Is there an advantage to carrying a revolver over a semi?

[SolaScriptura139]

I have been wondering what the advantage to CCW'ing a revolver to semi would be? In the semi, you can carry more ammo, but with the revolver you can carry .357, which is much more powerful. Is there anyone here who can tell me what the benefits to carrying a revolver are?

 

[VHinch]

There are a few. Simpler manual of arms for one, which can be a major advantage when talking about a novice shooter. Also of course there is the old adage "six for sure" referencing the fact that reliability is as near 100% as a mass produced machine can be. And as you mentioned, there is the advantage of carrying .357 or even .44 magnum in a relatively small package.

As far as ammo capacity goes, the best reply I ever heard on that on was from my dad (20 years in law enforcement) when he's asked why he only carries a smith j frame when he's off duty "Well, I really wasn't planning on killing more than 5 people today"

 

[MCgunner]

The .357 is more versatile if you only own a few guns. You can hunt with it, you can plink with .38s, you can play paper games with it, you can shoot small game with it, you can carry it outdoors for protection against things like black bears, K frame size guns tend to be quite a bit more accurate than most autos, and, yes, it makes a fantastic self defense weapon. Revolvers are safe and simple to use and always go bang if fed good ammo. You don't have to worry about feeding issues or extraction/ejection. As such, they're a better choice for the novice shooter.

I think if I could have, but one handgun, it'd be a K frame size .357 in 4", perhaps titanium construction so it'd be lighter in a Milt Sparks IWB. I wouldn't wanna give up all my guns, but that one gun could do about anything I need doing with a handgun.

 

[Baldy]

It's not so much what you carry, but how good you are with what you got. I just started carring a 1911/.45 after carring .357 stub noses for about 40+ years. I practiced a hole lot for months before I did. I am now very comfortable with my choice. You will be to after you work out with it enought.
Good Luck.

 

[miko]

In small guns, revolver is the only way to pack a major punch. Small autos are also less reliable – much more finicky with regards to ammo, etc.

Revolvers do not have feed problems with any factory ammo (bad reloads are known to jump the crimp) . If you have a dud round, you just press the trigger for the new one. The best that autos give you is a re-strike capability, then it’s the T-R-B drill that requires two hands.
Revolvers do not suffer from limp-wristing. Revolvers will shoot (repeatedly) if something presses against the barrel. Revolvers will shoot (repeatedly) from inside clothes, flat on the ground, etc.
Auto’s are sensitive to any interference with the slide, interference with ammo being ejected, the way they are held, etc.

Revolvers can be shot for practice inexpensively with low-power (mild .38 in .357) or even wax rounds.

miko

 

[lee n. field]

Brass recovery rates go way up .

 

[Starter52]

Don't discount the Scare Factor. Point a loaded revolver and the bad guys KNOWS it loaded. Point an auto and you may be bluffing with an empty gun.

 

[BigG]

From my personal standpoint, with a revolver I have less probability to mash the trigger and send a shot wide or otherwise awry. On second thought, maybe that's why they make so many "extra" shots in autos.

 

[Black Majik]

Don't forget each trigger pull will be the same.

No safety to worry about

Its not plastic

 

[P. Plainsman]

Double action revolvers offer a good blend of sporting and "business" features in a single tool. Durable outdoor hunting/hiking guns and good looking and easy brass recovery and frequently more accurate than comparable (non-target) semi-autos and useful for self-defense.

It's this combination of many "pretty nice" features that makes the revolver an appealing generalist firearm for the private citizen, even though you can find specialist semi-autos that surpass the sixgun on one (or more) of most of these features.

I want useful handguns, and I want to know how to use them effectively, but I'm not a LEO, I'm not a soldier, and I really have no interest in being "tactical" in the lifestyle sense. Fine for others (seriously), just not my bag.

Hence revolvers have a good balance of features for me, and they make up most of my modest collection.

And here's a subtle factor: because I prefer revolvers as recreational handguns, I shoot my revolvers more than my semi-autos, and I'm more capable with them. Such a skill differential could also explain why it might make sense for someone to stick to wheelguns for CCW.

Finally, yes, it's hard to match the airweight .38+P pocket revolver for a small, light, reliable and credible CCW gun -- though I think the premium mini-9mm pistols are changing that.

Others will have a lot more experience and insight on these issues, but those are my thoughts.

