I notice now most of us older guys (50+)

[Dr. Fresh]

I'm 23 and I like and own both types. However, nothing feels better in my hand than my Colt Cobra. It's older than my own dad but I love it to pieces. I will always have a soft spot for revolvers.

Most of the time I carry a S&W 59 though. It holds more ammo and I shoot it more often.

 

[rm86]

23 years old here and I take my M&P 340 over my Glock 23 every time I leave the house. Still it's nice knowing I've got my Glock with a few extra mags in the nightstand incase I ever need a little extra firepower. The revolver is great for it's simplicity and reliability, and it's just got more character than the Glock

 

[DammitBoy]

I'm 50 years old and I have 11 revolvers and 8 semi-auto pistols*. My everyday carry is my Para-Ordinance P14.

---

* I think, I'm not too sure - the memory is slipping and I might be forgetting one or two...

** This also means I obviously need to get a couple more semi-autos!

 

[chriske]

I'm 55 and have always owned & shot both semi-auto pistols and revolvers, with a preference for the latter.
Strangely enough, I noticed that of the younger shooters at our club, only a small minority use revolvers, but among older shooters (50 +), this minority becomes significantly smaller still.

 

[Rob P.]

I'm older and have been shooting for 30 years or more. I've owned and shot revolvers, semi-auto's, black powder, and more bb, squirt, and rubber band guns than I care to mention in public.

NONE of them are "superior" to any other of the bunch. Accuracy is accuracy. If you practice you will be proficient with all of your arms. If you don't, well

Reliability is also dependent on each gun. My S&W 9mm is the most accurate and reliable firearm I have ever held. Bar none including 1911's and every revolver I've ever owned or shot. Other folks swear at S&W for building lousy weapons and praise whatever brand of kimber or glock they're carrying. Again, NONE of these weapons is "superior" to any other. What works for you is what works when you need it to go bang and the name on the frame or "style" of weapon is irrelevant.

For those who seem to thin that revolvers hold a greater attraction to us older folks, I have to say first that it isn't true. Second, revolvers do tend to give off a touch of nostalgia, so maybe that's why older folks buy them and younger people buy "tough looking" guns.

My opinion, run what ya brung. If ya can.

 

[golden]

Depends upon the need

I am 51 years old and for me, it depends on what I want to do with the handgun.

For self defense, my choice will almost always be a semi-auto. I like the metal framed BERETTA 92, 96 and 8000, as well as the SIG 226 an 229.
On the other hand, that piece of plastic sure feels better on my back at the end of 8, 10 or 12 hours (the other day it was 18 hours). GLOCK convinced me that there is no disadvantage in a plastic frame. My experience with the WALTHER P-99 has only confirmed this.

So what did I wear the other night, a SMITH&WESSON model 38 in a Thad RIBKA pocket holster. It just comes down to what fits the situation best.

My first issue gun gun was a S&W model 13 with a 3 inch barrel. I could not wait to switch to the GLOCK 19. I had 2 1/2 times the rounds in the gun nearly a box of ammunition on my belt.
Did I shoot any worse with the GLOCK? No, my qualification scores were the same. Did I shoot better with an L-frame S&W model 681? Yes, but no better than when I used my SIG-226.
Did I give up power for capacity? No, my agency issued .357 magnum 110 grain JHP ammo with a muzzle velocity of 1,300 fps. They also issued 9m.m. +p+ 115 grain JHP, also with a velocity of 1,300 fps.

In the end, the lighter weight, greater ammuniton capacity and equal power led to me carrying a semi-auto. Still, I do carry that 5 shot .38 from time to time.

Jim

 

[gc70]

For a day of recreation I'll take the revolver. For a day of training I'll take the semi-auto. For a fight I'll take both if I can.

I am over 50 and the above quote sums up my feelings precisely.

 

[Feanaro]

Under 25 here. The only centerfire pistols I own are revolvers.

Old people over-rate everything. I think doing so is a requirement to live past 50. Well, to join AARP anyways. I mean, what else is there to do at that age other than swap stories about the Civil War? The good news is that the revolver, like jazz and cast iron skillets, is actually worth most of the praise. Until I have to reload in an IDPA stage, anyways.

 

[mainmech48]

As a Geezer-in-Training (61) and a southpaw I learned to shoot a handgun with revolvers. I invested an inordinate amount of time, money and effort acquiring the skills I needed to use them proficiently enough to entrust the well-being of my Personal Favorite Behind(s) to them, which I still wouldn't hesitate to do.

