I just have to say it again, you folks here on this forum are really awesome. It isn't even about the right answer so much as all this supportive debate and so many people who really care about protecting themselves, each other, and their loved ones, and doing it responsibly. I feel lucky to be here!
G19 vs. Revolver, first gun
- Thread starter Ginger
- Start date
You come across as a pretty smart person who has done lots of homework in an area of great debate and preference...Without considering the forum fallout, I think your home (alarm) defense system is probably the priority, and personal defense (armed) would come second....With pets and children in home, your consideration of safe (s) is tremendously important.
I love revolvers. Having said that, I vote Glock. I went Glock shopping a few years ago, and ended up buying something else, only because I just couldn't get them to fit me comfortably. I still regard them as excellent guns, and excellent values for those they do fit. Sounds like the Glock fits you. And if you can get a good deal on one that already has tritium sights on it, I say go for it. I really wouldn't worry about jamming. It is a concern for autos, to be sure, but Glocks are among the most reliable, and most jams can be quickly and easily cleared.
Sounds like your instructor caused a jam by monkeying with the Glock, and that it was not the kind of jam that would have happened during normal firing. Did he cause the jam by manipulating the slide, or by firing it?
Also, check the age of the gun, or more to the point, the age of the night sights. I suggest this because tritium inserts do have a life span. It is in excess of ten years (I think Trijicon, for example, claims a 13 year life span). So, if the gun has had those sights on it for, say, nine years, over half the life is expended.
As far as reliability is concerned, though, I would put your doubts about the Glock to rest.
Sounds like your instructor caused a jam by monkeying with the Glock, and that it was not the kind of jam that would have happened during normal firing. Did he cause the jam by manipulating the slide, or by firing it?
Also, check the age of the gun, or more to the point, the age of the night sights. I suggest this because tritium inserts do have a life span. It is in excess of ten years (I think Trijicon, for example, claims a 13 year life span). So, if the gun has had those sights on it for, say, nine years, over half the life is expended.
As far as reliability is concerned, though, I would put your doubts about the Glock to rest.
another vote for the Glock
I had a S&W Model 19 .357 Mag, I gave it to my adult daughter when she bought her own home. She's pretty good with it.
I have a Ruger SP101 .357, I like it a lot, very reliable, fairly accurate, small enough to carry comfortably. My wife shoots it OK with .38 standard loads.
I have a Glock Model 22, .40 cal. My 115 lb. wife, who shoots maybe 50 pistol rounds a year (just enough so she knows how) shoots the Glock as well as the revolvers. Limp wristing has not been an issue, never a jamb or fail to fire.
I find that the Glock is as accurate as the Model 19 with 4" barrel and more accurate than my SP-101 with 2-1/4" barrel. The Glock is simple to operate and holds a lot more rounds.
If you were a woman looking for a night stand gun that she almost never practiced with I'd say revolver because it's simpler to load and unload but you seem like you plan to really learn how to use your gun so I think the Glock is a good choice.
I participated in an action pistol competition, some people had $3000.00 "Race Guns" Me and my Glock did fine, The one and only time I competed I placed 16th out of 45 participants.
Good luck, I hope you never have to use it other than on paper targets and beer cans.
Ricky
I had a S&W Model 19 .357 Mag, I gave it to my adult daughter when she bought her own home. She's pretty good with it.
I have a Ruger SP101 .357, I like it a lot, very reliable, fairly accurate, small enough to carry comfortably. My wife shoots it OK with .38 standard loads.
I have a Glock Model 22, .40 cal. My 115 lb. wife, who shoots maybe 50 pistol rounds a year (just enough so she knows how) shoots the Glock as well as the revolvers. Limp wristing has not been an issue, never a jamb or fail to fire.
I find that the Glock is as accurate as the Model 19 with 4" barrel and more accurate than my SP-101 with 2-1/4" barrel. The Glock is simple to operate and holds a lot more rounds.
If you were a woman looking for a night stand gun that she almost never practiced with I'd say revolver because it's simpler to load and unload but you seem like you plan to really learn how to use your gun so I think the Glock is a good choice.
I participated in an action pistol competition, some people had $3000.00 "Race Guns" Me and my Glock did fine, The one and only time I competed I placed 16th out of 45 participants.
Good luck, I hope you never have to use it other than on paper targets and beer cans.
Ricky
Firepower!
New member
Can your revolver have this?
Firepower!
New member
and can it do this?
Ginger,
you described yourself as a "small female".
