General Categories > General Firearm Discussion

Revolver vs Semi-Automatic Pistol

(1/4) > >>

BigD75:
So I have a question for everyone, as I "still" have yet to purchase my 1st firearm, (because I want to make sure I get the correct one) I am in debate as to what I want, a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol.  Now the guy at Cabelas yesterday said that revolvers will never jam on you, vs pistols may. I would be using this strictly or mostly for home protection, so I wouldn't need a big clip.  There does seem to be more pistols than revolvers on the market and my choice for a pistol would be a 9mm because of the readily available ammo, however I haven't done a ton of research on revolvers.  Also, I don't certainly need a hand canon for a pistol or revolver, just something that would get the job done or scare the intruder.  What are everyone's thoughts?  Thank you for your time and input.

Les:
Largely depends on what you're going to use it for.  It's like asking what pickup/car is best.  If you know someone who has several ask to shoot various ones, if not some ranges rent guns and take what sales help says with a grain of salt.   ;D

Kendahl:
Police used to carry revolvers. That they have switched to automatics should tell you which design they believe is preferable for self defense. Any reliability advantage a revolver might have is outweighed by the automatic's greater ammunition capacity and lighter trigger.

Medium or full sized handguns from major manufacturers are good enough that the differences between them are a matter of personal preference. Subcompact automatics are noticeably less reliable than larger ones. Small guns, whether revolver or automatic, are more difficult to shoot well.

Before buying anything, I suggest you try out as many different handguns as possible. Some ranges rent guns to shoot on the premises. (You will probably need a Nebraska handgun certificate which you can get from the county sheriff for $5.)

If you are new to guns, it's worth the price to get competent instruction. 88tactical in Omaha has basic classes and will rent you a gun. The new Omaha Gun Club has an NRA basic pistol class scheduled for May. Perhaps, others will have additional recommendations.

Especially if your purpose is self defense, it's critical that you understand applicable law. Andrew Branca's book, The Law of Self Defense, is excellent. (He has a class scheduled in August at Nebraska Shooters in Firth.) Lawyer Gary Young (CCW Legal Survival) teaches classes on self defense.

Even if you don't intend to carry concealed, it's worth the time, effort and money to get your Nebraska concealed handgun permit. It significantly simplifies buying, owning, carrying and transporting handguns.

OnTheFly:

--- Quote from: BigD75 on April 22, 2017, 11:54:33 AM ---...because I want to make sure I get the correct one...
--- End quote ---

You MIGHT end up being different than 99% of the rest of us, but this statement kind of made me laugh. NOT making fun of you, but I was thinking back about when I started getting into shooting. I did my research, read/absorbed every bit of information I could from friends and the 'experts' on the internet, then made my purchase. Five pistols later (mind you that is a VERY slow accrual rate compared to many gun enthusiasts) and I still haven't found that one perfect pistol that fits my overall needs.


--- Quote from: BigD75 on April 22, 2017, 11:54:33 AM ---I would be using this strictly or mostly for home protection, so I wouldn't need a big clip.
--- End quote ---

Not meaning to be the 'grammar nazi', but what you insert into most pistols is a 'Magazine', not a 'Clip'. Many use the terms interchangeably, but the thing about language is that the correct terms need to be used, otherwise meaning and intent is lost in the conversation. That's my 2¢. Take it or leave it.


--- Quote from: BigD75 on April 22, 2017, 11:54:33 AM ---What are everyone's thoughts?
--- End quote ---

Personal preference is a pistol. Revolvers ARE pretty reliable, but down sides are...

* Likely slower reloads
* Possibly more awkward to carry a reload
* Lower capacity
* Less accurate and slower shots (IMHO) due to 1) double action nature of revolvers, and 2) a firm/stable grip is more difficult to obtain
Whatever you choose, go with a reputable brand with good customer service/support. If looking at a pistol, I recommend a Glock because they simply work. They are not necessarily my favorite pistols, but for a reliable and durable pistol, I don't think they can be beat.

Pick what sounds best to you, but only after you have a chance to shoot both. Then if you are like the rest of us, you will have the other in a short while, and they will multiply like rabbits.

Fly

CustomSatellite:
Revolvers are making a comeback not only as target andcollector value but also carry weapons. Police departments made the switch to semi autos mainly for the capacity advantage. That doesn't mean it's the best choice for you or even them. Last I checked the NYPD shots on target average was somewhere south of 10%. The saying you can't miss fast enough to win seems to be a very valid concept. A good reliable 357 is tough to beat for home defense but if you don't put the time and effort into becoming proficient, when the time comes to need it, the type you fire your misses with hardly seems important. I agree with the shoot as many as you can before you buy and have realistic expectations. I wouldn't have an issue with either of them. If you are in or near south sioux, I have many examples you can handle and shoot if you like. Just remember handguns are compromise weapons and that's especially true of semi autos.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page