It was only after the Blessed Armand (Swenson) begat the ambidextrous thumb safety that the Holy 1911 became a viable option to me for that duty. And it would still be a goodly while before any factory semiauto had one even as an option.

Besides that, for the better part of my youth and young manhood there were vanishingly few options other than FMJ ball in the way of ammo for an auto and even fewer pistols that'd run reliably on anything but those without some expensive custom tweeking.

As things changed, I've adapted. But I still appreciate the extreme versatility and almost unparalled reliability a good revolver offers.

I own both, use both, and appreciate both. Matter of fact, there're a Dan Wesson M15-2 and a S&W 4586 in the nightstands upstairs right now. If it ever became necessary, I'd grab whichever one was closest and be dang happy to have it. And be more-than-adequately-armed either way, too, IMHO.

 

[pmeisel]

As an official semi-geezer (over 50) I have to say that I remember John Glenn circling the earth, found JFK's funeral boring and spent the time listening to Beatles records with friends, and like revolvers better than autoloaders, although I do like a nice 1911 now and then.

 

[BullRunBear]

Feanaro wrote:
"Old people over-rate everything. I think doing so is a requirement to live past 50. Well, to join AARP anyways. I mean, what else is there to do at that age other than swap stories about the Civil War?"

Sheesh! You kids have no sense of time. We don't swap stories about the Civil War. That was our fathers. We current geezers are busy talking about the charge up San Juan Hill and the Boxer Rebellion. :

But I really prefer revolvers. I can dump the brass in a bag instead of chasing it all over creation. Between my height, my age and my back, the ground gets farther away every year.

I enjoy the huge variety of hand loads revolvers can use. I have at least 5 good loads for 357 magnums alone.

I like black powder cartridges and I can load up some 45 Colt BP rounds for the stainless Vaquero.

I love cap and ball revolvers: beautifully balanced, cheap to shoot and pretty darn accurate.

I would like to say I shoot revolvers more accurately but at 25 yards I can't beat my CZ 75B. Haven't tried it at farther distances. However, to my EXTREME annoyance, I shoot my friend's Glock 9mm and 45 acp just as well, ugly as they are and lousy trigger not withstanding.

Jeff

 

[sm]

With the over age fifty discount afforded us, we can afford speed strips.

You can only eat so much "discount food" and that stuff will kill ya. By the time you get enough discount money rat-holed to buy a magazine for some semi-auto's, you are dead.


"Yes my late husband was right proud of this semi-auto, but he died of poor health due to discount food, as he was working toward a spare magazine..."

Aside: Am I the only one that feels some food joints ought to pay us to eat there?

 

[volgunner]

57 years young, here, and I started shooting about 2 years ago when I purchased a S&W 686+, 4" barrel. Later I acquired a 642, which drops nicely in the pocket, but I still prefer shooting the 686 if I have the choice.

I've rented a number of semi-automatics, and they're fun to shoot -- when they don't jam as range-rentals are apt to do.

But nothing beats the balance and simplicity of the revolvers, particularly the 686.

Regards,
Russell

 

[warnerwh]

The craze with semi's I think is due to movies. In the seventies .44 magnums were going for way over retail, especially the Smith. Then if you wanted the Smith you had to wait 6 months to get it. Prices were astronomical. Dirty Harry did it. I may be wrong but I know what the OP feels. I feel the same way. That being that the vast majority of the younger generation thinks of semi's first. I may be wrong but the boom boom boom of semi's in movies does have some effect on their popularity.

 

[Smeh]

19 years old here, and I love wheelguns. My GP-100 comes along every time I go plinking.

 

[florida1098]

46 years old and just sold off my last two revolvers yesterday. Actually traded both for an even exchange of a new Glock 27. I traded a Smith model 66 2. 1/5 stainless snubby like new and a nickel 36 with custom wood stocks. I never carried them anymore (too heavy for me personally) and don't really enjoy just shooting for the sake of it anymore, became too expensive. My first service gun was a Smith model 10, NYPD early eighties and my off duty was a NY-1 Centennial, which I carried both until my 04 retirement. That being said, I do love the feel of a revolver. There is just no place in my life anymore for stuff I just want to hold and not use or don't enjoy. My service gun at my current dept is a Glock 23. I carry a Glock 27 (off duty) over revolvers for the following reasons. Not insulting anyone here, these are just my reasons.
Here in Florida a gun carried IWB gets constantly covered with sweat. That is the only place I will ever carry for many reasons I have learned ove the years. I have never had a single issue with Glock rusting or pitting, I really don't even have to wipe them off. Magazine capacity is almost 75% more than a revolver, and reloads are quicker. The gun is lighter than all but a 340PD I sold and could'nt hit a wall at more than 7 yards with. Field cleaning and stripping are quicker and easier. Parts are everywhere and CHEAP. I don't hunt so a huge caliber is of no interest to me. I can change magazines between my service and off duty anytime. I do not spray and pray, but I have seen situations go from bad to worse and real quick am very glad to have the extra ammo at hand ready in an instant. Finally, I have never ever had a single FTF with a Glock, while having light strikes, cylinders that would'nt turn, and a misaligned barrel on both my Smith's and Ruger Police Service six in 38spl. All that being said, I admit I love the feel of a revolver sitting at home holding it in front of the TV etc, etc. But, for practical unconditional reliability (my experience) There is no substitute for a Glock semi. No insult meant to anyone here.
Be safe.

