Revolver Vs. Automatic
- Thread starter ninjatoth
- Start date
tony pasley
New member
Question is to general, each have different uses and to say which is best can not be done.
azredhawk44
Moderator
I don't think there's a right answer here. Which is good.
I carry both.
I carry a revolver for when it might be necessary to stop critters over 250 pounds (camping, hiking, hunting), when I'm likely to be exposed to a particularly dirty environment (camping, dust-storms, etc), or when I need to carry the smallest gun I own (a smith 642... don't own any micro-autos).
I try to carry an automatic for a routine EDC, but there are times that a revolver conceals better for me. I'll carry an XD9 or a Colt 1911 most of the time in-town, though.
Sometimes I'm negligent on my cleaning of my automatic(s). And I just don't feel like cleaning my guns. If both autos are dirty, then I'll grab the 642 or one of the other revolvers. Then guilt will settle in and I'll clean my gun(s).
I'll admit that I'm more likely to carry a dirty revolver than a dirty automatic. And don't get me wrong... my guns get cleaned. Sometimes it might be a day or three after a range session before I do it though.
I carry both.
I carry a revolver for when it might be necessary to stop critters over 250 pounds (camping, hiking, hunting), when I'm likely to be exposed to a particularly dirty environment (camping, dust-storms, etc), or when I need to carry the smallest gun I own (a smith 642... don't own any micro-autos).
I try to carry an automatic for a routine EDC, but there are times that a revolver conceals better for me. I'll carry an XD9 or a Colt 1911 most of the time in-town, though.
Sometimes I'm negligent on my cleaning of my automatic(s). And I just don't feel like cleaning my guns. If both autos are dirty, then I'll grab the 642 or one of the other revolvers. Then guilt will settle in and I'll clean my gun(s).
I'll admit that I'm more likely to carry a dirty revolver than a dirty automatic. And don't get me wrong... my guns get cleaned. Sometimes it might be a day or three after a range session before I do it though.
Straight Up
Lots of variables as mentioned. But if I had to pick just one to exist, own, shoot, etc. I would go with revolvers. They are much more aesthetically pleasing. Yes, there are some assume 1911's out there but I prefer revolvers.
I shoot semi's more accurate in rapid fire but enjoy shooting revolvers for target pracitce. As for carry, I think after the third round is fired you better have done your business so I'm not totally hung up on capacity as much as I do think it a definite plus. I love the simplicity of a revolver but obviously not as easy to carry as many rounds so that's a big difference.
Again, lots of variables but if I had to choose one, revolvers all the way.
Lots of variables as mentioned. But if I had to pick just one to exist, own, shoot, etc. I would go with revolvers. They are much more aesthetically pleasing. Yes, there are some assume 1911's out there but I prefer revolvers.
I shoot semi's more accurate in rapid fire but enjoy shooting revolvers for target pracitce. As for carry, I think after the third round is fired you better have done your business so I'm not totally hung up on capacity as much as I do think it a definite plus. I love the simplicity of a revolver but obviously not as easy to carry as many rounds so that's a big difference.
Again, lots of variables but if I had to choose one, revolvers all the way.
I honestly cant say ive ever shot a revolver,im 38 btw.At least i dont remember shooting one if i did.
The looks of them do nothing for me,but are prettier than a Hi-point
I do feel id trust them over an auto when dependability and durability come into question.Capacity is one big issue i cant get by,also the seem fatter but that shouldnt matter to me since i dont ccw anyhow.
Now ill have to keep my eye out for one that i may like.They also offer calibers not seen in auto's that id like to try.
The looks of them do nothing for me,but are prettier than a Hi-point
I do feel id trust them over an auto when dependability and durability come into question.Capacity is one big issue i cant get by,also the seem fatter but that shouldnt matter to me since i dont ccw anyhow.
Now ill have to keep my eye out for one that i may like.They also offer calibers not seen in auto's that id like to try.
Which is the better type? Better for what?
I think I prefer semiautomatics in general.
Why? I'm actually not quite sure. I think it might simply be because they are what I am most used to, and nothing more.
I think that since maybe semiautomatics tend to cost less in general, they are what I get to see and shoot most often.
I think it's more a matter of taste unless there is some special requirement that can only be met by one or the other.
I think I prefer semiautomatics in general.
Why? I'm actually not quite sure. I think it might simply be because they are what I am most used to, and nothing more.
I think that since maybe semiautomatics tend to cost less in general, they are what I get to see and shoot most often.
I think it's more a matter of taste unless there is some special requirement that can only be met by one or the other.
Kreyzhorse
New member
I carry both and don't think one is "better" than the other. A reliable auto is just as good as a reliable revolver and vice versa.
Personally, I prefer revolvers based on looks only, but of late, I've been carrying a semi's more often due to it's smaller size.
Personally, I prefer revolvers based on looks only, but of late, I've been carrying a semi's more often due to it's smaller size.
