General Categories > General Firearm Discussion
Revolver vs Semi-Automatic Pistol
CC:
I have both. My pistols are reliable but the other day at the range one of my patrols didn't load properly. Took a second at the range to clear it. No big deal at the range but suppose it was during a home invasion. Hopefully by practicing it still wouldn't be a big deal but it could be.
I bought a S&W model 327 TRR8 and it holds 8 .357 rounds. This is as many as my S&W 9mm shield. Not as easy to conceal but I keep it on the nightstand and carry my 9.
My point is it may take more than one "tool" to meet your needs. Some will mock me for this but I say get a revolver, practice with it and consider a pistol too. A larger capacity magazine is nice.
People often ask what caliber for hunting and the answer is the one you can shoot accurately. Applies to home defense too which gun do you shoot accurately and have confidence in
Just an opinion and others will have different ones that are valid.
SemperFiGuy:
--- Quote --- Now the guy at Cabelas yesterday said that revolvers will never jam on you,
--- End quote ---
Well, how can I say it nicely..............................??
That statement is not at all correct, if that's what the Cabela Fella said.
If he perhaps said, "less likely", then we'll give him a pass. If he said "never", well........never say "Never".
All that's needed to jam a revolver is a high primer, or some dirt, grit, powder residue, various other stuff.
They jam. Argument can be made that they jam less than semi-autos, but they still will jam.
FWIW, my primary Home Defense device is a very clean, lightly oiled Smith and Wesson Model 19 .357Magnum revolver w/Buffalo Bore Low-Flash SD loads. And secondarily, a raft of semi-autos, led by a Glock Model 33 .357Sig.
For final, final, final last ditch self-defense, there's my Jiminez JA-22 in .22LR w/CCI Stingers. Very intimidating to Perps. They fear it being thrown at them by a Panicked Householder.
sfg
depserv:
If you carry a quality pistol and keep it clean and oiled and use quality ammo and avoid limp wristing, I'd say an automatic malfunctioning at the same time you need to defend yourself is unlikely enough that it's probably God's will that it happen, and He can make a revolver malfunction too. It does happen though; Murphy's Law does apply to self defense. But it isn't very common, or the police wouldn't be carrying automatics.
I carry a pistol because I don't know what the future holds, and criminal assault is something that does happen. I carry extra ammo for the same reason (and because there's no reason not to). You can carry speed loaders for the revolver, but extra magazines work better. Once the gun's out of ammo, it won't do you any good.
That having been said, I think revolvers are cool. I think swords are cool too. But if my life might be on the line I'd rather have the best weapon I can get. I'm far from an expert, but those who are seem to prefer autos over revolvers for police, and I believe bodyguards and security personnel are more likely to carry autos too (though that's an assumption). So they must have something going for them.
It isn't really something where there's a right and wrong choice. Either will be likely to serve your purpose just fine.
I haven't taught as many new shooters as the professional instructors here but those I have taught I usually started them out with a revolver and then let them try various autos, and I haven't had anyone decide they liked the revolver better yet. But some people do like revolvers better I guess, and being comfortable with your weapon and confident in your ability to use it is probably more important than any difference between the two types. So I would take the advice others here have given you and try a few out and see what you would rather have in your hand if your life is on the line.
Or do like some of us and get a safe full of every kind of gun made before you decide.
Then after you get your gun go rent a bunch of action movies to study correct gun handling. Well maybe not. A better idea would be to hook up with an actual instructor. There are a lot of them around. Just make sure they have an NRA certification or some kind of credentials showing that they're qualified.
Greybeard:
There are a lot of things to take into consideration here, beyond your original question, as you can see from the responses. I am an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor. This is my advice to you; 1) Get a Purchase Permit through your County Sheriff for $5. 2) Take a NRA Basic Pistol Course, Borrow a pistol from a friend for the shooting portion. 3) Take a combined Nebraska & Utah Concealed Carry Class. Borrow a pistol if you haven't already done so for the shooting portion. Now you will have been introduced to the basics of "Use of Deadly Force", consideration of people and objects in the background, penetration of walls, etc. You will have the ability to defend yourself and others away from home, if you choose to do so. You will have been introduced to more sources of information that you may fine necessary!! Good Luck!!
Mntnman:
--- Quote from: BigD75 on April 22, 2017, 11:54:33 AM ---So I have a question for everyone, as I "still" have yet to purchase my 1st firearm,
--- End quote ---
You have this right. Nobody can stop at one. ;D
--- Quote from: BigD75 on April 22, 2017, 11:54:33 AM ---my choice for a pistol would be a 9mm because of the readily available ammo,
--- End quote ---
Yes, 9mm is a great first caliber.
My first center fire handgun was a 40 s&w and I ended up regretting it.
Truth is, after a ton of research, you probably will find new reasons that you hadn't thought of for a "better" choice. I was going to buy a Springfield XD after doing a lot of research. When I went to buy it, I ended up not liking how it felt in my hand. I ended up getting an FNX, which I liked because of single/double action, ambi controls and 3 magazines.
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