Running debate with father
- Thread starter John Frum
- Start date
RaySendero
New member
LOL - LOL - I though I'd take a looky at this thread. LOL - But my fingers don't work very well when I'm laughing - LOL
Good one Spats
Yes a revolver is likely to be more reliable than a pistol. They are less ammo-dependent, to say nothing of long-term maintenance needs.
No they aren't inherently more accurate. If anything they are less accurate because recoil is slightly greater, especially with repeat firing.
It's been mentioned that you're comparing a top tier revolver with a poor specimen autoloader.
There isn't a best type, but there is a best for a given situation. Personal preference is the most important, so let him use an autoloader.
Also, keep in mind, a handgun in the great scheme of things is a horrible weapon. A rifle is more accurate (and powerful) and a shotgun has much more power (and is more accurate too, probably).
No they aren't inherently more accurate. If anything they are less accurate because recoil is slightly greater, especially with repeat firing.
It's been mentioned that you're comparing a top tier revolver with a poor specimen autoloader.
There isn't a best type, but there is a best for a given situation. Personal preference is the most important, so let him use an autoloader.
Also, keep in mind, a handgun in the great scheme of things is a horrible weapon. A rifle is more accurate (and powerful) and a shotgun has much more power (and is more accurate too, probably).
I have both revolvers and autos. I carry an auto simply because it's slimmer and easier to conceal. But the ultimate choice is for the shooter to make.
Regarding the gun and mag problem, is the mag original? The biggest problem I have is finding reliable aftermarket mags for almost any auto I own. 40 years ago that wasn't a problem, but with all the aftermarket crapmags being made today, good luck.
Regarding the gun and mag problem, is the mag original? The biggest problem I have is finding reliable aftermarket mags for almost any auto I own. 40 years ago that wasn't a problem, but with all the aftermarket crapmags being made today, good luck.
Right. The difference is the Witness works most of the time.
Seriously, though, father knows best. If a semi-auto works for him, so be it.
No gun is 100% reliable. I've seen revolvers come off the line and have to go to a gunsmith. I carry revolvers some days, autoloaders on other days.
And nine times out of ten, your dad's problem is caused by a weak mag spring. Swap that out first.
SauerGrapes
New member
LMAO..........
Get that Witness working properly! You don't have a valid comparison, you have an auto that is not working properly that holds 1 more round than a revolver that is working properly. The last round problem with the EAA probably isn't going to affect the guns reliability if you just leave it loaded one round short but I want my guns, especially defense weapons, to work 100% the way they are supposed to. Get some good mags and get that thing running right. If it is, indeed the mags, throw those bad ones away so they don't get mixed in with the good ones.
Lost Sheep
New member
As has been said already
Several times people have posted, "Fix the magazine", (or replace it), but I thought I should put the fine point on it more emphatically.
Of all the things that can make an automatic (self-loading) firearm fail to function with good ammunition, the magazine is, by FAR, the most likely cause. Of magazine problems, it is usually the feed lips.
I suspect your Father's magazine's feed lips. Your post seemed to suggest he has only one magazine. He REALLY should have at least two spares, and all three should work 100%. One of the main advantages of "bottom-feeders" (as autos are often called by revolver fans) is fast and reliable reloads.
Of ammunition problems, low power will cause cycling problems, short-stroking or stovepipe jams. The shape of the bullet nose is also a problem (which is often cured by changing the overall length of the bullet, switching bullets or polishing or reshaping the feed ramp.
Examine the mag's feed lips. Do they appear to have been bent? Measure the spread when the mag is empty, then again when it is full with 7 and then 8 rounds. Examine the mag lips as the action is being cycled and how the bullets hit the feed ramp and enter the chamber.
Sometimes it is possible to reshape the feed lips to factory specs and cure feeding problems (but this is a last-ditch effort, some would call it a fool's errand, or an act of desperation. It is, but since the mag is likely trash at this point, no big loss if you have already secured a replacement.)
Sometimes, the problem IS with the gun. If the way the barrel moves as the action is cycled (1911s have a toggle link, but I think EAA guns have a camming slot) is not optimal, you might get feeding problems. This will require the services of a gunsmith, probably.
You have some good points about the revolver vs auto debate.
DA revolvers are simpler to operate, but considering the internal parts, are more complex and delicate. DA revolvers are more immune to ammo variations and power levels, but more vulnerable to dirt in the works. Bury each in a kid's sandbox, then draw them, give a shake and see which one functions. The 1911 was renowned for immunity against such abuse. However, the generous clearances that allowed that reliability compromises the accuracy of the legendary 1911. Self-loaders require a narrower band of ammunition characteristics, but given good ammo are more reliable.
So, accuracy, reliability, resistance to dirt and abuse, resistance to ammo problems. You determine what you value and make your choice.
Good luck.
Lost Sheep
edit: Sometimes the problem with the mag is the recess where the magazine release engages the magazine. If it is worn (or the mag release is worn) the mag will be retained in too low a position. That can cause problems, but I don't think that is your Dad's problem. I just thought, in the interest of thoroughness, to mention it.
Several times people have posted, "Fix the magazine", (or replace it), but I thought I should put the fine point on it more emphatically.
Of all the things that can make an automatic (self-loading) firearm fail to function with good ammunition, the magazine is, by FAR, the most likely cause. Of magazine problems, it is usually the feed lips.
I suspect your Father's magazine's feed lips. Your post seemed to suggest he has only one magazine. He REALLY should have at least two spares, and all three should work 100%. One of the main advantages of "bottom-feeders" (as autos are often called by revolver fans) is fast and reliable reloads.
Of ammunition problems, low power will cause cycling problems, short-stroking or stovepipe jams. The shape of the bullet nose is also a problem (which is often cured by changing the overall length of the bullet, switching bullets or polishing or reshaping the feed ramp.
Examine the mag's feed lips. Do they appear to have been bent? Measure the spread when the mag is empty, then again when it is full with 7 and then 8 rounds. Examine the mag lips as the action is being cycled and how the bullets hit the feed ramp and enter the chamber.
Sometimes it is possible to reshape the feed lips to factory specs and cure feeding problems (but this is a last-ditch effort, some would call it a fool's errand, or an act of desperation. It is, but since the mag is likely trash at this point, no big loss if you have already secured a replacement.)
Sometimes, the problem IS with the gun. If the way the barrel moves as the action is cycled (1911s have a toggle link, but I think EAA guns have a camming slot) is not optimal, you might get feeding problems. This will require the services of a gunsmith, probably.
You have some good points about the revolver vs auto debate.
DA revolvers are simpler to operate, but considering the internal parts, are more complex and delicate. DA revolvers are more immune to ammo variations and power levels, but more vulnerable to dirt in the works. Bury each in a kid's sandbox, then draw them, give a shake and see which one functions. The 1911 was renowned for immunity against such abuse. However, the generous clearances that allowed that reliability compromises the accuracy of the legendary 1911. Self-loaders require a narrower band of ammunition characteristics, but given good ammo are more reliable.
So, accuracy, reliability, resistance to dirt and abuse, resistance to ammo problems. You determine what you value and make your choice.
Good luck.
Lost Sheep
edit: Sometimes the problem with the mag is the recess where the magazine release engages the magazine. If it is worn (or the mag release is worn) the mag will be retained in too low a position. That can cause problems, but I don't think that is your Dad's problem. I just thought, in the interest of thoroughness, to mention it.
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