If I had to choose one, it would be a revolver. No worries about feeding, ejecting, etc. As long as its in good working order, accurate timing, and good ammo... I see little that will stop it from operating. Heck, even if somehow the timing got totally screwed, you theoretically should still be able to shoot one SA.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Most reliable handgun in subzero weather: revolver or semi?
- Thread starter Shep
- Start date
buck460XVR
New member
The second failure occurred with a .45 Colt auto which totally locked up after being exposed to rain.
.....................I had the same experience. I hunt deer here in Wisconsin primarily with Revolvers, or Revolver caliber carbines. I also hunt in harsh conditions with rain being my most favorite. Rain covers sound and knocks down scent allowing me to still hunt to within handgun range. One day this last season I decided to carry the 1911 in a side holster since I was hunting with a .44 mag carbine. The .45ACP was taken primarily for ships and giggles and for the occasional porcupine. The slight drizzle in the morning turned into freezing rain by afternoon. When I got back to the truck and went to unload and case the 5'' government, I couldn't get the mag to drop, nor could I even move the slide at all to unload the chamber. Not wanting to break/strain any of the small parts/springs I did not force it. Now in Wisconsin it is illegal to have a loaded gun in a vehicle at all. This meant I couldn't wait til I got home to unload it. Legally, I couldn't even set in on the dash to warm using the defroster. By law I couldn't even put it against my skin under my clothing to thaw, since WI does not have CCW. Since I was hunting on public land, the only one in the woods, and within sight of a road, I was warden bait. Half an hour later after holding the gun under the warm exhaust of the truck, it finally unfroze. Good thing is, I made it home safe and the gun still performs well. Next time tho, with freezing rain in the forecast, I'll take a revolver.
44 AMP said:This is true of ALL machinery, big and small, revolver, auto, truck or tank. If the moving parts are frozen, they are no longer moving parts.
True enough, but generally speaking the moving parts of autos and the spaces in between them are less exposed to the environment (in a way that could negatively affect operation) when they're not being fired, or so it seems. There is also the issue of durability when subjected to sharp impacts, such as being dropped. Hypothetically, if both types were dropped and you could only pick up one handgun to use (putting other differences aside for the sake of argument), which type would it be? In addition, I bet that revolvers would typically bind up faster (i.e. fewer rounds fired) from fouling, which while not an issue for most uses, can be for some.
Last edited: