[jonsidneyb]

I am not going to say that a revolver is better than an automatic for somethings but it seems if I am around others and they see a revolver there is that dismissive "oh, it's a revolver thing"

I have respect for both Automatics and Revolvers especially if the shooter knows how to use it. Yes there are some advantages that each has over the other but the revolver is not a slouch and can do what it is meant to do.

[steveracer]

can outshoot a really good wheelgunner.
Bob Munden said that revolvers are faster because you don't have to wait for the slide ty cycle.

[1 old 0311]

A lot of people grew up on 'Plastic Guns' so they just don't know any better.

[jonsidneyb]

I can tell you that if I were on the wrong side of a gun I would fear the revolver and the automatic equally.

It just seems to me some are so dismissive of them that they don't think they can even function.

I do realize that really knowledgable shooters know better but so many think a revolver can't do anything.

[spyderdude]

Some revolvers are more than capable of firing some extremely powerful cartridges, ones that semi-auto shooters can only dream of being able to shoot, unless they get a wheelgun. I for one have respect for both weapon systems. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Autos are easier to conceal, hold more rounds, and are easier to reload, but they malfunction more than wheelguns. Wheelguns are easier to use, and they don't malfunction as much as autos do. They do however lack in round capacity, and they're harder to conceal, especially the bigger ones. For combat situations I would choose a reliable semi-auto such as a Glock or 1911, but for hiking and hunting, I would carry a revolver with speed loaders. There is a tool for every job.

[jonsidneyb]

I actually carry one of each.

I just notice the comments when people see a revolver.

[Stainz]

You have a better chance playing 'Russian Roulette' with a revolver. Sorry, that was tactless, tasteless, and simply terrible... but, it's early, and I need more caffein!.

In all seriousness, I would rather depend on a revolver as a SD firearm. Those who prefer hi-cap bottom feeders must have a lot of enemies - who know each other - and will come 'en masse'. As stated, many young folks grew up watching gun battles where dozens of rounds came out of bottom-feeders held sideways... we older revolver nuts watched The Duke shoot ten rounds from his Colt SAA without ever cocking it. Of course, Dirty Harry did it right. It really is true, you are a product of your environment.

Stainz

[DAdams]

In all seriousness, I would rather depend on a revolver as a SD firearm. Those who prefer hi-cap bottom feeders must have a lot of enemies - who know each other - and will come 'en masse'. As stated, many young folks grew up watching gun battles where dozens of rounds came out of bottom-feeders held sideways...

Yo, yo, yo.

Jesh why would you want a revolver when you can have a KelTec. ;)

[gvf]

because revolvers work.

[Iggy]

Revolvers do not fit into the "spray and pray" philosophy of handgun tactics that have developed since the 70's

Everyone has to have the latest gimmick and the revolver just ain't as cool anymore.

I find that new shooters go for whatever is on TV and the movies when they first start out, but the serious shooters eventually discover the charm and effectiveness of a wheelgun.

They may not convert, but they often have both.

[tinygnat219]

Simple reason why I don't carry a revolver (but own tons) for self-defense. Autos are flatter (thus easier to conceal), hold more rounds (when you need the extra rounds, you NEED the extra rounds), fast to fire, and simple to reload. Reliability has greatly improved to the point where I consider the auto to be as reliable as a revolver.

[jonsidneyb]

That is not always true.

It depends on the clothing. Sometimes autos conceal better because they are flatter and sometimes revolvers because they are rounder.

also the grip shap has alot to do with it.

[alucard0822]

revolvers are much more versatile than autos, a 357 can fire a wadcutter at 750fps up to full house magnum loads near 1800fps and anywhere in between, you are not dependent on the recoil to feed. You can also use rat and snake shot and rubber practice bullets. Outside of 10mm, and Desert eagleas most hunting is done with revolvers or single shot break actions, where revolvers have a big capacity advantage. There are even some new combat revolvers that don't give up any ground to autos 8 shot cylinders pre machined for moon clips, tac rails for all the lasers and lights that only a mall ninja could love. As far as concealability, the J-frame snubby practically invented the purpose built CCW pistol.

