My favorite thing about revolvers (over semiautos)
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TheNocturnus
New member
I have one of each. H&R 929 .22lr and my Glock 22.
spacecoast
New member
Webley's list is pretty good, but here's the definitive list -
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4221388&postcount=10
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4221388&postcount=10
The discussion about malfunctions with autoloaders is so prevalent I think because so many shooters experience regular malfunctions. When you get a pistol that "never" jams, you feel very happy because you have probably had one that did jam at least occasionally. I know I have experienced this. For example, I bought a pistol one time and the first time I tried to load JHP ammo in it, the first round jammed on the bottom of the feed ramp. I was extremely disheartened by this. I had another pistol that would work extremely well most of the time but would unexplicably jam every so often. This was the reason I went to a revolver to fulfill my indvidual needs.
Everything regarding autos versus revolvers is about trade-offs. For example, revolvers don't jam up that often if the revolver is well maintained and loaded with good ammunition. But, if in the off chance it does jam, you aren't going to clear it with a tap rack bang which quickly solves a lot of problems with autos in a very short amount of time. I think the key is that when you select a revolver or semi-auto, evaluate your needs, test the thing and keep it as clean as possible.
Everything regarding autos versus revolvers is about trade-offs. For example, revolvers don't jam up that often if the revolver is well maintained and loaded with good ammunition. But, if in the off chance it does jam, you aren't going to clear it with a tap rack bang which quickly solves a lot of problems with autos in a very short amount of time. I think the key is that when you select a revolver or semi-auto, evaluate your needs, test the thing and keep it as clean as possible.
no offense intended but....
if semi autos are so much inherently better from a functional standpoint, why are there so many books and courses designed simply to "educate semi auto users on how to clear jams and malfunctions"created by incorrect extraction/ejection/feeding?
or better yet, why do so many people with a semi auto spend 800 on the gun, then spend 200 extra on a barrel with a feed ramp designed for more then jacketed bullets/ or spend 400 bucks to have a gunsmith fix the feed ramp on the factory barrel for the same thing?
on the original posts theme, why is it that every one who posts on the first use of anew semi auto is SURPRISED it performed correctly?
if semi autos are so much inherently better from a functional standpoint, why are there so many books and courses designed simply to "educate semi auto users on how to clear jams and malfunctions"created by incorrect extraction/ejection/feeding?
or better yet, why do so many people with a semi auto spend 800 on the gun, then spend 200 extra on a barrel with a feed ramp designed for more then jacketed bullets/ or spend 400 bucks to have a gunsmith fix the feed ramp on the factory barrel for the same thing?
on the original posts theme, why is it that every one who posts on the first use of anew semi auto is SURPRISED it performed correctly?
LockedBreech
New member
I'm the odd one out here. I've actually experienced more failures with revolvers in my life than with semiautomatics. And I've shot quite a few of both.
I think both types of wildly different quality levels. Purely for reliability, I would take a Sig P229 E2 over a Taurus Model 85, but I'd take a Smith and Wesson Performance Center 629 over a Bersa Thunder.
I admit my preference is toward autos.
I think both types of wildly different quality levels. Purely for reliability, I would take a Sig P229 E2 over a Taurus Model 85, but I'd take a Smith and Wesson Performance Center 629 over a Bersa Thunder.
I admit my preference is toward autos.
Most common semi-auto malfunctions are easily cleared and relatively rare with quality weapons.
Revolver malfunctions are indeed very rare. However, when you have one you are most likely done.
In the past 30+ years I've only had two revolver malfunctions, both completely locked the cylinder.
They weren't due to parts breakage either, although one could be described as a defect. It was a burr left from the factory by the firing pin hole. It was a new pistol I had only shot a dozen rounds through on one outing, but the next time I shot it it locked up against a cartridge head. I banged it open with the heel of my hand and next go round it did it again. It took time, analysis and eventually a file to correct. It could have got me killed, because it was a brand new S&W 66-1. I had no reason to think it would fail, it was an ultra 'reliable' revolver.
The second was a blown primer that wedged between the cartridge head and the blast shield. I had to use a rubber mallet to get that one undone and I'm no milk sop.
tl;dr: don't be so smug about revolver reliability, when they do jam, most times their done and you could be too.
Revolver malfunctions are indeed very rare. However, when you have one you are most likely done.
In the past 30+ years I've only had two revolver malfunctions, both completely locked the cylinder.
They weren't due to parts breakage either, although one could be described as a defect. It was a burr left from the factory by the firing pin hole. It was a new pistol I had only shot a dozen rounds through on one outing, but the next time I shot it it locked up against a cartridge head. I banged it open with the heel of my hand and next go round it did it again. It took time, analysis and eventually a file to correct. It could have got me killed, because it was a brand new S&W 66-1. I had no reason to think it would fail, it was an ultra 'reliable' revolver.
The second was a blown primer that wedged between the cartridge head and the blast shield. I had to use a rubber mallet to get that one undone and I'm no milk sop.
tl;dr: don't be so smug about revolver reliability, when they do jam, most times their done and you could be too.
Please don't take this as picking on you specifically, because that's not my intention. However, I do grow tired of hearing that semi-auto jams are easily cleared while revolver jams aren't (I know you specifically aren't speaking in absolutes, but many do). I've personally seen revolver malfunctions that were easily remedied and semi-auto malfunctions that weren't. Case in point, my CZ-75 once had an out-of-spec 9mm cartridge (Silver Bear 145gr JHP) jam so tightly in the chamber that I had to disassemble the gun to remove it. Had this happened in a gunfight, I'd be up a tree without a leaf unless I had a BUG. Conversely, my dad's Ruger SP101 once had its cylinder lock up because a primer came out of its pocket when the cartridge was fired (Remington-UMC .357 Magnum 125gr JHP). Simply opening the cylinder and removing the offending cartridge cured the issue.
Webleymkv said:
Yes, thats very true I agree. My post wasn't met to suggest that as a rule revolvers aren't less prone to malfunctions. Nor that some semi-auto malfunctions weren't game stoppers. It was in responses to those who speak in absolutes regarding revolvers.
Webleymkv said:
This incident actually reinforces my assertion that revolvers do on rare occasion malfunction. I'd hate to fire one shot in a deadly confrontation and have to stop and open the cylinder.
We've all heard of a person at the range staring dumb founded at his semi-auto because it jammed. This happens frequently, I believe, because people take their modern semi-autos reliability for granted.
If I'm correct and their complacency is due to taking reliability for granted. Reliability of a weapon known to on occasion malfunction I might add. What would be the reaction of the average revolver user when their revolver quits spinning? Especially in a life threatening situation.
tl;dr don't assume revolver reliability is an absolute certitude.
lots of factors do influence performanc ein a revolver or semi auto. just try skipping proper lubrication.
lets hark back to the period known as world war one.
the britsh were given massive amounts of the finest revolvers made by sw and colt chambered in 45 acp. they were given good amounts of 1911s. although both were good guns, they decidedin the end that the revolver was better. easier cleaning in a mud filledtrench, and just easier to keep going.
lets hark back to the period known as world war one.
the britsh were given massive amounts of the finest revolvers made by sw and colt chambered in 45 acp. they were given good amounts of 1911s. although both were good guns, they decidedin the end that the revolver was better. easier cleaning in a mud filledtrench, and just easier to keep going.
insaneranger
New member
I would love to have a nice .45 Vaquero or Beretta Stampede Deluxe in my collection, but revolvers just never felt right in my hands. I've owned a couple in the past in SA & DA, but I enjoy semi autos more. I can tear up targets all day with my semi's.
I'm an equal opportunity pistolero
...in respects to revolvers and semi autos. I'm not sure why there is an argument between both designs. Like anything man-made, they have their pros and their cons. I simply embrace them and their differences and enjoy using them.
Somedays a S&W 686 or a Ruger redhawk is all I want to take out. Others, it isn't. I do love a tuned trigger on a model 13.
...in respects to revolvers and semi autos. I'm not sure why there is an argument between both designs. Like anything man-made, they have their pros and their cons. I simply embrace them and their differences and enjoy using them.
Somedays a S&W 686 or a Ruger redhawk is all I want to take out. Others, it isn't. I do love a tuned trigger on a model 13.
Mike Irwin
Staff
"Most common semi-auto malfunctions are easily cleared and relatively rare with quality weapons.
Revolver malfunctions are indeed very rare. However, when you have one you are most likely done."
About the only revolver malfunction that will completely lock it up and cause you to be "most likely done" is a squib round that lodges a bullet in the barrel or between the cylinder and barrel.
Two things about that.
1, that's NOT a revolver problem. That's an AMMUNITION problem.
2, You get a squib in a semi-auto and you're going to be just as badly screwed as you would be with a squib in a revolver.
Revolver malfunctions are indeed very rare. However, when you have one you are most likely done."
