John, most of your analysis is based on the assumption that a soldier is going to need more than six rounds, RIGHT NOW, or that a revolver is LIKELY to fail. In the historic last ditch defenses that soldiers have gone for their handgun (rifle jammed, out of ammo, quarters so close the rifle can't be employed, etc), I have a gut feeling that more fights are ended in uner six rounds than those that would require a prolonged pistol-against-other-ememy-weapons fight. I'm no combat expert, but I have talked to lots of Nam vets, and a few WWII vets that actually did use a handgun in those circumstances, and, in addition to winning the fight and being able to tell the stories, they ALL emptied the gun and had ample time to reload, after moving, fixing the problem (jams, finding another rifle or ammo, or running away). Sure, you COULD end up in a situation where you now need a semi auto and 5 magazines, but as stated, history has pretty much made that a myth more times than not (say 9 out of 10 pistol battles are ended within 6 rounds, even in the sandboxes). Some GI's are already loaded down, and might only pack a lightweight pistol with limited pistol ammo in addition to their issue load, give the opportunity. And, I agree, to have it and not use it is better than not having it, and that would also apply to a revolver and only six rounds. As far as revolver failure, I think a revolver would need to be kept no cleaner than an M16. Sand, rust, or dust will hang them up just as fast.