[jonsidneyb]

4-inch K-frame. Oh how I miss those.

They conceal much better than most people realize

[Jkwas]

The only advantage an Auto has over a Revolver is capacity. Normally I carry a revolver, but If I look outside and see a bunch of people in the street that I haven't seen before just hanging out, I take an auto.

[alucard0822]

I have a 4" 686 for HD, it is also the gun I practice with the most and shoot best. I have quite a few autos, and enjoy them too, but just like the revolver better + no mag spring. If I am in a situation where six 357s aren't enough, I don't think 15 9mms will do much better,especially when I have a semi-auto M4 with a 30rd mag of 5.56x45s in the cabinet 10 feet away.

[Ala Dan]

Revolvers are not under rated by me, as I own quite a few~! :uhoh::)

[Walkalong]

I like em both as well. Touching off a .44 Mag in my Redhawk is fun I can't get from an auto. :)

[pax]

I don't under rate revolvers.

I also do not under rate semi-autos.

I'm a little irritated by people who do either.

Each type of gun has some specific benefits and some specific drawbacks.

Despite what revolver owners say, the limited ammunition capacity does matter, here in the real world where even a good shot can miss and where bad guys have friends too. Despite what semi-auto owners say, not many semi-autos are as stone-cold reliable as a good wheelgun, and that too can matter here in the real world where Lady Luck and Mr. Murphy sometimes gang up on you.

*shrug* Pick your own poison.

pax

[Deanimator]

1. Ignorance. Nobody's making really nice, practical revolvers anymore. S&W's turning out overpriced kitsch. Ruger's turning out a limited variety of klunky products. Dan Wesson hasn't made any of their normal sized revolvers since CZ-USA bought them. All the younger shooters know anymore is highcap autos and M1911s.

2. The "John Woo effect". Young boys (at least the ones who haven't been feminized) want to fly through the air, randomly perforating their surroundings, with a highcap 9mm in either hand. Actual pistol marksmanship is often an unknown concept.

I've bought four or five handguns in the last couple of years. Every one was a vintage S&W revolver except for a single Glock 19.

[Neo-Luddite]

Because it is often the best gun for a begining defensive shooter to understand, it is sometimes viewed as a 'beginers' weapon. In truth, many LEO's used to be required to carry the revolver for some probationary period (maybe some still do?) in their careers.

Gun people all have their little opinions on everything.

Makes it more argumenitive and fun.

[44and45]

I frankly don't trust an auto pistol to be operational when I would really need it.

Nor do I want my wife to try and operate one in an emergency, she is in her 70's like me.

But she can operate a S&W 5-screw .38 special revolver with huge 158 grain special swaged hollow point bullets.

My revolver of choice is a .44 special, or .45 Colt.

Though I do have a Randall .45 acp in its original box, but never shoot it anymore...having too much fun with the revolvers. :what:

Jim :)

[slow944]

I just picked up a Ruger Security-Six yesterday because I wanted a small frame 357 for CCW. I've got a couple more Revolvers in 357, a Colt Python 6" in Royal Blue, and a S&W M66-2 4" SS. But the little RSS with a 2 1/2" SS is really going to fill an empty spot as far as CCW goes. I'v also got semi-auto's in 9mm, 40S&W and 45acp. all are good guns and sometimes 10+1 in 40/45 on your hip feels really good.

[ArchAngelCD]

Even though I'm now 50 and have only been shooting for a year and a half my first handgun was a revolver and so was my second. Then I bought a Kel-Tec P-32 and another revolver. I just have a thing for revolvers, I guess that because I'm older and have more sense!! LOL

[jonsidneyb]

I carry both because they are different. It is funny when the revolver is out I will hear you should carry and automatic. So I then lay the automatic out on the bench. Then the comment comes back that I should be carrying two automatics. I have to stress that I carry both because they are different, not looking for similar in this instance.

[alucard0822]

I think any device that has been around since 1836, but still remains in widespread use 171 years later deserves some respect.

