[firestar]

What is the single biggest advantage to the revolver in your opinion? I think accuracy, I have seen $200-300 revolvers that shoot as well or better than many +$1000 semi-autos. If you want cheap accuracy, it is hard to beat a revolver.

[chaim]

How about "all of the above". If I had to chose one I would have said accuracy not that long ago but for a while my CZ 75B was more accurate than my revolvers so I know an auto can be plenty accurate (my 6" 586 that I have now is more accurate than the CZ but in all fairness it does beat the CZ by over an inch in barrel length). Ergonomics- revolvers can have the grip size and even shape almost completely changed w/ a new set of grips, try that in an auto. Power, yeah they got .50AE, .44mag and .357mag autos but I'd love to see them try to chamber one in .454 or even .480Ruger one of these days. Reliability- sure many autos are great, but still they can't do what most revolvers would and if a revolver does fail to fire just pull the trigger. However, my vote, if I had to chose one, is with simplicity. No worries about what condition it is in, no need to check to see if a round is chambered, no need to worry about whether the springs are worn out from being loaded too long, no need to try to remember to turn the safety off (yeah, we are sure we'll remember, but what about with the adreneline pumping w/ an armed BG entering your bedroom), only one type of trigger pull to worry about (yeah, I know there are SA and DAO autos, but many are the DA/SA variety)- priceless for new shooters or if you are woken up by an intruder at 3am.

[Blackhawk]

Simplicity. Boringly simple....

[Kahr carrier]

I like the Reliabilty.:)

[hondo68]

Doesn't spit spent cases around like an autoloader.

[mtnbkr]

You left out flexibility.

Using the 357mag as an example, I can shoot loads ranging from gallery load type cartridges (I used to have one that is ~1gr of Bullseye and a 000 buckshot ball) all the way to 600 ft/lb+ loads for hunting.

Show me a semiauto that can do that without needing different springs.

Chris

[El Tejon]

It doesn't go out of battery when pressed against the threat.

[Edward429451]

All of the above plus versatility.



It doesn't go out of battery when pressed against the threat.
Theres something to think about. Do Glocks & Sigs have disconnectors?

[jar]

Yup, all of the above and then some. My semis are nice and I love them but the wheelguns rule.

[Litlman]

All of the above and, I just plain like them!

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

While not a panacea, the answer I like is pretty simple.

Six for Sure. :)

[Grin&Barrett]

Looks like my opinion is like most.

[Mal H]

I agree with most - all of the above. But, if I had to choose one reason over all others from the list, it would be simplicity. Simplicity is what leads to several of the other factors in revolvers. The simplicity of the barrel and sights being a solid unit leads to accuracy along with (usually) a longer barrel and longer sight radius. The simplicity of the revolver leads to reliability, not nearly as many moving parts during the entire firing cycle (although some revolvers will make a challenge to that statement). The simplicity of the two solid units, cylinder and barrel, lead to ruggedness, power and safety.

And perhaps most important, it sure is simple to find your brass after firing a revolver!

[firestar]

I should have put an option for flexibility/versitility.:o

I left out an "other" on purpose. It seems like everytime there is an other box, people check it and write in something stupid. I don't see anything stupid yet so I guess my plan worked.:D

[firestar]

My second choice (after accuracy) is ergonamics. It is amazing how much you can change the way a revolver balences and points with just a new set of grips. With autos, you are more restricted and with Glocks you had better have a square grip or else.

[MoNsTeR]

I voted for "ergonomics" since there was no "trigger" option. I don't have to worry about whether I'll be able to shoot a revolver well or not, because as a rule they all have perfect SA triggers. It's nice being able to buy a $200-$300 PD trade-in S&W 67 or 10 and getting a better trigger than a $700 Kimber.

[bpisler]

I voted for power,i know there are 357 and 44 mag autoloaders but most are very big and heavy.I like the fact that i can change carry loads without having to fire 50-100 or more rounds to make sure they'll work well

[Shane]

Flexibility.

I don't know of too many semi-autos than can throw out cheap to shoot .38 Special ammunition, and also fire .357 magnum loads up to 200 grains that in a pinch can work on Black Bear or Cougars.

[10-Ring]

I like revolvers or there simplicity & reliability...the accuracy is pure gravy!

[Neal Bloom]

Reliability. I want to know it will go bang everytime.

[P95Carry]

My vote is the reliability one ....... in most circumstances the accuracy deal does not bother me greatly, comparing with semi's but .... would have to admit that when it comes to longer shots ..... assuming you have a tube that is 5 to 6 inches or more ...... then the wheel gun has it every time.

