Revolver or Bottom Feeder for CCW

[denfoote]

Both!!

Depending on my mood, I either carry a revolver or a semi auto.
Right now I'm in revolver mode carrying a Smith and Wesson 65-6LS (Lady Smith) K-frame .357mag.

 

[Deanimator]

I voted for the semi-auto because that's what I have the most of for carry, but they're interchangeable to me. I alternate a S&W 3" Model 65 with several semi-autos. When I know I'm going to have to disarm a lot (posted locations, restaurants with liquor licenses, etc.) I carry a S&W Model 36 in a pocket holster.

 

[MCgunner]

You can't really go wrong with any service caliber gun, even .380, that fits your needs. For me, personally, I feel that the subcompact pocketable 9x19s are just about perfect for my needs. My personal gun is a Kel Tec P11. I won't go into bashing, but to say that there are other choices if you don't like mine, such as Kahr and Rohrbaugh. But, a functional, accurate 9mm in a pocket just makes a whole lot of sense to me.

That said, I like revolvers and own more revolvers than autos. Nothing at all wrong with a 642 in that pocket if you just prefer the revolvers. I have an ultra lite M85 Taurus I carry when I'm in the mood, but my KT is more compact, and it's easier to carry a reload for. Speedloaders are bulky. The spare mag fits in a knife sheath.

 

[Ruodo]

Like some have already said, it matters more what you feel more comfortable shooting.

I have always been a big fan of revolvers though because you never have to worry about jams. Misfire? Just keep pulling the trigger.

 

[hicksdm]

I mainly carry a Ruger Speed Six but recently picked up a NAA Guardian in .32. It fits so flat in the pocket that it is my ec=verywhere carry. So far it is my only auto but I am thinking of picking up a Glock 17 this week.

 

[10-Ring]

Yes -- both work fine -- IMO, both will work depending on the user's commitment to master their specific platform

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I prefer semi-autos, because they have higher capacity, usually let you know when you run out of ammo, and a glock or 1911 will have a better trigger than a DA revolver. Revolvers might be more reliable in a fight over it, although this could be bad. For instance, you could fire an autoloader to jam until it jams if someone trys to take it away, although I suppose you could try to fire all the rounds out of a revolver. It's also quicker to reload a semi-auto.

 

[jason97496]

looks like this thread has pretty much run its course.

I guess I will not get the easy answer that I was looking for. The poll is nearly tied. I guess the answer is that neither gun is better than the other. Everyone has their own opinion.

I truly expected a clear favorite.

 

[Mr. Alloy]

Haven't read the whole thread, so this has all probably been said:

I chose semi, because first of all, if I need to use a gun, I want it to be as accurate as possible, and I want to be able to take follow-up shots quickly if necessary. Revolvers go BOOM, and semi's go SNAP-SNAP. Or at least in my experience.

Also, if you're concealing, you're going to have a much better time with a single-stack auto.

As far as reliability, you know you've got the first shot, and if you're doing your job and carrying a reliable pistol, you aught to have the second shot, too.

Plus semi-autos look meaner, and 90% of defensive use is looking mean.

 

[kmbrman]

Semi-auto or Rev.

Actually the revolver is as reliable as any device can be ,but most of us probably like the round count of the semi-auto, as long as it is stone cold reliable.

 

[HammerheadSSN663]

always a S&W Airlight .38 snub for me in BLACK inside front right beltline.

 

[coosbaycreep]

I only open carry, as I don't have a CCW yet, but I pretty much always carry a kel tec .32. When I get my CC permit, I'll still probably carry the kel tec, mainly because of how small and light it is, but I still voted revolver, and I still trust/like revolvers more than semis. There just isn't any revolvers that can match the size and weight of a kel tec, and my KT has a clip that enables me to carry it on the chest strap of my backpack without a holster, which makes it more convenient than a revolver in those regards as well.

 

[Joshu]

A Smith and Wesson J Frame is very hard to beat.

I was once confronted with an attempted armed robbery. The robber had a single barreled shotgun hidden in his pants. He surprised me by trying to pull it out at close range. I immediately grabed it by the breach and the barrel. What followed (it not that clear on the video) was us going round and round with him trying to point it at my head and me keeping it between us. The entire time I was trying to pull my knife out of my pocket,he was much bigger than me so I of course couldn't afford to let go with either hand more than a spilt second. I seized my chance on one of the go rounds and with a sharp tug set the shotgun off between us. Finaly I was able to get my knife out. He broke the gun open and started to reload, then saw the knife. I'll never forget the look on his face when he realised he wasn't going to get it chambered. He retreated dropping two 20 gauge 00's and then took off running. (There's a video of it posted by a friend on youtube).

Anyway, my point is, is that once my knife was out and open, that was it. I didn't need to worry if it was the safety was on, if it had a round in the chamber, accidently dropping the magazine, etc. I carry a Kimber Pro TLE, because I don't have a stubby .357 or 38 at the moment. If I did I would carry the revolver or both.

 

[Wolfeye]

My "why" of choosing revolvers:

Most of the encounters involving guns are over after just a few shots are fired, or even no shots at all. No need for large ammo capacity in most of the situations that a civilian could find themselves in. If they do find themselves needing the extra capacity, they are probably too outnumbered & outgunned anyway. Or they're an actor on an action movie set.

I also don't like the way automatics look. Too much plastic, not enough steel. Plastic just doesn't do it for me, no matter how it's been molded.

Plus, I like to carry a snubbie magnum as a CCW when I go out hiking. Per shot or per ounce, a revolver will almost always have the edge of power over an automatic.

 

[Wolfeye]

Joshu, neat story. I'd heard that some martial artists prefer revolvers for grappling with someone like that - a slide might not function if it's pressed up against something. A revolver cylinder can also be stopped, but it's not as easy.

 

[jason97496]

I read through this forum and thought that I made my decision.

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Taurus 605. This is a very nice small .357 revolver. I put 100 rounds or so through it and went looking for a comfortable concealable holster.

I had trouble finding a holster that I liked, and came home with a Glock 19.

Now I am back where I started.

 

[Malodorousroadkill]

Both have strong points. Revolvers aren't picky about ammo choice, are extremely easy to use(load, render safe) but are low capacity, load slowly, and the longer heavier triggers make the pistol harder to use accurately. Autos jam a bit easier, and care must be taken with ammo choice, short models may give some folks with weak hands problems drawing back the slide, but faster reloads, easier hits due to the usually lighter trigger, and generally higher capacity.

But its just what you like and feel comfortable carrying. I tried carrying an auto but it turned out to have light strikes, and now I carry a j-frame .38 and I trust it entirely. But I realize that I must practice more with it than I would perhaps an semi-automatic.

 

[txgolfer45]

Both! Semi for main CCW IWB and S&W 642/442 for backup pocket carry.