorders, and suddenly the original victim, is now the bad guy who must be made to pay. Maybe I used hollow points to defend my life....oh my God, that adds another quarter million in damages I owe because a fast talking lawyer is able to convince the jury that I am a NRA member from the stone age with a callous disregard for the rights of my poor Meth smoking mugger.
My adult son, who practices law, has one jawdropping story after another of things he sees every day in the court room... injustices inflicted upon the muggee, not always the mugger. Your theory sounds good, and in a perfect world, I would agree with your sentiments. But on the advice of my lawyer, (and since I spent thousands getting him through law school, you will forgive me if I listen to his experience rather than your opinion), if I can walk away, undetected after an attempted assualt upon my person where I had to shoot to defend my life, I'm walking....and the SP-101 and remaining ammo will get thrown in the deepest part of Ohio river on my way home.
But please, don't let my thinking on this subject sway your actions should you ever be involved in a shooting. IF you have good witnesses, that can be located after the fact, who will back up your story, you will probably be found not guilty. However, if I may, I recommend you buy lots of personal liability insurance (it's about $300 a year for a million in coverage...not that expensive when you consider the risk of going without)....cause there WILL be a personal injury attorney somewhere, willing to take you to court, to rob you in a way your original attacker.... could only dream about.
Thanks for your opinion on how, if I am being mugged, robbed or car jacked and I shoot in defense of my life, or the lives of my family members, I am then 'honor bound' to submit my actions to judicial review. Your observations of our courts must be different than mine. First, if you are TOTALLY justified in a shooting and found not guilty, you are only out many thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars, in legal fees to get your acquital. (There goes your house and your 401k money).
But even if found not guilty, then comes the personal injury lawsuits. Mr. mugger can't 'get it up' after being shot, so his wife sues you for loss of spousal services. Or he has recurring nightmares...or post traumatic stress syndrome...or a thousand other real or imagined disorders, and suddenly the original victim, is now the bad guy who must be made to pay. Maybe I used hollow points to defend my life....oh my God, that adds another quarter million in damages I owe because a fast talking lawyer is able to convince the jury that I am a NRA member from the stone age with a callous disregard for the rights of my poor Meth smoking mugger.
My adult son, who practices law, has one jawdropping story after another of things he sees every day in the court room... injustices inflicted upon the muggee, not always the mugger. Your theory sounds good, and in a perfect world, I would agree with your sentiments. But on the advice of my lawyer, (and since I spent thousands getting him through law school, you will forgive me if I listen to his experience rather than your opinion), if I can walk away, undetected after an attempted assualt upon my person where I had to shoot to defend my life, I'm walking....and the SP-101 and remaining ammo will get thrown in the deepest part of Ohio river on my way home.
But please, don't let my thinking on this subject sway your actions should you ever be involved in a shooting. IF you have good witnesses, that can be located after the fact, who will back up your story, you will probably be found not guilty. However, if I may, I recommend you buy lots of personal liability insurance (it's about $300 a year for a million in coverage...not that expensive when you consider the risk of going without)....cause there WILL be a personal injury attorney somewhere, willing to take you to court, to rob you in a way your original attacker.... could only dream about.
Glock1911
Member
I own three autos that are extremely reliable and accurate: Colt OACP, Glock 20 and a BHP. I can hit anything with multiple hits up to 25 yards with any of these guns. I love them!
I have four wheel guns. One is accurate to 7 yards(S&W 940). Two are accurate up to 25 yards(S&W 65-3 3" and Ruger Alaskan .454 Casull). The other is accurate to 75 yards (Dan Wesson 15-2 8").
I really can't fault my autos for having less reliability than my wheel guns because they don't. However, the autos do require decent magazines to perform reliably. The wheel guns just need good ammo.
I have four wheel guns. One is accurate to 7 yards(S&W 940). Two are accurate up to 25 yards(S&W 65-3 3" and Ruger Alaskan .454 Casull). The other is accurate to 75 yards (Dan Wesson 15-2 8").
I really can't fault my autos for having less reliability than my wheel guns because they don't. However, the autos do require decent magazines to perform reliably. The wheel guns just need good ammo.
Mr Win,
I agree there there are 2 schools in play.
1. The way things ought to be. (Basis of civilization, etc.)
2. The way things are.
Your argument says we should continue with things the way they are.
