View Full Version : Revolver or Bottom Feeder for CCW
jason97496
February 24, 2009, 07:53 PM
What do you recommend for concealed carry?
and Why?
Glockman17366
February 24, 2009, 09:10 PM
It depends on the person and their familiarity with firearms.
Personally, I always carry a snubby in my pocket. If I can dress appropriately, I'll have a Glock 19 on my hip too.
All that said, I'd answer revolver on this poll.
Ed Ames
February 24, 2009, 09:38 PM
semi for most people.
So long as you familiarize and train you can load 2-5 more in-gun w/ easier reloads. I don't think I would advise someone I thought couldn't work a semi.
Revolver for those who could conceal it better and know how to shoot.
glockgod
February 24, 2009, 09:54 PM
It depends on the person and their familiarity with firearms.
Personally, I always carry a snubby in my pocket. If I can dress appropriately, I'll have a Glock 19 on my hip too.
All that said, I'd answer revolver on this poll.[QUOTE]
Damn! I'll never get the hang of that "QUOTE" thing!!
Brian Williams
February 24, 2009, 09:59 PM
I like the idea that the Revolver is a self-contained system, No mag to lose, no slide to move, no extractor to cause stove pipes, etc.
jad0110
February 24, 2009, 10:00 PM
Didn't vote. Depends on what you shoot best, are most confident with and you are going to carry.
That said, I do prefer revolvers, though I like 1911s too.
rangeops
February 24, 2009, 10:08 PM
I chose semi-auto because that's what most trainers use. However, many people choose to use revolvers. Lots of folks use them for backup or pocket guns.
Why make a decision? Buy both!
orionengnr
February 24, 2009, 10:46 PM
I don't have the expertise to make recommendations--I've only been shooting pistols for about 44 years. :)
I take people to the range, let them try both types, and let them make up their own minds.
glockman19
February 24, 2009, 10:51 PM
I can shoot my S&W 442/642/640 from my jacket pocket, NO Safety, NO ejection issues. I can't do this without a snag with any semi-auto either Glock 26 or 3" 1911.
The Lone Haranguer
February 24, 2009, 11:06 PM
I prefer pistols for their ease (for me) of shooting, flatter profile, greater capacity and ease of reloading. But I don't get too wrapped up in the "which is better" thing and will not criticize anyone's choice of one or the other.
geronimo509
February 24, 2009, 11:07 PM
I chose an autoloader and I agree with the above post
wyocarp
February 24, 2009, 11:30 PM
The only reason is for more available rounds.
skoro
February 25, 2009, 12:21 AM
I carry both and choose depending on conditions. I tend to prefer revolvers, but find myself carrying small autos more often these days.
Kind of Blued
February 25, 2009, 12:54 AM
BOTH!
I carry at least one of each every day.
Elm Creek Smith
February 25, 2009, 03:00 AM
I carry a revolver or two...or three. If I'm forced by circumstances to engage at contact range (which was the only time I had to use a gun in self defense), a revolver won't jam if you have to shove it against the target.
ECS
ironvic
February 25, 2009, 03:05 AM
For me, I can only speak for myself. So make it a revolver, unless I'm in a semi-auto mood. Depends. I mostly choose a .357 Magnum revolver, though.
71Commander
February 25, 2009, 08:59 AM
I do carry a revolver but 6 days out of 7, I carry a Commander size 1911, cocked and locked. It's very comforting.
chupacabrah
February 25, 2009, 11:51 AM
I voted revolver, but i say BOTH
Duke of Doubt
February 25, 2009, 12:16 PM
Revolver for HD, but autoloader for carry. Higher capacity and faster reloading.
sgt127
February 25, 2009, 01:23 PM
The vast majority of the time, I carry a 3" Smith M-65 as an off duty gun and one speedloader. It works, its reliable, its easy to carry and highly rust resistant. I too see the greatest chance of a off duty encounter being a knock down drag out fight that turns into a gun fight, close range, up to and including grappling range. You keeping a knife off of you with your weak hand, on your back fighting someone off of you. Fighting a carjacker through the front window of your car. Horrible grip, one handed and upside down, the reliability of the revolver seems more important to me than capacity or even sights. MAYBE I need to take a shot at someone across the distance of a parked car or two, either way, the gun is capable of the accuracy needed.
