On Multiple Assailants, and the controllability of a revolver
This note is in two parts, and both to affirm my thought that 6 rounds is enough.
First, while noting the likelihood of facing several attackers, we must let, at least, these two considerations enter our calculations. "A" is that if they are determined, no capacity can be brought to bear that would matter. In two local instances, a lone citizen was attacked by a group of 10 or more gang members. The citizen was unable to fire more than two rounds into no more than one attacker before the mob was on them and beat them severely. At a range competition where I was derided by a Glock enthusiast, we practiced drawing and firing into rapidly approaching paper, I was able to fire one round to score one hit before the paper was "on me" ( the Glock shooter in question was able to fire twice, neither round hit "the black". A "bum rush" is concerning because of the speed the bums can rush. "B" is more likely, and that is that the mob is less determined to attack than they are to not get shot. Contrary to the movies, there is little honor or devotion among thieves. In my limited experiences, the group did not analyze the capacity of my handgun, they fled at the sight or even perception of it. Let's face it, if they were industrious, they'd have jobs and be flipping burgers with the rest of us rather than seeking "easy money", which explains the preponderance of instances where the mere display of resistance deters.
Perhaps the most underrated attraction to a revolver may be its resistance to a user-induced malfunction under duress. Time and again , when one reads, converses, learns of, witnesses, autoloading pistol "jams", it is because the weapon was unintentionally made to not work by circumstances involving the user running, operatng one-handed, off-handed, taken a face full of mace, having had the wind punched from them, the list is disquietingly long where controlling an autoloading in it's operating cycle can be more difficult than standing erect, in good position, facing a target on a static range. Even so, with weapon malfunctions, in the majority of cases, the enemy did not stop to analyze or deduce, the attackers in the "jam" situations, numbering from 2 or 4 or more, did not stop to "exchange" fire, they got out as fast as they could to seek easier prey elsewhere, or remembered they were late for their group meeting with the college admissions office.
I think that when we consider these factors, in researching and considering threat and course of action responses, "just 6" may not be a cause for such worry.
Heck, I for one am glad you are carrying and so adding to the "good guy" rolls.
Thank you.
