Revolver or Semi in a gunfight?
- Thread starter TXAZ
- Start date
It depends on what I knew about the gunfight beforehand. If I knew that I would be facing several small-to-medium sized individuals, I'd prefer my CZ-75 9mm loaded with 18 rounds (17 in the mag and 1 in the chamber) of Winchester Ranger T 127gr +P+ and at leas one spare mag full of the same. If, however, I knew that I'd be facing a few large-to-very large individuals, particularly at short range, I'd want my S&W 629 .44 Magnum loaded with Remington 240gr SJHP and at least one speed loader full of the same. If all I knew was that I would be in an unavoidable gunfight and I'd be limited to a handgun, I'd choose my S&W Model 28 .357 Magnum loaded with Remington 158gr SJHP and at least one speed loader full of the same because I can shoot that combination of gun and ammunition better than any other I've ever tried.
Of course, if I were not limited to handguns (and if I had prior knowledge of an impending gunfight I'd do my best not to be), I'd want either my 922r-converted Saiga .223 loaded with 30 rounds of 55gr FMJ and at least one spare mag full of the same or my Remington 870 Express 12ga loaded with 3" #1 Buckshot and the butt cuff full of Brenneke Black Magic Magnum rifled slugs depending on the circumstances.
Of course, like others here, if I knew there was an impending gunfight, I'd be doing everything in my power to be as far away from said gunfight as humanly possible.
While the best type of gun depends upon the situation, revolvers do have some distinct advantages that make them better suited to certain circumstances.
-Revolvers require nothing more than another pull of the trigger to deal with a misfire as doing so rotates a fresh cartridge into play.
-Revolvers are also immune to grip-induced malfunctions so long as the shooter has enough strength to hold the gun and pull the trigger.
-Revolvers can be fired multiple times at contact distance without the possibility of being shoved out of battery.
-A revolver with a shrouded or fully enclosed hammer can be fired from under or inside a cover garment or handbag should the need arise.
-Revolvers are much more tolerant of wide variances in ammunition such as bullet shape and power level thus giving the user more room to tailor his/her choice of ammunition to that which best suits his/her needs.
-Revolvers do not cause bullet setback from repeated loading and unloading as semi-autos can sometimes do.
-Revolvers have a very simple manual of arms which makes them easy to use for people who are not particularly well acclimated to handguns.
-Revolvers can be left loaded for long periods of time (several years) without worry about compression and wear of springs.
-Revolvers require nothing more than the gun itself and loose cartridges in order to made ready to fire (no worries about damaged or lost magazines).
-The grip of a revolver is not limited by the size and shape of the magazine so aftermarket grips can be made in a wider variety of sizes and shapes to better fit a wider variety of shooters' hands.
-Revolvers can chamber more powerful cartridges than semi-autos without being made so large and heavy that they become too burdensome to carry.
Of course, if I were not limited to handguns (and if I had prior knowledge of an impending gunfight I'd do my best not to be), I'd want either my 922r-converted Saiga .223 loaded with 30 rounds of 55gr FMJ and at least one spare mag full of the same or my Remington 870 Express 12ga loaded with 3" #1 Buckshot and the butt cuff full of Brenneke Black Magic Magnum rifled slugs depending on the circumstances.
Of course, like others here, if I knew there was an impending gunfight, I'd be doing everything in my power to be as far away from said gunfight as humanly possible.
While the best type of gun depends upon the situation, revolvers do have some distinct advantages that make them better suited to certain circumstances.
-Revolvers require nothing more than another pull of the trigger to deal with a misfire as doing so rotates a fresh cartridge into play.
-Revolvers are also immune to grip-induced malfunctions so long as the shooter has enough strength to hold the gun and pull the trigger.
-Revolvers can be fired multiple times at contact distance without the possibility of being shoved out of battery.
-A revolver with a shrouded or fully enclosed hammer can be fired from under or inside a cover garment or handbag should the need arise.
-Revolvers are much more tolerant of wide variances in ammunition such as bullet shape and power level thus giving the user more room to tailor his/her choice of ammunition to that which best suits his/her needs.
-Revolvers do not cause bullet setback from repeated loading and unloading as semi-autos can sometimes do.
-Revolvers have a very simple manual of arms which makes them easy to use for people who are not particularly well acclimated to handguns.
-Revolvers can be left loaded for long periods of time (several years) without worry about compression and wear of springs.
-Revolvers require nothing more than the gun itself and loose cartridges in order to made ready to fire (no worries about damaged or lost magazines).
-The grip of a revolver is not limited by the size and shape of the magazine so aftermarket grips can be made in a wider variety of sizes and shapes to better fit a wider variety of shooters' hands.
-Revolvers can chamber more powerful cartridges than semi-autos without being made so large and heavy that they become too burdensome to carry.
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Baylorattorney
New member
A revolver. Any questions?
Baylorattorney
New member
Lol. Jk. I would feel secure enough with my Ruger New Model Blackhawk .357 magnum as I would my Colt Delta Elite. Granted if the fight went on longer than the average, I'd prefer the semi which holds 9 rounds 8+1 and is quicker to reload than my Blackhawk.
