Why are revolvers so under rated by some people?

[jonsidneyb]

I am not going to say that a revolver is better than an automatic for somethings but it seems if I am around others and they see a revolver there is that dismissive "oh, it's a revolver thing"

I have respect for both Automatics and Revolvers especially if the shooter knows how to use it. Yes there are some advantages that each has over the other but the revolver is not a slouch and can do what it is meant to do.

 

[steveracer]

Not too many auto shooters...

can outshoot a really good wheelgunner.
Bob Munden said that revolvers are faster because you don't have to wait for the slide ty cycle.

 

[1 old 0311]

A lot of people grew up on 'Plastic Guns' so they just don't know any better.

 

[jonsidneyb]

I can tell you that if I were on the wrong side of a gun I would fear the revolver and the automatic equally.

It just seems to me some are so dismissive of them that they don't think they can even function.

I do realize that really knowledgable shooters know better but so many think a revolver can't do anything.

 

[spyderdude]

Some revolvers are more than capable of firing some extremely powerful cartridges, ones that semi-auto shooters can only dream of being able to shoot, unless they get a wheelgun. I for one have respect for both weapon systems. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Autos are easier to conceal, hold more rounds, and are easier to reload, but they malfunction more than wheelguns. Wheelguns are easier to use, and they don't malfunction as much as autos do. They do however lack in round capacity, and they're harder to conceal, especially the bigger ones. For combat situations I would choose a reliable semi-auto such as a Glock or 1911, but for hiking and hunting, I would carry a revolver with speed loaders. There is a tool for every job.

 

[jonsidneyb]

I actually carry one of each.

I just notice the comments when people see a revolver.

 

[Stainz]

You have a better chance playing 'Russian Roulette' with a revolver. Sorry, that was tactless, tasteless, and simply terrible... but, it's early, and I need more caffein!.

In all seriousness, I would rather depend on a revolver as a SD firearm. Those who prefer hi-cap bottom feeders must have a lot of enemies - who know each other - and will come 'en masse'. As stated, many young folks grew up watching gun battles where dozens of rounds came out of bottom-feeders held sideways... we older revolver nuts watched The Duke shoot ten rounds from his Colt SAA without ever cocking it. Of course, Dirty Harry did it right. It really is true, you are a product of your environment.

Stainz

 

[DAdams]

Stainz

In all seriousness, I would rather depend on a revolver as a SD firearm. Those who prefer hi-cap bottom feeders must have a lot of enemies - who know each other - and will come 'en masse'. As stated, many young folks grew up watching gun battles where dozens of rounds came out of bottom-feeders held sideways...

Yo, yo, yo.

Jesh why would you want a revolver when you can have a KelTec.

 

[gvf]

reply

because revolvers work.

 

[Iggy]

Revolvers do not fit into the "spray and pray" philosophy of handgun tactics that have developed since the 70's

Everyone has to have the latest gimmick and the revolver just ain't as cool anymore.

I find that new shooters go for whatever is on TV and the movies when they first start out, but the serious shooters eventually discover the charm and effectiveness of a wheelgun.

They may not convert, but they often have both.

 

[tinygnat219]

Simple reason why I don't carry a revolver (but own tons) for self-defense. Autos are flatter (thus easier to conceal), hold more rounds (when you need the extra rounds, you NEED the extra rounds), fast to fire, and simple to reload. Reliability has greatly improved to the point where I consider the auto to be as reliable as a revolver.

 

[jonsidneyb]

That is not always true.

It depends on the clothing. Sometimes autos conceal better because they are flatter and sometimes revolvers because they are rounder.

also the grip shap has alot to do with it.

 

[alucard0822]

revolvers are much more versatile than autos, a 357 can fire a wadcutter at 750fps up to full house magnum loads near 1800fps and anywhere in between, you are not dependent on the recoil to feed. You can also use rat and snake shot and rubber practice bullets. Outside of 10mm, and Desert eagleas most hunting is done with revolvers or single shot break actions, where revolvers have a big capacity advantage. There are even some new combat revolvers that don't give up any ground to autos 8 shot cylinders pre machined for moon clips, tac rails for all the lasers and lights that only a mall ninja could love. As far as concealability, the J-frame snubby practically invented the purpose built CCW pistol.