Now, If I am going to an inner city mall or wandering around the big city, I may carry an auto with an extra mag. Theres no denying the advantage of better sight radius, better sights, higher capacity particularly if I am having to go into offensive mode, hunting the shooter in a mall or finding myself in the middle of a gang fight...
Both have advantages, given any particular set of circumstances. If it came down to only choosing one, I think I could carry a good revovler for the rest of my life and feel pretty good about things.
S&Wfan
February 25, 2009, 11:47 PM
I carry both at different times.
If forced to have only one CCW-type firearm, I'd keep my S&W Model 37 Airweight snubbie, because it is concealable in virtually any type situation, is very light in weight yet packs good "punch" with five rounds of .38Spl.
It WILL go bang each and every time, as it has for decades and is very simple to operate under stress.
All the rest of 'em are "niche" weapons . . . great in certain situations but not others, but the M37 I call my "always" gun because it is always on me!
IF one is dedicated to carry concealed, and believes in it . . . you need a gun that can be carried all the time, not just with certain outfits or seasons. Thus, everyone needs at least one weapon they are good with that can fit this bill.
Gardien
February 25, 2009, 11:55 PM
642 for me. (K.I.S.S.)
wrs840
February 26, 2009, 02:49 AM
Smith 442 every day. I'd rather have my BHP if someone's kicking the door in, but it doesn't fit in my business-duds, and there's a lot of good arguments for a revolver in a high-stress situation.
Les
researchdoc
February 26, 2009, 12:06 PM
I think it is great that the poll is so close!!! Revolvers ARE NOT DEAD!
Redhawk1
February 26, 2009, 03:58 PM
I voted semi-Auto, but I carry both.
possum
February 26, 2009, 04:33 PM
semi auto.
higher capacity capabilities, quicker reloads, as well as easier to carry spare ammo. easy to conceal with the right gear.
mrt949
February 26, 2009, 05:58 PM
I SAY BOTH SEECAMP 32. ALWAYS .REVOLVER IN CAR :rolleyes:
orionhawk
February 26, 2009, 06:16 PM
didn't vote. for me, it depends on how I'm carrying it. I carry a S&W442 in my pants pocket, almost all the time, because its is so comfortable and easy to conceal, and because I can put my hand on it without being obvious if, say, I need to cross a dark parking lot. I carry a SA XD40 subcompact or a full-size 1911 on my hip when I can conceal it effectively.
for pocket or purse carry, I'd definitely say revolver. otherwise, whatever the shooter is comfortable with.
glassman
February 26, 2009, 08:01 PM
While I'm getting dressed in the morning, I think about the day ahead of me. What do I have to do, what kind of neighborhoods am I going to be in...stuff like that. The answers will make the decision for me as to what I will need to protect myself. Most often, it's a 642 holstered IWB but if I'm going to be on foot in the city (especially at night) The cz goes on the belt and the 642 goes in the pocket.
kentucky_smith
February 26, 2009, 08:10 PM
Hard to beat a j-frame for simple effectiveness.
ronnie perdue
February 26, 2009, 09:45 PM
45 cal. is the best,1911 colt
Dragk913
February 27, 2009, 12:35 AM
Wow...47 Revolver Votes, 47 Semi-Auto Votes..
Like others have said: There is no "best" handgun. It all comes down to your personal preference and what you're best using. SA's have a higher round capacity, revolvers have different cartridges. There are large and small variants of both types of handgun.
Once I get my ccw, I plan on carrying SA for the majority of the time. But as it stands now, my main HD handgun is a Colt .357 magnum.
Go try out different guns and see which you like best, which one feels right in your hand, and which one you can fire accurately.
Good Luck!
jad0110
February 27, 2009, 02:33 PM
I think it is great that the poll is so close!!! Revolvers ARE NOT DEAD!
Yep. As I said earlier, carry what works for you ... I won't pick on you either way, unless it isn't reliable ... or you don't know because you don't practice with it.
I tend to shoot revolvers better/more consistently. For example, I can shoot a S&W 642 better than a Glock or Springfield XD, and the 642 is the revolver I am least effective with. I like the long DA trigger pull, as it makes a nice counter balance and is more precise for me (though oddly I prefer 1911 triggers to all other autos I've tried). I also generally prefer revolver sights, as that front blade on a thin rounded barrel is easier/faster for my eyes to pick up quickly than other sight systems, though again that is a preference thing. As for reloading, I've gotten to the point where I can recharge a revolver about as quickly with a speedloader as my 1911. Of course, I practice revolver reloads much more frequently than I do 1911 reloads.
YMMV
loneviking
February 27, 2009, 09:08 PM
Here is what I own and carry:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/loneviking/Threeguns.jpg
All in .38/.357. Simple to operate; rugged; reliable; can fire any sort of bullets; easy to handload for and easy to find ammo for. You can scoop up a revolver and immedietly know if it's loaded. A revolver is safer, IMHO, than a semi-auto. Doubt it? How many ND's/AD's do you hear of that involve a revolver? Accuracy? Usually better, especially at longer ranges than a semi-auto. Ergonomics? The butt of a revolver fits the hand of most folks better because it's curved and follows the form of the hand.
There's nothing wrong with a semi-auto, but they just aren't my first choice.
22lr
February 27, 2009, 09:43 PM
I carry my 5906. I have a revolver but id just rather carry the big honking 5906 for some weird reason. Its reliable as all get out, accurate as my revolver and so I figure why change.
jjohnson
February 27, 2009, 11:36 PM
There's days when I think people posting polls should pass a test first.:barf:
sidheshooter
February 28, 2009, 01:58 AM
I'm mostly a revolver guy, for many of the reasons touched upon in posts above.
Of course, if someone else wants to carry a quality, flat and load-tested auto, I'm not one to chastise.
OBTW, mine is often an ancient 36-1 3-inch heavy barrel chief, a la Frank McGee...
jason97496
February 28, 2009, 03:48 AM
what sort of test would you suggest that I take?
I recently purchased one of each and am scheduled for a concealed hand gun class. I posted this poll to find recommendations on which handgun I should become proficient with first. Which should get the majority of my ammo budget, and practice time.
I am sorry if I offended you jjohnson.
rainbowbob
February 28, 2009, 04:15 AM
Revolver for me - a J-frame snub. and I'm thinking about adding a New York reload. Like most revolver folks, simplicity and reliabillity are what draw us to that choice.
But I'm surprised it's so close. I had assumed that semi-autos were the most popular.
aHFo3
February 28, 2009, 05:03 AM
Revolvers are so simple, and my 442 is made for pocket carry. Although, I have a Glock 26 on my short list.
Lonestar.45
February 28, 2009, 11:24 AM
Semi, because I really really like THIN pistols for IWB wear.
Now, if I changed the way I wore it and went OWB, I might consider a revolver. But thinness rules IMHO when it comes to CCW weapons (with of course reliability being first and foremost).
sohcgt2
February 28, 2009, 03:59 PM
I would recommend whatever the carrier is most comfortable with. Both in terms of familiarity and what fits their body type. A 5 foot tall woman weighing 98 lbs would have great difficulty carrying a S&W 500 or Desert Eagle .50ae while I at 240 lbs and 6 feet can conceal either. I carry a G22 and a Ruger SP101 for backup.
AKElroy
February 28, 2009, 04:22 PM
I don't have the expertise to make recommendations--I've only been shooting pistols for about 44 years.
I take people to the range, let them try both types, and let them make up their own minds.
Perfect answer--Everyone is different & we all need to find what works for how we dress, or body shape & what we shoot well. After trying dozens and dozens of different carry combos over the last 13 years, I have settled on what works for me; I wear dress slacks or suit pants for work, and the large pockets allow plenty of room for my primary CCW G27 in a nemesis PH. When wearing jeans, I switch to a S&W 340 in the front pocket (no name suede pocket holster) if I am tucked in, or a full size 1911 in a high-ride pancake holster w/ an un-tucked shirt providing the conceal. I always carry an extra mag or speedloader in the opposite pocket--Helps to balance out the weight in addition to the comfort of having a quick reload.
TimboKhan
February 28, 2009, 05:14 PM
I don't know that I recommend one over the other, but I personally carry a revolver.
dakotasin
February 28, 2009, 06:17 PM
i carry a j-frame for every day business carry. it conceals better for me than autos do in business attire.
on weekends, i'll sometimes switch out for the sig 229, but today is a weekend and i'm carrying the little smith.
it comes down to comfort... i far prefer autos for myself if i can pull it off, but my reality is i carry a revolver.
