[Handyman]

Why do more people prefer semi auto handguns over revolvers for ccw or nightstand guns ? Is it just because they hold more ammo ? It seems to me that for the average person a revolver is a better choice - Easier to operate and clean - less can go wrong when ts hits tf .

[usp9]

Reasons I carry an auto over a revolver;
I can't shoot small revolvers very well. The trigger gets me every time.
Autos in general are thinner, easier to conceal.
In general they hold more rounds, but not in all cases obviously.
Many modern autos are very reliable.
Shorter...a four inch barrel auto is usually much shorter than a four inch barrel revolver.

[AirForceShooter]

Who says' there's a preference?
There are a LOT of people that use wheelies.

If you have been reading the boards in the past year it looks like the J frames are making a major comeback for self-defense.

AFS

[madcratebuilder]

I carry both auto and revolver, but for a nightstand gun I prefer a revolver. Being startled awake in the middle of the night, I want something that is point and shoot, no safety of any type. My nightstand gun is the only gun in the house that is not secured, I would rather a $400 revolver be stolen versus a 1k 1911.

[weisse52]

I have an semi for my nightstand for several reasons.

I like the 45 ACP for a defensive round, proven for many, many years. Best selection for that is an auto
I want to attach a light, again best selection for that is an auto
I like to have lots of rounds and quick reload, again to auto.

For CCW auto is flat, easy to carry, and lots of rounds in compact package.

I also have a wheel gun ....very small wheel...but all the same a wheel that is a constant carry, or BUG. (NAA mini)

For most the shape and firepower of an semi makes sense.

Your experience may be different.

[ravencon]

It all come down to preference.

For night stand duty I like my Sig 220 with tritium sights and a light mounted on it (a couple of other lights are next to it as I like redundancy).

For most other self-defense applications I prefer revolvers.

[Henry Bowman]

All of the above. But I will add that, while most revolver grips feel nice in the hand, I find them very uncomfortable to shoot. A 1911 grip, for example, took a long time to feel right in my hand, but I could always hold it more firmly and shoot better with it.

[Geno]

That was no dumb question...in fact it's pretty smart!!!

According to Lil Joe, one of the sergeants at Southfield PD, he has had as-many failures with duty-revolvers as with duty-automatics...3 each. :what:

He advised us that he carries an auto simply due to number of rounds. Furthermore he advised that it is more prudent to carry a 9mm over a 40 or 45 due simply to number of rounds. As he put it, a 9mm will strike the spine and stop the attack as-quick-as a 45. In such a case, the number of rounds then rules.

I happen to agree with him. Again, very smart question.

Doc2005

[Black Knight]

I carry both. On the job I have to carry a Beretta 92FS, off duty I can carry whatever I feel like. I was first trained with revolvers and my first duty weapon was a 6" Colt Python. I believe the newer batch of shooters train with semi-autos and they stick with what they know. Nothing wrong with that. The trick is to find something that works for you. Some of us know both revolvers and semi-autos and feel equally confident with whichever one we carry. Both are good, it is just that we tend to get used to what we train with first.

[Ringer]

Why do more people prefer semi auto handguns over revolvers for ccw or nightstand guns ?
Simple answer for me - I shoot them better. I don't even like that I shoot them better because I have always "liked" revolvers. I had my SP101 converted to take moonclips, had the trigger rounded, an action job done and had the cylinder camfered. After all that I still can't make consistent accurate shots. So I have a $700 SP101 (plus a couple nice holsters) that mostly sits in the safe :(.

[arflattop]

I like both, but I just seem to shoot a single action better than a double. The 1911 has always just felt right in my hand. It's all subjective, right? That's why we have so many different makes and models..

[Ed Ames]

I'd like to have a more defense-oriented revolver but every time I go to a shop and look at the guns I come away shaking my head at the price of revolvers compared to semi-autos. There are several very competent CCW/home defense semi-autos in the sub-$300 range and by $400 there are a lot of decent choices. The less expensive revolvers tend to be over $400 and quite a few of the ultra-light CCW revolvers seem to hover above $700 for five shots.

So, to me, revolvers are recreational and high power guns (how many semi-auto pistols, apart from the joke "AR pistol type guns, will you find in the over-44mag range?) while semi-autos are utility guns.

I wish it wasn't so. I reload and revolvers are MUCH nicer for a reloader. But maybe that's better in that when I'm practicing more defensive handgunning with a semi-auto I don't worry about brass and when I practice target handgunning with a revolver I can easily recover the shells. The fact tht the operation is so different may keep me from policing my brass if I ever find myself in a defensive situation.

[boalex207]

For some uninformed shooters, it is the look of a semi as well as the "stigma" attached to revolvers that they are "old school" or outdated technology.

I hear these reasons in HCP classes.

For most shooters, a wheel gun is the way to go because most simply won't dedicate the time to train for stoppages, malfunctions, etc. but they buy and carry a semi-automatic anyway.