 

[miko]

Finally, yes, it's hard to match the airweight .38+P pocket revolver for a small, light, reliable and credible CCW gun…

Even better - why lug around all the weight of an AirWeight when you can enjoy the lightness of an AirLite
It’s a quarter lighter and can shoot 357s that leave 38+P in the dust - at least with regard to pain in a shooter's hand .

miko

 

[MCgunner]

Brass recovery rates go way up

Yeah, I forgot about that one. I'm getting too old to really enjoy having to pick stuff up off the ground even if I can find it.

 

[10-Ring]

Let's see:
1. Don't have to worry about deactivating safeties
2. don't have to worry about bad mags or feeding issues.
3. Wheelguns are VERY simple
4. I can pocket carry & have follow up shots from the pocket & not have to worry about cycling

 

[ProguninTN]

VHinch

This is somewhat related to VHinch's comment, but with a lower capacity, you will make your shots count. Besides, why not use semis and revolvers ? The more the merrier, right ?

 

[orionengnr]

My AirLite has a 16 lb trigger and "3-gnat" sights.

I'll stick with my Kahr PM9, thanks.

 

[.38 Special]

Being as I've just learned of Jeff Cooper's passing, I will mention a passage from, I believe, Art of the Rifle that is to the effect that a man must fall a bit in love with his weapon, if he his to be maximally effective with it. I believe that the idea is that, if you really appreciate the weapon, you will be more inclined to handle it, practice with it, and generally become familiar with it. And of course, having confidence in your firearm of choice may make all the difference in a tough situation.

For me, that means a blue steel revolver, preferably made by S&W back in the "good old days". For the next guy, it may mean the latest 1911 from Bill Wilson, or a fine SAA with a touch of scrollwork, or even a Glock with a New York trigger and skateboard tape on the grip. <edit> Or even a Browning!

I know without the "Mine's better!!!" debate we'd all be pretty bored here, but all kidding aside, I really do believe it's a matter of falling in love with something and then practicing constantly.

 

[browningguy]

The short answer is no, there is no advantage to carrying a revolver.

You will not be more accurate with a revolver because of the fewer number of rounds, you will just have fewer rounds.
The revolvers long and heavy DA trigger pull does not enhance accuracy (but it can be made better with a decent gunsmith of course).
Revolvers do fail, go out of time etc. although I will grant the average reliability is probably better.
Revolvers are not easier to carry. I have a 2" - 5 shot .357 revolver and it does not fit comfortably in the front pocket of any pants that I own, and I'm an old fart that only wears "comfort" fit pants.

Modern semis from reputable manufacturers are reliable, easier to carry (thinner), more firepower, and available in calibers including 9mm/.357 Sig/.40 S&W/.45 ACP. All more than enough to do the job.

Ask yourself this: If a revolver is the right answer why do people going in harms way for a living carry semi's? This includes all the military organizations I know of, and a huge majority of LEO's.

 

[.38 Special]

Mine's better! LMAO!

 

[HighVelocity]

If you can hit what you're aiming at more often with the wheel gun than you can with a semi then the advantage is obvious.

5-6 hits beats 10+ misses most of the time I'll bet.

 

[Blue .45]

For civilian use as a self defense weapon, there is no disadvantage to having a revolver. As others have said, it's more important that you choose what you shoot best. Also, be sure to choose a gun of reasonable quality.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Is there an advantage to carrying a revolver over a semi?

Style.

 

[jlh26oo]

Style.

Yeah, that about sums it up lol.

 

[mosttoyswins]

My wife carries a S&W Model 60 Lady Smith in .38sp., with a extra speedloader.

She keeps her hand on it while carrying her purse and can shoot it through her purse at very close range if she has to without worrying about the slide not cycling which could happen with a semi. (Believe it or not we practiced this with an old purse).

Also, she can shoot the hair off a fly's a** with it.

I also carry it sometimes when the mood is right.

 

[jeepmor]

If the advantage is only mental..

It is still a big advantage. You have to consider your senses on this issue. Reliability, bling, function, etc all mean squat if your carrying an auto wishing you were carrying a revovler.

jeepmor

 

[Pilot]

I like revolvers, but for self defense I prefer semi-autos. Properly maintained, modern semi-autos are extremely reliable. I don't see any law enforcement or military using revolvers anymore. I like the higher round capacity and ease of reloading the semi-auto provides. They also tend to be slimmer and easier to carry for me.