About the only revolver malfunction that will completely lock it up and cause you to be "most likely done" is a squib round that lodges a bullet in the barrel or between the cylinder and barrel.
Two things about that.
1, that's NOT a revolver problem. That's an AMMUNITION problem.
2, You get a squib in a semi-auto and you're going to be just as badly screwed as you would be with a squib in a revolver.
orionengnr
New member
Or powder/crap under the ejector, tying up the action.
Or an ejector rod unscrewing itself, tying up the action.
Or a cylinder which "pops" out after each round is fired (okay, it was a Rossi thing, but it is still a revolver thing).
Yes, I have experienced each of the above.
I like my revolvers, but I am not blind in my allegiance to anything.
Or an ejector rod unscrewing itself, tying up the action.
Or a cylinder which "pops" out after each round is fired (okay, it was a Rossi thing, but it is still a revolver thing).
Yes, I have experienced each of the above.
I like my revolvers, but I am not blind in my allegiance to anything.
Mike Irwin
Staff
"Or powder/crap under the ejector, tying up the action."
Pucker up and blow.
Proper ejection/reloading techniques will solve that issue.
"Or an ejector rod unscrewing itself, tying up the action."
Yep, that is one. But, it's generally a lot easier to solve than a two-part guide rod coming apart inside the slide of your semi-auto. I've seen that one happen, and it's a gold plated SOB to try to resolve.
"Or a cylinder which "pops" out after each round is fired (okay, it was a Rossi thing, but it is still a revolver thing)."
No worse than a slide that locks back when it's not supposed to.
And about as easy to resolve.
Pucker up and blow.
Proper ejection/reloading techniques will solve that issue.
"Or an ejector rod unscrewing itself, tying up the action."
Yep, that is one. But, it's generally a lot easier to solve than a two-part guide rod coming apart inside the slide of your semi-auto. I've seen that one happen, and it's a gold plated SOB to try to resolve.
"Or a cylinder which "pops" out after each round is fired (okay, it was a Rossi thing, but it is still a revolver thing)."
No worse than a slide that locks back when it's not supposed to.
And about as easy to resolve.
orionengnr
New member
Yep, six of one...half dozen of the other.
Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer choice.
Nothing made (or maintained) by man is perfect.
I like (and carry) each. But I don't claim that either one is God's gift, nor do I attempt to convince others that either is "all that".
Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer choice.
Nothing made (or maintained) by man is perfect.
I like (and carry) each. But I don't claim that either one is God's gift, nor do I attempt to convince others that either is "all that".
I like that comparison!
I have had more than a few problems with revolvers, one of the worst was a case separation with .357 Mag factory ammo where the front of the case was lodged into the barrel, with the rear still in the chamber. Of course, the cylinder did not open and removing the brass was no fun.
I have also seen a S&W 625 shoot loose at a competition and - upon swinging the cylinder out - propelling the cylinder assembly into the dirt. Of course, there is a fix for that.
Overall, I have semi autos that are very reliable and accurate. My 212 did not give me a single hick up - but neither did the Korth.
On the other hand, this one has caused me grief:
jason_iowa
New member
I have never seen a squib nor do I know anyone who has seen a squib. Your chance of encountering a squib is about nil. A primer charge is enough to push a bullet clear of any handgun barrel.
Mike Irwin
Staff
"I also don't think very many would argue that an AX is more reliable than a hydraulic log splitter either."
Bad comparison given that revolvers and semi-autos are very comparably mechanically, but an ax and a log splitter aren't even remotely similar in that sense.
Bad comparison given that revolvers and semi-autos are very comparably mechanically, but an ax and a log splitter aren't even remotely similar in that sense.
Mike Irwin
Staff
"I have had more than a few problems with revolvers, one of the worst was a case separation with .357 Mag factory ammo where the front of the case was lodged into the barrel"
Once again, that is an AMMUNITION problem, not a platform problem.
A similar occurrence with a semi-auto would be as disabling, as I've witnessed in years past when a friend hung up his Helwan when a Syrian or Egyptian 9mm round separated and left about half of the case firmly jammed in the chamber.
It took two days in the deep freeze to get it out.
Once again, that is an AMMUNITION problem, not a platform problem.
A similar occurrence with a semi-auto would be as disabling, as I've witnessed in years past when a friend hung up his Helwan when a Syrian or Egyptian 9mm round separated and left about half of the case firmly jammed in the chamber.
It took two days in the deep freeze to get it out.