[RNB65]

I prefer semi-autos because of increased capacity (15+ vs 6) and a lighter trigger pull. I've never enjoyed shooting revolvers in DA due to the heavy trigger. I'll take a 5.5lb Glock trigger over a 10-12lb DA revolver trigger any day.
-

[Rexster]

Among the computer generation, who are more likely to be posting on internet forums, autoloaders may seem more popular, but I believe there are far more revolvers doing nightstand duty than autos. If for no other reason, revolvers had a head start of half a century, and even well into the eighties, many folks considered autos too finicky and high-maintenance to be considered for self-defense, much less nightstand duty, where low maintenance might be desired. Moreover, a good stout sixgun is still a formidable weapon; though I use a SIG P229 as a duty pistol, I like the idea of opening hostilities with a sixgun if I have time to choose.

[FieroCDSP]

I'm sure there's a lot of police officers that carry an auto on the hip and a snubby 38 or 357 as a BUG. When the chips are down, the reliability of a revolver can't be beat, because they've been around over 120 years in one form or another, so the experience is there in the manufacturing areas. The cost is my big factor. I can get two cheaper semi-autos for the price of one good revolver. I know that the comparison is not quite equal, but most people prefer the faster follow-up and more rounds in an auto.

Personally, I think some autos are fugly, most are attractive, but a revolver is a thing of beauty, even the Taurus guns. I just wish I could afford a nice Smith. Heck, I wish I could afford a lot more of any guns.

[420Stainless]

There are some single stack semiautos that fit my hand better than any other handguns. I use those for self defense. I also like the flat profile better for carry. It wouldn't bother me much if I had to fall back on one of my 45 Colt, .357 or .38 spl. revolvers for some reason though. High round counts and easy reloads are good combat features, but I don't take them into consideration for my perceived defensive needs.

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Mamma's got a Colt Cobra on her side of the bed. My truck gun is a Ruger SP101, and when I'm not packin a bitty revolver, I sometimes carry a 1911 of some sort.

Different strokes for different folks. (or my mood, or that that revo is quite a bit lighter than my other semi-autos)

-Steve

[10-Ring]

At home, I prefer a semi auto's fire power but, as a small concealed carry gun, my current fave is a good ol' j-frame ;)

[FireArmFan]

i just happen to prefer auto's over revolvers, I've shot revolvers and they are fun, I want to get a Ruger GP100 but I like autoloaders much more. Just my preference though.

[massglockman]

i would be willing to say that the trend goin to the auto in recent years are the increased capacity and slimming profile. Why carry six when you can get 10 plus in similar size. The revolver i like at night on nightstand problem with that is im not very accurate with it but hey i would rather get the six off with ease rather than gettin the semi and not gettin them out im groggy when awakened early

[BlackBearME]

I've just revently converted to the Revolver school of thought. But before that, it was for the reasons above - extra capacity, increased concealability (though really, once you get past the cylinder, a 2" snubby is just as easy to conceal as most other things out there.)

[FourNineFoxtrot]

The main reason I have a semi-auto by my bed is that it was my first pistol, and I'm more familiar, confident, and accurate with it than any of my other pistols. Also, it's the only full-size pistol I own, and if I'm gonna grab a gun in the middle of the night, I want to grab the most serious gun I can.

That said, I'd have no problem using a revolver as a bedside gun. I'd rather not use my Taurus snubby if there's something better around, but if I had a larger revolver, like a K-frame Smith or something, that wouldn't be bad at all.

[CajunBass]

I used to be a "revolver guy" back in the day. When I got out of shooting for a few years, I sold most of my guns. When I came back into a few years ago, I was looking for a small CC gun, and semi-auto's seemed to fit the bill better than revolvers. Also the "look" of the revolver had changed a lot and I just didn't like the look anymore. The "K" frame Smith was gone, as were the Ruger Speed and Security Six's. (I'm talking new here.)

Now the only revolver I've got is a Ruger Single Six, 22.

[DrLaw]

:D I've been thinking about getting one of those .22 Short NAA revolvers, but putting Pachmyar grips on it and porting the barrel to help control the recoil.

Whaddya think?

The Doc is out now. :cool:

PS. Yeah, I'm being silly. It's all preference and what you learn with as to what you like to have with you at night. Kinda like the toothpaste you use. You use what you like and are used to.

[MachIVshooter]

Logical reason: Higher capacity

Subjective reason: Comfort; most people seem to favor the feel of an autoloader.

[Pitt762x54r]

Trigger pull and grip shape.


Also, ever try shooting an airweight snubbie for fun? It hurts! I can take a 9mm subcompact for about the same size (a little heavier), double the capacity, and get a lighter trigger pull. I am considering a small revolver to replace the p32 to get more power and reliability for when I need deep cover.

For HD, I'll take whatever is handy. Don't care if it's a p32, shotgun, or cowboy revolver.

[Green Lantern]

I carry both auto and revolver, but for a nightstand gun I prefer a revolver. Being startled awake in the middle of the night, I want something that is point and shoot, no safety of any type.