[Standing Wolf]

In my experience, it's a rare auto-loader that doesn't fail to feed, fail to fire, or fail to extract now and then. My High Standard Trophy is the only auto-loader I've ever owned with a 100% reliability record, whereas the only failures to fire I've ever encountered with revolvers have been the result of poorly loaded ammunition.

[DeltaElite]

You forgot to include, "Looks Way Cool", as a choice. :D

[MCNETT]

Each one of these options hit the nail on the head. I think that the one that the autloaders cannot touch is the ability to handle powerful calibers. i.e; .44, .454, 480, 475, 500
-Mike

[V-fib]

Reliability stood out first in the poll for me. simplicity second. :cool:

[cratz2]

Simplicity, ease of use. Nothing for a newbie to forget or fumble.

Plus they say a big bore stainless revolver is the most intimidating handgun as well. Probably a bit more likely than a P32 to end a conflict with no shots fired. :p

[riverdog]

Reliability:
I had a S&W revolver refuse to give up its empty cases. Lead in the cylinder effectively soldered the case to the chamber wall until it was allowed to cool.
I had another revolver cylinder simply lock up. I never did fix it. Traded it to a guy who knew about the problem and wanted it anyway.

When a revolver has a problem, they can be very difficult if not impossible to fix in the field. I voted for simple (to operate).

[4thHorseman]

Trigger is pulled, it goes bang..... always.

[Frankly 45]

I voted reliability - even with a bad round, just pull the trigger again for a new one. Besides, without reliability first,the rest of the choices don't matter to me;)
Best,

[muleshoe]

You only have to count to 6. :D

[P95Carry]

You only have to count to 6. Or so!!:p :D

[meathammer]

I voted ruggedness. I think reliability and simplicity kind of fall under this category. I agree with all of the above, but all out ruggedness is what I like about a good revolver.

[556A2]

Simplicity hands down. Relibility would have got the 1st vote, but I have had revolvers lock-up on me.

[3 gun]

Another vote for power.

[Dr.Rob]

All of the above PLUS:

You can leave it loaded with NO tension whatsoever on any springs. This is just NOT true of an autoloader. (because even the magazine spring is always under tension).

[P95Carry]

You can leave it loaded with NO tension whatsoever on any springs. Kick me Dr.Rob . I'm gonna be way pedantic! There will of course be normal tension in the hammer spring (whether leaf or coil) .. as well as the trigger return spring and the hand spring ...........

Dum-de-dum ...... how to be annoyingly picky!! :p Just funnin ya!!:)

[aerod1]

Simplicity. In a stressful situation there is less to distract you. Reliability was also a factor. If you have a missfire just pull the trigger again to go to the next round.
Jim Hall

[firestar]

So you like it cause it is simple and reliable hey?

I like that saying: "Six for sure". I haven't heard that one before.

[twoblink]

The fact that I have the flexibility to shoot 38Spl and 357Mag out of the same gun. It can be designed with a very small grip (like a Lady Smith) and still pack a whaaalap.

Also, the fact that I don't have to worry about magazine fatigue, fail to eject etc.. Is great. I can leave some 125 grainers in there for a few years, and never have to worry about them. You heard a click when you pulled the trigger... pull it again!! Also, no way to be "out of battery" when you remove it from the holster. Also, if you go hammerless, you can fire from the pocket in case of emergancy..

Simple, flexible, reliable, accuracy.

[Ala Dan]

Well, I narrowed my choices down between "Power"
and "Safety". Considering that my SIG-Sauer's
are as safe as any revolver; I voted for "Power"!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[genstab]

Hey, I'm new and a lot of you guys are cops or experts. I'm just a concealed carry citizen who believes in the right to be armed and protect oneself and family. I handled guns in the service and am not scared of them. Recently bought my first house and wanted to protect my property as I live in a suburb of Cleveland. I mainly rely on revolvers as from what I can learn they are more reliable when you need them to be. I have a S & W Military & Police snub nose .38 and a Colt Detective Special (second series) for home protection and in my cars I carry a S & W Chief's Special .38 and in the car I drive regularly, a Browning Hi-Power 9mm.

I've only fired about 100 rounds with the Browning but I'm really impressed by its accuracy and reliability. It has the 13 round Mec-Gar magazines and hasn't jammed once. As far as the revolvers go, if I carried concealed which I normally don't, not going anywhere dangerous on foot as I live in the suburbs, I'd use the Chief's Special or the Detective Special as they're smaller for concealability. But the old Military & Police (or pre-Model 10) is a really solid gun when fired. I'm confident that if I ever have to repel a burglar it won't let me down. Of course I keep a speed loader handy.