Dr.Awkward
March 1, 2009, 01:36 AM
Me, I carry a revolver. Easy to conceal a snubnose, and the reliability puts my mind at ease. Relatively speaking.
Lawnman380
March 1, 2009, 08:58 AM
The one you are your Best with......
NG VI
March 1, 2009, 04:02 PM
I love my two S&W revolvers, have a 4" N frame and a 6" L frame, both .357, very accurate, I feel great with them. However, they are heavier than any of my three or four carry autos fully loaded, and I carry service-style autos. a Glock 23 with 14 rounds of .40, a better trigger, lighter weight, easier/faster reloading, and most importantly a much smaller profile feels much better to me than my Highway Patrolman that I can't really conceal because of the grip shape and cylinder.
Claude Clay
March 1, 2009, 04:04 PM
ua left out BOTH
S/A strong side & j-frame weak side pocket/backup
HD Fboy
March 1, 2009, 06:03 PM
Chose Semi-Auto because I have a Kel Tec 32 that fits in my front pocket. But i have carried revolvers more than the KT. I also have this nifty SP101 5 shot 38 that has a bobbed hammer, worked action, and has been bead blasted. fits nicely in a coat pocket and is much more accurate than the KT.
jason97496
March 5, 2009, 02:02 AM
I am impressed with how well revolvers are doing in the poll
-v-
March 5, 2009, 02:09 AM
Semi. My XD holds 17+1 rounds versus 6 in a revolver. No need to carry a reload. Lack of a cylinder bulge and overall shorter length makes an Semi much easier to conceal.
Plus, if its worth shooting once, its worth shooting 17 more times. I mean volume is what makes shotties so deadly. No one seems to complain about the lethality of 00-buck even though each pellet is on par with a round of .32ACP.
altitude_19
March 5, 2009, 07:45 AM
WOW...pretty evenly matched here. I go revolver day-to-day (reliability). If there's a better chance I'll need it (visiting a friend in a bad part of town) I upgrade to semi-autos for capacity. If I KNOW there's a fight I can't avoid, I'm bringing a rifle. :evil:
MedWheeler
March 5, 2009, 08:39 PM
Not my business to recommend one over the other. The differences between the two are heavily described (to death, actually) here and elsewhere, leaving more than enough information and opinions for the reader to peruse. Personally, I carry one or the other whenever I go out, and feel armed either way.
I notice that, as I type this, the poll is pretty much split right down the middle..
Bw2k2000
March 5, 2009, 10:02 PM
WOW dead even after 170 votes. I voted semi-auto but truthfully you should carry what ever you are confertible with in my openion
Dulvarian
March 6, 2009, 12:05 AM
Lol, this is my very first post here. Auto.
I actually carry a Cougar 8045F on an OWB, small of the back carry. The conceal is perfect, any shirt with any tail. Shorts and a T, jeans and flannel, suit (though the weight kills 'pretty belts'). If I'm in a heavier jacket, I carry my G21 in an OWB on my hip. If I'm feeling lazy, I grab the little S&W 908 9mm and stick in my pocket. I carry everywhere I can. No one is cool enough to carry inside a federal installation that doesn't carry it for the job.
And in about 15k rounds through the 3 guns, I have never had a misfire, ftf, or fte. I understand the simplicity of a revolver being a selling point, but I have never had a problem. A female friend stovepiped the 9mm, but she was letting the gun roll her hand. (It took me a minute to figure out what was going on. Never seen that before.)
I've never had a problem with accuracy either. The Glock prints inside the silhouette at 100 yards. With a long, careful aim, and the utmost zen, I dropped a shot in at 1" off dead center at 100 yards with it (had a buddy with a spotting scope. He was on the bench. I wasn't). I shoot 1-2" groups at 10 yards with all of them with about a half second to acquire and fire. I find it fairly hard to believe that you would be able to prove in a court of law that you feared for your life if the guys is 30 feet away from you.
It's you. Not the gun, that's really just an expression of the shooter.
Hostile Amish
March 6, 2009, 12:34 AM
Semi-automatic simply because of the hand fit and convenience.
BrokenButterfly
March 6, 2009, 12:38 AM
Don't get me wrong. I love revolvers! more than I love semi-autos. but when it comes to concealing the revolver is just too bulky and uncomfortable. I prefer a nice clean walther PPK.