I agree ('cept I don't currently own a revolver TO carry), but that's why my carry Glock does double duty as a nightstand gun. :D

For "bump in the night use," I agree that being able to have a light mounted to the weapon could be a big plus. However, I actually don't have one on my G19. Like I said, it's also my CCW gun, and I don't feel like putting a light on it every night and then taking it off every morning. :/ I keep a light with a lanyard by the bed as well. And thus, I guess I COULD use that just as well with a wheelgun...

[Geronimo45]

It seems to me that for the average person a revolver is a better choice - Easier to operate and clean
Highly subjective. If you can operate a washing machine or a dishwasher, you ought to have no problem clearing any and every malfunction a semi-auto can give you. People seem to exaggerate the 'complexity' of semis... mine's got less controls and buttons than my alarm clock.
What are you good with? A semi or a revolver? I'm a tad better with a revolver, so I opt for that... generally. The 1911 does have CT lasergrips on it, though... so it sometimes does nightstand duty.

I like the revolver because of it's grip shape, too... I don't have to worry about being too low or too high - just grab, point, and click. Not likely to be an issue, but it's a comfort all the same. The shiny front sight also helps for low-light stuff, I expect.

Since the wheelgun's my primary CCW, I like to practice with it and keep it for nightstand duty the majority of the time. Other times, the 1911 takes the job.

[Mike J]

I own 2 semis that I would use before I would a revolver in a defensive situation. One of which I use as a CCW. As others have said this is because of round count. Also because they are what I am most familiar with-what I shoot best. But as far as a nightstand-hd gun I really prefer my mossberg model 500

[buttrap]

Where I live its a no brainer. Due to the game laws its not legal to have a loaded hand gun in a vehicle. A revolver that means its empty vs a self loader just the pipe cleared with a loaded mag. Also a loaded revolver is not a nice thing to have on hand with small kids in the house vs small kids cant rack the slide to run a round into a 1911 with a mag in and chamber cleared.

[Ed Ames]

small kids cant rack the slide

Something to consider...

The recoil spring on most semi-autos is somewhere between 13 and 21 pounds. IIRC the 1911 uses a 16lb spring. I have one gun with a 21lb spring and it's quite stiff (as in working it wrong could leave me with a hand that hurt for hours). The average small child weighs significantly more than 16 or 21 pounds. I'd go so far as to say that small children includes children of up to maybe 50 pounds.

That means they can easily work the slide of a 1911 or similar semi-auto. They may not be able to do it with upper body strength alone but they can put that weight to work pretty easily.

Hook the rear sight or part of the slide on the edge of a table or rung of a chair and lean some of that 21-50lbs body weight into it. Not a problem at all and it's actually a good thing to know how to do with a defensive weapon in case you injure one hand. Many kids won't do it that way. They'll hold onto the slide with both hands and push the grip against a table, stair step, or similar... it's easier and more obvious and they probably aren't thinking about the fact that the muzzle is pointed right at their chest as they play. There's another way that's open to all children who have friends or siblings: One kid holds the trigger guard, the other kid holds the slide, they put their feet together, and play tug-o-loaded-gun.

Just food for thought.

[Green Lantern]

Ed beat me to it....

I've never handled a 1911 ( :( ), so I don't have any hands-on experience with racking the slide on one. I used to have a DA .22 revolver with a really, really stiff trigger pull....

If I absolutely HAD to choose....ah, I don't know, it's a losing prospect either way. Which is why I'm glad it's not a choice we really HAVE to make! Just don't leave the durn gun UNATTENDED at any time, and it won't be an issue, eh?

I'm not a parent, but I do have two nephews, and that's enough to teach me to never, EVER, "underestimate" the abilities of a kid - especially as it relates to them doing something dangerous! :what:

[Rexster]

Another voice here, warning that an amazingly young kiddo can figure out how to work a slide to chamber a round. Toddlers are VERY good at mimicking adult actions, and working a slide is shown on TV all the time, even if they have never seen Mommy or Daddy do it. Toddlers are also geniuses at figuring out alternate ways to accomplish a task for which they lack sufficient strength. No, I did not lock up all the guns; I locked up all but one, and carried/wore it, or stored it in a way that someone would have to get past me to reach, in a way that I could not miss.

[DrLaw]

Pitt762x54r said,

Also, ever try shooting an airweight snubbie for fun? It hurts! I can take a 9mm subcompact for about the same size (a little heavier), double the capacity, and get a lighter trigger pull. I am considering a small revolver to replace the p32 to get more power and reliability for when I need deep cover.

I'll pretty much guarantee you that in an actual shooting situation, you will not feel it if you had to shoot. For some reason, too, some people never even hear the shot(s). Adrenalin kicks in big time and your mind will be racing too fast to start feeling your hand having been bucked by a gun. :what:

Now, I will agree that just plain practicing with an airweight or a mag snubbie can sting you after a while, but you won't be shooting 50 rounds at home. If you do, it means you've just woken up in a 'DEATH WISH' movie set and been cast as the next Charles Bronson. :D

The Doc is out and amused now. ;)