Talking about trigger pull, for those of you who haven't fired a Detective Special, it has a really smooth, easy pull, far better than my other revolvers. My Browning has a harder pull but it is accurate if you don't jerk the trigger. I fired a friend's Glock 19 and it has a really easy pull which leads to real accuracy but as someone said, you feel like you're aiming a box. I prefer the Browning. It's a reliable gun for a semiauto and has been around a long time

If I had to carry something in an emergency situation, considering that I'm not a law wnforcement officer but do have an Ohio concealed carry permit, I'd use the S & W Military & Police on one hip and the Browning Hi-Power on the other. But let's face it, it'd take massive civil disorder for me to have to do something like that. Let's hope it eoesn't happen.

Really enjoyed reading all your posts. Thanks for the ideas and info.

Best,
Bill in Cleveland

[David E]

Fer cryin' out loud, you left out VERSATILITY ????

[Guillermo]

another "all of the above" vote

[CajunBass]

They're revolvers.

What more do you need to say? :confused:

[John Wayne]

I don't know that you can make those broad claims about revolvers, or any gun in general...

ACCURACY
My model 442 is a very accurate gun with handloads. Most people, however, cannot shoot it well without extensive practice. Neither design is more inherently accurate. Revolvers don't deform bullets, but can get out of time. Autos don't get out of time, but can be poorly fitted.
Advantage: Neither

RELIABILITY
I have several autos that have been quite reliable. I have had some that weren't. I owned a Taurus revolver that would not shoot a full cylinder. Revovlers do have the advantage though in that even an auto has been 100% flawless, you cannot shoot very reduced loads through it. Sure, you might be able to load a few hundred FPS slower, but think about the difference in fps in a .38 SPL to .357 Mag revolver.
Advantage: Revolver

ERGONOMICSI like the fact that you can put any kind of grips on a revolver to fit your hands. I also happen to think that the Colt SAA "plow handle" design is the most awkward, un-natural design that anyone could possibly come up with. Many larger revolvers are also very muzzle-heavy. Advantage: Neither

SAFETY Maybe DAO revolvers have a better track record, but I'd be willing to bet just as many people had negligent discharges from loading 6 rounds under a single-action revolver without a transfer-bar or hammer block safety as have Glock owners.
Advantage: Neither

POWER
Maybe. Depends on if you're going by virtue of the cartridge, or the combined effectiveness of the cartridge and how many rounds it holds. .460 S&W is pretty formiddable, but with a gun that large and heavy you might as well have a rifle. For guns that can actually be carried practically, the advantages are about equal between autos and revolvers. Advantage: Neither

RUGGEDNESS is hard to call. Revolvers tolerate neglect better while Autos are more resistant to abuse.
Advantage: Auto

SIMPLICITY
Autos: Insert loaded mag, rack slide, fire, and gun ejects cases. Pretty much the same across the board. Only consideration is the addition of a manual safety.

Revolvers: Method of inserting cartridges may involve opening a cylinder, rotating a cylinder, "breaking" the gun open, or completely removing and reinserting the cylinder. Ejection may be automatic, or it may require the use of an ejector rod. The ejector rod might have to be pressed once, or many times. The ejector rod might not even be an integral part of the firearm.
Advantage: Neither

I think many people are quick to say that revolvers have all of the above advantages. Closer examination, however, reveals that in most cases, advantages are the result of the design of a particular firearm, and not simply whether it is a revolver or semiauto. The main advantage of a revolver to me is that I don't have to look for my brass, and I can load as light as I want to. Neither of those is really an advantage if you ever had to defend yourself with a handgun though.

What it all comes down to is how well suited the design and construction of the particular firearm are to the intended purpose of the gun.

[TraditionalCatholic]

Simplicity and versatility. You can do just about anything with a 4 or 6" revolver in, say, .357mag. From hunting to home defense, it does it all!

[watson]

I was going to add to the why I think revolvers are awsome but John Wayne killed my buzz. Hes a bigger buzz kill then Buzz Killington :P

[smartshot]

accuracy if youre a target shooter, reliability if you use it for self NOTE some of the bullets will actual recoil out of the cases with non-crimped ammo in a lightweight revolver).

[powwowell]

I've never, ever, had a revolver that exceeded the accuracy of a comparable pistol!

Outisde of .22lr, I've never, ever had an inexpensive revolver to shoot. In semi-auto centerfire cartridges, the 9mm is the cheapest to shoot, by far. Less than the .22 magnum, even.

For carry and for home defense though, I'll take the less accurate, more expensive to shoot, revolver. My favorite is a 2 1/4" SP101, in .357. It gives me a comforting, warm and fuzzy feeling. I know that it will work.

[TheProf]

A more correct way of discussing a revolver's reliability...

