Author Topic: REVOLVER OR SEMI-AUTO (Read 1859 times)

williamlayton · « **on:** February 10, 2008, 09:51:10 PM »

I have been around here a couple of days now and have seen a lot of questions and more opinions---------but:
I started out thinking that revolver guys just don't get it---
Then I started thinking that they got it but were just unsure of Semi's---that is, in the reliability department.
Now I just think that I don't get it.
Why do you guys who prefer revolvers do so?
Why do you guys who prefer Auto's do so?
Blessings

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2008, 12:58:43 AM »

Well - speakin' as a individual on both counts I s'ppose I should say that it is whatever floats your boat. How so ever, when huntin' with handguns that just isn't the case. The bigger calibers, the 357s, 41s, 44s and 45 Colts that are often used for hunting do not come in semi-auto format (357 is the exception, when it is found). The 10mm auto is one of those semi autos that could fit both categories but I think it is the power factor folks look for when hunting.

Most hunters realize it takes a certain power level to push a bullet completely through a living target in order to harvest the game and probably feel, justifiably so, that most semi-auto cartridges do not meet those power expectations out to nominal hunting distances.

For example: you can push a 125 gn slug from a 4" 357 and from a 38 Super/9x23 at about the same velocity, 1425'/sec. Some folk will hunt with that 357 load and be quite successful, which means there is no reason the 38 Super/9x23 can't do the same. But other folk perfer the 357 with a 158 gn slug that they can probably get moving to 1250'/sec from a 4" bbl and you can handload a 38 Super to near the same power level, but most hunters would not use that option. I guess they just do not expect a loading like that to perform from a 38 Super as it might from a 357. That's what I think. Mikey.

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2008, 01:14:48 AM »

Howdy, William!
I'm an old dog who shot/owned/carried revolvers for a couple of decades before ever owning an auto. (Except for the Ruger Mk l that I bought new for $37.50)
I have never questioned the effectiveness of the revolver as a defensive tool. The first centerfire autos I shot, were a Luger and a GI .45 brought back from the war by my dad and uncle. I thought they were cool, but never considered buying an auto until I was stationed overseas for a couple of years. The autos were as common there as revolvers back home. Plus I was issued a .45 as a sidearm. By the time I completed my enlistments, my indoctrination into the world of self loaders was complete. I brought a couple home with me and the cycle began! I still own, and have complete confidence in revolvers as defensive, (and now days hunting) weapons. I probably own 4-5 autos for each revolver. I guess that means I prefer autos, but still have a place for revolvers. I probably don't get it either way!!!

Savage

jaybird · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2008, 03:10:52 AM »

I owned 4 semi autos and enjoyed them, until I started reloading last year. Then I got tired of chasing brass at the range. I now only have 1 semiauto (a kimber that I can't part with) and the rest are revolvers. I am a novice compared to most here when it comes to handguns, but I really enjoy the dependability of my revolvers. I never have to clear out a jam.

bull · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2008, 04:02:11 AM »

I have to agree with everyone else. An auto, of good quality and well maintained and fed, to me is a working gun. The revolvers to me have more style and sophistication. But a good ole' 1911 always warms up in my hand. Biggest thing that pushes me towards revolvers more is chasing brass. Those big .45 cases can be tough to find in the grass, but always stay right in the moon clips when used in my 1917. But that 9mm auto can sure put a lot down range when I'm out just "playing" around. And the way the prices are going, I may have to look for a 9mm revolver.

Just my opinion. I like them both.

1sourdough · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2008, 04:35:28 AM »

I have some of both. I started with a 6" Security-Six 357 & a Ruger MK II 22 semi-auto. I agree whatever a shooter likes is fine. One opinion I have is when a guy is new to handguns a 22 or a revolver can be a more logical place to start.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2008, 04:56:27 AM »

i like both and have both !
i choose what i carry as to what i will be doing !
most days i carry a revolver - easy to load ( not re-load ), can use all ammo including snake shot , easy to carry in a pocket and fire while in pocket and function .
now if i were injured and someone else had to pick up my gun and defend us a revolver is far easier to use !
hunting as a primary weapon - revolver and auto as a back up !
night travel in bad areas high cap. auto ! house gun 100 Glock !
if i could only own one gun it would be a 4'' 357 mag , i would be able to use it long after my hands were to weak to rack the slide on an auto ! a 7 or 8 shot one would be nice !

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2008, 04:57:26 AM »

OOP"S glock 10 mm.

deerhunter · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2008, 06:30:45 AM »

I also have and use both. Both can be dependable and accurate.

I do find I use the revolvers more. Mainly because I am a reloader, and Its a lot more convenient to dump the cylinder of brass in your hand and put them into the case before I laod the next 5 or 6.

When I am shooting a .45 auto, or especally a 9mm, I always lose some brass each range session.

with the price of ammo lately, reloading is the only way I can afford to shoot more than rimfire.

StrawHat · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2008, 08:12:35 AM »

The first handgun I remember firing accurately was a S&W 32-20 with a 5" barrel. Then a couple of 44's and some 38's.

Along then, Pop brought out a P08 in 9mm and we tried that one. A real hot empty found it's way down the back of my Tshirt and I've been a revolver lover ever since.

Heavy C · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2008, 09:03:49 AM »

I have both, use both, and love both. I have to agree with Mikey though in that it is all personal preference.

I enjoy my revolvers for the versatility they offer when reloading and hunting. You don't have to contend with feeding issues due to varying OAL of the cartridge. I can run wad cutters to really heavy slugs and it all works.

Semi-auto's are wonderful too, but when it comes to hunting applications their limitations on ammo is what makes me stick with revolvers. Yes I know there semi-auto's that are perfectly suited for hunting, but you have to admit you have less of a choice when it comes to the ammo you can use especially on bullet type.

JMTCW

454Puma · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2008, 09:35:17 AM »

Started out with Revolvers-through the years gained some autos ! Own both use both for SD, revolvers are mainly used for hunting. I too hate chasing brass-so when I shoot the auto's it's where I can find the brass!

buffermop · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2008, 06:46:14 PM »

Have you noticed all the big calibers are revolvers.

Blessings

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2008, 02:08:37 AM »

the big one are revolvers because you can put more power in a smaller package ! check out a desert eagle !

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2008, 05:11:56 AM »

The Semi's are not legal here (for Deer) and I do not own one so I am really not qualified to answer!

I would like to reflect on JJHack's experience though when he took the Law enforcement officers on that blackbear hunt. In his opinion, even the .45acp just would not measure up to the killing power of a .41, .44 or .45 revolvers.
Now a deer is hardly a bear but those revolvers can be loaded up anywhere from 900fps to 1,300fps (or higher) and reliable operation is pretty much guaranteed through this wide ranged power spectrum.
I guess that reliability would be my main concern with an auto and the deer season...It can get very cold here.

Greeenriver · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2008, 10:41:36 AM »

When I pick up a Single Action revolver, it feels like part of my hand, a Double Action revolver or a Semi Auto feels like holding a brick.
I grew up on SA revolvers and they are still my first pick for just about anything. I do own 3 DA revolvers, they get shot maybe a few times a year, and have 3 Semi Autos, they, also get shot a few times a year, but I have 9 SA revolvers, and the least shot one gets a few hundred rounds a year. I shoot several thousand rounds a year, nearly all with BP sub loads and cast bullets. Semi Autos don't do well with the BP loads, other than my Colt Delta 10mm, it does OK with them using 777 for powder.

I still think that adjustable sights and smokeless powder are passing fads and soon will go the way of the dodo bird. Nothing destroys the graceful looks of a fine SA revolver like a big, gaudy set of adjustable sights sticking up on top of them.

Any how, I shoot revolvers simply because they feel better in my hand.

Greeenriver

corbanzo · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2008, 12:20:41 PM »

I do shoot both, and definitely prefer revolvers. One reason is the range of ammo, including the big thumpers that you can put through revolvers.

The other reason is the trigger. You can get a revolver that the trigger breaks like glass, and makes you that much more accurate... to me it seems as if make a semi-auto pistol with a trigger as such would make it more dangerous than anything.

If I am planning on busting up a whole bunch of clays, then I usually take out the semi's, to save on time. It is fun to be able to pop off 17 rounds in quick succesion.

IMshooter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2008, 01:57:10 PM »

I like, own, and use both revolvers and semi-autos. But I've never really gotten into handgun hunting, and that seems a sport better suited to the revolver. My passion is competition shooting, and that is definitely a semi-auto thing. I've used a variety of autos, but finally decided to use a 1911 in .45 for everything. It kicks butt in Bullseye and Bowling pins, does great in IPSC and IDPA and Steel Plate, and can be effective in Action Pistol and PPC. The beauty of using just one pistol is it becomes like an old and trusted friend.

wyocarp · « **Reply #18 on:** February 13, 2008, 10:38:06 AM »

Like a lot on here, I like them both. I have to admit that while hunting, I have to have a revolver. Some of the places I have hunted, I don't want to take any chances.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #19 on:** February 13, 2008, 10:41:20 AM »

I feel the same about places i go when I'm not hunting !

Old Griz · « **Reply #20 on:** February 13, 2008, 12:50:37 PM »

When I first started out, I had to have an automatic. Bought a Glock 21. Then I got an E. Ger. Mararov. However, soon after that I grew up. I started shooting a S&W 19. Then, 17 guns later, they all happened to be revolvers, DA and SA. SA revolvers are simply the most fun to shoot than any other gun there is. Plus, there is nothing more American than a wheelgun.

williamlayton · « **Reply #21 on:** February 15, 2008, 01:51:25 AM »

WELL, I guess if this had been a poll, the wheel guns would be Miss America.
It was a fruitful exercise and I gained.
I am more of a Auto fan but you boys that are not are a good reason to see another side of this picture.
For games and self-protection it appears that Auto loaders are preferred--though there is some amount of disagreement.
Thanks for all who have shared---AND---wasn't this a refreshing sidebar to the politics of late?