[glockman19]

I don't under rate revolvers.
I also do not under rate semi-autos.
I'm a little irritated by people who do either.
Each type of gun has some specific benefits and some specific drawbacks.
+1 I carry a S&W 442/642 because of concealability & reliability. I have a Glock 26 for carry and will soon add a Kimber Ultra but will keep with the revolvers as my main carry SD gun. They have no hammer or slide that can get caught on clothing and I fighure If I need more than 5 shots I need more practice. I will generally carry the j-frames in my pocket and the sub compact autos in a rig of some kind. Also depends on where I'll be and what I'm wearing.

[SlamFire1]

Outside of concealed carry, of which a shrouded Airweight is simply superb, the revolver is not longer considered the first choice for self defense. Revolvers are, and always were, dead nuts reliable. Their limitation is, and always will be, limited capacity. When it was a choice between a six shot Python or a seven shot M1911, the difference between the firearms was mainly theoretical. Now with 19 shot high capacity magazines (or so), it is hard to argue that if you were in a fight, the revolver is the better option.

Today’s combat games emphasize high capacity firearms, so the folks who play at that will be high capacity fans. For me, I prefer shooting my revolvers at the range, accuracy is superb, I can dump the empties into a can, and the thing takes less time to clean up than one of my M1911’s.

I still think that a revolver is a better self defense gun for most people, because most folks are not very gun savvy. It has been a real disappointment for me to find out that a couple of top name autopistols took over a 1000 rounds, parts replacements, magazine replacements, and removal of machine tool marks (like burrs around the firing pin hole) before I would trust my life to that semiauto. And then the thing has to be kept clean. Most folks shoot their guns once, and stick them in a sock drawer, or equivalent. For them the dead nuts reliability of a revolver is a better choice.

[FerFAL]

I suppose many kids only saw autos in movies and video games, so they don’t appreciate quality craftsmanship on Colts and S&W.:)
I like both, both have virtues and drawbacks, though the auto is the obvious better alternative for defense IMO.
Autos are more rugged, hold much more ammo in they high–cap variety, and most folks shoot autos better, specially when shooting fast as in defensive shooting.
Ammo is an issue too, yes, I plan on shooting a lot of ammo into each and every attacker.
Besides, “Bad Guys Weekly: Complete schedules and more!” hasn’t been delivered to me yet so I don’t know for sure how many BG will be attacking me tomorrow.:p
I like revolvers mostly because I have a small firearm collection and I love anything that goes boom. As a defensive tool I believe they fit niches such as hideout and secondary guns through the house, or back up weapons role better than main handgun ones.
A Glock would combine nicely with a 38 snubby as backup in the pocket. Both have no safety and always have the same trigger pull, so they operate somewhat in a similar way.

FerFAL

[W Turner]

Revolvers are underrated by many people because they are old technology. Not to say that they are inefective technology, they just aren't the most gee-whiz thing out there.

Semi-auto's also have a few advantages over them for self-defense use. Changing a magazine is mostly a gross motor skill, using a speedloader or moon clip is not. For a given amount of firepower, a semi-auto will be lighter in weight most times. Semi autos are more conducive to IWB carry than revolvers due to their flat profile.

For a general purpose gun, a six shot revolver in .38, .357, .41, .44, or .45 calibers is hard to beat. When you get into specific roles, the revolver struggles in many areas.

W

[BobTheTomato]

5 or 6 shots is the reason. With 12+1 or 15+1 semi autos (an I even remember seeing a drum mag for a 1911) many people view them as lacking firepower.

[Shawn Michael]

7 shot 686's and a 8 shot 357s are more and more common...so now you are in 1911/commander/officers territory. These cylinders are not that big either. Here in Calif and many other places 10shots is all you (legally) get with an auto, so the gap is not so far. I can reload 8 357's in a moon clip FAST....just a fraction slower than my glock mag.

You know what is scary, being on the bad end of someone who can shoot.

[1 old 0311]

If you can HIT what you aim at with 5, 6, or 7 you don't need 15-19 rounds.