Just my opinion...
In an up close down and dirty gunfight a revolver would be better. My reasoning is a revolver is much less likely to malfunction due to firing position, or contact shots. Not that an auto will malfunction... It may malfunction. Also I believe in an up close fight a revolver is easier to control, and more likely to be retained.
On a side note... I met an officer who carried a model 60 all the time. he sharpened the front sight to be close to a knife blade. If someone grabbed his gun he could pull back and cut the offenders hand open.
In an up close down and dirty gunfight a revolver would be better. My reasoning is a revolver is much less likely to malfunction due to firing position, or contact shots. Not that an auto will malfunction... It may malfunction. Also I believe in an up close fight a revolver is easier to control, and more likely to be retained.
On a side note... I met an officer who carried a model 60 all the time. he sharpened the front sight to be close to a knife blade. If someone grabbed his gun he could pull back and cut the offenders hand open.
To each his or her own but I want the greater capacity every time in the urban areas I must traverse (I know, no one ever needs that much capacity and so on 
but I prefer it). The ease of a mag change is simply natural to me as well and I would really have to drill with revolver speed loaders (if I want to even approach Jerry Miciluk's speed 
).
but I prefer it). The ease of a mag change is simply natural to me as well and I would really have to drill with revolver speed loaders (if I want to even approach Jerry Miciluk's speed ).
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Straightshooter629
New member
My daily carry weapon is a 6-shot .357 revolver, and with a couple of speed loaders, I would still lean toward the revolver. I am very confident in my abilities with the revolver, and you can't question the stopping power of the .357. 'Nuf said!
Single Six
New member
I don't think that I qualify as a "professional gun fighter", having never been in a gunfight [thank God!], but I am full-time LE of 23 years experience. On my own time, I quite often do pack a DA revolver, specifically a stainless 4" Ruger GP-100, backed up with 2 reloads. I feel no qualms about doing so, having begun my career thus armed before the auto transition caught up to me. Mind you, I do pack an auto sometimes off-duty, but the wheelgun is still a viable tool. No less an authority than Clint Smith has said as much, in print...and he HAS been in gunfights.
SFsc616171
Moderator
Commenting on WebleymkV
Webley said:"While the best type of gun depends upon the situation, revolvers do have some distinct advantages that make them better suited to certain circumstances.
-Revolvers require nothing more than another pull of the trigger to deal with a misfire as doing so rotates a fresh cartridge into play.
I HAVE PROVEN THIS WITH DIFFERENT AMMO, ON THE FIRING LINE.
-Revolvers are also immune to grip-induced malfunctions so long as the shooter has enough strength to hold the gun and pull the trigger.
NO 'LIMPWRISTING'. JUST GRAB THE DAMN THING!
-Revolvers can be fired multiple times at contact distance without the possibility of being shoved out of battery.
BEST PHOTO RECORD OF THIS IS MR. JACK RUBY. THERE IS NO 'SLIDE' TO DISLODGE.
-A revolver with a shrouded or fully enclosed hammer can be fired from under or inside a cover garment or handbag should the need arise.
-Revolvers are much more tolerant of wide variances in ammunition such as bullet shape and power level thus giving the user more room to tailor his/her choice of ammunition to that which best suits his/her needs.
A SEMI-AUTOMATIC NEEDS ENOUGH RECOIL TO MAKE THE SLIDE MOVE, ERGO, REVOLVERS CAN FIRE 'SOFT' LOADS.
-Revolvers do not cause bullet setback from repeated loading and unloading as semi-autos can sometimes do.
-Revolvers have a very simple manual of arms which makes them easy to use for people who are not particularly well acclimated to handguns.
HAVING SHOT SEMI-AUTO'S THAT HAVE HAD MALFUNCTIONS, THE REVOLVER IS SIMPLER TO 'GET DOWN' AND 'WRAP YOUR BRAIN AROUND'.
-Revolvers can be left loaded for long periods of time (several years) without worry about compression and wear of springs.
THERE IS A HISTORY LINE OF MAGAZINE SPRINGS GETTING A 'MEMORY', AS DO SOME RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES. READ THE LATE STEPHEN CAMP'S BLOGGINGS ABOUT SUCH A THING.
-Revolvers require nothing more than the gun itself and loose cartridges in order to made ready to fire (no worries about damaged or lost magazines).
A YOUTUBE VIDEO BY 'USAFMILLER' ABOUT HANDGUNS, HAS MADE THE SAME STATEMENT. THERE ARE THOSE THAT DO THINK THAT SOME SORT OF 'SPEEDLOADER' MIGHT BE SOMETHING TO CONSIDER, SO BE ADVISED.
-The grip of a revolver is not limited by the size and shape of the magazine so aftermarket grips can be made in a wider variety of sizes and shapes to better fit a wider variety of shooters' hands.