Regardless of your gender the important question to ask yourself is can you work the action of the semi auto properly?
I only ask this because both my Wife and Mother in Law cannot rack a semi auto slide if their lives depended on it.
They are both of average or greater strength.
The Glock is certainly qualitative (I own and carry a G26) but my Wife has a revolver.
The simple reason being, that she can load and unload the gun without having to trouble herself with a slide.
If you have a jam of any kind in a semi auto, the odds are very good that you'll have to rack the slide with force. That force will probably be greater than what you would have to apply in a normal slide cycling maneuver. Adding to this, if (heaven forbid) you ever had to use that gun, you will be charged with adrenaline and probably panicked (man and woman alike). You will not likely be thinking calmly or clearly and instinct will take over.
If its loaded the revolver is very intuitive in its function; there is no safety to forget to disengage and no slide to worry about limpwristing. Revolver ammo capacity is diminished but don't let that alone guide you. 5 or 6 .38/.357 bullets fired are at least as good as 1 9mm fired with 14 stuck in the mag.
The shotgun is a good option too, but it as well can have some minor challenges(Slide release on some models). It would probably be your best bet for home protection however. THe action is simple, a pump action is generally reliable and you can also get some special loads that diminish overpenetration.
Mossberg 500s shouldn't run you more than $350 and thats probably on the high end.
Not to mention that shotgun shells are just about the only ammo I can seem to find at the local Wally World.
Best of luck,
Konrad
you described yourself as a "small female".
Regardless of your gender the important question to ask yourself is can you work the action of the semi auto properly?
I only ask this because both my Wife and Mother in Law cannot rack a semi auto slide if their lives depended on it.
They are both of average or greater strength.
The Glock is certainly qualitative (I own and carry a G26) but my Wife has a revolver.
The simple reason being, that she can load and unload the gun without having to trouble herself with a slide.
If you have a jam of any kind in a semi auto, the odds are very good that you'll have to rack the slide with force. That force will probably be greater than what you would have to apply in a normal slide cycling maneuver. Adding to this, if (heaven forbid) you ever had to use that gun, you will be charged with adrenaline and probably panicked (man and woman alike). You will not likely be thinking calmly or clearly and instinct will take over.
If its loaded the revolver is very intuitive in its function; there is no safety to forget to disengage and no slide to worry about limpwristing. Revolver ammo capacity is diminished but don't let that alone guide you. 5 or 6 .38/.357 bullets fired are at least as good as 1 9mm fired with 14 stuck in the mag.
The shotgun is a good option too, but it as well can have some minor challenges(Slide release on some models). It would probably be your best bet for home protection however. THe action is simple, a pump action is generally reliable and you can also get some special loads that diminish overpenetration.
Mossberg 500s shouldn't run you more than $350 and thats probably on the high end.
Not to mention that shotgun shells are just about the only ammo I can seem to find at the local Wally World.
Best of luck,
Konrad
Firepower!
New member
Dave 85, it is the select fire switch.
skydiver3346
New member
Revolver or Glock 19?
Hi Ginger,
With all this feedback on automatics, limp wrist shots, jams, etc, this could lead to you not having 100% confidence in your weapon of choice.
If I were you, I would go with a revolver like a S&W .38 special. Shoot it a lot and gain your confidence and then maybe down the line, purchase an automatic pistol and see how you do with that. Bottom line: When the chips are down, you need something that goes bang each and every time you pull the trigger....... A revolver will do that for you without question, (limp wrist or not). Good luck.
Hi Ginger,
With all this feedback on automatics, limp wrist shots, jams, etc, this could lead to you not having 100% confidence in your weapon of choice.
If I were you, I would go with a revolver like a S&W .38 special. Shoot it a lot and gain your confidence and then maybe down the line, purchase an automatic pistol and see how you do with that. Bottom line: When the chips are down, you need something that goes bang each and every time you pull the trigger....... A revolver will do that for you without question, (limp wrist or not). Good luck.
Both will serve your needs well given the proper steps are taken. There are several considerations that must be taken into consideration with both.
Capacity/Reload- The Glock has the obvious advantage here as you have a double-digit round count as opposed to 5-8 rounds with the major caliber revolvers available. Likewise, most people find changing a magazine to be faster and easier that reloading a cylinder though speedloaders and moonclips are quite fast with practice.