We should avoid responsibility. We should blame the system for lacking justice, and take no responsibility for our actions. Our actions should not be reviewed by our peers.
We should take no opportunity to change or challenge that which is unreasonable, or unethical.
We should do what's easy, rather than what's right.
I understand the dilema, I just don't agree with your solution.
I'm no virgin. I know what a .45 tastes like.
It's sorta like sucking on a penny. Scars suck.
I'm a believer in HVLT (High Velocity Lead Therapy) I also believe in taking responsibility for any therapeutic technique I might employ.
That's just me.
I can't see myself ever fulfilling all the roles of judge, jury, and executioner.
and sleeping nights.
Mark
Sorry for the thread hijack. I'm done.
I agree there there are 2 schools in play.
1. The way things ought to be. (Basis of civilization, etc.)
2. The way things are.
Your argument says we should continue with things the way they are.
We should avoid responsibility. We should blame the system for lacking justice, and take no responsibility for our actions. Our actions should not be reviewed by our peers.
We should take no opportunity to change or challenge that which is unreasonable, or unethical.
We should do what's easy, rather than what's right.
I understand the dilema, I just don't agree with your solution.
I'm no virgin. I know what a .45 tastes like.
It's sorta like sucking on a penny. Scars suck.
I'm a believer in HVLT (High Velocity Lead Therapy) I also believe in taking responsibility for any therapeutic technique I might employ.
That's just me.
I can't see myself ever fulfilling all the roles of judge, jury, and executioner.
and sleeping nights.
Mark
Sorry for the thread hijack. I'm done.
Mule88
Member
I just seem to be able to shoot a revolver more accuratly than a semi.
I was a LEO for 34 years and carried both revolvers and autos. Both are good choiced for
personal protection but both require regular practice to be reliable tools in an emergency self protectiob role. I prefer the revolver as I find it easier to carry concealed and with 5 or 6 rounds is more than adequate for the normal
self protection encounter. I prefer the revolver
for the following reasons:
1- Used them for most of my career and feel very comfortable with them. They are in my opinion more reliable than an autoloader.
2- I find the revolver easier to conceal and more comfortable to wear.
3- Revolvers are fine with ammo changes and will generally not fail to operate with different types of ammo.
4- Reloading for a revolver is in my opinion easier than for an autoloader and bullet choices are better as well.
5- Revolvers are easy to make changes to such as grip changes which can greatly alter the gun
to different uses such as concealability or ability to handle magnum loads.
6- Reloads are in my opinion easier to carry concealed and can be carried loose or in speed loaders or speed strips.
7- Revolvers lend themselves to practice in dry firing which will not compare to an autoloader.
8- Revolvers are nostalgic, they have been around since the early 1800's and have proven themselves over and over in every type of environment and conflict and in every type of application, even in taking big dangerous game.
personal protection but both require regular practice to be reliable tools in an emergency self protectiob role. I prefer the revolver as I find it easier to carry concealed and with 5 or 6 rounds is more than adequate for the normal
self protection encounter. I prefer the revolver
for the following reasons:
1- Used them for most of my career and feel very comfortable with them. They are in my opinion more reliable than an autoloader.
2- I find the revolver easier to conceal and more comfortable to wear.
3- Revolvers are fine with ammo changes and will generally not fail to operate with different types of ammo.
4- Reloading for a revolver is in my opinion easier than for an autoloader and bullet choices are better as well.
5- Revolvers are easy to make changes to such as grip changes which can greatly alter the gun
to different uses such as concealability or ability to handle magnum loads.
6- Reloads are in my opinion easier to carry concealed and can be carried loose or in speed loaders or speed strips.
7- Revolvers lend themselves to practice in dry firing which will not compare to an autoloader.
8- Revolvers are nostalgic, they have been around since the early 1800's and have proven themselves over and over in every type of environment and conflict and in every type of application, even in taking big dangerous game.
TAC
Member
I like revolvers because they're all metal! They don't make revolvers out of Fantastic-Plastic! Revolvers are real guns for real men! You never saw John Wayne shooting an automatic!
luangtom
US Veteran
I,too, was a part of Law Enforcement for over
thirty years. I am now retired. I carry revolvers
for various reasons. The multiple-attacker theory
is not one of them. Statistically, less than what
I carry in my J-frame is fired in an encounter.
So, I carry for ease and comfort of carry. My
revolvers fulfill that. I also am arthritic, so
the revolvers sit better for less pain in firing
and reloading. Sorta hard to work the slide on
an auto with gnarled fingers and joints.
thirty years. I am now retired. I carry revolvers
for various reasons. The multiple-attacker theory
is not one of them. Statistically, less than what
I carry in my J-frame is fired in an encounter.
So, I carry for ease and comfort of carry. My
revolvers fulfill that. I also am arthritic, so
the revolvers sit better for less pain in firing
and reloading. Sorta hard to work the slide on
an auto with gnarled fingers and joints.
smousefam5
Member
I primarily carry a revolver (a 649-2) because if I ever have to draw, I want a DA trigger pull and I haven't found an auto with a DA trigger that feels as good to me as a good DA revolver.
cREbralFIX
Member
Statistically...in the past....
Also, that's statistics and they don't describe YOUR fight, whatever it may be.
Don't rely on statistics to predict the future.
luangtom
US Veteran
I don't rely on the statistics now, nor did I for
over thirty-years on the streets. It is my OPINION
that I will not need more than my J-frame carries.
You have your opinion and I have mine. That is the
reason behind a forum. I thank you for your input
and just thought that I would give mine. Good
shooting. Oh, may I ask what you carry?
over thirty-years on the streets. It is my OPINION
that I will not need more than my J-frame carries.
You have your opinion and I have mine. That is the
reason behind a forum. I thank you for your input
and just thought that I would give mine. Good
shooting. Oh, may I ask what you carry?
David Kachel
Member
You have completely bought into the theory that the only authority on right and wrong is government authority. They are supposed to derive their power from the people. WE tell THEM what is right and wrong, not the other way around!
If you have to defend yourself, why on earth do you feel you need some wet-behind-the-ears prosecutor to tell you you're a good person afterward??? Bearing in mind that prosecutor is 99% likely to be interested only in making a name for himself and will be perfectly willing to knowingly and with malice aforethought, send an innocent man (that would be you) to prison in order to further his career. As proof I offer the entire judicial system for the last several decades. Pick a case, any case!
Don't you know whether or not you've done the right thing without someone else telling you?
As for me, if anyone is stupid enough to put me in a position of having to defend my life, I will do so without hesitation, viciously and with finality. Afterward, there is a big wide empty desert out there made just for dealing with the aftermath of such a situation. I will not lose one minute's sleep or spend five seconds wondering if others would have approved. I have no intention of helping some self-interested prosecutor further his career at my expense.
Mr. David Kachel,
I will never turn over autonomy to the state, or federal government. That right is determined by the individual.
Ideally, peer review is just that.
I have no need for someone else to tell me my actions are right, or wrong.
I do believe it's a mistake to move into the arena of vigilante.
That's wrong.
Mark
I will never turn over autonomy to the state, or federal government. That right is determined by the individual.
Ideally, peer review is just that.
I have no need for someone else to tell me my actions are right, or wrong.
I do believe it's a mistake to move into the arena of vigilante.
That's wrong.
Mark
TAC
Member
Yea, but thats when he got old and didn't know what he was doing.
halco46
Member
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2007
- Messages
- 113
- Reaction score
- 20
I have a S&W 9ve,Great weapon and totally reliable. However...I live in Orlando,Fla which has now become "Hood City" with carjackings,home invasions,gangbang shootings and numerous murders everyday. It`s heading into "Summahtime" here with the temps in the upper 90`s and I needed something smaller to just slip in the pocket when I go out, that`s where the new S&W 642 fit the bill. With the larger 9ve in a shoulder rig I had to wear a large cover shirt to hide the butt bulge but with the 642 I just drop it in a pocket with it`s Uncle Mike`s Sidekick ISP holster and I`m good to go anywhere. Both of these S&W weapons are what I would trust my life with. Quality pieces that go "BANG" everytime,don`t jam and hit what I`m aiming at. The small automatics sometimes have FTE,FTF issues which may work out in time,adjustment etc. but the 642 is ALWAYS ready to go if I ever need it {And I hope not!}. I did a lot of research on various gunsites regarding small pocket auto`s and decided on the Airweight 642-2 in .38spl+P as my hot weather carry. I`m loaded with Remington 125gr+p shp`s which I consider good enough for any close range encounters. I also carry two Speedloaders of the same always. Please...Always carry Safe and Pay Attention to your Surroundings. Best!. hal
David Sinko
Member
Being a police officer myself, I can say that our detectives are often confounded and aggravated when there are no shell casings left behind at the scene of a shooting. They are even more aggravated when the bullets pass completely through and leave nothing for the State Police ballistics experts to examine.