"A revolver will tolerate neglect more so than semi-auto..... A semi-auto will tolerate abuse more so than a revolver." (I borrowed that one from another member on this forum.)

Example:
You can pick up a loaded revolver that has been sitting in your dresser for the last 20 years...and it would most likely go "bang" when needed. I'm not sure I can say that with regards to semi-auto.

However, I can't think of any revolver that can stand up to the torture tests done on Glocks and other semi-autos.

[harmon rabb]

Flexibility in power of loads and in not caring how a bullet is shaped.
If a round doesn't go off, just pull the trigger again.
No slide to catch on clothing during a struggle.
No compressed springs when stored loaded.
Accuracy. Best groups I've ever shot are with my SP101. Even better than I can do with my 22/45.
Simplicity of use.
Concealability compared to a semi-auto of the same general size. Something to do with the curves helps them not print.

I won't say reliability because plenty of semi-autos are very reliable as well. I'd pit a glock or xd up against any revolver in a torture test.

[The Bushmaster]

All of the above...

[parisite]

Revolver, simple???

Try totally disassembling one and putting it back. Much more intricate mechanisms.

Nothing more pleasurabe to shoot than a nice S&W revolver however.

[scottishclaymore]

The thing I appreciate about revolvers is primarily the simpler manual of arms when push comes to shove. It's this factor that has decided me on carrying my revolvers daily, as opposed to any of the autoloaders that I own.

[GNLaFrance]

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/Darkfold_2006/Forum%20Posts/revolvers.jpg

[MR.G]

I say reliability

[jad0110]

For me, it is a tie between reliability, ergonomics and flexibility.

I like carrying a weapon that can be fired with a less than perfect grip, from an odd angle/firing position and function the same as if it were being held 2-handed in an upright firing position.

I also like the vast array of grip/stock sizes and materials that can be fitted.

With a Magnum, I can reliably fire anything from shot shells and wax bullets all the way up to fire belching monsters.


Oh yeah, and they don't puke brass all over the landscape!

[harvester]

Most all modern guns are reliable, accurate, simple enough etc. Its gotta be POWER. Take a 45colt in a Vaquero and it can do near anything from mild to almost wild, and you can say same for 357 and 44 too.

[Oyeboten]

The only advantage I am aware of which Revolvers have over Automatics ( assuming the candidates in both Camps are high quality ) is that Revolvers chamber and fire Rimmed Black Powder era Cartridges, using smokeless propellents.


Otherwise, the advantages of either Revolvers or Automatics are very conditional unless we decide to use only some very specific examples for the contest.


If anything, broadly, Automatics have the primary advantage of carrying more Rounds than do most Revolvers.


I like them both equally and for their differences, but as far as I can say, the Automatic is the one with the 'advantage' over the Revolver as far as a broad generalization: is it thinner, holds more rounds, and requires no extraneous elements for rapid re-charging.

[SlamFire1]

I like them for their reliability and simplicity.

No flippers or levers to forget to move, or bump "safe" when you want the thing to shoot.

Just pull the trigger and it goes bang.

Yes it has less rounds, but I have more peace of mind.

[oldfool]

yep, all of the above, but mostly I go with post #6
Glock THAT !:D

[oldfool]

"requires no extraneous elements for rapid re-charging"

Oye... try that rapid recharge without a spare mag (pre-loaded) sometime, and see how quick you really are :)

[oldfool]

I am a little surprised not more votes for accuracy here

comp auto gun vs comp wheelie gun, that's a whole other thing, even enough
same could be said of 22 rimfire TARGET pistols and revolvers
(or Buckmarks/MKs vs K-17/K22s, for example, pretty even ground that)

but any decent quality revolver, std mass produced model out-of-box will outshoot it's dollar-for-dollar autoloader competition every time

[Snubshooter]

All of the above plus flexibility. You can't beat a revolver for how versatile they can be.

[Oyeboten]

Hi old fool,



You'd said -


"requires no extraneous elements for rapid re-charging"

Oye... try that rapid recharge without a spare mag (pre-loaded) sometime, and see how quick you really are



The Magazine is part of the Autoloading Pistol....and not extraneous.


In Revolvers, a Speed Loader is not part of the Gun, and, is extraneous.


In Revolvers which use Moon Clips, the Moon Clip would be considered part of the Gun, and would be the excpetion to my general observation.


In either Revolvers or Automatics, the Cartridges are considered to be part of the Gun.


Anything necessary for the function of the Arm as intended, is considered part of the Arm.