Reliability- Here I have to give a slight edge to the revolver. All semi-automatics require at least a moderately stable platform in order to function correctly (hence the dreaded limp wristing) while a revolver will fire so long as the operator is able to pull the trigger. Likewise, a fully loaded Glock has at least two springs under compression (the magazine spring and striker spring) while a fully loaded revolver's springs are not under so much compression. The debate about whether compression wears out springs is an ongoing one, but it's a non-issue with a revolver.
Safety- Here there is no really clear winner. A revolver is easier to verify whether it's loaded or not by opening the cylinder and looking but the Glock can be made ready from an unloaded state more quickly for most people. A Glock's trigger is shorter and lighter while the DA revolver's longer, heavier trigger makes unintentional discharges less likely (though not impossible) but the Glock can be kept with the chamber empty and still be made ready quite quickly.
Shootability/Training- Again we find that the two come out awash. The Glock's lighter trigger requires more intensive training with regards to trigger control than does the revolver, but many people also find it easier to shoot accurately. Likewise, autos are generally softer-recoiling for a given power level, but revolvers can still fire adequately powerful rounds with modest recoil and can also be made in more powerful calibers for a given size.
At the end of the day, it is a decision that you must make. However, that decision becomes easier if you ask yourself a few questions. Are you comfortable with a short-light trigger and no manual safety or do you prefer a longer, heavier, more deliberate trigger? Do you need high capacity and fast reloads or is 5-8 rounds likely to be sufficient? Can you always provide a stable shooting platform or do you need a gun that can be easily used with a weak or injured hand? Is periodic checking an replacing of springs an acceptable inconveniece or do you need a gun that is more tolerant of neglect? Do you need the lightest recoil possible or are you more interested in power?
Personally, I like revolvers better. However, I also own, enjoy, and occasionally carry autoloaders as well and you may have different preferences and needs than I do.
Capacity/Reload- The Glock has the obvious advantage here as you have a double-digit round count as opposed to 5-8 rounds with the major caliber revolvers available. Likewise, most people find changing a magazine to be faster and easier that reloading a cylinder though speedloaders and moonclips are quite fast with practice.
Reliability- Here I have to give a slight edge to the revolver. All semi-automatics require at least a moderately stable platform in order to function correctly (hence the dreaded limp wristing) while a revolver will fire so long as the operator is able to pull the trigger. Likewise, a fully loaded Glock has at least two springs under compression (the magazine spring and striker spring) while a fully loaded revolver's springs are not under so much compression. The debate about whether compression wears out springs is an ongoing one, but it's a non-issue with a revolver.
Safety- Here there is no really clear winner. A revolver is easier to verify whether it's loaded or not by opening the cylinder and looking but the Glock can be made ready from an unloaded state more quickly for most people. A Glock's trigger is shorter and lighter while the DA revolver's longer, heavier trigger makes unintentional discharges less likely (though not impossible) but the Glock can be kept with the chamber empty and still be made ready quite quickly.
Shootability/Training- Again we find that the two come out awash. The Glock's lighter trigger requires more intensive training with regards to trigger control than does the revolver, but many people also find it easier to shoot accurately. Likewise, autos are generally softer-recoiling for a given power level, but revolvers can still fire adequately powerful rounds with modest recoil and can also be made in more powerful calibers for a given size.
At the end of the day, it is a decision that you must make. However, that decision becomes easier if you ask yourself a few questions. Are you comfortable with a short-light trigger and no manual safety or do you prefer a longer, heavier, more deliberate trigger? Do you need high capacity and fast reloads or is 5-8 rounds likely to be sufficient? Can you always provide a stable shooting platform or do you need a gun that can be easily used with a weak or injured hand? Is periodic checking an replacing of springs an acceptable inconveniece or do you need a gun that is more tolerant of neglect? Do you need the lightest recoil possible or are you more interested in power?
Personally, I like revolvers better. However, I also own, enjoy, and occasionally carry autoloaders as well and you may have different preferences and needs than I do.
There a lot of great advice for you here. I'd like to stress a few points that shouldn't get lost in this list though.
All guns in good working order are safe. I don't buy the "Glocks are known for negligent dischage" stuff. If you follow the rules of firearm safety, and learn the right way to do things, any gun you choose is only going to be as safe as its operator.
All guns need maintenance. While some will say that dirty magazines or poorly lubricated slides or whatever may produce a misfeed in an auto, all guns should be maintained and kept in good working order. If you keep things clean, oiled, and responsibly owned, you shouldn't have a problem. An example: My mother just got an SP101 (Ruger revolver) and didn't clean it after she put quite a few rounds through it. She called me for help one evening because she couldn't get the cylinder back into the frame. It turns out that it was so dirty that it wouldnt' even close up. That was on the almight reliable revolver. It wasn't maintained and I she promised to never do that again.