My .02
Best depends:
-For pocket carry (in some pants) a J frame is "better" than a 380. How? 5 shots for sure with more KE per shot. Revolver will shoot dry & dirty.
-For not into guns people: people who want a gun but are going to just shoot a few rounds and then keep the gun by the bed or stuck some other place with limited additional practice or interest, definitely a revolver.
-For people who limp wrist guns: revolver
I gave three examples of why a revolver might be better. Now I'll give reasons why I carry a pistol
-One exception: the only time I carry a revolver is pocket carry with some pants, in other pants I have to go with the 380 becuse it's lighter and slimmer.
-I only carry concealed (never open carry) and pistols are easier to conceal than revolvers (assuming revolver is bigger than a J frame).
-Increased capacity, larger bore size and / or greater KE per shot (compared to J frame). Glock 27 is one heck of a compact package providing concealibility, capacity and power all in one.
Although pistols can and do malfunction, the ones I carry have proven themselves reliable. I only carry ammo that I've tested in that particular pistol. If a magazine spring seems weak compared to a new one I replace it even though the pistol still currently funuctions with it (prevention).
I prefer a semiauto for a bedside gun as well, Glock 38. Night sights, rail mounted light, big bore (45) plus 9 rounds gives me comfort. I guess the model 32 (357 Sig) would also be acceptable; 14 rounds with 357 mag levels of power.
Best depends:
-For pocket carry (in some pants) a J frame is "better" than a 380. How? 5 shots for sure with more KE per shot. Revolver will shoot dry & dirty.
-For not into guns people: people who want a gun but are going to just shoot a few rounds and then keep the gun by the bed or stuck some other place with limited additional practice or interest, definitely a revolver.
-For people who limp wrist guns: revolver
I gave three examples of why a revolver might be better. Now I'll give reasons why I carry a pistol
-One exception: the only time I carry a revolver is pocket carry with some pants, in other pants I have to go with the 380 becuse it's lighter and slimmer.
-I only carry concealed (never open carry) and pistols are easier to conceal than revolvers (assuming revolver is bigger than a J frame).
-Increased capacity, larger bore size and / or greater KE per shot (compared to J frame). Glock 27 is one heck of a compact package providing concealibility, capacity and power all in one.
Although pistols can and do malfunction, the ones I carry have proven themselves reliable. I only carry ammo that I've tested in that particular pistol. If a magazine spring seems weak compared to a new one I replace it even though the pistol still currently funuctions with it (prevention).
I prefer a semiauto for a bedside gun as well, Glock 38. Night sights, rail mounted light, big bore (45) plus 9 rounds gives me comfort. I guess the model 32 (357 Sig) would also be acceptable; 14 rounds with 357 mag levels of power.
engineer88
New member
Revolver for ease of maintenance and carry (lightweight). To me revolver is the smallest gun I have that feels and performs like a full size but I can still throw in a pocket.
Auto for capacity and when I feel like wearing the "special belt". Plus, I love my .45ACP and still have mixed feelings on moon clips.
To be honest the more I carry and shoot, the more I respect a snub nosed revolver. I actually shoot mine very well and feel very comfortable carrying it.
Auto for capacity and when I feel like wearing the "special belt". Plus, I love my .45ACP and still have mixed feelings on moon clips.
To be honest the more I carry and shoot, the more I respect a snub nosed revolver. I actually shoot mine very well and feel very comfortable carrying it.
I like both equally....
Why I like autos:
Higher magazine capacity,
Quicker to reload than a revolver (IF you have another loaded magazine on hand),
Easier to clean than a revolver,
Light consistant trigger pull (on my Glock),
Very rugged and can take more abuse than a revolver,
And very "Tacti-Cool".
Why I like revolvers:
More reliable than an auto (impossible to cause a limp wrist failure, no failure-to-feed or failure-to-eject issues, no stovepipes, no dud round jams),
No magazines to load,
More accurate (no moving barrel, crisp single-action trigger option),
Not ammo sensitive,
Safe to pocket-carry even without a holster,
And just "Old School Cool".
Why I like autos:
Higher magazine capacity,
Quicker to reload than a revolver (IF you have another loaded magazine on hand),
Easier to clean than a revolver,
Light consistant trigger pull (on my Glock),
Very rugged and can take more abuse than a revolver,
And very "Tacti-Cool".
Why I like revolvers:
More reliable than an auto (impossible to cause a limp wrist failure, no failure-to-feed or failure-to-eject issues, no stovepipes, no dud round jams),
No magazines to load,
More accurate (no moving barrel, crisp single-action trigger option),
Not ammo sensitive,
Safe to pocket-carry even without a holster,
And just "Old School Cool".
Although revolvers are perceived to be more reliable than pistols, a quality, properly maintained semi can be just as reliable. In general: pistols hold more rounds, and for the same size gun, can usually carry a larger caliber and still be shootable. I used to be completely a revolver man, but the new style of poly semis has almost completely changed my mind. I'll still shoot revolvers just because I love'em, but for carry - semi all the way.