[alucard0822]

A couple things that I learned in a handgun defense class to consider. If someone tries to grab the gun, or the barell presses against something, like a BG at point blank range an auto will jump out of battery, a revolver will not, also a steel frame revolver is less likely to suffer damage than most autos if you have to strike an attacker with it, especially with the butt of the gun (no mag floorplate), hey even superman will let bullets bounce off his chest all day, but if you throw a revolver at him he will duck:neener:

[Geister]

That really depends on which autoloader you carry, tinygnat219. If an autoloader is wider than 1.3" to 1.4" thick, I find that a .357 Magnum revolver is easier to carry since only the cylinder is wider.

[ArmedBear]

I know some disagree, but I'd rather explain a revolver to a newbie shooter, than a semiauto.

I've seen some scary stuff because people just don't "get" how a semiauto works, especially when the chamber is and isn't loaded. A revolver is obvious, if you have the mechanical aptitude of a Labrador Retriever.

I hate to say it, but while I adamantly oppose the California law requiring new semiauto pistols to have magazine disconnects and LCI's, I can see a very good reason for having these safety features on a semiauto handgun.

I can't tell you how glad I am that a kid I lent my old Star B to didn't shoot his foot off. He was just a nudge away from doing it! That's the last time I assume that his dad and his uncle had explained gun operation and safety to him before he came around to me.:eek:

[cherryriver]

Bona fides: I own more wheelguns than autos. I shoot sixguns in USPSA and IDPA and steel plate matches. I am absolutely crazy about Colt Detective Specials and Pythons and on and on.
But here's what it is: I carry a 1911. At an ICORE (revolver) match last weekend, the gag went around: "What's the difference between a wheelgun and a bottom feeder? The wheelgun's almost always empty."
That, from a big pack of sixgun lovers.
Suggesting that poor marksmanship is the reason for a preference for an auto is just not valid- I would suggest trying some sort of practical pistol match, such as IDPA. Never mind the number of targets. Just picture the first two or maybe three. Then put yourself in an awkward position, under as much mental pressure as possible (a timer with a crowd watching is a small amount of that, but enough for illustration), and then see if you can get good hits on those two targets fast enough. It's a lot harder than it is when you're out on the range with a couple of folks just shooting.
If there's three targets, forget it. You won't see three targets in self defense? Ask that security guard in Chicago yesterday- he walked in on three armed guys. He got one and got shot himself.
Meanwhile, hitting anything double-action at ten yards, in a hurry, under pressure, is harder (not impossible) and requiring of far more practice with a revolver than a 1911. I know, I've timed myself again and again. I shoot more DA sixgun than 1911, but I kick my own butt big-time when I use my .45.
I love my sixguns and I'm working on buying another right now. But I've seen me on the clock, and I know which works better, even for someone who practices hundreds of rounds a week.
And, incidentally, long ago we were trained that in close quarters, grabbing a revolver's cylinder stops the gun dead, without being exposed to the muzzle, like trying to unlock a Glock.
Flipside: ArmedBear couldn't be more right. Every newbie I bring in gets a .22 revolver to start with. They are indeed far easier to see the works of and comprehend. I figure about 100-200 rounds before I'll let them try the .22 1911.
Bill

[mashaffer]

Both actions have uses and advantages in different situations but both are viable. Those that simply poo poo the revolver often fall into the Mall Ninja catagory. Though I am mostly a revolver guy I have some interest in historical auto loaders. If I were to intentionally jump into a situation with a whole bunch of BGs I suppose I would want a .357 lever action carbine rather than any handgun. High capacity, high power, easy to reload while still in action. Don't have to stop to reload the magazines in a protracted fight.

mike

[HammerBite]

Revolvers are underrated by many people because they are old technology.
True enough. On the other hand, except for plastic and MIM, there's not much on today's semi-autos that wasn't already done by 1935.

[Texshooter]

S t o o p e d e t i I spose.

[sm]

Same reason people under rate a lot of things.

People do not investigate for themselves- it is easier to be matriculated into a group by parroting what the group says.

[L-Frame]

In response to Cherryriver, who definitely makes some good points: The security guard would have also been shot if he'd had a semi auto. He only got one before being shot himself, so if he used all of his ammo on the one he shot he showed incredibly poor judgement, and if he didn't, a bottom feeder wouldn't have helped since he obviously had ammo left when one of the others shot him.