 

[gmh1013]

If I was shooting for Sh*t with a Glock I would not even get a wiff.
I cant shoot any Glock well but the
.40 cal I cant hit the side of barn with one. IMHO Hardest auto I have ever shot. Now Beretta/Taurus/SIG in .40... no problems.
Its the weight or lack of it.
...great.

 

[Mokwepa]

19 and i would rather have a working revolver vs a jammed auto

27 and a snubby fan. Also a member of the historical motorcycle associatio(HMA), yes i do know what a manx norton and a ajs are.

Revolvers are my favorite for reliability, when that trigger is pulled/sorry, squeezed.....it goes bang

 

[cottonmouth]

Wheel guns

I'm 38 and own over 30 revolvers, most are S&W’s. I also have one or two semi autos, I just got a Glock 22, I never thought I'd buy a Glock but after I acquired 12 high cap magazines I felt like I needed one. I shot several thousand rounds out of an old PD issue Glock 22 and the only time she failed was because of an ammo issue. I have seen revolvers fail too but that is normally due to being dirty, primer not seated good or not enough tension on the hammer spring. Any thing will fail sooner or later weather it’s the gun or the ammunition I just feel better suited with a 4 inch or less S&W wheel gun, .38 or bigger without the lock.

J.B.

 

[Mokwepa]

without the lock

what is meant by this?

I have heard that some guys cut/file down the cylinder release slide at the back(the part that prevents the hammer cocking) to prevent the release slide jumping forward and sticking due to a bit of dirt etc. causing the revolver to jam. Is this what you are talking about?

 

[cottonmouth]

No, I was refering to the internal lock that S&W added to their revolver line, it's a key type lock found just above the thumb latch.

J.B.

 

[4Freedom]

I am getting pretty old, 31 now.. Probably why I choose on my last birthday to get myself a Smith & Wesson 629 revolver with 4" barrel. After being astonished by its beauty, I will say that I admire it more than any of my semi autos. I guess its the old man in me eh??

 

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

im 23, started shooting when i was 5 or 6 with my grandfather who was a Marine as well as a LEO. he recently passed away (Dec 26th 2008). since then i was given his S&W 66 combat magnum that he bought new Jan 31st 1977. he put 6 rounds through it.

he first had me shoot his S&W 18 (i think it was many many years ago) .22. ive been hooked. i do carry a S&W 40VE allied forces daily but now that i have the 66 the 40VE will be left at home more.

Real guns are Wheel guns.

 

[searcher451]

I'm in the age group in question for this one and can't say that I prefer a revolver over a semi-auto, nor can I say that I ever did. My favorite range gun is a Walther P5. My daily carry gun is a Walther PPK/S. The only revolver I ever take to the range any more is a Ruger Bearcat ... a great gun, to be sure, but hardly a favorite for either range work or serious self-defense and protection.

 

[baxtereyes]

revolver v. auto for us old guys

This is an interesting thread. I am 62 and started as a LEO with a revolver, Mod 28 ". Later 19's, 66's, 36's etc.

Over the years I have carried all kinds of auto. 1911's, Sig 228's, 229's. The 1911 was the first handgun the I fired at age 5.

What makes this thread interesting to me is that in the last year I have moved back to revolvers hard. I carry a S&W 340 M&P daily. I already owned a S&W Mod 13 3" for years but have obtained 2 S&W Mod 65 3" I carry one in the car. Will carry one on a regular basis when i get suitable holsters for the 3".

My stated reason has been the upcoming attack on magazines. I believe that the actual reason is that I am comfortable with and old friend. It is also easier to train my daughter to use a "J" frame. My wife is quite good with all firearms but prefers revolvers.

Good tread.