Revolver/Semi-auto Ergonomics

[tguil]

A handgun should fit comfortably in your hand, right?

I have four double action revolvers with various grips -- both wood and rubber. They all "feel" great in my hand. (My Ruger Mark II and my PO-8 Luger fit OK too.)

Recently I decided that I needed a modern high capacity 9mm semi-auto. Darned if I know why. I "tried on" several at my dealer's -- a full size and a compact CZ-75, A FNP-9, a Glock 19 and a Ruger SR-9. None of them "fit". The SR-9 came the closest.

Has anyone else found that most semi-autos just don't seem to fit an "old revolver guy" very well?

 

[HB]

I'm not an old revolver guy by any means, but revolvers point a lot better than most semi's for me. A SAA is pretty much like a finger if you ask me

 

[FiveFiveSixFan]

As an "old revolver guy" myself, I've found that it's kind of an apples and oranges situation. I now have semi-autos which feel as good in my hand as my revolvers do. It's just a different feel which takes some getting used to.

Once you get the grip sorted out, I think you may find yourself liking both equally well. When I figured out how to keep my thumbs out of the way and not activate/deactivate any controls unintentionally, I began to enjoy the semi-auto's and I haven't looked back since.

I still buy an occasional revolver, usually a vintage one, but more frequently buy semi-autos.

 

[tguil]

I really like the looks of a stainless CZ-75, but my golly, it is a big "hunk of iron". It's not as heavy as a my Ruger Redhawk, but it feels that way. But then size is not a major concern. When I want to carry something light I grab my S&W Model 36 or my Ruger Speed Six.

 

[glassman]

Like a lot of guys, I have a box full of grips, old holsters and other gear. I'm not a fan of rubber grips and have changed out the guns I have bought(both revolver and bottom feeders)to all wood. I agree with 556fan in that it is apples and oranges. A lot has to do with frame size, whether it's a double or single stack mag, etc. The difference between revolver vs semi auto isn't bad or good...it's just different. I bought a CZ compact and it felt a little big in my paws. I changed the factory plastic out for a set of thin cocobolo's and it made all the difference in the world. Another example is changing out the mono grips on a M60 for a set of performance center wooden grips..again, much better for my hand. I guess what I'm saying is that you have to decide what it is about the gun that doesn't feel right and then figure out if a small tweak can make it better.

 

[Fishman777]

Yeah...

I like the feel of revolvers better as well. I also agree that the SR9 has great ergonomics. One of the most comfortable autoloaders in my opinion. I shoot them better than most other autoloaders, probably because of the thin grip. You might want to check out the XDm. The XDm fits me even better than the SR9, but not as well as my revolvers.

 

[Virginian]

At last count I had run thru about 45 semi auto centerfire handguns without finding one I really, really liked. A Smith 1006 10mm Magnum came closest, probably because I liked the power.

 

[chriske]

Of all my guns, I shoot S&W DA revolvers most often. Yet my CZ-75 B and FN Hi Power "fit my hand" just as well and feel just as comfortable.
I find the grip shape of 1911-type guns awkward
What I can't for the life of my get used to is the grip of my Ruger Blackhawk with the factory grip panels.