Revolver or Auto

[global247]

For a new person wanting to carry a handgun, which is the better option? On one hand an auto carries more rounds than a revolver. On the other hand revolvers are pretty fool proof as far as operation. Just another can of worms.

 

[Papa Whiskey]

Go to the range and shoot some of both. Decide what is most comfortable for you and your hands and choose accordingly. Then get some good training.

 

[Treo]

DA Semi auto alá CZ

 

[Bennett Prescott]

Which one does the newbie have a good (leather) concealment holster for, that fits on a good 1.5" belt?

If that holster is made by Galco, or Mike's, or any of those cheap off the shelf nonsense manufacturers, they don't get to pass go and have to pay luxury tax.

 

[Lou22]

I've carried both. I would prefer an auto, but my S&W 642 carries very well. And like you said, is almost foolproof. My nod to the revolver.

Lou

 

[10-Ring]

First off, welcome to the collective

2ndly, as you build you skill level, you'll find what works best for you but, IMO -- no, IMhumbleO, keeping things simple is best so, the wheelgun is the better choice

 

[Z-Michigan]

Wheelgun if your only purpose is self-defense and you don't plan to practice a lot. Fewer controls and much less to go wrong by surprise. Bear in mind that many experts also choose wheelguns. If you do plan to practice a lot, shoot both and decide which one you like better.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I can't vote on this one because it really doesn't make any difference. What ever works for you. Revolver? Semi-auto? Pick one and go practice with it...I carry both...

 

[Feanaro]

Either/or. Pick one that works, practice with it, use it.

On the other hand revolvers are pretty fool proof as far as operation.

Plain old not true. That or I'm a new generation of fools which the revolver is not proofed against. I caused my Smith & Wesson 28-2 to have light strikes when I put my thumb right against the hammer. Why did I do that? Hell if I know. People do weird things under stress. More fool proof? Probably. Until you need to reload, anyways.

Wheelgun if your only purpose is self-defense and you don't plan to practice a lot. Fewer controls

Other than a Browning Buckmark, all my pistols are revolvers. I totally agree. A revolver has a cylinder release and a trigger. A Glock has a slide release, magazine release, and a trigger(that disassembly dingus doesn't count unless you want to count screws in the sideplate). The complexity boggles the mind. I don't know how a grown adult could wrap their head around it.

 

[BikerRN]

I carry an Autoloader at work, and occaisionally off duty, but prefer the Revolver.

Revolvers are easiest to teach the "basics" on, and are easier for "administrative purposes" but harder to master, IMHO. It easier to teach how to load/unload a Revolver than an Autoloader. How many of us have heard of the "newbie" racking the slide and then ejecting the magazine?

I don't recommend a J-Frame, or even a small Autoloader, like the PM9 unless someone is an expirienced shooter, as the smaller you go in gun size, the harder it is to shoot well.

I like Revolvers, and prefer them, so my vote is for the Revolver. I am however biased. I only own two "bottomfeeders", a 1911 and a Glock 19. The rest are round guns.

BikerRN

 

[Defensory]

Posted by Feanaro:
A Glock has a slide release, magazine release, and a trigger(that disassembly dingus doesn't count unless you want to count screws in the sideplate). The complexity boggles the mind. I don't know how a grown adult could wrap their head around it.

Them there semi-ottos are jes' too compilicated fer me, Feanaro. Ya need a Harvard duhgree to figger them things out, and I'm afraid there ain't any wimin that'll ever figger 'em out.

 

[guntotinguy]

I prefer a autoloader myself...nothing against revolvers but ive had a lot more practice with autos (really prefer the 1911 models).

 

[Geronimo45]

I understand that it's easier to learn to shoot well with an autoloader than a revolver. The trigger's got something to do with that - a long, 12lb or higher pull for every shot. Compare that to an 8 or 9lb pull in some autos... or a 5lb pull on many 1911s. The easier the trigger, the easier it is to keep the gun steady while working the trigger.

 

[fallingblock]

Revolver is simpler to manage for me....

With a bit of practice I find that quick double action shooting with
a revolver seems to be 'self-stabilizing'.

Elmer Keith discussed this in "Sixguns" I think.

Whatever gun you feel most comfortable with is the one to choose.

And practice a lot.

 

[jad0110]

Go to the range and shoot some of both. Decide what is most comfortable for you and your hands and choose accordingly. Then get some good training.

True. Software, not hardware. I trust a newbie more who has solid safety skills with an auto than a clutz with a revolver.

