Why don't revolver carriers worry about capacity?

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I often don't carry spare mags, just a plain ol 1911 with 8 rounds. Does that make me crazy?
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  • In my opionion , few would be able to reload in a real attack,,,
  • but--having an extra mag to clear a malfunction is better than not having one (I don't carry one).
  • The much lower sound pressure of the .45ACP can be a distinct advantage over a .357 Magnum.
 
In my opionion , few would be able to reload in a real attack,,,
but--having an extra mag to clear a malfunction is better than not having one (I don't carry one).

If you don't have time to reload, then you're not going to have time to clear a malfunction using a second magazine either.
 
The much lower sound pressure of the .45ACP can be a distinct advantage over a .357 Magnum.

I disagree. Noise and recoil, at least at the level we are discussing is a range issue, not a fight issue when adrenaline and sensory deprivation are happening.
 
If you don't have time to reload, then you're not going to have time to clear a malfunction using a second magazine either.
Thats assuming you need a second magazine. Most auto malfunctions clear with the original mag in the gun, and its usually done in only a second or two, if youre practiced.



Hence my three gun solution.... “Carolina Reload (2 backup firearms instead of carrying ammo reloads).
Or, you can carry a gun that doesnt require a reload or gun switch so quickly.

This day and age, theres a pretty good chance, youre already likely at a 2-3:1 disadvantage from the git go.

It would be interesting though, to see which plays out quicker, someone practiced at reloads, or someone who intends to grab another gun.

Of course, thats going on the assumption both are carrying guns that would need to reload that quick.

Im curious too as to how you practice those quick gun changes. Chuck the first gun on the ground and go for number two? Or what?
 
Why don't revolver carriers worry about capacity?
I remember being told that the typical self-defense shooting occurs at 5-10 feet and involves less than 3 shots being fired. What difference does it make if you have a 15 round magazine or 5 rounds if you are likely going to fire less than 3? Unlike in the movies, once the shooting starts people try to vacate pretty quickly.
 
I went from semi autos to revolvers. At this point it’s not just for carry, my last semi auto pistols are 22s. The more time I spend with wheels guns, the less I enjoy semi autos.

For carrying though, I went from a Sig 938 (6 rounds) to a CZ P-01 (14 rounds) o a CZ PCR (14 rounds) to a 3” Model 60 (5 rounds).

I struggled with the small size of the 938 using the flush mags and mine would eject the extended mag every time under recoil. That moved me to the CZ P-01/PCR, I liked it well enough. When I made the switch to shooting wheel guns more and more, it was a natural progression to carrying one. I picked up a 60-4 and it’s become one of my favorites.

So for me, the decision was made to carry a revolver because it’s what I’m comfortable with and it’s what I enjoy shooting the most. I’ve never considered capacity when making the decisions.
 
I normally carry a full size handgun, and the "smaller" guns, when I carry them, are secondary/backups to it. I dont normally carry one as a primary.

Even in the heat of the summer, I find its just as easy to carry my 17 under my tee-shirt, as it is a 26 or J frame.

I guess the reality is, its just all about what you want. I know a lot of people bitch about carrying a Seecamp or LCP, etc. And when I hear stuff like that, all I can think of, is ithe Princess and the pea. ....

....I do use a Smart Carry, and that is very easy to draw from while sitting. They are actually the most versatile holsters I own/use, and wont be without one.

Normally, Im carrying a 17 AIWB, and its very comfortable and driving is a very comfortable and very accessible.


That's great if you can pull that off. Most people can't pull off a full sized auto under their britches and Smartcarry recommends not going too big in their article: Bigger is not better . If you can pull it off, that's great.

I can't stuff a full sized pistol or revolver in my pants and still work but I can carry a 342 which weighs about 12oz loaded. It's easy to carry in a pocket, whether that be in a jacket, fleece or a pants pocket. It's very easy to carry in a AIWB holster that clips to a belt and doesn't trap the heat that a Smartcarry holster does. A loaded G17 weighs over two pounds while my 342 loaded weighs about 3/4 pound.

Obviously a G17 is a much more capable pistol than an Airweight or Airlight snubby but my G17 sat in the safe for years until I sold it while the J frames were carried. If it was as practical to carry full sized pistols as it is to carry a light weight snubby or subcompact semi-auto , no one would make snubbies or subcompact semi-autos. Of course its a compromise but not everyone's vocation, body, or environment allows them to stuff a full sized pistol in under their pants.
 
The much lower sound pressure of the .45ACP can be a distinct advantage over a .357 Magnum.