[oldfool]

I don't dispute your definitions in the generic sense, Oye, but... a SPARE mag is not an integral part of any autoloader pistol I ever saw, no more than a spare bolt would be for a bolt action rifle

that's why it is called SPARE
extraneous... "extra"

if your's carries two mags within your gun, you win... but if ain't already in the gun, it ain't the gun, and it pretty much qualifies as extraneous spare parts, no different than a spare tire or a speedloader or a moon clip, or any handful of extra cartridges not in gun, be they in hand, in box, or in EXTERNAL spare magazine

an empty SPARE mag is about as useful as an empty moonclip or empty speedloader or empty hand or flat spare tire, the way I see it

PS
I love S&W wheelies best of all, but I wear a Colt SA autoloader, no spare firing pin, no spare extractor, no spare mag, no spare cylinder
weird, ain't it ?
to each their own :)

but I will bet a tall cold beverage of your choice that I can drop six casings and put six cartridges back in cylinder of my model 66 (no speedloader, and no moonclip, just a loose handful of spare extraneous cartridges in pocket) ... faster than you can drop an empty mag, reload same non-extra (non-spare) empty mag w/ even "just six", jam it back in your gun and rack that slide :D

"Anything necessary for the function of the Arm as intended, is considered part of the Arm."
SPARE mag ain't needed to make my autoloader function, nor is spare cylinder in my revolver... one with cartridges in it will function
if I don't kill 'em in <2 seconds (mag or cylinder), they kill me in <3 seconds, how it is
(unless you count my "fast draw', might ought make that <20 seconds)
my threat assessment need not be the same as yours, don't let anybody tell you what yours should be !

peace

[Hondo 60]

I voted for reliability. They just go bang every time.

But as a reloader, I also love the fact that it keeps the brass all nice & neat til I decide to unload the spent brass.

[Dirty Bob]

I'd vote "all of the above" if I could. One plus for CCW and home defense is that a revolver will survive neglect better than most autopistols. Put a revolver and an autopistol in a drawer for a year, then pull both out and see which one fires all of its rounds without a hitch. The autopistol may (depending on the gun and how you lubed it), but I'm much more confident in the wheelgun.

Not all CCW folks clean/re-lube as often as they should, either. The revolver is more forgiving of this.

I also love the consistent manual of arms with SA or DA revolvers. If you learn one of a class (SA or DA), you've pretty much learned them all, at least until it's time to reload.

I can carry an SP101 and a 642. The latch for opening the gun is different, but that's it. Trigger operation and reloading sequence are the same, as is the speedloader.

I also like that it takes less to "set up" a revolver for carry or HD. Extra mags for some pistols are pricey (An extreme example is one of my favorite autopistols: the SIG P210. I've passed up some chances to buy one because mags are over $100 -- if I could find one). Speedloaders or Speed Strips are inexpensive. For my SP101 I went with a hard nylon Monogrip (under $20), and four speedloaders for $7 each. I'm making my own holster to save $$, and because no one makes what I want and I want to experiment with some ideas I have.

Revolvers are also very reloader-friendly. Headspacing on the rim makes cartridge length a little less important, and the spent brass is easy to find (it's at your feet!). Most revolver cartridges are considered fairly easy for beginners. The .38 Special is especially easy -- and cheap! -- to reload.

I like autos. I just find revolvers suit me better.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

[WardenWolf]

Power. Last I checked, no one made a .454 semi-auto pistol.

[exdetsgt]

I've got S&W models 10. 15-3, 36, and Glock models 19 and 21. NONE have ever malfunctioned. The revolvers are elegant and classic looking. The Glocks are ugly and you feel like you're pointing a shiny black brick. Revolvers don't scatter brass. Glocks carry more rounds. I carry the Glock 21 on duty. Off duty I carry the Model 36. I like 'em all.

[okespe04]

Revolvers are omnivores

[kludge]

Power(/versatility)

In just two calibers (38 and 45) and just two guns, I can go from plinking/instructing at the range to the gold standard of self defense to hunting bison.

[engineer88]

Wow, for a second there I was worried I was the only one. I chose somplicity as well. But by that I do not just mean manual of arms. Not having to buy magazines and worry about feed lips, etc. As mentioned above mags can be exensive. No concerns about bullet shape to feed, no concerns about the round being powerful enough to cycle the slide.

It is an odd thing that I have glocks and other autos that would be better in many ways and yet a revolver finds it way to my waist most days.

Now in my opinion autos make a huge difference in the pocket. That slimness matters more there. That said a light weight snub is easy to carry in the right pants.

I also believe quality automatics are just as reliable/dependable as a good revolver, I just tend to gravitate towards the revolver more since firing at an angle or one handed may be necessary and a revolver is easier to control one handed (no slide reciprocating) for me at least. Those are the reasons I generally feel more comfortable with a revolver as my primary carry gun.