If you are going to be diligent about keeping this new tool in good working order, keep it maintained and clean, it'll serve you well for years. If you neglect it, it'll have issues regardless which you choose.
The simplicity of the revolver is often appreciated by new shooters especially ones that have no clue when it comes to machines with moving parts. The Glock is definitely going to be more involved having to know different parts, pieces, and how they all work together. If you don't plan on taking the time and being dedicated to learning how your tool works, then a revolver may be a better bet. If you can grasp machines, then the Glock will be a great choice. Either way though, I'd guess you'd agree that you should know how either gun works as well as you possibly can.
Regarding things like trigger control, the weight of the trigger pull, etc, that doesn't mean anything. You should practice to become proficient with whatever you are shooting. All guns are different. If the double action pull of the revolver is more than the Glock (which it probably will be) you have to pull harder. What will matter is your hand strength and ability to actually pull the trigger. The action of pulling the trigger to touch off a round is the same with both. You will practice to become proficient with triggers and disciplined in their use. If I hand you my HK after you own a Glock, you should be able to fire it without issue as you will be disciplined in trigger control. If my trigger is 2 pounds heavier, you will have to overcome its power, but that won't have anything to do with the discipline you have regarding its use.
I could go on, but I always say when I take people to buy their first gun (which I've done several times) that it's mostly about the person, the size of the hand, the time available to master this new tool, the trigger reach, preference of feel (for instance I hate Glocks because they don't point naturally in my hand, but do perfectly in my mother's), etc. Sadly, it's hard to come to a forum where nobody knows you personally and tell you which you'll like better or be more effective with.
Personally, I hate revolvers. I won't bore you with the reasons. I can shoot them though because all of the practice, training, and discipline I've acquired over the years can be transferred to any gun.
Go to a store or find a friend with options and shoot them if you can. Pick them up. See that it fits your hand. See that it points naturally. See that it's balanced in your hand. Etc... If you find something that fits you personally, then with practice and training, you'll be efficient and effective with any gun.
Just my humble opinion...
All guns in good working order are safe. I don't buy the "Glocks are known for negligent dischage" stuff. If you follow the rules of firearm safety, and learn the right way to do things, any gun you choose is only going to be as safe as its operator.
All guns need maintenance. While some will say that dirty magazines or poorly lubricated slides or whatever may produce a misfeed in an auto, all guns should be maintained and kept in good working order. If you keep things clean, oiled, and responsibly owned, you shouldn't have a problem. An example: My mother just got an SP101 (Ruger revolver) and didn't clean it after she put quite a few rounds through it. She called me for help one evening because she couldn't get the cylinder back into the frame. It turns out that it was so dirty that it wouldnt' even close up. That was on the almight reliable revolver. It wasn't maintained and I she promised to never do that again.
If you are going to be diligent about keeping this new tool in good working order, keep it maintained and clean, it'll serve you well for years. If you neglect it, it'll have issues regardless which you choose.
The simplicity of the revolver is often appreciated by new shooters especially ones that have no clue when it comes to machines with moving parts. The Glock is definitely going to be more involved having to know different parts, pieces, and how they all work together. If you don't plan on taking the time and being dedicated to learning how your tool works, then a revolver may be a better bet. If you can grasp machines, then the Glock will be a great choice. Either way though, I'd guess you'd agree that you should know how either gun works as well as you possibly can.
Regarding things like trigger control, the weight of the trigger pull, etc, that doesn't mean anything. You should practice to become proficient with whatever you are shooting. All guns are different. If the double action pull of the revolver is more than the Glock (which it probably will be) you have to pull harder. What will matter is your hand strength and ability to actually pull the trigger. The action of pulling the trigger to touch off a round is the same with both. You will practice to become proficient with triggers and disciplined in their use. If I hand you my HK after you own a Glock, you should be able to fire it without issue as you will be disciplined in trigger control. If my trigger is 2 pounds heavier, you will have to overcome its power, but that won't have anything to do with the discipline you have regarding its use.
I could go on, but I always say when I take people to buy their first gun (which I've done several times) that it's mostly about the person, the size of the hand, the time available to master this new tool, the trigger reach, preference of feel (for instance I hate Glocks because they don't point naturally in my hand, but do perfectly in my mother's), etc. Sadly, it's hard to come to a forum where nobody knows you personally and tell you which you'll like better or be more effective with.
