So any reason why somebody would choose a revolver over a semi auto?
Personal preference is probably the main reason, followed by physical ability.
Most of the major points have already been mentioned, but I will elaborate on some of them.
- Can be gripped and fired from inside a jacket pocket without jamming.
PROBABLY.
Not a guaranteed thing. Much less likely than an auto, but even the shrouded/concealed hammer revolvers CAN be jammed by crap in a pocket.
- Frame and grips are slimmer on a pocket revolver than an auto. Bulge from cylinder is less bulky than the slide and grip of most pocket autos.
Again, this is not a universal truth, it depends entirely on which guns you are comparing.
- Multi caliber conversions are done easily, just send the cylinder for reaming. Have a .357 mag converted to 9x23 and you can shoot .38 super, 9x19, 9x21, 9x23 from the same handgun. Even a pocket .357 mag can be easily reamed for .38 super or 9x19.
OK, this one kind of boggles my mind. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I have to wonder, WHY??? #1, why bother converting your .357 to fire LESS powerful round? #2, converting a .357 to fire 9mm rounds means (at the least) a very sloppy chamber for the .357. Note that Ruger, who make a convertible .357 / 9mm Luger (9x19) revolver uses a SEPARATE cylinder for the 9mm.
9mm Luger specs .391" at the case head, the .357 Magnum is .379". Personally, I don't want a .357 with an extra .012" of "slop" built into the chamber (at the case head) just so I can get 9mm rounds to fire. And then there is the whole 9mm bullet in .357 barrel thing.
Now as far as just shooting. I have 5 other revolvers. Any of them will out shoot a semi any day of the week.
I have no doubt that they will outshoot SOME semis. Others might give you a run for your money.
It's a rare day when an average revolver will outshoot an average .22 "sport pistol", let alone the target grade ones. Remember not all semis are the Browning tilt barrel duty style guns. And there is more in the world of handgunning than just duty class and defensive guns. They may not be your priority, but they do exist, and they often shoot holes in blanket statements about "semis" all being this, or that.
I have semis that shoot as accurately as I do, and some that are even better. I have revolvers that do the same.
I think the main reason for someone choosing a revolver over a semi auto is the calibers revolvers come in. There are still people who don't feel the need for the greatest ammo capacity possible, and choose a lesser amount of (often) more powerful round instead.
Size, & weight of the gun overall, and grip style size & shape are other factors, and each persons situation and preference come into play.
No body makes a .45 Colt semi auto, that I know of. Nor many of the other cartridges common to revolvers. You can get semis in .357Mag & .44 Mag, I have some. I do like the way they shoot. They are big and heavy, but they are more pleasant to shoot than most revolvers in the same calibers.
If you want to closely compare the +/- of revolver vs semi as defensive sidearms or duty class carry guns, fine. Just say so. If you just say "revolver vs. semi" remember that includes ALL revolvers and semis.