That being said, I give a slight nod to the revolver for one reason, and BikerRN hit it on the head:

How many of us have heard of the "newbie" racking the slide and then ejecting the magazine?

But in the end, it depends on what feels "right" to you. If it's a revolver, great! If it's an auto, great! Just remember the above statement by Biker .

With a bit of practice I find that quick double action shooting with
a revolver seems to be 'self-stabilizing'.

Elmer Keith discussed this in "Sixguns" I think.

Wholeheartedly agree. A few years ago I used to shoot exclusively SA. Then one day I took it as a challenge and fired DA. After only 100 rounds, I was shooting DA as well as SA. I shoot best in DA today. But, everyone is different. Some people like the trigger on gun XYZ, and others don't.

 

[SAG0282]

It is rare I don't recommend a 9mm semi-auto for new shooters. It's cheap ammunition and ease of operation combined with relatively formidable chambering make it hard to beat.

 

[Hawk]

Some folks that are new to carrying a handgun simply feel more comfortable carrying in condition 3. This is not a practical option with a revolver.

This attitude generally fades after several months without the firearm ever "discharging" on an empty chamber but getting to that point sometimes takes a condition 3 semi. While condition 3 isn't generally viewed as a good idea it beats the snot out of a wheelgun in a closet or glove compartment.

Special case - limited applicability.

 

[theNoid]

Revolver or Auto?

Both.

Noidster

 

[freakshow10mm]

I prefer an automatic for daily carry but have no objections to a revolver and keep one in the truck. The issue I have is that a harder recoiling cartridge is more controllable for me in an auto pistol than a revolver. The 10mm and 357 Mag are ballistic twins. I load both within 25fps of each other. The 10mm auto pistol is more controllable for me than the 357 revolver. Also I'm not as fast at reloading the revolver as the auto pistol.

 

[LeonCarr]

I find myself leaning more towards revolvers nowadays. Not to be a brand snob, but about the only auto I trust is the Glock.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Ltlabner]

Bear in mind that many experts also choose wheelguns.

Bolderdash.

Folks are acting like an automatic is some highly complex piece of machinery that only a PHd engineer could manage. They ain't that tough to manage.

Serriously, if you become confused and mystified by having to contend with a saftey or decocker then I'd submit that you might not be ready to deal with any weapon beoynd a sharp stick.

The OP said "for a new person wanting to carry a handgun" which implies the OP already knows how to shoot a gun. If he/she doesn't then I'd agree that you prob want to stear clear of the .50 Desert Eagle to learn how to shoot. Then go to the range and rent every gun they have (revolvers and autos alike) and find what works best and learn on it.

But in terms of carry, carrying an auto is no more complex or challenging than a revolver IMO.

Carry what works best for you, what you can employ the quickest & most accuratley and what you will be comfortable to cary all the time (and not be left in the dresser drawer).

 

[wuchak]

A small, light weight, hammerless revolver like the S&W 642 with 38+p (or 38's if +p recoil is too much although it wouldn't take long to get used to them enough to go to +P), a Mika pocket holster, and a Crimson Trace grip is just about the perfect first carry gun. It's a combination that you will keep forever because it will always have some role to fill in your CCW arsenal. As you try different semi-autos in different calibers the little snubbie will be happy to ride along as a backup gun. It will also be happy to step back into the primary role when you are making a quick run to the store at 11:00 or taking the dog out for a walk or when it's 110 outside. It will also be happy to serve as a car gun. It's a great weapon that will provide a lifetime of service with minimal care.

Load up with some snap caps and use the laser for trigger and target acquisition practice at home. For target acquisition practice point the gun at the target quickly without activating the laser. Use front sight or no sights. Activate the laser to confirm point of aim. For trigger practice squeeze the trigger while the dot remains on target. The skills this will help build will be transferable to any other handgun.

 

[researchdoc]

Clint Smith says he prefers a revolver for carry....
I carry wheels over autos.. i do carry both but normally carry a wheel over a revolver... Even though there are some seriously reliable autos, I have had and seen some premium factory ammo junk up a feed on an auto... i have never had a wheel lay down. Plus, I like the fact that I can grab the grip and pull the trigger if needed, and it has a trigger pull that requires a deliberate pull that is heavier than a single action semi.
But it is opinion and it is great that there are so many different types of autos and wheels made.. somthing for everyone.

 

[Goblin]

revolver for a newbie,IMHO.

 

[lee n. field]

which is the better option?

Depends.