[engineer88]

Sorry doublepost.

[CraigC]

Flavor! While there are some classic autos like the 1911 and Hi Power, most are soulless, sterile, bland, boring tools. I don't daydream about using them, carrying them in fine leather, taking game with them, enjoying an afternoon of plinking at tin cans, outfitting them with the finest wood, stag or ivory, having them massaged into custom works of art nor do I sit around fondling them lovingly. They sit in the toolbox while sixguns take center stage.

http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/blackriver905/large/P1010063.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_7120e.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_1152b.jpg

[minutemen1776]

I had to think about this one for a minute, but my answer is "simplicity." I've probably owned a dozen or more revolvers, but I admit that I've ultimately decided I don't like them as much as autos, and so I just have one left in my inventory. Still, they're certainly simple to operate. Load the cylinder, close it, pull the trigger, dump the empties. Even the simplest autos have detachable mags and at least a couple of levers or buttons to operate, not to mention racking the slide. Autos certainly don't amount to rocket science, but revolvers are still a tad simpler.

Like others have said, I've also had revolvers with major reliability problems. In fact, I'd say that, on the whole, my autos have been more reliable than my revolvers. For me, autos are also more accurate and ergonomic (maybe there's a connection, at least in my hands). With service weapons, safety and ruggedness are a wash. And, though revolvers can generally chamber more powerful cartridges, autos are capable of a sufficient level of power for most purposes other than hunting. So, "simplicity" it is.

[Low Budget Shooter]

Dear THR,

CraigC said "flavor," which is good. But I would go a bit further and say, "character." Semi-autos are lifeless, while revolvers have personalities. Could a plastic semi-auto pistol ever be your friend? I don't see how.

LBS

[youngda9]

Could a plastic semi-auto pistol ever be your friend? I don't see how.
A plastic auto pistol is the enemy of my enemy...and the enemy of my enemy is my friend :)

[fourdollarbill]

Revolvers are the only handguns made what are you comparing it to? :D

[markshere2]

Reliability:

A revolver is like a fork.
When you pick it up, it works.

[Vern Humphrey]

The real advantage of the revolver is it doesn't spit your brass all over the woods.

[OregonJohnny]

I voted "simplicity".

Cylinder out, put cartridges in holes, cylinder in, point gun at target and pull trigger repeatedly. No magazine, magazine release, slide, slide catch, safety, failure drills, etc.

I find that when teaching new shooters how to handle and shoot different firearms, the semi-auto pistols get the most "oohs and ahhs", but the loading/unloading/operation of the revolvers gets mastered much faster.

When it comes down to it, revolvers take a number of possible "operator errors" out of the equation, when compared to a semi-auto. Simplicity.

[m500'92]

The real advantage of the revolver is it doesn't spit your brass all over the wood

Yes, huge advantage for reloading and more time spent shooting.

[gordy]

2003 to 2010
And there is still no good reason to sell your revolver and buy a auto,
Unless if it is a Sig.:neener:

[geniusiknowit]

Nostalgia.

[geniusiknowit]

From an operator's standpoint, I don't see how using a revolver is any simpler than using a semi-auto.

Cylinder out = release magazine
put cartridges in holes = load magazine
cylinder in = insert magazine

For SA revolvers, cocking the hammer = racking the slide.

And there are failure drills for revolvers.

And as for reliability, if I drop my XD in the mud, I'm pretty sure it's going to fire when I pick it up. Can't say the same for the Blackhawk. That thing will probably jam up.

My vote went to Power.

[Smith357]

And there are failure drills for revolvers.

Pull the trigger again.

[OregonJohnny]

From an operator's standpoint, I don't see how using a revolver is any simpler than using a semi-auto.

Quote:
Cylinder out
= release magazine
Quote:
put cartridges in holes
= load magazine
Quote:
cylinder in
= insert magazine

For SA revolvers, cocking the hammer = racking the slide.


I've seen new shooters put a magazine in backwards, I've seen plenty of people not able to rack a slide, I've seen people pull the trigger and wonder why the gun doesn't go off (safety engaged), and I've seen people accidentally hit the mag release and fumble in the dirt for the dropped mag. These are all "problems" that you just won't have with a revolver. Granted, Glock-style pistols without external safeties eliminate 1 possible problem, but you still have the (rare) opportunity for feeding/ejecting issues that require more than just another pull of the trigger (such as with a revolver).

I LOVE my semi-autos, but for sheer simplicity (especially for new shooters) a revolver wins.

[MCgunner]

In reality, all of the above.

