Why semi auto handguns are my favorite type of arm...

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Hokkmike

Hokkmike

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In my hunting, target shooting, and SD applications the guns I enjoy most are the semi auto pistols.
I have thought about it and come up with the following reasons. I know that this points, being opinions, are arguable - so have at if you like.

1. This is the platform that is best suited to SD.

2. Semi auto pistols spend the each and every day with me and provide the most user time for the money.

3. This may sound odd, but the design and function of the semi auto pistol makes them seem like they are almost alive.

4. They are available in an wide array of design and calibers.

5. Most are reasonably priced. But you can spend from $150 to over 5K if you want.

6. Semis have the "look". Some may say that older well engraved shotguns prevail here but the pistols, to me, are the jet fighters of the firearms offerings.

The fact that two intelligent and trained shooters can disagree over what constitutes the essential features and preferred caliber/design of the semi pistol just kind of adds to their mystic.
 
A college professor would give you a D
1: Give evidence to support your argument that the platform is "Best suited for SD"
2: They don't spend their day with you, You spend your day with them They are inanimate objects and have no choice in the matter. The same could be said in regards to my underwear
3: Have you been drinking again? Pistols are not alive. Now revolvers are different. They call out to me when I enter the LGS
4: Ditto rifles and revolvers. Bolt, lever, pump Semi auto for rifles. Single action or double action revolvers . . . .huge array of calibers for both.
5: Same with revolvers. You can get a Heritage for $125 or a Korth for a few thousand
6: If molded plastic is " The Look" then you've got me with this one. For some, "The Look" is finely crafted forged steel with a precision fit between the frame and crane.
The fact that 2 intelligent and trained shooters have to spend part of their range time practicing " Failure Drills" says it all about semi auto handguns
Just having fun with the subject and don't mean any disrespect to the OP. I think all guns are pretty cool!
 
I don't like revolvers. They are with a few exceptions much heavier than the corresponding SA pistol. Just too much solid metal for the functionality it provides. The triggers are annoyingly difficult even on the best of them. They don't have sufficient reserve ammunition. They are slow to load and unload. They are bulky around the cylinder. If you are committed to a clean gun, they will drive you nuts with all the extra areas that need to be cleaned.

I agree with OP. The SA pistol is the one true handgun.
 
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Oh boy, blasters vs lightsabers again......:p

I enjoy all fire sticks, but probably have the most fun with my old milsurp bolt guns, so I would have to say they are my favorite arms. Not the most tactical, not the most practical, can't do everything perfectly.....just favorite.:)
 
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I have semi's, revolvers, and single shots. I like them all. I prefer semi autos for carry just for the practical reasons of magazine capacity and width.
 
I'm a semi-auto pistol guy myself, but I do appreciate a finely crafted revolver, especially the kind that are a nice blued steel with some nice wood grips. Heck, my favorite semi-auto pistols have to meet the same criteria to be considered "good looking".
 
I could just not see myself with either or, I love revolvers and autos. I used to waiver back and forth a little way back when, but just simply love both now, and have for quite some time.
 
I not gushing but yeah a semi-auto is my preferred platform, but I hate spending money on mags.

If .45 revolvers were common and reasonably priced I may have a few more, but as it is one for hunting is my max.
 
Jonesy814 said:
A college professor would give you a D
1: Give evidence to support your argument that the platform is "Best suited for SD"
2: They don't spend their day with you, You spend your day with them They are inanimate objects and have no choice in the matter. The same could be said in regards to my underwear
3: Have you been drinking again? Pistols are not alive. Now revolvers are different. They call out to me when I enter the LGS
4: Ditto rifles and revolvers. Bolt, lever, pump Semi auto for rifles. Single action or double action revolvers . . . .huge array of calibers for both.
5: Same with revolvers. You can get a Heritage for $125 or a Korth for a few thousand
6: If molded plastic is " The Look" then you've got me with this one. For some, "The Look" is finely crafted forged steel with a precision fit between the frame and crane.
The fact that 2 intelligent and trained shooters have to spend part of their range time practicing " Failure Drills" says it all about semi auto handguns
Just having fun with the subject and don't mean any disrespect to the OP. I think all guns are pretty cool!
Click to expand...

At least I got a passing grade!!
 
I like them for 2 reasons- first, because I am most comfortable with them from decades of practical use, and second, I am convinced that they are most suitable for combat. Combat can be offensive or defensive in nature, and doesn't always involve humans. Since there are is no hazardous wildlife of any species anywhere I go that a 9mm, 40, or 45 ACP can't take care of, I don't need a magnum round, ergo, I don't need a revolver- even though I have several that live in a safe.
 
I have both and really have no preference. There are a lot more revolvers in the safe but I do have a few autos. My favorite is a Kimber Pro Carry that I've owned since early 2000. The GLOCK 26 just works in any conditions but I don't like it as much as the Kimber. The M&P 40 is probably not going to hang around to long, this one I find annoying, not the gun its self but the mags.
 
I'm a semi guy myself but like all handguns. As far as revolvers go I prefer SA over DA though.

Don't own much of either currently, but that will change with time.
 
Semi-autos make great defensive weapons. For one thing, they generally have a greater ammo capacity than revolvers, and secondly they are much faster to reload.

On the downside, they throw your brass all over hell and gone, and they are ammunition sensitive.

That's why for self-defense I carry an M1911 with two spare mags, and in the woods I carry a Colt .45 and two speedloaders.
 
After numerous jams with buddies in the field in do have a prejudice against semi auto shotguns and prefer pumps.

Other than that I like semis
 
Vern Humphrey said:
Semi-autos make great defensive weapons. For one thing, they generally have a greater ammo capacity than revolvers, and secondly they are much faster to reload.
Click to expand...

Vern Humphrey said:
That's why for self-defense I carry an M1911 with two spare mags, and in the woods I carry a Colt .45 and two speedloaders.
Click to expand...

You choose a semi that offers little, if any ammo capacity advantage and cite better ammo cap as a reason. Humerous.

Not a criticism, I have carried a 1911 many a time and love em. The post just amused me.
 
JR24 said:
You choose a semi that offers little, if any ammo capacity advantage and cite better ammo cap as a reason.
.
Click to expand...

Lemesee what's so humorous. I carry an M1911 with a round up the spout and an 8-round magazine. That's nine rounds -- 50% more ammunition than a 6-shot revolver and 80% more than a 5-shot revolver. With two spare 10-round magazines, I have 19 rounds with a single reload and 25 shots total, as compared to a 6-shot revolver with two speed loaders (18 rounds.)

Seems significant to me. :)
 
Winkman822 said:
I'm a semi-auto pistol guy myself, but I do appreciate a finely crafted revolver, especially the kind that are a nice blued steel with some nice wood grips. Heck, my favorite semi-auto pistols have to meet the same criteria to be considered "good looking".
Click to expand...

OK, more gratuitous gun porn ...

S&W 29 DSCF0029_zpse2131a61.jpg
 
My favorite part about a revolver is dumping the brass into my hand. That’s why I will never buy a 10mm or 460 Rowland ect... I would go bankrupt buying brass.
 
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