Revolvers vs. Semi-Autos

[355sigfan]

As to " documented cases of people being able to survive because they had a 7th or 8th or 9th shot without reloading," I am only aware of one where a LEO was actually killed while reloader--and if my memory is correct it was with a dump pouch NOT a speedloader. I do know numerous agencies have stated they have never had an officer killed or injured in the line duty due to reloading or running out of ammunition.

END QUOTE

Well for starters the Miami shooting was an example. One agent was seriously injuried while attempting to reload his revolver another was killed I believe.
Pat

 

[jc2]

That same study showed those officers with 1911's and 357 mag's hit more often than officers armed with 9mm's and 38 specials.

Bottom line - The LEOs with the .357 Magnums had better hit ratios than officers armed with the 1911 so the "more savvy" .357 packers outshot the "more savvy" 1911 shooters. It's a little hard to show autoloaders have an intrinsic quality advantage based on the facts, isn't it?

LAPD's SWAT team has always had an 80% range with its 1911's vs. its patrol officers in the 20% range.

SWAT - stiffer selection criteria, more training, probably more dedication. Reckon that might have more to do with it than the weapon? I do think you hit of a key issue you though with training. The standard of training has improved dramatically over the last 25 to 30 years--but for the most part the actual shooting hasn't. With unquestionably better training and supposedly an improved weapon, we are have not seen a general improvement in the hit ratio. Maybe the weapon really has very little to do with it--and range scores don't really relate to actual performance?

Although some guns are easier to hit with than others. 1911's in particular are a very easy gun to shoot well under extreme stress.
Pat

BUT the "gun savvy" LEOs with .357 Magnum revolvers outshot the "gun savvy" LEOs with 1911 in the Farnham Study. Maybe the "advantage" (at least in short range, "quick and dirty" combat shooting) really isn't there?

Well for starters the Miami shooting was an example. One agent was seriously injuried while attempting to reload his revolver another was killed I believe.
Pat

You have the facts muddled, Pat. One agent (McNiel?) was seriously wounded while attempting to reload his revolver AFTER already being hit--there's nothing to support the assumption that he was hit because he was reloading/using a revolver. One agent (Dove) was killed while reloading his high capacity autoloader--the fact that he was reloading at the time he was hit might have been direct factor in his being hit. We probably should also point one agent (Mireles) was not only able to reload his revolver after being hit but knocked both Platt and Mattix out of the fight (finally) with the revolver he reloaded while under direct fire. The Miami fight was not necessarily a high point for the high capacity autoloader (but one should be very, very careful about attempting to draw lessons about weapons from the Miami fight--except fight rifles with rifles--too much went wrong too quickly).

 

[Dave R]

I voted semi-auto. When you say CARRY, I'm assuming concealed carry. I find the semi's flatness makes it more comfortable to carry and easier to conceal.

I also like the higher capacity. You can argue that its not a factor, statistically. But I believe it was Tamara who said that no one has EVER finished a gunfight and said "You know, I have entirely too much ammo, here."

 

[Nick96]

For those in law enforcement & the military, the auto is probably the better choice. Not so much for ammo capacity (though it is an advantage in some cases) - but the auto's (in most cases) first or second shot SA inherent ease of use - therefore improved accuracy. For most of us "common folk" though - the revolver holds several advantages (reliability, ease of use, consistent trigger action, safety in handling, etc.) that makes it a better choice.

So in answer to the poll question - I'd choose a revolver.

 

[magsnubby]

Depends on the situation.

General carry:Glock 23

Discreet carry:S&W 642

 

[355sigfan]

For most of us "common folk" though - the revolver holds several advantages (reliability, ease of use, consistent trigger action, safety in handling, etc.) that makes it a better choice.
END QUOTE

I could not help but notice your description of a revolvers advantages mirror that of a Glock. Very reliable, easy to use consistent trigger action ext.

As far as safety goes all firearms are dangerious. Keep your finger off the trigger and keep your muzzle clear of things you don't wish to shoot and you will do just fine. Common folk can handle most autos just fine. At least thats my opinion.
Pat