Cameras? Our mayor seems to think that cameras at all the intersections will eliminate crime. Fact is they are a huge waste of manpower and money and solve nothing except make the politicians feel good about themselves.
I have said it before and I will say it again - IF you Loc-tite all the screws on your S&W revolver and IF you use full power springs, your revolver will be more reliable than any selfloader that was ever made.
Dave Sinko
Cameras? Our mayor seems to think that cameras at all the intersections will eliminate crime. Fact is they are a huge waste of manpower and money and solve nothing except make the politicians feel good about themselves.
I have said it before and I will say it again - IF you Loc-tite all the screws on your S&W revolver and IF you use full power springs, your revolver will be more reliable than any selfloader that was ever made.
Dave Sinko
FLA2760
Member
I started with revolvers in the early 80s; model 10, model 36 and model 60. I still have the model 10 and 60 but I let the 36 go (still regret it) so I could by a Glock27 in 2001. The Glock was to bump the 60 as my main CCW. I then bought a prelock 642 and that was a BUG to my Glock. Just last week I was at the range with the Glock and I had 3 FTF in 40 rounds, two were the 3 rd and 4th shot of the first magazine.This was not due to limpwristing, I had a good grip for sure. I had never had this happen before and I shot many rounds though this pistol. Interesting thing here is that a month prior to this also at the range my Glock failed to lock open when empty. I installed a factory new guide rod assembly and I bought a new Glock 9 round magazine. This was self defense ammo that I function tested with 200 rounds and no problem. My Glock was sent back to the factory for this and I expect it back in 3-4 weeks. I now CCW the model 60 and the 642. When the Glock comes back I am considering putting it into the safe and getting a .357 Nightguard. Glock "perfection" I don't think so, I trust the revolver more.
doc540
Member
simple answer in my case:
I have to carry in deep cover using a SmartCarry holster.
A revolver provides an extra margin of safety when using a holster made of soft material and one which points the barrel at the top of your thigh when sitting.
I tried carrying a Glock 36 and even used the Saf-T-Block to no avail. I sold it for a S&W model 36, then a Colt DS.
I'm sticking with the DS for a while.
I have to carry in deep cover using a SmartCarry holster.
A revolver provides an extra margin of safety when using a holster made of soft material and one which points the barrel at the top of your thigh when sitting.
I tried carrying a Glock 36 and even used the Saf-T-Block to no avail. I sold it for a S&W model 36, then a Colt DS.
I'm sticking with the DS for a while.
i detest chasing brass, i much rather use that time shooting.
Been in love with wheelguns since I was real small. Carry a 686P 4" now and love it's accuracy, feel and versatility. For household defense you can use .38+P. During my numerous yearly forays in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Buffalo Bore 125 to 180gr loads give a lot of versatility you just don't find in a semi-auto.
As for the capacity argument, if you can't get the job done in 7 rounds, it just isn't going to be your day. Also, if you really want to play the combat reload game, with practice and moon clips you can match any semi-auto hot shot (check out the Miculek videos).
However, when all is said and done, you either did it right whatever your carry, or you're six feet under. I'd personally prefer not to be shot at with either a wheelie or a semi.
As for the capacity argument, if you can't get the job done in 7 rounds, it just isn't going to be your day. Also, if you really want to play the combat reload game, with practice and moon clips you can match any semi-auto hot shot (check out the Miculek videos).
However, when all is said and done, you either did it right whatever your carry, or you're six feet under. I'd personally prefer not to be shot at with either a wheelie or a semi.
I prefer to carry a revolver instead of an auto due the the revolver are more accurate out of the box and there is no feeding device to worry losing spring tension. If you take a full custom auto and compare accuracy with a box stock S&W revolver with the same barrel length, the winner in accuracy will be the revolver. I've done this accuracy test many times and there was only one time the auto won where it printed 1.5" group at 50 yards. It was a $3000 custom 38 Super.