PT1911
March 6, 2009, 12:40 AM
I prefer a semi-auto simply because they are slimmer and easier to conceal comfortably. generally..
but you cannot beat the dependability of a good revolver..
jjohnson
March 6, 2009, 08:58 AM
I don't have the expertise to make recommendations--I've only been shooting pistols for about 44 years.
Yep, me, too, but I've only had 46 years of handgun shooting. :D
I generally carry a Mak in .380 because it's utterly dependable, rugged, and way more accurate than it should be :what: I've been known, though, to carry a CA Bulldog in .44 Special. I like the bigger bores, but the Mak is a good pocket/waistband fit, and newer SD ammo in .380 makes it almost enough gun.
MR.G
March 6, 2009, 10:22 AM
I carry both.
CoRoMo
March 6, 2009, 02:08 PM
I recommend a pistol that can reliably chew out a dozen or more rounds.
Meowhead
March 6, 2009, 05:17 PM
Yes.
propex
March 6, 2009, 05:50 PM
I carry both but reccomend on the person who is asking, qualifications
KBintheSLC
March 6, 2009, 06:01 PM
I recommend you carry the platform you are most comfortable with... for me its an auto. But they both put lead in bad guys.
357sigRog
March 7, 2009, 03:34 AM
My main ccw is my glock because I trust it and I know it will go bang. But I also like carrying my .38 Special too.
texas bulldog
March 7, 2009, 12:09 PM
i voted revolver because it's what i carry. but i would be just as happy to carry a semi if i found one that i could conceal as comfortably as my SP101 in a caliber larger than a .380 pocket pistol.
jad0110
March 7, 2009, 04:53 PM
Posted in the wrong thread, don't know how ... sorry. :o
searcher451
March 8, 2009, 01:13 PM
I carry a Walther PPK/S daily and trust my life to it; it's reliable, accurate, dependable, and it fits my hand and my confidence. But that doesn't mean that it's the right gun for you or your brother or your wife or anyone else you know. The trick is always in finding the gun that you are comfortable with -- revolver, semi-automatic pistol, derringer, whatever -- and can depend on and shoot accurately and conceal properly. That's the gun that's right for you.
BikerRN
March 9, 2009, 04:14 AM
I recently purchased one of each and am scheduled for a concealed hand gun class. I posted this poll to find recommendations on which handgun I should become proficient with first. Which should get the majority of my ammo budget, and practice time.
If it were me I'd start on the Revolver.
It's been said that Revolvers are "the easiest to learn on, but the hardest to master" and I agree. If you can learn to really run a revolver, anything else is a piece of cake.
I started on Revolvers as a kid. As soon as I could I went to a "bottomfeeder" but always find my way back to the wheelie. For the past two years I've been packing a wheelie off duty. Prior to that it was a plastic "bottomfeeder". Now I'm packing a High Power and a "snubbie" off duty.
I generally switch platforms every couple of years to stay current with all the choices, but would have no problem carrying a wheelie only. I have choices, and I like that. I didn't vote because I carry both, but would give the nod to the Revolver for two reasons, easier administrative handling and ease of operation. bear in mind though, to get halfway decent with one requires more practice than an Autoloader, IMHO.
BTW: the way I get around the capacity arguement of a revolver vs Semi is to carry three of them. Most likely I won't need a reload, or even have to use all the rounds in one revolver, but if I do, I want to be prepared.
BikerRN
L-Frame
March 12, 2009, 12:56 AM
A revolver is easier for me to conceal in an IWB holster and I like the cold reliability of a wheelgun. For me, the blocky grips of a semi make it tougher to conceal. I love the simplicity. I know I have 5 or 6 for sure. Don't worry about safeties, limp wristing, etc. Just point and pull.
weisse52
March 12, 2009, 10:56 PM
Yes, and if you look at the vote total you will see that it completely supports this.
BT2Flip
March 12, 2009, 10:59 PM
I like XD's....
.45 cal 13 + 1
9mm 19 + 1
ComradeBurg
March 13, 2009, 01:24 AM
In general I recommend people get something akin to a j-frame revolver. Revolvers aren't going to fail to work at a critical moment. If a round doesn't fire you just pull the trigger again. And it's been shown in average gun fights usually only one or two bullets get fired.
If a person is experienced with semi-automatics and is willing to take the time to train for thing like failures to feed I recommend them. I personally carry a semi-automatic.