Also, someone with a revolver does have to be more careful about ammo usage, but anyone facing multiple armed guys will be killed or survive based on tactics (use of cover, etc) whether he has 12 or 200 rounds at his disposal.

Personally, I've taken enough classes that for me, I don't think the odds of my needing more than the 14 rounds I carry (7 in the gun and 1 speedloader) will be any more great than carrying a semi auto and having it malfunction at the wrong time. I think both chances are remote. I've seen many semi's of all kind choke up, especially 1911's (and yes I've seen Baer's and Wilsons do it to), and I always hear, "not the guns fault I held it too close to my body and short stroked the slide" or "I leaned it against the barricade and impeded the slide". I don't care the reasons, they stopped. And they've stopped on me too. I've never had a revolver fail to fire.

I'm not saying there aren't any advantages to more rounds, or that many people don't shoot semi autos better, I'm just saying that I don't. Of course there are situations where more ammo would be needed. All I'm saying is that most people properly trained would be as well served with a revolver as with a semi-auto in 99% of civilian situations and the vast majority of police situations (but I'd still want a semi-auto as an officer).

[hhb]

If a revolver is good enough for Tony Soprano, it's good enough for me. He used one to hold off a mobster when he beat up the guy that dissed his daughter last week. Worked for him!

[Glockman17366]

People watching too many movies and believe what they see.

I own both, although I do own more semi-autos then revolvers. I like shooting both. My HD gun is a revolver and my most frequently carried piece is a revolver (that's due to weight and pocket carry).

[Jomax]

I own and carry both but I personally believe that the average shooter may be more deliberate with a revolver than with a semi-auto, particularly at the range. I think that some folks who own or rent semi-autos are "trigger happy" and equate rapid deployment of 10 or more rounds without any real accuracy as some great feat of accomplishment. Revolver shooters tend to demonstrate more self control and therefore greater accuracy. I see the revolver as being a much safer bet in the hands of a NEW shooter as it teaches more self control and self discipline so that better habits are developed before graduating to the semi-auto. Just my opinion.

[armoredman]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0060.jpg


I feel comfortable with either of the above, as I can hit my target. The CZ is a lot easier to carry, right now, (no holster for the M-10, or speedloaders yet), but I would feel just fine with either.

[N3rday]

I do have a soft spot for revolvers in my heart...but I can see the need for a weapon that doesn't have a long, double-action trigger pull every shot.
Not only that, but in a day and age where the standard mode of training is to double tap, 5 round does seem a little bit on the low side.

However, I myself wouldn't feel undergunned with 5 rounds of .38 spl +p, but I don't live near any bad neighborhoods, either. For me, I really just prefer a short, single action trigger over a long one. The majority of fights aren't going to involve more than three or so rounds fired.

As a range gun, its also nice not to have to pick up all that darn brass =).

[Feanaro]

While we ask why some people look down on revolvers(and I've seen it, especially when I compete in IPSC/IDPA type sports with one), perhaps we might look at ourselves too.

For example, the capacity issue. Some revolver shooters stick their heads in the sand and scream "no honest citizen needs more than 6 shots, I can shoot perfect everytime with my wheelgun of antiquated-ness! If you need more, you just deserve to die." They admit that, yes, autoloaders hold more rounds but don't want to think of it as an actual advantage.

[logical]

OK, that should just about do it. In the future people pondering this question will do a search and find this thread so it will never ever come up again......yup, totally resolved.

[748]

My 7.5''bbl Ruger super red hawk .44mag has all most as much muzzel energy as an M-16 or Ak-47 rifle.
It has plenty of thump.

[wildfowl]

They aren't flashy and one the TV/Movie Screen as much. Think about it back in the day everyone wanted S&W 29 because of Dirty Harry.
Now they see hoods with Glocks. Just the media

[Stainz]

If you are attacked by three armed assailants, you have to use common sense. Attack the leader - the mouthpiece - not always the biggest guy, that's for sure. Often, the remaining attackers will scatter - sometimes not - then you are toast. Of course, even if you were equipped like Rambo, with that M-60 and belt over your shoulder, you'd still have a real problem - and not just because the M60 wouldn't feed well (... or long!) with that twisted belt. You have an advantage if you use common sense... no one in their right mind would engage in a life or death exchange for pocket change. You can pick your battles - avoid many confrontations by using simple analysis - again, common sense. 5/6/7/8 rounds will suffice in nearly all situations... especially if you choose your battles and don't knowingly put yourself in badly outnumbered situations.

