Autos vs Revolvers. A different take.

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sgt127

sgt127

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I love revolvers. The simplicity. Reliability. I own a bunch of revolvers from 22 up to 44 mag. The 38 and 357 have always been one of my favorite calibers.

if I shoot three cylinder fulls of 357Magnum in a K frame it hurts. Quite a bit. There’s a magic little spot on the first knuckle of my thumb that takes a ferocious beating. I don’t have very big hands, so to keep the gun centered up in the web of my hand, I need to use fairly small grips. I’m okay with 22, 38 special, and 44 special. 357 magnum, 41, 44 magnum are just miserable.

anytime I try to use wraparound grips that offer some padding on that horn, I have to rotate my hand even further to reach the trigger, putting the recoil right into that thumb joint.

However, I can shoot several hundred rounds of 357 Sig out of my P239, and I’m fine.

The slide eats up a lot of the recoil, the single stack grip I can wrap my hand all the way around and still reach the trigger, and the gun is sitting lower in my hand. Creating a radically different recoil impulse compared to a revolver.

Am I the only one?
 
Like you, if I get that same thumb joint behind the frame, I get the same hard smack into my hand.

Luckily, while my hands are small, I can still get that joint out of recoil's way as long as the grips on the gun aren't too large in circumference. Which means I can shoot smaller DA/SA revolvers with hard grips without pain.

My ol' Taurus 85UL with .38 +P and my S&W 66-2 with .357 mags (both are snubs) have fairly small circumference hard grips on them. Put a larger circumference grip on either of them, and that thumb joint gets aligned back into where the recoil hits.

Regarding compact semi-auto pistols, I've never fired .357 Sig. The closest to that for me would be .40 S&W and .45 ACP, with my Glock 36 something I actually own. I've always thought that my G36 is a softer shooter than my alloy framed 85UL.
 
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sgt127 said:
Am I the only one?
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Nope. I definitely can shoot a few hundred more rounds -- comfortably -- in one range session with semi-autos than were I shooting exclusively revolvers.

I do know that I don't like shooting J-frames, especially Airweights, with +P. (I don't like straight blowback .380 autopistols either, though.) And I sure don't like shooting .more'n a few cylinders of .44 Magnum, or even more'n one cylinder of .357 Magnum out of a S&W 640.

I put two hundred rounds of full house .357 (125 grain, 158 grain) through my 4" Python the week I bought it -- in one session. Wrist was a little sore after -- broke my right (shooting side) wrist many years back, and there's always some soreness there, but the finger joints and hand bones don't trouble me. For me, it's all in the grips on the guns. I have Pachmayr "Grippers" on my most frequently used revolvers, and they're excellent. Kim Ahrends' Combat Finger-groove grips work well for me.

4 Python 3.jpg 627 Pro.jpg CobraX.jpg Model 19-3.jpg Diamondback.X.jpg

But yeah, for me at least, shooting revolvers leaves some lingering discomfort that's not felt if a comparable range session involved only autoloaders.
 
I prefer revolvers. I do like my semiautos, but I prefer to shoot my revolvers.

I have kind of an opposite view on semiauto vs revolver shooting. I have big hands but have had the trigger guard smacking my middle finger so I adapted by changing grips. Experimenting with grips can get expensive, but it was worth it in the end.
My main problem with semiautos is the action of the slide causes me more wrist pain than heavier (heavier as in .357 mag or .45 Colt) recoil from revolvers. I no longer shoot heavy recoiling handguns. That’s why God made rifles. ;)
I have arthritis and damage to both of my wrists so the slide running back and forth can be painful over time. A snappy 9mm semiauto it not “fun” to shoot for me.

I must say though that even before my wrist issues I still preferred revolvers because I like revolvers more.
 
I've owned various revolvers in the past: Speed Six 357, Redhawk 44, N-frame 44, Dan Wesson 44, S&W 38 Bodyguard/ Centennial 442 & 642.
We have 3 revolvers now: 357 S&W 686 (my first centerfire from 1987), Charter Arms 38 (first gun I bought my wife), Charter 38 (belonged to wife's mom).

So, though I've owned various revolvers, I'm not "into" revolvers and never carry them.