I agree. Sound pressure should be a consideration. And that's why my home defense firearm is a 1911 with 230gn ammo (heavier slugs tend to be not quite as loud). 45 ACP has a much lower pitch than .357 Mag; the difference is huge. Discharging a 357 Magnum indoors is LOUD to say the least. I know. Because in 1984, I did so accidentally (Remington 125gn JHP - back when factory ammo was much more stout). My ears are still ringing; and will continue to do so until the day I die.

I don't carry my 1911 (I have three, actually) but have considered putting it (the home defense piece that is unmodified) on my permit - just haven't ever decided to do so.

I have chosen to carry a .357 despite the loud report for two reasons: 1): Chances are, if I did need to discharge, it would be outdoors - or at least in an open spaced indoor environment. 2): Also, I carry Speer's 158 GDHP's and they are slightly de-tuned. They are not as loud as many other factory defense offerings - as I have thoroughly tested at the range (at great monetary expense, I might add :D). . . . All my testing was done with hearing protection; just to be clear. All this testing was also done through a chronograph - so I have real world velocity data.
 
That's great if you can pull that off. Most people can't pull off a full sized auto under their britches and Smartcarry recommends not going too big in their article: Bigger is not better . If you can pull it off, that's great.

I can't stuff a full sized pistol or revolver in my pants and still work but I can carry a 342 which weighs about 12oz loaded. It's easy to carry in a pocket, whether that be in a jacket, fleece or a pants pocket. It's very easy to carry in a AIWB holster that clips to a belt and doesn't trap the heat that a Smartcarry holster does. A loaded G17 weighs over two pounds while my 342 loaded weighs about 3/4 pound.

Obviously a G17 is a much more capable pistol than an Airweight or Airlight snubby but my G17 sat in the safe for years until I sold it while the J frames were carried. If it was as practical to carry full sized pistols as it is to carry a light weight snubby or subcompact semi-auto , no one would make snubbies or subcompact semi-autos. Of course its a compromise but not everyone's vocation, body, or environment allows them to stuff a full sized pistol in under their pants.
I dont carry a 17 in my Smart Carry. Normally, its a 26.

I have carried guns as big as a 19 or P239 in one, and with the right pants, it wasnt to difficult and still very doable. Wouldnt be my first choice though.

I originally was using one of my Seecamps in the SC, but then realized, I could carry the 26 (with a 17 reload along) just as easily, and it works great, especially in places youre not supposed to be armed.

The 26 is about the same size as one of my J frames, but handles and shoots like a near full sized gun. And with a quick mag swap, can basically be one.

I lead a pretty active lifestyle, both at work and play, and even when youre climbing in and out of ditches, equipment, doing very physical things, its still very comfortable and very concealable, and thats wearing a pair of Carhartt's or Dickie carpenter type pants.

Now, the 17 in an AIWB holster at 12:30-1:00, is also very comfortable and easy to do, and also not at all uncomfortable for 18+ hour days. A 4" S&W revolver would be just as comfortable and easily done, but whats the point?

Look, this is all about "want", as opposed to "cant".

I "want" to carry guns I shoot very well with, and that will give me the best chance at "most" anything I might need it for. So far, in about four decades of doing so daily, I havent found that to be a chore or problem.

If at all possible, Id prefer not to compromise, but for those situations where I have to, the 26 is the compromise.

And Im not telling anyone they cant carry what they want, not at all. Do what you want. Im just saying, if you want to, you can, if you put your mind to it.

"Cant" is such a negative word, and is thrown around, an awful lot. ;) :)
 
Because I know that God is on my side. If I ever die in a fight it's not going to be because i was carrying a revolver. i'll be dead because something went wrong.
 
Thats assuming you need a second magazine. Most auto malfunctions clear with the original mag in the gun, and its usually done in only a second or two, if youre practiced.









Or, you can carry a gun that doesnt require a reload or gun switch so quickly.



This day and age, theres a pretty good chance, youre already likely at a 2-3:1 disadvantage from the git go.



It would be interesting though, to see which plays out quicker, someone practiced at reloads, or someone who intends to grab another gun.



Of course, thats going on the assumption both are carrying guns that would need to reload that quick.



Im curious too as to how you practice those quick gun changes. Chuck the first gun on the ground and go for number two? Or what?



First it is drawn from the pocket. It is shot with one hand. Once you run out, or if you have a failure, then drop gun one and go to gun two. Then, go to gun three.




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We have have the option of designing the scenario of the attack. Therefor our choice of firearm is perfect.:rolleyes:
 
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First it is drawn from the pocket. It is shot with one hand. Once you run out, or if you have a failure, then drop gun one and go to gun two. Then, go to gun three.




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I got the drift of that part.

My question was how do you practice that?

Dont usually see people throwing guns on the ground at the range while they are shooting. :D

I would hope if thats your plan, you regularly practice shooting that way, so your brain knows where to go look for the next gun, and the transitions are smooth and done without thought.
 
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