Personally, I hate revolvers. I won't bore you with the reasons. I can shoot them though because all of the practice, training, and discipline I've acquired over the years can be transferred to any gun.
Go to a store or find a friend with options and shoot them if you can. Pick them up. See that it fits your hand. See that it points naturally. See that it's balanced in your hand. Etc... If you find something that fits you personally, then with practice and training, you'll be efficient and effective with any gun.
Just my humble opinion...
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Repectfully,
the comments that discuss "trigger pull" or similar are completely irrelevant to a discussion about a first time home defense weapon.
When the adrenaline dump happens, it won't matter if your trigger is sand paper gritty and and 20lbs. Now, you would think that this adrenaline dump would help you to rack the slide of a semi auto without a problem. The brute strength might be there, but coordination will probably not be present.
K.I.S.S. = Keep It Super Simple.
Just remember a nice happy, calm trip to the range will be lightyears removed from the types of conditions you will face during an attack. Your actions will be driven by instinct and muscle memory. Your hands might be sweaty and slippery and the lighting conditions may be poor. You need to plan for this and equip yourself with the tool that you can operate with the fewest number of actions and techniques.
If you keep your revolver loaded, then there is nothing more to do than aim and pull the trigger. (BC you have kids you might also consider getting some type of quick release lock or quick open gun case so you can keep the gun loaded).
If you have no problem with the slide tension on a semi auto, then disregard this advice.
Trigger pull, feel etc... are all but irrelevant to a self defense gun that will be likely used at close range. You don't need to shoot wings off a fly at 50 yds, you need to hit a human sized target at not likely more than 10 feet. If you are attacked, odds are that you won't even remember the trigger feel, your finger will just keep squeezing until there aren't any more bullets to fire.
the comments that discuss "trigger pull" or similar are completely irrelevant to a discussion about a first time home defense weapon.
When the adrenaline dump happens, it won't matter if your trigger is sand paper gritty and and 20lbs. Now, you would think that this adrenaline dump would help you to rack the slide of a semi auto without a problem. The brute strength might be there, but coordination will probably not be present.
K.I.S.S. = Keep It Super Simple.
Just remember a nice happy, calm trip to the range will be lightyears removed from the types of conditions you will face during an attack. Your actions will be driven by instinct and muscle memory. Your hands might be sweaty and slippery and the lighting conditions may be poor. You need to plan for this and equip yourself with the tool that you can operate with the fewest number of actions and techniques.
If you keep your revolver loaded, then there is nothing more to do than aim and pull the trigger. (BC you have kids you might also consider getting some type of quick release lock or quick open gun case so you can keep the gun loaded).
If you have no problem with the slide tension on a semi auto, then disregard this advice.
Trigger pull, feel etc... are all but irrelevant to a self defense gun that will be likely used at close range. You don't need to shoot wings off a fly at 50 yds, you need to hit a human sized target at not likely more than 10 feet. If you are attacked, odds are that you won't even remember the trigger feel, your finger will just keep squeezing until there aren't any more bullets to fire.
If you want a target gun, then get a nice, heavy (Steel framed) .357 magnum revolver and put .38 target loads through it. You'll not have too much recoil and you'll get a feel for your gun.
Try a few full power .357s so you know what to expect and practice regularly.
If you do this, you'll have a weapon is adaptable to your needs (Range time vs self defense).
Best regards,
Konrad
Try a few full power .357s so you know what to expect and practice regularly.
If you do this, you'll have a weapon is adaptable to your needs (Range time vs self defense).
Best regards,
Konrad
Konrad said:
I'm assuming you are directing this toward my comments? I'm not sure.
I think we agree and I should have explained myself simpler. My point is to be disciplined with trigger control and how to get shots on target and ignore the differences in trigger pull between the Glock and the revolver.
Oh, and is there a damn quote function in these forums?
oneounceload
Moderator
if you are talking about home defense against intruders - you might also check out a 12 or 20 gauge pump shotgun - usually much cheaper than a pistol, the ammunition is usually cheaper, using two hands AND your shoulder will give you better control.
I own both Glocks and S&W revolvers.....a 357 is in the nightstand.....but a 12 gauge isn't that far away either.
Whatever you choose, make sure your kids learn to shoot it as well.....after all, there might come a time when they are home and you are not.........
I own both Glocks and S&W revolvers.....a 357 is in the nightstand.....but a 12 gauge isn't that far away either.
Whatever you choose, make sure your kids learn to shoot it as well.....after all, there might come a time when they are home and you are not.........