After seeing firsthand countless stovepipes and jams over the past 3 decades with semiautomatics, both during qualifications and off duty on personal time, with a number of high quality brands, I simply cannot trust semiautomatics 100%. Bad magazines, dirty guns, ammo issues, improper lubrication (wrong viscosity in cold weather and limp wristing were the culprits. Yes, "tap and rack" can be utilized to clear the weapon, but it's simply not as quick as pulling the trigger again on a revolver. During my lifetime I have had ONE revolver jam (loose extractor rod, fixed with a dab of locktite)... but with semiautomatics I have observed, experienced literally hundreds. Most could be cleared, some required gunsmithing. If a semi seriously malfunctions/ breaks (beyond clearing a jam, replacing a magazine), it, like a revolver with a serious malfunction, will be out of the game until it gets fixed. No advantage for the semiautomatic in that aspect. Another point to consider; FBI data indicates the majority of LEO shootouts are at VERY close range, under 3 yards. Non LEO and off duty / retired LEO's need to remember, even if you try to avoid it, many bad situations (muggings, assaults, car jackings), are at point blank range, often during a physical altercation, with multiple attackers. If you suddenly find yourself pinned up against a wall or vehicle, or on the ground during an attack, your assailant(s), may be younger, stronger, bigger, better trained (think UFC), and armed with a gun, blunt instrument or knife. Not a good place to be, especially since these attacks often happen quickly with little or no warning. Many semiautomatics will NOT fire if the muzzle is pressed against a hard object, as they will be out of battery. Those that will fire most likely will not fire a second time as the slides operation will be impeded by clothing / pressure, etc. With a REVOLVER, you can jam it in your attackers ribs and start pulling the trigger until he ceases to attack you, something to consider when you chose a sidearm! Even empty, the steel revolver is a FAR better club than a plastic frame pistol. Compare the sharp edges and heft of a steel 686 or GP-100 to that of a plastic framed Glock 19 or S&W M&P 9mm... which would you rather have as a club if it stopped working or ran dry?? Beretta M9 and Colt style 1911's aside, as they WOULD BE good clubs, but the plastic frame pistols appear to be the most popular, hence my comparisons. Kel Tec or mini Glock VS. S&W 36 or 640? I know what I would prefer to be swinging if my life depended upon it and it wouldn't be PLASTIC.
Remember, the best way to win a gunfight is to avoid any confrontation to begin with. Ego is your real enemy. Retreat if possible. Off duty (on duty I am forced by policy to carry a semiautomatic pistol), I prefer a high quality revolver with multiple speed strips / speedloaders. There are some damn GOOD semiautomatics out there, I own several myself. I just cannot trust them as much as a well maintained revolver. Just my opinion. Carry what you will, but train with it. If you prefer pistols, TRAIN to tap and rack... FAST. S&W 686 is a fine choice! Remember, the added weight... it doesn't matter if it's not comfortable, as long as it's COMFORTING. Be safe.