Autoloader or Revolver? Input Needed.

[volgunner]

Another vote for the revolver, specifically the 686+.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I've shot over 30,000 revolver rounds

in my life and only had problems with one revolver that was brand new. Once repaired, no more problems.

The majority of those 30K rounds were from a S&W 686 6" barrel and Ruger SP101 snub nose barrel.

 

[.41Dave]

I'd go with a revolver for SHTF. In a true SHTF scenario, you might find yourself in a situation where you have to rely on ammo of poor or unknown provenance. A revolver will easily digest questionable ammo that would cause malfunctions in even the most reliable autoloader.

 

[Bubba613]

Out of curiosity, I did a simple search to list any threads on the THR and TFL revolver subforums that use the word "problem". 356 total hits.

That's certainly a scientific method there. Of course people post because they have problems and are looking for solutions.
Most malfunctions in revolvers happen because people have done something like drop the gun or snapped it shut ala John Wayne or simply not paid attention as the cylinder opening became harder and harder.
A revolver that's carried daily and cared for won't have such issues.
I think there was a study of NYC police dept from the revolver era and they found not instances where an officer's gun failed during a confrontation.

 

[Doc_Jude]

These two guns are so different that they actually fit in two different brackets, not only mechanically but also in function and application. If it was me, it would depend on where you live. Are you close to a major metropolitan area, where reliability and mag capacity may be important if urban unrest ensues? Then get the Glock. Are you out of town, in an urban area where there may be some hunting function demanded of your handgun? Then get the .357
If you're only going to get ONE .357, then also depends on where you live. If you live in town, the chances of there not being a complete and total meltdown of social services and attempts at maintaining law enforcement service. With that in mind, a more reliable and concealable .357, such as a S&W or more likely a SP101, would be more prudent. Even with a three inch barrel (recommended for performance alone) the SP101 is still very very concealable (with stock grips). An inch of barrel makes a significant difference in performance of the round, in ease of reloading, and also with the sight radius being greater the handler's accuracy is increased.

I am withholding my vote until we know more about what you expect from the gun and also what I think will be demanded of your gun according to geographical considerations.

 

[tblt]

My GP 100 is 22 years old zero FTF/FTE

 

[Doc_Jude]

My GP 100 is 22 years old zero FTF/FTE

That's funny!

 

[Fat Boy]

I too voted for the semi-auto based on your criteria about dirty conditions being allowed to exist.

If I had to choose and could modify your original poll, I would vote for a revolver every time, but I don't know how well a revolver will function when wet, dirty, dropped in the mud, etc....

 

[Mike Sr.]

I currently have... SHTF scenario and each can be used for a specific reason. I am looking to add one more firearm to my collection for the time being. Obviously, I am looking for a handgun. The question I have is...autoloader or revolver?

Revolver, single action stainless, GP 100, Redhawk, Vaquero or Bisley, 357, 44, 45 LC.

I want something that will be reliable in any situation. Something that will be unaffected if it does not get clean for an extended period of time. Something that can function in snowy and wet to dusty and humid conditions. Something that will still function when dropped and thrown around. Something that will last a lifetime.


Revolver, single action stainless, GP100, RedhawkVaquero or Bisley, 357, 44, 45 LC.




I have seen many videos and read many articles on Glock tests. I will admit, I am impressed at what these autoloaders can take. However, it is still an autoloader and can fail. With the Glock 17/19 (9mm) ammo will be plentiful being a NATO round. With a SHTF scenario aside, easy to purchase (Wal-Mart) and relatively inexpensive. Also, proven to be a man stopper.


Revolver, single action stainless, GP100, Redhawk, Vaquero or Bisley, 357, 44, 45 LC.

I have also seen videos and read articles on revolvers, specifically the S&W and Ruger .357 Magnum revolvers. They are very simple in design and to use and the .357 Magnum is very effective and can be used across the board for numerous applications.


Revolver, single action stainless, GP100, Redhawk, Vaquero or Bisley, 357, 44, 45 LC.

Both have there pros and cons. Which would be the better handgun to go with? Which would you rather have if you were allowed only one, for the next 10 years? Which would be the better "do it all" handgun?


Revolver, single action stainless, GP100, Redhawk, Vaquero or Bisley, 357, 44, 45 LC.

-----------------------

AND DON'T FORGET THE .22...500 rounds in the size of 2 boxes or 50 round of handgun ammo

 

[JImbothefiveth]

People use a semi auto because they need lots of rounds since they never learned how to shoot properly.

I guess that everyone from the police to olympic competitors don't know how to shoot then?

It's actually easier to hit with a semi-auto than revolver, because of the trigger pull weight.


Now if I had to go with one for the next 10 years? I'm not sure. Magazines for the glock might be limited to 10 rounds, and some .357 loads might be banned, as well as some 9mm loads. I think that .38 spcl is safe, even moreso than 9mm.


I think I'd vote for the semi-auto, but that's just what I'd reccomend for everyday use.

If you're concerned about a survival scenario:
Don't you already have an SKS to hunt with? But then again, you may not wish to carry around a rifle, much less 2 rifles and a shotgun.

Sorry, just not into topics like this, so I'm just imagining you're preparing for a survival situation.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I used to have a blued 6" GP100, and it was a great gun. However, I tend to shoot autos better so I sold it a while back. Sometimes I wish I still had it but...

I have 3 Glocks as of now... 20, 26, and 34 and all have been flawless so far. My G20 is my backpacking gun, and it has been wet and dirty many times but it always goes bang.