As the OP said, (and I agree) felt recoil from a revolver is more than a pistol of comparable power.
A 38 snub has more felt recoil than a Kahr PM9 which is similar in size and holds more ammo.
Kahr PM9: Corbon 115 +P JHP @ 1,264 fps / 408# KE

I've got a 357 Sig barrel for my Glock 35 and though power with 125 gr. is comparable to a 4'' 357 Mag revolver, recoil is not.
125 HST @ 1,415 fps / 556# KE
125 Ranger T @ 1,428 fps / 566# KE

A snub (642) is actually close in size to a Sig 365:
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/sig-sauer-p365-vs-smith-wesson-model-642

Shooting through a jacket/coat pocket is not a concern for me in FL. (often cited benefit of a 442/642 snub)
Concealment in NPE like work is not a factor and if it was the PM9 with small hand sanitizer to help break outline would have to suffice.
"Quick trip to the store?" Would I rather have 5-6 rounds (snub) or 11 rounds (Sig 365) with quicker subsequent shots. No contest, for me.

For someone not "into" guns or unwilling to carry a semi with loaded chamber a revolver may be the best choice. Neither applies to me.
 
I've shot many different handgun semi-autos and revolvers in calibers from 22LR to 460S&W quite manageably, but the worst beating I ever took was with 357Mag loads in a J-frame M60. I have large hands, and it cut up my trigger finger after 3 rounds. However, I've never had thumb pain.
 
Yup, same knuckle here. :)

I prefer the grips that are smaller, and dont cover the backstrap. I can get a better grip, get that knuckle a bit more out of the way and the grips that leave the backstrap exposed, tend to be wider at that spot and spread the recoil better. They also dont mess with your trigger finger placement.

The autos have never been a problem for me, and in that case, I actually prefer the fuller, double stack grips over the single stacks. The Berettas and Glocks are about perfect.
 
I haven't fired the same round out of a revolver and a semi-auto, but I'd much rather shoot a bunch of .45 Auto out of a semi-auto, than a bunch of .357 Magnum out of a revolver. A box of 50, .357 Magnum is pushing my limits of fun, but a couple hundred rounds of .45 Auto out of a 1911 isn't much of a problem.

A single stack .45 Auto, like a 1911 is more comfortable in my hand, than most revolvers that can fit the .45 Auto round like S&W N-Frames that is a bit large for my tastes.
 
I enjoy K framed sized 38spl revolvers and 36-43 ounce 357 revolvers but I've got rheumatoid arthritis especially bad in fingers wrists & shoulders. I love shooting revolvers, looking at them and even cleaning them. I reload 357 cases to a level that's comfortable for me and shooting my 38spl/38+P reloads is not an issue. Shooting these revolvers loaded as I do is probably easier on my hands than my two 9mm semi-autos.
 
I will say my semi’s definitely have less “felt recoil” and so far as defensive shooting is concerned I’m sure I shoot them with a better balance of speed and accuracy.

I tend to shoot my revolvers more accurately but much slower, the autos are a better choice (for myself) for defense.

But with that said, I seem to enjoy shooting my revolvers more. I’d generally rather shoot 50 rounds with them than shoot 100 rounds with my semis, usually. Also the recoil doesn’t really bother me that much I’ve got to shoot a decent bit for any real pain to show up.

My advise, shoot what you want and carry what you want, and do it for whatever reasons you want. Ignore internet advise.

And I’ve leave on that oxymoron.
 
The slide of a semi-auto does spread that recoil impulse out making recoil more comfortable but a grip that fits you hand right is just as important. In my experience a comfortable grip is even more important on a revolver. Change the grips on your revolver to fit your hand better. I bought a S&W 625 that came with a set of JM wood grips. It was going to be used in USPSA competition. I had been using a S&W 610 with Hogue over-molded grips that I had modified slightly. After the first practice session with the new 625 the first joint on my thumb was killing me. I tried to stick it out through a few more practice sessions and shot one match with those JM grips and then gave up on them. I bough another set of Hogue over-molded grips, modified them in the same way and away I went in comfort. I have the same modified grips on all my N-frames and shoot everything from 38 Short Colts in the 627 to some pretty powerful loads in the M29 and do so with comfort and control.