 

[jonsidneyb]

4-inch K-frame. Oh how I miss those.

They conceal much better than most people realize

 

[Jkwas]

The only advantage an Auto has over a Revolver is capacity. Normally I carry a revolver, but If I look outside and see a bunch of people in the street that I haven't seen before just hanging out, I take an auto.

 

[alucard0822]

I have a 4" 686 for HD, it is also the gun I practice with the most and shoot best. I have quite a few autos, and enjoy them too, but just like the revolver better + no mag spring. If I am in a situation where six 357s aren't enough, I don't think 15 9mms will do much better,especially when I have a semi-auto M4 with a 30rd mag of 5.56x45s in the cabinet 10 feet away.

 

[Ala Dan]

Revolvers are not under rated by me, as I own quite a few~!

 

[Walkalong]

I like em both as well. Touching off a .44 Mag in my Redhawk is fun I can't get from an auto.

 

[pax]

I don't under rate revolvers.

I also do not under rate semi-autos.

I'm a little irritated by people who do either.

Each type of gun has some specific benefits and some specific drawbacks.

Despite what revolver owners say, the limited ammunition capacity does matter, here in the real world where even a good shot can miss and where bad guys have friends too. Despite what semi-auto owners say, not many semi-autos are as stone-cold reliable as a good wheelgun, and that too can matter here in the real world where Lady Luck and Mr. Murphy sometimes gang up on you.

*shrug* Pick your own poison.

pax

 

[Deanimator]

1. Ignorance. Nobody's making really nice, practical revolvers anymore. S&W's turning out overpriced kitsch. Ruger's turning out a limited variety of klunky products. Dan Wesson hasn't made any of their normal sized revolvers since CZ-USA bought them. All the younger shooters know anymore is highcap autos and M1911s.

2. The "John Woo effect". Young boys (at least the ones who haven't been feminized) want to fly through the air, randomly perforating their surroundings, with a highcap 9mm in either hand. Actual pistol marksmanship is often an unknown concept.

I've bought four or five handguns in the last couple of years. Every one was a vintage S&W revolver except for a single Glock 19.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Because it is often the best gun for a begining defensive shooter to understand, it is sometimes viewed as a 'beginers' weapon. In truth, many LEO's used to be required to carry the revolver for some probationary period (maybe some still do?) in their careers.

Gun people all have their little opinions on everything.

Makes it more argumenitive and fun.

 

[44and45]

I frankly don't trust an auto pistol to be operational when I would really need it.

Nor do I want my wife to try and operate one in an emergency, she is in her 70's like me.

But she can operate a S&W 5-screw .38 special revolver with huge 158 grain special swaged hollow point bullets.

My revolver of choice is a .44 special, or .45 Colt.

Though I do have a Randall .45 acp in its original box, but never shoot it anymore...having too much fun with the revolvers.

Jim

 

[slow944]

I just picked up a Ruger Security-Six yesterday because I wanted a small frame 357 for CCW. I've got a couple more Revolvers in 357, a Colt Python 6" in Royal Blue, and a S&W M66-2 4" SS. But the little RSS with a 2 1/2" SS is really going to fill an empty spot as far as CCW goes. I'v also got semi-auto's in 9mm, 40S&W and 45acp. all are good guns and sometimes 10+1 in 40/45 on your hip feels really good.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Even though I'm now 50 and have only been shooting for a year and a half my first handgun was a revolver and so was my second. Then I bought a Kel-Tec P-32 and another revolver. I just have a thing for revolvers, I guess that because I'm older and have more sense!! LOL

 

[jonsidneyb]

I carry both because they are different. It is funny when the revolver is out I will hear you should carry and automatic. So I then lay the automatic out on the bench. Then the comment comes back that I should be carrying two automatics. I have to stress that I carry both because they are different, not looking for similar in this instance.