 

[Doc_Jude]

Personally, when it comes to the .357, if I'm not in the market for a snub or something really concealable, I'd go with the 686P (3" or 4" barrel). For $100 or so more up front... & you have an extra round available and great trigger right outta the box. It's worth it. I would say that GP100 is a little more durable, but hey, the perks that the 686 has over the Ruger, it's more than worth it.

I used to have a GP100, and it was a great gun. However, I shoot autos better so I got rid of it. I have 3 Glocks now... 20, 26, and 34 and all have been flawless so far. My G20 is my backpacking gun, and it has been wet and dirty many times but it always goes bang.

Plus, in a SHTF situation, you can do a ton of home gun-smithing on the Glock, barring a total goat frakking catastrophic failure which will just ruin ANY handgun regardless of make & model.

 

[jaydubya]

I have a Smith 686+ but, using your criteria, I voted for Glock. Of course, I also have a Browning High Power with three "grandfathered" 13-round magazines, so my needs are covered both ways.

Sylvanus -- Hello again! What you say about revolver problems being serious rather than annoying (like a stovepiped casing in an autoloader), is true. What problems did your issued S&W 620s have that required gunsmiths to fix? A 620 and my 686+ are kissing cousins, so I'd like to know.

Cordially, Jack

 

[okespe04]

glock 21

 

[machinisttx]

Sounds like reliability is your main criteria. Not surprisingly, then, many are recommending a revolver. Personally, I love revolvers, but I have to agree with Silvanus that revolvers can and do fail occassionally. "Six-fer-sure" zealots apparently miss or ignore the frequent "My revolver locked up, now what?" threads that pop up on what seems to be a weekly basis.

To date, I have seen exactly one revolver have a failure that could not have been prevented with ten seconds worth of routine(to us revolver guys) checks.

That particular revolver failure happened to me about a week or so ago with a S&W M19...in fact I purchased that gun from a forum member here(sorry man, can't remember your name, still love the gun). In this instance, the extractor star slipped slightly on the hollow tube that goes through it, rendering the gun useless. I have seen, handled, and shot a fair number of revolvers and never have I heard of that happening.

In general, if a revolver fails it is because of the ammunition. Autoloaders are more complicated and infinitely more sensitive to adverse conditions.

Revolvers = simple. Simple is good.

 

[MP3Mogul]

I vote for the .357 as well. The glock 9mm isn't going to take a buck in the woods if you need it to after the SHTF happens.

I have both, 9mm (no glocks) and .357 but you will have to choose. Yes the glock is utterly reliable, and it will fire thousands of rounds without having to clean... (I wouldn't do that to my guns)... but if that's what you need, you answered your own question.

 

[Eightball]

For a "do everything" firearm, I include the possibility of taking game with it, wherein I think a good ol' .357 Mag will do a much better job than a 9mm. YMMV.

 

[sdj]

Voted for the revolver: no magazines to lose.

 

[jmr40]

If carried in a holster in a clean environment or in a dresser drawer a revolver is an incredibly simple and reliable gun. When used in harsh dirty environments such as military use the military testing from 100 years ago verified that autos are less prone to malfunction. And if it does it can usually be corrected quickly by the operator. When a revolver locks up it is useless until a gunsmith takes it apart. A big part of the reason why the 1911 was chosen over revolvers. This is even more true today.

I own and use several revolvers, but if I had to count on a gun to work after being abused and dirty it would be a Glock or a 1911. The Ruger GP-100 or SP-101 would be the revolvers I would pick if it had to be a revolver.

 

[snakeman]

double action revolver no doubt. No safety to think about, no jams or stovepiping, and great accuracy and power with most. also a snubby is easily concealable.

 

[mljdeckard]

Go to a rental range and see which one you shoot the best.

None of these suck, but I always tell rookies to start with a Glock.

 

[Bubba613]

I often recommend a Glock even though I personally don't care for them. They do seem to work better for more people than anything else.

 

[realtordoug]

changing it up a bit, but have you looked into the XD line of semi-auto's? read some forums where people think the XD points more naturally than the glock (can't say since i've never tried the glock)... picked up an XD .45 last month, and love it! also have an SP101 and love that too! both guns have been flawless - for me the SP101 would probably be easier to conceal carry...

 

[mpmarty]

Anyone who thinks a revolver is more reliable and or easier to return to service after a mishap needs to just count all the parts in each type of weapon, look at the clearances involved in operation and they will soon see that the revolver is not nearly as reliable as a semi auto. A simple single defective round will tie up a revolver permanently as far as the current use of a weapon goes. Either a backed out bullet or a set back primer jams the cylinder to the extent it takes a bench and brass drift to fix. Yes, there are many more failures in semi autos but one must take into account the time to return to service also. In this respect the semi auto wins.

 

[skoro]

I want something that will be reliable in any situation. Something that will be unaffected if it does not get clean for an extended period of time. Something that can function in snowy and wet to dusty and humid conditions. Something that will still function when dropped and thrown around. Something that will last a lifetime.

Your requirement says "revolver."

Just a couple of weeks ago I was having a good discussion with an ex-Navy SEAL. He said that they were allowed to carry any kind of sidearm they felt most comfortable with. He said he always carried two: a .45 ACP and a S&W 686. The 686 never let him down, regardless of conditions. He said the auto would tend to jam when it was filled with mud, dirt and grit. The 686 fired every time, regardless of conditions, and that's why he carried it. And this guy saw action from Vietnam through Desert Storm.

I took that as a pretty good recommendation for S&W revolvers, which was the subject we originally started on.