The greatest advantage a revolver has, other than dependability, is marksmanship - most revolver shooters are quite good with their firearms. Watching folks at a public shooting range as a part-time RO, I saw most folks adhering to the 'spray & pray' bottom-feeder creedo, where revolver shooters generally shot bullseye targets - and far fewer rounds. Still, it boils down to what you feel comfortable with, can conceal well, retrieve efficiently, and use effectively. If you don't already own such a firearm - you need to get one quickly - and practice.

Stainz

[jad0110]

The greatest advantage a revolver has, other than dependability, is marksmanship - most revolver shooters are quite good with their firearms. Watching folks at a public shooting range as a part-time RO, I saw most folks adhering to the 'spray & pray' bottom-feeder creedo, where revolver shooters generally shot bullseye targets - and far fewer rounds. Still, it boils down to what you feel comfortable with, can conceal well, retrieve efficiently, and use effectively. If you don't already own such a firearm - you need to get one quickly - and practice.

I agree. The ratio of revolvers to autos in my area is usually 3 to 1, and I have never seen a revolver shooter "spray and pray" at any of the ranges I frequent. That doesn't mean I won't one day. I have seen some fast shooting, but it was all impressively precise. On the other hand, I have seen a good number of auto shooters spray and pray. I have to stop myself from laughing sometimes. I once saw a guy with Glock 19 with a 33 round magazine dump all the ammo into (EDIT: errr, in the general direction of) a target at 7 yds in about 10 seconds - maybe less. I was kinda far away, but I think he hit the paper 7 to 10 times (I'm trying to be generous in my estimation), with perhaps 2 or 3 of those shots COM :o :p.

Now, that does not mean that an auto shooter is not capable of outstanding accuracy in rapid fire or that a revolver shooter won't resort to "spray and pray". But I have always seen it the other way around.

And don't think I'm knocking auto shooters. Most I see don't "spray and pray" and their targets end up looking pretty good.

[FerFAL]

You have an advantage if you use common sense... no one in their right mind would engage in a life or death exchange for pocket change.
You’d be surprised. I’ve known people that would kill for a pair of old sneakers. Not bragging or anything, just the truth. Sometimes people kill or hurt others just because, they don’t even need and excuse.
You can pick your battles - avoid many confrontations by using simple analysis - again, common sense. 5/6/7/8 rounds will suffice in nearly all situations... especially if you choose your battles and don't knowingly put yourself in badly outnumbered situations.
Again, not trying to be a wise a** or anything, but you CANT pick your battles. Sometimes you can defuse certain encounters, and defuse situations that would otherwise end up in killing, but other times you can’t, sometimes you don’t even know what hit you.


FerFAL

[LoveMyCountry]

My wife shoots very well with both my Taurus PT-140 and my Springfield 1911 but - she can't manipulate the slide! An old injury has weakened her grip strength to the point that she doesn't trust herself with a semi-auto for self defense. She found a Rossi snubby in .357/.38 with a rubber grip that fits her hand perfectly. Problem solved.:D

LoveMyCountry

[sportsterguy]

I too have respect for both. Weather permitting I carry a full size SA 1911 .45 with 2 Wilson 8 shot mags in a IWB holster. If I'm dressing light it's a S&W model 36. This is my go anytime/anywhere gun as I carry it IWB also and it takes a matter of 3 seconds to slip it in my waistband versus a minute or so to strap on the .45. I am a certified SAI who has never had to pull the trigger on anyone (thank God) but try to remember what I teach my students. Make the first shot a GOOD one versus spray and pray.

[skinnyguy]

I have a boatload of respect for revolvers. I like the way they look, I like the history behind them, I like pretty much everything about them, with a single exception. I am not attracted to them.