I think my decision to carry a revolver comes from a collection of reasons, some sound, others merely personal. Here's my story:
I grew up on revolvers. My father was a LEO, he grew up on revolvers. The first pistol I ever handled let alone shot was a revolver. My father being partial to them over semi-autos (don't get me wrong, I love a 1911 just like the next guy) I guess that rubbed off on me.
I enjoy shooting semi autos (1911 best of all) but the feel of a J frame in my hand is so perfect. I can draw and shoot accurately without trying (probably important in self defence) whereas with semi autos I seem to have to adjust my grip and get in the groove, so to speak. I also love the fact that a little J (right now a 37, but at times others) always finds its way into my jacket, pants, or shorts pocket. I like the diverse amount of ammo available, the ease of maintenance, ease of use, and ease of concealablility. Of course if my dad had brought me up on a Walther PPK or something else from that era of concealable pistols, maybe I'd be singing them praises too.
I grew up on revolvers. My father was a LEO, he grew up on revolvers. The first pistol I ever handled let alone shot was a revolver. My father being partial to them over semi-autos (don't get me wrong, I love a 1911 just like the next guy) I guess that rubbed off on me.
I enjoy shooting semi autos (1911 best of all) but the feel of a J frame in my hand is so perfect. I can draw and shoot accurately without trying (probably important in self defence) whereas with semi autos I seem to have to adjust my grip and get in the groove, so to speak. I also love the fact that a little J (right now a 37, but at times others) always finds its way into my jacket, pants, or shorts pocket. I like the diverse amount of ammo available, the ease of maintenance, ease of use, and ease of concealablility. Of course if my dad had brought me up on a Walther PPK or something else from that era of concealable pistols, maybe I'd be singing them praises too.
cREbralFIX
Member
Hey luangtom,
I currently carry a semi-auto. Sometimes I back it up with a S&W 36 or Ruger SP101 (with 10 38/357 rounds total). I am preparing to carry a revolver for a full month. I'm contemplating using the new M27 (8x357) with 3.5" barrel. However, I really like the K-Frame guns with 2.5" barrel (the Night Guard series seems neat) or a 686+ with 3" barrel. I think the L-Frame is a good compromise between the J and N frames.
Of course, this is an excellent excuse to purchase the L-Frame.
I plan to carry two spare moonclips of 8x357 as soon as I can get into the shop to make the holders. I'll also pocket carry a J-Frame 38 and a bianchi speed strip.
cREbralFIX
Member
As I understand it, vigilantes both capture, determine, and apply punishment. I just don't see how not caring about others' opinions is stepping into that.
Pontiaker
Member
I actually carry both, I have a 1911 in .45acp and two S&W revolvers on my permit currently...Its hard to get around a solid revolver going pop everytime though. I think my little 431 gets the most carry time.
luangtom
US Veteran
I have an L-frame...Model 686SSR. It is quite
the shooter right outta the box. It is 4" and
puts them where you aim. It is the next step up
from stock, having some work done on the action,
chambers, etc., by S&W before it got to me. I am
awaiting a holster for its carry. I have Alessi
and High Noon for the J-frames. I carried autos
for most of my years in LE. However, it was the
J-frame that went with me everywhere then and
now. Bianchi speed-strips in the off-pocket.
I have a simple reason for choosing a revolver. I choose a revolver (SW 642, to be specific) in fair weather when wearing minimal clothing. At other times it's a H&K P7-M8. 99.9% of the time they are in a belt holster (IWB or OWB).
The reason is practical carry. The 642 has an alloy frame and is somewhat rust/corrosion resistant. It is very light. The P7 is neither.
Be safe.
The reason is practical carry. The 642 has an alloy frame and is somewhat rust/corrosion resistant. It is very light. The P7 is neither.
Be safe.
sunday bill
Member
My reasons for carrying revolvers?
I shoot'em better in a hurry.
I shoot'em better slow-fire (except for my old Hi-Standard Supermatic)
I trust'em.
In my hands they are much more manageable while offering the power level I desire.
I don't like chasing brass.
I shoot'em better in a hurry.
I shoot'em better slow-fire (except for my old Hi-Standard Supermatic)
I trust'em.
In my hands they are much more manageable while offering the power level I desire.
I don't like chasing brass.
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