Blessings

PS--I enjoyed Greenrivers humor and somehow I knew that one of youse guys would bring up black powder.
Blessings

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #22 on:** February 15, 2008, 03:43:17 AM »

Quote from: Greeenriver on February 12, 2008, 10:41:36 AM

When I pick up a Single Action revolver, it feels like part of my hand, a Double Action revolver or a Semi Auto feels like holding a brick.
Greeenriver

Amen on Greeenriver's post...I could really identify with this part.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2008, 03:49:33 AM »

If micro-stamping comes to pass the revolver might stage a come back , as anyone could pick up stray brass and place it in other places !

ihuntbucks · « **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2008, 05:34:07 PM »

Myself I am split on choice.I own several of both.It really depends on what job you have planned and which type you have in your comfort zone,so to speak.I deer hunt,Ruger SBH Hunter .44mag.Power to stopped anything I hunt.On my nightstand,a M & P 9,18 rounds,enough fire power.I carry a M & P 45.My truck gun is a S & W 686 .357 mag (7 shot)w/158 gr.jhp's.My living room,a SA 1911 .45 acp is in side table drawer kitchen a H & K USP .40 S&W is in cabinet.My glassed-in front porch,or Fl. room as some folks call them,my Sig 2340 .40 S&W rest.My first bath has a S&W 629 homesteading there.So,as I said I like both.They are both tools and if keep in good working order,both will do the job they were inteaded to do and do it well........Rick

BAGTIC · « **Reply #25 on:** February 16, 2008, 05:08:54 PM »

The revolver is the more versatile of the two especially for someone who reloads.

I would choose the revolver #1 for sporting purposes. For self defense or combat I would choose a semi-auto. The one exception being the .22 rimfire SA which I think is more practical than the .22 revolver, though I own several of each.

slabsides · « **Reply #26 on:** February 17, 2008, 04:40:00 AM »

Boy, does this thread resonate with me! Savage (above) was the first to speak for us OLD guys who started in with revolvers, and stll feel most comfortable shooting them for fun or hunting. Until yesterday, though, I agreed with many experts who choose the self-loader for 'serious social purposes'. I've read and seen techniques of loading, clearing and managing the auto one handed if the shooter should be incapacitated, and they all seemed reasonable.

But I live in Maine. And we've had a lot of snow and ice this winter. Two days ago, I slipped and fell on ice in my yard. Broke my left wrist in several places. First time for this kind of incapacity. Left (thank goodness, it WAS the left) hand and forearm in a heavy cast. No way can I manage to work the actions of my Kahr or 1911, or even the Ruger target guns.

As long as this cast is on, and maybe for a lot longer if the wrist is lamed up, it'll have to be revolvers for me. I'm just thankful that I HAVE revolvers suitable for a cripple's use, in the gun safe. I see a lot of men who list their firearms on their posts, and no wheel guns among them.
my advice: pass up your next dinner-and-a-movie date, and buy a police surplus S&W .38, at least. Shoot it enough to get familiar with the management of the revolver. It's always good to have alternatives available.

Old Griz · « **Reply #27 on:** February 17, 2008, 01:29:55 PM »

Quote from: BAGTIC on February 16, 2008, 05:08:54 PM

The one exception being the .22 rimfire SA which I think is more practical than the .22 revolver, though I own several of each.

I've gotten to even liking the .22 revolver over my automatics because they will shoot every brand, S, L, LR, and NEVER JAM with any of them. Had (past tense) a Ruger Mk. II that you would have to beat some brands of shells out with a cleaning rod. I can shoot my 17, 617, and SP101 all day without a hitch. The one remaining .22 auto just helps guard the safe these days.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #28 on:** February 18, 2008, 01:55:28 AM »

the real only advantage to the auto is round count , the fact that many who go in harms way carry 1911's with 7-8 round count and S&W mow has wheel guns with same count make the point is mute !
I know and posted before the auto is easier to reload and it is but most fights are close and fast with few shots fired !
the guy who thinks he can stand in the open and empty a 15 - 17 or 32 round mag and not recive hits on his body better re-think his tatics !
the fact that every time the revolver trigger is pulled it has a fresh round under the fireing pin is a major plus !

papajohn428 · « **Reply #29 on:** March 02, 2008, 07:27:07 AM »

I think they both have their places, and uses. I carry a small 45 any time I leave the house, but I like shooting revolvers better. I also have to carry a revolver at work, so it behooves me to practice with it when I can. I have owned SA revolvers, but prefer the DA for ease of reloading, I'd rather spend my time shooting that shucking empties out one at a time. The grips on many auto's aren't very easy to change to accomodate different sized hands, whereas the DA revolver can wear grips of nearly any style. Few autos are made for hunting, one place revolvers really shine. If I was limited to one or the other, I'd take the revolver for its flexibility, but when I carry my 40, it's comforting to have 13 rounds in the gun, and 12 more a few seconds later if I need them.

Papajohn