This is not to say the Hogue grip is the best this is to say that do whatever you have to to get a comfortable grip that fits your hand and you will shoot better and in more comfort. Change grips, grind on, cut, build up, add grip tape etc, whatever it take to be comfortable.
 
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I love revolvers. The simplicity. Reliability.
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Revolvers are far more complex than semi's and are less reliable under most conditions than modern semi's. 75-100 years ago a semi might have been less reliable but those issues were corrected years ago.

Revolvers still fill a role and are a good option for some people. But for what I do I'll take a semi every time.
 
Used to love the .38/.357 revolvers but have shot it less and less as time passed, the .38 SPL are fine and pretty enjoyable. The .357 in the SD loads I have aren't fun after about 2-3 cylinders. Enough drama and if I am not concentrating enough holding it, that quick snap of recoil tingles the wrist and a flinch follows. When I was younger shooting .44 mag wasn't enjoyable, no desire to have one of those in a revolver. Ammo prices remain high so I've run through what I had in .38 and .357. :( Sold the 586 last week.

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The action and trigger release is much nicer on the revolvers since mine have been tuned. Putting them where I want is easier with a 2.8#-3.2# SA break, the 5.5# DA is controllable too.


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The autos I have 9mm and .45 which aren't difficult to handle and are easier on the hands. The flat firing pin stop on the 45 tames it a bit more to my perceptions. Hot 40 and 10 I've not liked so I don't own or shoot those. The 9mm triggers are in the 6# range so I have to be conscious how I pull through. The .45 is 4.5#'s which is pretty easy.
 
sgt127 said:
I love revolvers. The simplicity. Reliability.
Click to expand...

I am in the same boat.

When I discuss this with semiautomatic preference folks I opine that revolves are more complex in design, but more simple to operate, than semiautomatics.

I also speak to toughness as abuse (semiautomatics) vs neglect (revolvers) as there is a difference.

I also dislike loading magazines and chasing brass, so there's that.

:)

-Stan
 
stanley_white said:
I am in the same boat.

When I discuss this with semiautomatic preference folks I opine that revolves are more complex in design, but more simple to operate, than semiautomatics.

I also speak to toughness as abuse (semiautomatics) vs neglect (revolvers) as there is a difference.

I also dislike loading magazines and chasing brass, so there's that.

:)

-Stan
Click to expand...

Also a big revolver fan but despite the simpler manual of arms in concept being proficient with many of these actions is more difficult and requires more diligent practice. Shooting a revolver, especially fast and double action as is likely is real world applications takes more practice to become equally proficient as a semi-auto. And reloading is significantly slower and more fumble prone than a semi-auto. I am a big fan and avid user of revolver but when I take a honest look at them they bring very few features that are better than a semi-auto in the self-defense/LEO application.
 
Hmm...I reload everything I shoot (except for .22)... I don't want to chase my brass. For MY typical range session, I'm shooting revolvers.
I'm even shooting .22 in a K-22, so I don't have to bend down to clean up brass...and 'cause it's more cost effective.
 
I understand the Op’s point about recoil, the older I get the less I like a big recoiling anything. I have zero preference revolver over semi because to me it depends on the application. The right tool for the job.

I do have to add a twist though. Magnums were specifically mentioned. What Semi Auto does anyone shoot that is a true equivalent of a .357 or .44 Magnum. It’s really not a apples to apples comparison. A 9mm is for sake of argument equivalent to a .38 +P. In a medium or full size gun there is no real recoil to speak of with either. Compact like a Steel J frame to a Sub Compact 9 there is recoil with both but manageable not painful. Similar size and weight. Air Weight type J frames do recoil a bunch but there is really not too many 9’s in the 13 oz range, 17 and up usually. You can get a J frame at 11 oz in .357 which takes special kind of sadist to enjoy. Nothing in the Semi Auto to compare it too. What is the smallest/lightest .357 Sig 20 something oz’s.

Big bores, a .45 1911 is not even on the same page as a .44 Magnum ballistically. Similar weight and size though. .44 Special is closer to .45 ACP and in the same 40 oz gun recoil is soft. Out of my 19 oz Bulldog .44 Special is not a long range day. Neither would be a 19 oz .45.