I've fired a couple of them, so I'm not totally ignorant of them, and the bullet hits the target, so I know I can manage them. Personally, I just prefer the fit and feel of a "bottom feeder". Maybe that makes me a bottom feeder as well in some people's eyes, but that is ME.

I have chosen what works for me, and if that doesn't work for someone else, that's ok by me. But I am not stupid, I'm not a victim of the TV stereotypes, I understand the differences between the two types, and what the abilities of each are. I have chosen what works for me, and respect other's rights to do the same.

[rj112275]

why? because they have never seen Jerry Miculek shoot a revolver.

watch him once, and you'll know that the gun is a tool. the person behind the gun is what matters. auto vs revolver? how about skilled vs unskilled.

[Golddog]

I'm a revolver fanatic; I've owned ten times as many of them as autos; and I have thousands of hours more experience shooting wheelguns. However, at defensive range (7-15 yards), I'm much more accurate with a 9 mm CZ than any DA revolver.

Single action semis are just easier to shoot well quickly than DA revolvers, for most people.

[DrLaw]

I think it is a media fashion statement. Somebody else here said it, too. People today are raised on plastic and movies and automatics are flashier and somewhat meaner looking than revolvers. (Remember the Desert Eagle pistols in some of the Ah-nuld movies and how even Dirty Harry went for a that .44 Automag? (Who has seen that gun lately?)

I was raised on revolvers, but I have automatics, too.

It all boils down to one thing. Practice, practice, practice. Doesn't matter how fashionable a gun is or how utitilitarian it is unless you know how to use it.

The Doc is out now. :cool:

[medmo]

Because revolvers are no fun to accessorize. You buy it then maybe throw some new grips on it and your done. With most autos you can bust out a catalog and dump a few hundred dollars on accessories from mud flaps to whip antennaes.

[Stainz]

Au contraire! The range emperor where I shoot just bought a 327 TRR8 M&P. Think of a multicolor alloy frame, black SS barrel, maybe a Ti cylinder, and... for the ultimate in revolver pimpdom - a rail below the barrel/lug - for that light/laser - and a scope rail atop the barrel/frame - for a reddot. Add some of the 460/500ES grips - your choice, fluorescent orange or yellow (Those X-frame grips also fit K, L, & N-frames!), and you have 'accessorized' a revolver... and made me hurl!

I showed him my JM PC627 V-Comp... he wanted to trade - NO WAY! Of course you are correct - you can change grips and sights. Most of my SS Rugers have had something else happen to them... I sanded & polished away that 'Ruger Bible' from the barrel side... they look so much better. The latest Rugers have finally moved that verbage to the bottom of the barre/lug - a great improvement.

Stainz

[Plink]

Today it's all about "coolness" and capacity. The spray and pray mentality has taken a deep hold on many otherwise intelligent folks. Same with "coolness". A revolver is "old technology" and that just won't do with some folks for the same reason that the 1911 is constantly being harassed as outdated. Newer isn't always better. I learned that lesson when I switched from real black powder, to the newly introduced Pyrodex back in the 70's. Personally I prefer "old technology". It has proven itself.

[Stainz]

Here I go again! Ahh, real black powder... that hydrogen sulfide smell - nothing like it. Sadly, although you could buy it even at Wally World one time, no one locally carries it. I use it sparingly - it's effect, clearing the adjacent lanes at the range on a windless day, is still there. I still have an unopened bottle of Pyrodex - a gift from my wife with the ROA some years back. I know it works, but I still remember the chem eng who developed it reportedly died in a plant fire.

I guess it's a known fact that Jerry Miculek could shoot 8 shots at 10yd into the 7-ring in 1.01 seconds from a 627 8-shooter. The 627, with it's short stroke hand yielding a short stroke trigger - and standard trigger return spring for a rapid return - makes a revolver most folks could fire faster than a tricked 7+1 1911. Of course, put a softer return spring, to lower the DA pull, and you'll slow down the return - and there goes the speed advantage. Still, a Performance Center tweaked S&W is a delight to shoot... and, yes, they are neater than those evil-bottom-feeders that just rudely cast their empties asunder. Yeah, I'm getting to be a cantankerous old revolver-guy!

Stainz