Need advice (ccw revlover or auto)

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Arizonagunrunner

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I have always been a revolver guy. I love my 6 and 5 shooters. I currently carry and interchange these as my EDC CCW. Ruger Speed Six / Rossi 720 / Taurus 85, and I do carry a KAHR CW45.
Is it better these days to carry an auto?
I never feel under gunned carrying a revolver, but is it better tactically to carry an auto these days? I was thinking about getting a Commander sized 45. Any advice is appreciated.
 
I only carry revolvers, on duty or off. I shoot the same qualification course that my coworkers shoot with their Glock 22's, and, so far, none of them have outshot me.

The only semiautomatic I own these days is my Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle in an ATI StrikeForce stock.

ECS
 
I think you have answered your own question.

If you are comfortable, why switch?

How many more rounds can you carry in a commander?

Get a couple of speed loaders if you are worried.
 
Only you can answer the question which is best for you. IMO anyone who carries should carry the handgun that they shoot best and the one they have complete confidence in. When you trust your gun and you shoot it well there's isn't much more you can ask for.

I carry a J frame daily. I don't feel the need to carry 52 rounds of ammo to be well protected. There are situations were carrying that much ammo is warranted but not in my case.
 
The way I look at it the smaller semi's win in every category. You can buy a small 9mm or 380 pistol that conceals better, has more power than a snubby 38, holds more rounds, reloads faster, and is more accurate. I like my revolvers too, but In a small carry gun semi's just make more sense. My revolvers are full size guns.

I don't think a commander sized 45 is really that small or light. If I'm buying a 1911 I'd just as soon get a full sized gun.
 
jmr40 said:
The way I look at it the smaller semi's win in every category. You can buy a small 9mm or 380 pistol that conceals better, has more power than a snubby 38, holds more rounds, reloads faster, and is more accurate. I like my revolvers too, but In a small carry gun semi's just make more sense. My revolvers are full size guns.

I don't think a commander sized 45 is really that small or light. If I'm buying a 1911 I'd just as soon get a full sized gun.
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I can agree with some of your points like faster reloads but some of the others, not so much! Since when is a 380 Auto more powerful than a .38 Special? Semi-autos concealing better than a revolver is more effected on how you choose to carry than the gun itself. As for accuracy, there's no way a blanket statement of semi-autos being more accurate than revolvers can hold true. There are those who won't put the time in to become proficient with a double-action revolver trigger but that doesn't make semi-autos more accurate. I can shoot revolvers just as well as any semi-auto on the market but then again, I shoot a lot.

That's my take on this topic...
 
I like all guns. I own all kinds. I only carry Revolvers. I like Snubs the best. I carry Two Snubs at all times. I also carry reloads. I think the semi auto has its place but. I think if I was involved in any kind multiple assailant shooting I would automatically revert to my training and seek cover then engage. I think some of these people think it is like they see on TV. One Guy with his High Cap Wonder Gun, taking on a Street Gang, standing out in the open, in the Isosceles Stance, shooting. Meanwhile none of the Return Fire is hitting him. I don't know it all but, I think I have a Clue.
 
I carry a .45 Ruger Blackhawk in a shoulder rig, and back it up with an M&P .40 in an IWB.

Beyond the whole "Insurance work is Crazy" thing, I go between rural and metro areas enough that there is a legitimate probability that I *might* have to put an animal down (coyotes attacked the chickens 2 weeks ago, prowling aggressively. injured livestock... minimal chance, but there.) and I feel the .45 Colt has the edge in this situation.

The M&P as backup... I simply assume that it's faster to just grab a new gun rather reloading a SAA under fire, and if the need exists for a Reload at all, it's better to err on the side of caution, and prepare 15 more rounds instead of 6.

Whatever you are comfortable, and practice with is the right answer.
 