I think y’all get my point. The Semi Auto does absorb some recoil. I just don’t think they can honestly be directly compared.
 
From many years of teaching folks to shoot, revolvers are easier to teach, autos are easier to shoot.
As far as back to back comparisons, I've a 940 and a P365; there is a huge difference in perceived recoil firing the same ammunition in both guns. The 940 was a long desired acquisition, and I was disappointed with the sharp recoil. I've an older .38 640 that is much milder with full charge wadcutters.
The solution was to load 147gr 9mms at about .38 velocity; then the 940 was relatively pleasant to shoot.
BTW, what works for me with hard, sharp kickers is a bicycle glove; it's padded in the grip and thumb root area, but leaves the fingers free.
Moon
 
wcwhitey said:
I understand the Op’s point about recoil, the older I get the less I like a big recoiling anything. I have zero preference revolver over semi because to me it depends on the application. The right tool for the job.

I do have to add a twist though. Magnums were specifically mentioned. What Semi Auto does anyone shoot that is a true equivalent of a .357 or .44 Magnum. It’s really not a apples to apples comparison. A 9mm is for sake of argument equivalent to a .38 +P. In a medium or full size gun there is no real recoil to speak of with either. Compact like a Steel J frame to a Sub Compact 9 there is recoil with both but manageable not painful. Similar size and weight. Air Weight type J frames do recoil a bunch but there is really not too many 9’s in the 13 oz range, 17 and up usually. You can get a J frame at 11 oz in .357 which takes special kind of sadist to enjoy. Nothing in the Semi Auto to compare it too. What is the smallest/lightest .357 Sig 20 something oz’s.

Big bores, a .45 1911 is not even on the same page as a .44 Magnum ballistically. Similar weight and size though. .44 Special is closer to .45 ACP and in the same 40 oz gun recoil is soft. Out of my 19 oz Bulldog .44 Special is not a long range day. Neither would be a 19 oz .45.

I think y’all get my point. The Semi Auto does absorb some recoil. I just don’t think they can honestly be directly compared.
Click to expand...

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Direct comparison. I can shoot 200 rounds, enjoy every minute of it.

upload_2022-4-6_20-29-3.jpeg

20 rounds, I’d swear I got hit with a splitting maul in the web of my hand.

I get it. It doesn’t affect everyone. I used to shoot .357 Magnums, .41 Magnums in a model 58. .44 Magnums. I’d shoot until my hands were bleeding from the cylinder release. And a little split in the web of my hand.

This is different. There is a magic spot where the horn recoils and twists into that literally feels like getting hit with a hammer.

upload_2022-4-6_20-36-48.jpeg

There’s a joint right there. The knuckle of that joint. Probably from years of shooting all the other crap!
 

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I can palm a basketball so I guess my hands are somewhat large. I can shoot semi-autos all day and not worry about it. The week I retired I went through a SIG Optics Instructor Class and I believe we shot between 500 and 1,000 rounds of 9mm a day for a week. No issues.

For magnum revolvers I don't normally shoot that much in a range session. If I go through 100 .41 magnum in a session I will switch out to something less invigorating. Shooting .38 Special, .45 ACP (revolver), or light-loaded .45 Colt I can shoot a lot without issue.

When I was very young (16 years old) I borrowed a Model 29 from a friend and proceeded to put about 300 or so full-power rounds through it in a single range session. That was a one-time event never to be duplicated!
 
CDW4ME said:
For someone not "into" guns or unwilling to carry a semi with loaded chamber a revolver may be the best choice. Neither applies to me.
Click to expand...

Excellent point. Carrying a semi-auto with one in the chamber is a bit spooky to me compared to carrying a loaded revolver. Not that I have ever carried, but I have walked around the house with the loaded revolver in a pocket holster. I keep the chamber empty in the semi-auto and in a home defense situation would have to rack it.
 
Have you tried Uncle Mike's rubber grips? I have medium size hands. I replaced the factory wood grips on my old 6-shot Taurus M66 357 Mag with Uncle Mike's "K-frame" rubber grips 25 years ago and never looked back. It made a significant improvement. Full power 357 loads don't bother me in the least with those grips.
 
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