ScareyH22A
March 13, 2009, 02:22 AM
I made the same hard decision today as a matter of fact. I was contemplating against a S&W 642 and a Kahr PM9. Before I narrowed it down, I was also considering polymer framed autoloaders as well but decided against them because of the thickness. And I also was looking at a Kimber Super Carry II because it's slim and I love 1911's but also because of a thumb and grip safety as well as carrying .45's. But ultimately I dropped the idea of a 25oz (empty) gun because at work, I'm constantly moving about and contorting into vehicles and the extra heft is a bit much. Also, I wouldn't wanna stratch that beautiful finish. :P
Between the 642 and the PM9, I weighed the pros and cons down to:
642
Pros - reliable, no FTF and FTE's, 12lb DAO pull
Cons - recoil, 5rds, I can't reload quickly with a concealable reload strip, .38 special
PM9
Pros - slimmer and smaller print than 642 and quite possibly forgotten about in a pant pocket, 6+1rds, magazine reload is quicker for me and carrying extra mags concealed no problem, 9mm with higher velocity, less recoil than J-frame for possibly better follow up shots
Cons - 6lb DAO trigger pull with no safety, heavy slide recoil spring needs some getting used to.
I chose the PM9. I'm waiting for a holster or two. I still want a 642 as well tho. Maybe later.
denfoote
March 14, 2009, 03:50 AM
Depending on my mood, I either carry a revolver or a semi auto.
Right now I'm in revolver mode carrying a Smith and Wesson 65-6LS (Lady Smith) K-frame .357mag. :evil:
Deanimator
March 14, 2009, 03:40 PM
I voted for the semi-auto because that's what I have the most of for carry, but they're interchangeable to me. I alternate a S&W 3" Model 65 with several semi-autos. When I know I'm going to have to disarm a lot (posted locations, restaurants with liquor licenses, etc.) I carry a S&W Model 36 in a pocket holster.
MCgunner
March 14, 2009, 04:28 PM
You can't really go wrong with any service caliber gun, even .380, that fits your needs. For me, personally, I feel that the subcompact pocketable 9x19s are just about perfect for my needs. My personal gun is a Kel Tec P11. I won't go into bashing, but to say that there are other choices if you don't like mine, such as Kahr and Rohrbaugh. But, a functional, accurate 9mm in a pocket just makes a whole lot of sense to me.
That said, I like revolvers and own more revolvers than autos. Nothing at all wrong with a 642 in that pocket if you just prefer the revolvers. I have an ultra lite M85 Taurus I carry when I'm in the mood, but my KT is more compact, and it's easier to carry a reload for. Speedloaders are bulky. The spare mag fits in a knife sheath.
Ruodo
March 14, 2009, 04:46 PM
Like some have already said, it matters more what you feel more comfortable shooting.
I have always been a big fan of revolvers though because you never have to worry about jams. Misfire? Just keep pulling the trigger.
hicksdm
March 15, 2009, 08:36 PM
I mainly carry a Ruger Speed Six but recently picked up a NAA Guardian in .32. It fits so flat in the pocket that it is my ec=verywhere carry. So far it is my only auto but I am thinking of picking up a Glock 17 this week.
10-Ring
March 15, 2009, 09:50 PM
Yes -- both work fine -- IMO, both will work depending on the user's commitment to master their specific platform
JImbothefiveth
March 15, 2009, 09:58 PM
I prefer semi-autos, because they have higher capacity, usually let you know when you run out of ammo, and a glock or 1911 will have a better trigger than a DA revolver. Revolvers might be more reliable in a fight over it, although this could be bad. For instance, you could fire an autoloader to jam until it jams if someone trys to take it away, although I suppose you could try to fire all the rounds out of a revolver. It's also quicker to reload a semi-auto.
jason97496
March 18, 2009, 03:40 AM
looks like this thread has pretty much run its course.
I guess I will not get the easy answer that I was looking for. The poll is nearly tied. I guess the answer is that neither gun is better than the other. Everyone has their own opinion.
I truly expected a clear favorite.
Mr. Alloy
March 18, 2009, 04:11 AM
Haven't read the whole thread, so this has all probably been said:
I chose semi, because first of all, if I need to use a gun, I want it to be as accurate as possible, and I want to be able to take follow-up shots quickly if necessary. Revolvers go BOOM, and semi's go SNAP-SNAP. Or at least in my experience.