Don't know how the choice of weapon would change the outcome in post 7 but it is sadly more common than not to see such silly stereotypes presented in the revolver/semi auto debate. I personally think it only shows the weakness in the defense of the weapon choice.
The cliche of shooting what you shoot best also falls into the same poorly laid out defense. It's almost as if one is to stupid or of such poor mechanics so as not to be trainable on another platform. Never buy a standard because you drive an auto best??
Weigh the values and make a conscious informed decision. Capacity, compatibility, concealment, caliber, ease of service, durability, availability of ammo, holsters, mags, loaders, spare parts and even what other people say.
 
I prefer snub noise, but I say carry the gun you like & shoot the best that way you won't end up wanting to leave it at home.
 
HexHead said:
They carry what they are issued.
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Well I guess that explains it, if that where you'd care to stop thinking.

Even so, somebody has a choice about what to issue and most of the decision makers decided that it's better these days to carry an auto. ;)
 
btg3 said:
Well I guess that explains it, if that where you'd care to stop thinking.

Even so, somebody has a choice about what to issue and most of the decision makers decided that it's better these days to carry an auto. ;)
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You think that just because someone else made a choice for them to carry a certain type of firearm, that that means that's the best type of firearm for everyone to carry?

Also, the OP isn't a LEO or soldier, and will most likely be concealing and using his firearm for a completely different purpose than military or police.
 
Is it better these days to carry an auto?
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Why are you asking, why all of a sudden are you questioning what you have been doing for years???

I think we are missing some information here.

If your asking is it easier to conceal a semi-auto than a revolver, YES it is. (for me that is).

If your asking if you need additional rounds in the weapon? It will depend on how good a shot you are. And how fast you are with speed loaders, I am faster with a magazine on a reload.

If you are just looking for another gun, the 1911 is a good choice. But for concealed carry I use a compact 45 ACP, it just hides better and still has the same 7 +1 rounds that a full size 1911 carries.

Jim

Less punch than a 357 Mag, but more punch than a 38 Spl or 9 mm.

SAM_0909.jpg
 
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What I have been reading about police shootings usually says that many shots were fired before the bad guy went down. You would, therefore, want to have a higher capacity weapon like a G19, with an extra magazine doubling the number of cartridges carried. But sometimes I carry two J-frames, because I like revolvers and I get 10 shots without actually reloading. After 10 shots, though, I'm screwed. Those things take a long time to reload.
 
I ENJOY shooting a revolver more than an auto. Because I ENJOY shooting a revolver, I practice with it more. Because I practice with a revolver more, I shoot a revolver better. For me, it is better to carry a revolver.

I cannot answer your question. Only you can answer your question. Carry whatever you feel most comfortable with. If that is a revolver, carry that. If someday that changes to a semi-auto, by all means, carry that.

Which do you enjoy shooting more? Revolver or semi-auto?
 
I never feel under gunned carrying a revolver, but is it better tactically to carry an auto these days? I was thinking about getting a Commander sized 45.
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Now if you want a new gun just come out and say it.

Its better to be proficient with your choice rather than what is perceived as tactically better.



You think that just because someone else made a choice for them to carry a certain type of firearm, that that means that's the best type of firearm for everyone to carry?

Also, the OP isn't a LEO or soldier, and will most likely be concealing and using his firearm for a completely different purpose than military or police.
Click to expand...

Im with you....

I could care less as to what Military and LEO carry or are issued. I am your average citizen that doesnt live in a bad neighborhood nor work in a high risk environment. all my choices are based on defense and has little to do with the offensive minded LEO and MIL...
 
All handguns are relatively poor "stoppers" regardless of caliber or bullet used. Shot placement and sufficient penetration are paramount, all else is secondary.
With that being said, I'd rather carry more "poor stoppers" than fewer, it's a semi-auto for me (YMMV).
Tomac
 
Is being able to shoot 12~18 rounds from your pistol before reload, and being able to reload faster a tactical advantage or not?

Especially in the light of the fact that there were many documneted cases of more than 6 shots being fired in gun fights outside of war?
 
Most military and police are told what to carry regardless of what they think or what they shoot best.
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I've seen and heard of officers who complain about brand or model of pistol they were issued.

NONE of them complained about being issued a self-loader.
 
If the good guys got to plan the self defense events, then you would know how many rounds you need. However, the bad guys just to not share their schedule very well.
 
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