YOU CAN FIND SOME REALLY NICE PIECES OF WOODWORK GRIPS, OR 'STOCKS', AS WELL AS HOGUE RUBBER GRIPS. I HAVE A S&W MOD 15-3, WITH A HOGUE GRIP, AND ANOTHER 15-3 WITH THE S&W WOOD GRIPS. BOTH WORK WELL, AND GIVES EACH PIECE THAT PARTICULAR 'CHARACTER' UNTO ITSELF.
-Revolvers can chamber more powerful cartridges than semi-autos without being made so large and heavy that they become too burdensome to carry. "
CONSIDERING ELMER KEITH USED A S&W 38-44, TO DEVELOP HANDLOADS THAT EVENTUALLY BECAME THE CHAMBERING THAT IS KNOWN AS 357 MAGNUM, THIS IS TRUE.
The revolver, in hand, must feel as an extension of your hand, with the necessary balance, so that when you have it in position, it is as natural as pointing your finger. The cartridge chambering is your choice, with the resultant controlled recoil, with the firing range practice to put them on the mark, all resultant of your choice. Read well on revolvers, examine as many as you can before you buy, until you find 'the one'.
"May your six shots be where you want them, with the deliberant quickness necessary, to make your day long, and ruin that chosen day of the BG!"
Webley said:"While the best type of gun depends upon the situation, revolvers do have some distinct advantages that make them better suited to certain circumstances.
-Revolvers require nothing more than another pull of the trigger to deal with a misfire as doing so rotates a fresh cartridge into play.
I HAVE PROVEN THIS WITH DIFFERENT AMMO, ON THE FIRING LINE.
-Revolvers are also immune to grip-induced malfunctions so long as the shooter has enough strength to hold the gun and pull the trigger.
NO 'LIMPWRISTING'. JUST GRAB THE DAMN THING!
-Revolvers can be fired multiple times at contact distance without the possibility of being shoved out of battery.
BEST PHOTO RECORD OF THIS IS MR. JACK RUBY. THERE IS NO 'SLIDE' TO DISLODGE.
-A revolver with a shrouded or fully enclosed hammer can be fired from under or inside a cover garment or handbag should the need arise.
-Revolvers are much more tolerant of wide variances in ammunition such as bullet shape and power level thus giving the user more room to tailor his/her choice of ammunition to that which best suits his/her needs.
A SEMI-AUTOMATIC NEEDS ENOUGH RECOIL TO MAKE THE SLIDE MOVE, ERGO, REVOLVERS CAN FIRE 'SOFT' LOADS.
-Revolvers do not cause bullet setback from repeated loading and unloading as semi-autos can sometimes do.
-Revolvers have a very simple manual of arms which makes them easy to use for people who are not particularly well acclimated to handguns.
HAVING SHOT SEMI-AUTO'S THAT HAVE HAD MALFUNCTIONS, THE REVOLVER IS SIMPLER TO 'GET DOWN' AND 'WRAP YOUR BRAIN AROUND'.
-Revolvers can be left loaded for long periods of time (several years) without worry about compression and wear of springs.
THERE IS A HISTORY LINE OF MAGAZINE SPRINGS GETTING A 'MEMORY', AS DO SOME RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES. READ THE LATE STEPHEN CAMP'S BLOGGINGS ABOUT SUCH A THING.
-Revolvers require nothing more than the gun itself and loose cartridges in order to made ready to fire (no worries about damaged or lost magazines).
A YOUTUBE VIDEO BY 'USAFMILLER' ABOUT HANDGUNS, HAS MADE THE SAME STATEMENT. THERE ARE THOSE THAT DO THINK THAT SOME SORT OF 'SPEEDLOADER' MIGHT BE SOMETHING TO CONSIDER, SO BE ADVISED.
-The grip of a revolver is not limited by the size and shape of the magazine so aftermarket grips can be made in a wider variety of sizes and shapes to better fit a wider variety of shooters' hands.
YOU CAN FIND SOME REALLY NICE PIECES OF WOODWORK GRIPS, OR 'STOCKS', AS WELL AS HOGUE RUBBER GRIPS. I HAVE A S&W MOD 15-3, WITH A HOGUE GRIP, AND ANOTHER 15-3 WITH THE S&W WOOD GRIPS. BOTH WORK WELL, AND GIVES EACH PIECE THAT PARTICULAR 'CHARACTER' UNTO ITSELF.
-Revolvers can chamber more powerful cartridges than semi-autos without being made so large and heavy that they become too burdensome to carry. "
CONSIDERING ELMER KEITH USED A S&W 38-44, TO DEVELOP HANDLOADS THAT EVENTUALLY BECAME THE CHAMBERING THAT IS KNOWN AS 357 MAGNUM, THIS IS TRUE.
The revolver, in hand, must feel as an extension of your hand, with the necessary balance, so that when you have it in position, it is as natural as pointing your finger. The cartridge chambering is your choice, with the resultant controlled recoil, with the firing range practice to put them on the mark, all resultant of your choice. Read well on revolvers, examine as many as you can before you buy, until you find 'the one'.
"May your six shots be where you want them, with the deliberant quickness necessary, to make your day long, and ruin that chosen day of the BG!"