ducktapehero
Member
There are 2 theories to handgun stopping power. "Small and fast" and "slow and heavy". Might as well have the best of both worlds.
You're right -- it's only a myth that revolvers are more reliable. Under bad conditions, revolvers tend to fail pretty regularly.
I heard that SEALs will sometimes use a Smith 357 if the mission is expected to be in a nasty environment. If I'm wrong don't castrate me.It's no accident that virtually all armies now use automatics -- and that even elite units which can pick any weapon they want don't pick revolvers.
OTOH, the application is different with armies than with a personal defense weapon. Armies have other armed people close by to neutralize a threat. Personal defense means you might be there all by yourself with no backup. An auto does require more maintenance, is more vulnerable to the vagaries of mag springs and lips, lubrication, carbon fouling, etc. Plus you've got to stay on top of the manual of arms for an auto. Where is the safety, do I pull the hammer back or rack the slide first? A revo can sit in a drawer or carried daily and be good to go in .05 seconds. Aim, squeeze and bang.It's no accident that virtually all armies now use automatics -- and that even elite units which can pick any weapon they want don't pick revolvers.