[iScream]

I agree with most - all of the above. But, if I had to choose one reason over all others from the list, it would be simplicity. Simplicity is what leads to several of the other factors in revolvers. The simplicity of the barrel and sights being a solid unit leads to accuracy along with (usually) a longer barrel and longer sight radius. The simplicity of the revolver leads to reliability, not nearly as many moving parts during the entire firing cycle (although some revolvers will make a challenge to that statement). The simplicity of the two solid units, cylinder and barrel, lead to ruggedness, power and safety.

And perhaps most important, it sure is simple to find your brass after firing a revolver!
I wasn't going to vote since I didn't see a single option to reflect my opinion but I agree with all of the above.

Reloading is a big consideration for me. Both not having to worry about whether a round will cycle and ease of keeping brass.

So, I'll vote for Simplicity.

-Chris

[RidgwayCO]

I love my revolvers for their power, their simplicity, their reliability, and their beauty. They are my number one choice for handgun hunting, as well as a relaxing day at the range.

But if the zombies come, my Glock 17 is what I'll reach for. 18 rounds in the gun and 34 rounds in two magazines on my belt (and if I have time I'll have multiple full 17-round magazines in my pockets). If the SHTF, I'll trade all the things I love about my revolvers for the Glock's capacity, combat accuracy, and stone cold reliability.

[earlthegoat2]

The best advantage a revolver has is its ability to shoot and not have to or be able to recoil and the thing will still shoot again.

For example: Jam the gun into an assailants ribs and pull the trigger until it goes click. This is a great way to jam up an auto.

[nonseven]

Power to weight ratio.

[high country]

Zombie invasion = high capacity semi-auto with lots of loaded magazines. But a person that made the very poor life decision to invade my home at 3 in the morning when I am asleep = revolver with full house .357 hollow points. Not sure what that advantage would be exactly, I guess power and simplicity, or reliability.

Combine that with the enjoyment of an afternoon at the range with a bunch of .38 wadcutters that wouldn't feed or cycle the slide on a semi-auto, where the versitility is an advantage, particularly if you reload.

Some days I want the feel of an a nice heavy all steel revolver, others I want to pop of a bunch of rounds from a semi-auto. So, I own and use both. If I could only have one for HD and range days, it would be the revolver (but, if the SHTF, I would be grabbing the P-89, and a whole bunch of ammo).

[Carl N. Brown]

My vote is for the ability to shoot in my Security Six everything from .38 Spl wadcutter for target or small game to .357 Mag 158gr JSP for large animal attack to .38 Spl 125gr JHP for home defense.

An auto does not allow that wide a range of ammo options.

[geniusiknowit]

And there are failure drills for revolvers.Pull the trigger again.And if the problem is with the trigger getting stuck, or the cylinder not rotating or not swinging out? I can't be the only person here who has experienced and witnessed this happening. :)

If by reliability, we mean "longevity," then certainly the revolver wins by a mile. If we mean "performance even when it gets dirty," I think the outcome is gonna be different.

I love the look, feel, and operation of a wheelgun. I'm just saying that if something goes wrong with one, pulling the trigger again isn't always the solution.

[Smith357]

And if the problem is with the trigger getting stuck, or the cylinder not rotating or not swinging out? I can't be the only person here who has experienced and witnessed this happening.

If you have those problems with your revolver you are not going to fix them with a rack rack slap kick rack rack slap rack, you will need tools.

You are not the only person to witness it happening, its just I see bottom feeders fail in some respect every time I'm at the range, revolvers once every couple of years.

[Carl N. Brown]

Brass recovery for reloading

Brass recovery for reloading is 100% with my revolver.

Brass recovery for reloading on a good day is 90% with my Mauser.

With my CZ 52, the brass is ejected through a space time warp to the far side of the moon.

[revolversrbetter]

Simplicity. I feel a revolver is safer because it is more simple. The fact of the matter is if I have a weapon on my person for one reason or another, I usually have something else on my mind - like, 'don't trip on that deadfall in front of me' as I'm hiking up a mountain. If I unexpectedly need to bring that weapon to bear, I don't want to have to think about it. Just reach, point, and go from there...

[Vern Humphrey]

Simplicity -- and not throwing your brass all over the woods -- are the two main advantages of revolvers.

[Guillermo]

With my CZ 52, the brass is ejected through a space time warp to the far side of the moon.

:what:

Now THAT is some serious ejection!!!

[Legionnaire]

I've scanned the thread. I won't vote, because I can't decide which of the following is most important: simplicity, reliability, versatility (which incorporates "power"). I'm still relatively new to reloading, but am having a ball building different loads from light specials through heavy magnums, all in magnum cases, for my .357 and .44 mag revolvers. That's versatility. But the manual of arms is simple and easy to learn, and they just keep on ticking. Yes, I know that any gun can break. But were I only allowed to have one handgun for the rest of my life, it would be a four-inch stainless revolver, and I'd be happy with either a .357 or a .44 mag. I'd just keep reloading for it--from plinking, to self defense, to heavy hunting loads. And I don't have to go looking for my spent cases ... double bonus!