I would have to say I prefer autos, if its a bedside gun i'd leave a few rounds out of the mag just to keep some strain off of the spring.
I guess I prefer them simly because I am more used to them. Although I do want to pick up a .357 mag sometime soon.
It's a close tie, I do like them both, but if I had to choose I would go with an auto.
I guess I prefer them simly because I am more used to them. Although I do want to pick up a .357 mag sometime soon.
It's a close tie, I do like them both, but if I had to choose I would go with an auto.
oneounceload
Moderator
To me, cleaning my Glock is a LOT easier than my S&W
As for size, check out the Rohrbaugh 9mm pocket gun
As for moon clips, the old 547 in 9mm didn't have moon clips, and 45 auto rim doesn't need them either.
capacity CAN be an issue, yes, and probably the one main thing going through most folks' minds, especially the crowd that thinks spray and pray is the way to go...
Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages - personally, I own both and like them both equally
I honestly can't answer this one except to say "it depends." There are oh, so many variables to consider in terms of choice. Some people shoot one type of gun better than another. I'm a bit of an oddball in that respect because, for the most part, I've done my best shooting firing revolvers in double action. Some people prefer simplicity whereas others like the larger capacity of semi-autos. There's no large production semi-auto out there that can match the power of a .357 magnum round fired from a da revolver, much less a .44 magnum round. Semi-autos may be more comfortable to carry than revolvers. And, so it goes.
Personally, I've pretty much always been a revolver guy and I still think of my revolvers as my "go to" guns. But, a few weeks ago I bought my first 1911 and I have to say, shooting that thing is one sweet experience.
Personally, I've pretty much always been a revolver guy and I still think of my revolvers as my "go to" guns. But, a few weeks ago I bought my first 1911 and I have to say, shooting that thing is one sweet experience.
wnycollector
New member
The simple answer is....IT DEPENDS
My smallest gun is a J frame revolver. Around town it gets carried a whole lot. When camping/hiking or canoeing away from civilization (or as far as one can get in a weekend!) my .357 Ruger Security Six pulls duty. Loaded in a gun safe (kids in the house) next to my bed is a .357 S&W 28-2. Loaded in my living room (again in a gun safe) is a S&W K frame .38. I love the fact that a revolver can sit for 50 years loaded and if you need it...odds are that it will go bang. Pistols...well I think the odds MIGHT be lower.
I own several pistols in 7.62x25, 9mm, .40 and.45. Each (except the tok) one has been carried as a CCW. Each one is pretty close to flawless in their performance. If push came to shove I'm sure they would do their job. Of all my pistols my favorite one to carry is the SIG P220. I guess its just something about 9 rounds of .45 that's comforting!
My smallest gun is a J frame revolver. Around town it gets carried a whole lot. When camping/hiking or canoeing away from civilization (or as far as one can get in a weekend!) my .357 Ruger Security Six pulls duty. Loaded in a gun safe (kids in the house) next to my bed is a .357 S&W 28-2. Loaded in my living room (again in a gun safe) is a S&W K frame .38. I love the fact that a revolver can sit for 50 years loaded and if you need it...odds are that it will go bang. Pistols...well I think the odds MIGHT be lower.
I own several pistols in 7.62x25, 9mm, .40 and.45. Each (except the tok) one has been carried as a CCW. Each one is pretty close to flawless in their performance. If push came to shove I'm sure they would do their job. Of all my pistols my favorite one to carry is the SIG P220. I guess its just something about 9 rounds of .45 that's comforting!
Frank Ettin
Administrator
This is really several questions with no single, good answer.ninjatoth said:
[1] As to what type is better, it depends on (1) the intended purpose; and (2) personal preference. There is no objective, "one size fits all" answer.
[2] I prefer an auto-loader for self defense -- specifically a 1911 or an H&K P7M8. I prefer these because (1) I have multiple examples of each that are accurate and completely reliable; and (2) I have trained and practiced with them extensively; and (3) I handle and shoot them better than other types. That said, I will drop a S&W J frame into my pocket on occasion and would carry a single action revolver loaded with heavy .45 Colt rounds if I were tramping around in the wilderness.
[3] No, my choice is not superior to others. Choice of a gun needs to be largely a personal matter based on what you can manage well -- as long as it is of decent quality, accurate and powerful enough for its intended use, reliable, and as long as you train and practice with it.
Clearly, the correct answer is autorevolver. Large as a Desert Eagle and almost as picky about ammunition, with the high capacity of a revolver and the internal complexity of an automatic. Obviously, the best of all worlds.
(Seriously, though, I think it's already been said: there's no one correct answer, and personal preference is at least as significant a factor as the functional consideration.)
(Seriously, though, I think it's already been said: there's no one correct answer, and personal preference is at least as significant a factor as the functional consideration.)