Also, if you're concealing, you're going to have a much better time with a single-stack auto.
As far as reliability, you know you've got the first shot, and if you're doing your job and carrying a reliable pistol, you aught to have the second shot, too.
Plus semi-autos look meaner, and 90% of defensive use is looking mean.
kmbrman
March 18, 2009, 08:18 PM
Actually the revolver is as reliable as any device can be ,but most of us probably like the round count of the semi-auto, as long as it is stone cold reliable.
HammerheadSSN663
March 18, 2009, 11:14 PM
always a S&W Airlight .38 snub for me in BLACK inside front right beltline.
coosbaycreep
March 19, 2009, 01:36 AM
I only open carry, as I don't have a CCW yet, but I pretty much always carry a kel tec .32. When I get my CC permit, I'll still probably carry the kel tec, mainly because of how small and light it is, but I still voted revolver, and I still trust/like revolvers more than semis. There just isn't any revolvers that can match the size and weight of a kel tec, and my KT has a clip that enables me to carry it on the chest strap of my backpack without a holster, which makes it more convenient than a revolver in those regards as well.
Joshu
March 19, 2009, 12:34 PM
A Smith and Wesson J Frame is very hard to beat.
I was once confronted with an attempted armed robbery. The robber had a single barreled shotgun hidden in his pants. He surprised me by trying to pull it out at close range. I immediately grabed it by the breach and the barrel. What followed (it not that clear on the video) was us going round and round with him trying to point it at my head and me keeping it between us. The entire time I was trying to pull my knife out of my pocket,he was much bigger than me so I of course couldn't afford to let go with either hand more than a spilt second. I seized my chance on one of the go rounds and with a sharp tug set the shotgun off between us. Finaly I was able to get my knife out. He broke the gun open and started to reload, then saw the knife. I'll never forget the look on his face when he realised he wasn't going to get it chambered. He retreated dropping two 20 gauge 00's and then took off running. (There's a video of it posted by a friend on youtube).
Anyway, my point is, is that once my knife was out and open, that was it. I didn't need to worry if it was the safety was on, if it had a round in the chamber, accidently dropping the magazine, etc. I carry a Kimber Pro TLE, because I don't have a stubby .357 or 38 at the moment. If I did I would carry the revolver or both.
Wolfeye
March 19, 2009, 09:10 PM
My "why" of choosing revolvers:
Most of the encounters involving guns are over after just a few shots are fired, or even no shots at all. No need for large ammo capacity in most of the situations that a civilian could find themselves in. If they do find themselves needing the extra capacity, they are probably too outnumbered & outgunned anyway. Or they're an actor on an action movie set.
I also don't like the way automatics look. Too much plastic, not enough steel. Plastic just doesn't do it for me, no matter how it's been molded.
Plus, I like to carry a snubbie magnum as a CCW when I go out hiking. Per shot or per ounce, a revolver will almost always have the edge of power over an automatic.
Wolfeye
March 19, 2009, 09:14 PM
Joshu, neat story. I'd heard that some martial artists prefer revolvers for grappling with someone like that - a slide might not function if it's pressed up against something. A revolver cylinder can also be stopped, but it's not as easy.
jason97496
March 22, 2009, 01:22 AM
I read through this forum and thought that I made my decision.
A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Taurus 605. This is a very nice small .357 revolver. I put 100 rounds or so through it and went looking for a comfortable concealable holster.
I had trouble finding a holster that I liked, and came home with a Glock 19.
Now I am back where I started.
Malodorousroadkill
March 22, 2009, 12:18 PM
Both have strong points. Revolvers aren't picky about ammo choice, are extremely easy to use(load, render safe) but are low capacity, load slowly, and the longer heavier triggers make the pistol harder to use accurately. Autos jam a bit easier, and care must be taken with ammo choice, short models may give some folks with weak hands problems drawing back the slide, but faster reloads, easier hits due to the usually lighter trigger, and generally higher capacity.
But its just what you like and feel comfortable carrying. I tried carrying an auto but it turned out to have light strikes, and now I carry a j-frame .38 and I trust it entirely. But I realize that I must practice more with it than I would perhaps an semi-automatic.
txgolfer45
March 22, 2009, 03:16 PM
Both! :D Semi for main CCW IWB and S&W 642/442 for backup pocket carry.
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