[FotoTomas]

For me the revolver is the epitome of Accuracy, Power and Versatility. Those three things define her and all of the other options are simply benefits of the design.

I will admit however that as a revolver armorer from years gone by... If they need work it usually is a lot more involved than simply fieldstripping or swapping parts. The elegance of a Smith and Wesson or Colt lockwork is hard to describe BUT they are not simple and can be a real bear to repair if something goes wrong.

I will also add that if a revolver has a failure to fire OTHER than a simple misfire then you had best have a backup gun handy. No simple Tap-Rack-Assess options for a majority of revolver malfunctions. Things like bullet creep, Bushing over heat, crud under the extractor, High primers and on and on will tie her up tight until you have some down time to get in back in working order.

I still often carry my 30 year old S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum off duty but never without a J frame on hand as well.

Same for the J. If I carry it in my pocket as primary then another J or my Kahr PM9 is also on hand.

[TheGent]

"Wheel guns are real guns" was the title of an article in a gun magazine.

[John Wayne]

Could a plastic semi-auto pistol ever be your friend?

Keep in mind that there are plastic revolvers now too. And yes, I'd imagine I'd be quite fond of a plastic semi-auto if I ever found myself in a situation where I needed one.

Just because more revolvers made now are blued steel, have wood grips, and traditional features does not mean that all revolvers are accurate, well-made, or reliable. There are junk revolvers and revolvers with no character just like there are in the semiauto camp.

And no, no one makes a .454 semiauto pistol, but you do have cartridges like the .460 Rowland that ought to fit the same bill, given that you have 14 rounds (XD45) and followup shots are a lot quicker.

[shockwave]

Zombie invasion = high capacity semi-auto with lots of loaded magazines. But a person that made the very poor life decision to invade my home at 3 in the morning when I am asleep = revolver with full house .357 hollow points. Not sure what that advantage would be exactly, I guess power and simplicity, or reliability.

Exactly so - this is very much my thinking.

Also, last weekend I took the SR9c to the range for her maiden outing and was enjoying it, but I also had my revolvers and a female shooter next to me and I got to talking. She had a S&W M&P .40 and during a target change she started asking me about the wheelguns.

Turns out, she'd never shot one before, so I gave her a 4-in .357, a box of .38s, showed her how it works, let her load it up and fire a cylinder-full at her target.

She experienced a real epiphany. She told me that it pointed better for her, felt more natural in the hand, and was - as we all know - a total blast to shoot. Told me she was definitely going to start shopping and add one to her lineup.

All of this is my way of saying that the revolver very much is the sum of its functions and features, which all add up to a great shooting experience. Yes! It's the simplicity, the reliability, and also the accuracy and DA/SA options, and the way they kick in the hand.

Compared to a good, solid revolver, something like a Glock is just a mechanical, robotic bang-brick; the wheelgun has a soul.

[167]

http://www.personaldefensenetwork.com/articles/handguns/the-revolver-unappreciated-advantages/

[oldfool]

gotta' vote with Craig C
no matter how functional and reliable
plastic & polymer got no soul
revolver or pistola
I respect Glocks, I do
but they got about as much soul as the plastic bumper on my truck, they both work, but I just don't much care about the pound for pound strength ratio
I have seen zip lock bags with more soul than that

try that hi-tech polymer with a hot 454 load, and see how well that plastic works out for you "pound for pound"..
(but it works really well when shot out of steel revolver... try that w/ even a TombRaider Deagle !)
and there is somethin' just "so not right" about polygonal rifling


PS
then again there are those old Colt autoloaders and BHPs, no shortage of soul therein

Die-Hard I ain't, nope... but Bruce Willis never could take out a terrorist army in real life any more than me, or you, or average-joe, no matter how many spare mags were at hand
(me, I would have been happy just to date Demi for a short while when I was a lot younger... go figger)

[Erik]

I like revolvers for two reasons: The ease of concealing the little ones, for example j frames, and the power of the big ones, for example Redhawks.

[jad0110]

Quote:
With my CZ 52, the brass is ejected through a space time warp to the far side of the moon.



Now THAT is some serious ejection!!!


:D
Not to drift the thread too much, but my father's SKS does the same thing. It shoots spent cases up about 10 to 14' in the air, landing about 8' in front of and about 2' to the right of the muzzle. Dare I say, the cases land in as tight a grouping as the bullets do at 50 yards. :cool: