Revolver or Semi-Auto for EDC?

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Semiautomatic for me. They’re flatter, higher capacity and reloads are easier. I mostly carry one of two guns. My LCP could be pretty capably replaced by a snub. The only downside is it would be a bit bulky in my pocket. My 2.0C would be tougher to replace with a revolver because now you’ve got 16 rounds in the gun plus 15 round reloads, in a pretty easy to carry package that’s not excessively thick or heavy.
 
What ever I am shooting regularly in competition I am carrying something that uses the same or very similar manual of arms.
 
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IdaD said:
Semiautomatic for me. They’re flatter, higher capacity and reloads are easier. I mostly carry one of two guns. My LCP could be pretty capably replaced by a snub. The only downside is it would be a bit bulky in my pocket. My 2.0C would be tougher to replace with a revolver because now you’ve got 16 rounds in the gun plus 15 round reloads, in a pretty easy to carry package that’s not excessively thick or heavy.
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Do you like the 9 Compact?
I’m thinking of getting one
 
I carry a revolver because I like the idea of 1 handed operation if necessary. Yes I know some autos have the true DA operation of cocking the hammer by pulling the trigger but if my revolver fails to fire it will advance to a new round when I pull the trigger. No need to rack a slide to get to a new round.
Also for me personally there is a bit of romance or nostalgia that comes with a snubnose revolver.
 
Perhaps because of my body shape, I find it easier to conceal a larger revolver than a similar sized semi-auto (given the same style of holster). I know that might sound confusing to some, but it's that way for me. The "pocket" behind my hip allows the cylinder to recess into my belt line somewhat, and the rounded grip catches clothing far less than the more squared-off grips of semi-autos. Some of those seem to act like a shelf, onto which my shirt can ride.

I also tend to find larger revolvers more intuitive to point and to shoot. Though that may be because I shoot them more than semi-autos anyway.

Having said that, I do carry autos sometimes. Usually in high population areas, where multiple attackers seems more likely. And where the extra power of the magnum revolver cartridges is unlikely to be needed for 4 legged problems.
 
A revolver vs. semi-auto thread. My theory is that's it all comes down to carry weight.

The traditional reasons for a pistol over a revolver are: higher capacity and faster reloads. And the traditional argument for the revolver is reliability.

But a revolver is not actually slower to reload and there is no limit to how much ammo you carry. And a revolver fails far more often than a semi-automatic pistol if you discount user-induced malfunctions.

Some common revolver failures are the screw that retains the yoke backing out and the yoke and cylinder falling out, the rear sight getting knocked or broken, the ejector rod unscrewing enough to jam the cylinder in the frame so it does not release, and then there are things like broken hands. I've personally had all these things happen, except the rear sight. I've also been in classes where these kinds of failures happened to other people and disabled their revolvers -- Rugers, Colts, and Smiths. Yes there are preventatives. Still, get 12 people shooting revolvers all day long, and it's guaranteed that at least one of them will go down. Do the same thing with modern semi-automatics and although malfunctions like failures to eject, misfires, misfeeds, double-feeds or stove-pipes will certainly happen, they will most likely be ammo or user-induced and easy to clear and continue.

With moon-clips and some practice, it is easy to get fast at reloading a revolver. I previously believed fast revolver reloads were some kind of dark art that required a lifetime to master or at least an exhorbitant amount of practice time. The truth is it's not hard at all to learn to reload a revolver as fast as most people reload a pistol magazine. The revolvers hold 7 or 8 rounds, same as a 1911. Having 15, 17 rounds or more is great, but having them all in the gun at once is not a practical requirement for civilian self-defenders. Do enjoy that, but the 1911, G43, and P365 packers all agree it's not a requirement.

So the reason people overwhelmingly prefer pistols and 9mm ones at that is not because they reload faster or they carry more, but because the polymer frames and short-recoil operation allow them to be lightweight to carry with a comfortable level of recoil. A 25 oz revolver with 9mm or equivalent will almost certainly have a much shorter sight radius, and more felt recoil than a G19. It will be difficult to shoot. A comparable revolver will be at least 10 ounces heavier.

I will add that if I was limited to revolvers under 30 oz, I would certainly switch to a pistol immediately. In spite of wishing otherwise, I have unequivocally proven to myself and I am totally resolved that compact revolvers like the J frame suck. If I could not EDC a large revolver, I would switch to any quality large automatic before I would go back to the J frame, LCR, K6, SP101 etc.

There are some less practical reasons to prefer a revolver. The grips are more adaptable. It doesn't throw your brass everywhere, esp. with moon clips though that is more a practice concern than an EDC one. It can shoot hotter ammo, but only practically with greater weight. There are other differences like long barrels, single-action, scopes and long distance advantages that aren't related to EDC. I think an influential factor for EDC is the revolver is often a highly-crafted steel piece. In that aspect, only high-end, custom 1911's are comparable. They're something akin to an Omega or Tag Heuer watch, whereas a Glock is more like a Casio G-Shock. I've noticed that most vain people with the means tend to choose custom 1911's, but a revolver can be similar in that aspect. I honestly think that's one of my reasons for favoring it. Similarly, I don't wear those Kirkland Signature Court Classic tennis shoes from Costco, Crocs, or sunglasses off the rack at Rite-Aid or CVS. I think of polymer Sig, Ruger, and Glock pistols like that. I know. I just played the "plastic" card. Let's face it. The reason for plastic is cheapness and light weight.
 
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I used to carry a small 357 mag, but after I lost a bunch of weight, it was uncomfortable.

I also realized I could get additional ammo in an effective cartridge in a smaller gun.

For example, I used to carry a S&W 642 with 5 rounds of 125 gr 38 Special +p ammo, and later 135 gr Speer Short Barrel ammo.. When I carried my 5 shot Ruger SP101, I carried 158 gr Gold Dot ammo in it. Now I regularly carry a Sig P938 Legion that carries 8 rounds of 124 gr Federal HST +p ammo in it.

I've clocked the HSTs coming out of that 3" barrel consistently at 1100 fps.

I don't know how fast the 38 specials or 357's were coming out of the barrels of my revolvers, but I know the 38's sure weren't going that fast, and I'd be willing to bet the 357's weren't trucking along as fast as I'd cared for either. I should test those. So bottom line, I've carried both, and am sticking with a little auto in 9mm for most purposes.
 
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Hokie_PhD said:
Do you like the 9 Compact?
I’m thinking of getting one
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Yes I really like it. Mine has a 4" barrel but the 3.6" would probably suit some folks better. It feels awesome in hand, the trigger is really nice, the stock sights are serviceable, it handles recoil really well and it just runs - it's the only semiauto I own that I can honestly say has never had any malfunction whatsoever. I think it has a lot of advantages compared to the Glock 19 that I also seriously considered, with just one downside - it's slightly heavier. It's generally priced a bit better than the Glock 19 but I'd pay a premium for it.
 
I'm trying to decide what to buy for my edc. Until a day or so ago, I was pretty well set on a .380 pocket gun but now I'm leaning towards a revolver. A snubbie. I recently impulse-purchased a Taurus G2C 9 mm (rebated - a great deal). Still in the box. Unfired. I also own a Shield and a S&W M&P .22 LR which I love to shoot and a Beretta Puma which I mostly just look at because it is a pain to deal with, truthfully. I have access to a S&W J frame 637 and I think, being totally honest with myself, that something similar to the J frame makes the most sense for me as a carry gun. SO much easier all 'round. I'm pretty rigid about keeping them clean but it's not really the sort of thing I love to do and the semi is more involved in that aspect. I know that there are pros and cons as there are with all guns and all things, really, but I have to believe that in a bad situation, I would come out of it better with a revolver in my hand(s). Clearly, I went gun crazy and I still like them all so I will keep them and add one more since I don't want to edc any of them. I am looking at the S&W J frame family - probably the 642, the Ruger SP101 and the Taurus 856 - .38 with 6 rounds. The Taurus is a good bit better price and the 6 round vs 5 gives thought but you know how that goes. I'm appreciative of any thoughts and/or experienced advice. Thanks.
 
In today's world of possible multiple opponent situations, a higher capacity gun like a Glock 19 takes up the belt space that a SW 66 or 586 would. The realibity is not a problem. You can shoot it with one hand. One handed reloads are easier. There is not discernible difference in stopping power in the real world. Semis are easier to shoot for most people.

The revolvers that shine are the pocket guns like the J frames or LCRs. They are harder to shoot but that's why I train and practice with them.

I compete and train with both semis and revolvers. That experience breaks the nostalgia and wanting to be 'different'. A modern striker semi is my choice unless dress mandates a pocket gun.

Tom Givens discusses time in the fight before you need a time out. With a six shot gun, it is fairly soon. With a 10 more (10 being the suggest lower limit) = you are in fight longer.

Revolvers are viable guns. Single or double opponents guns.

I end with the thought that flip phones still worker. Old codgers carry them.
 
I USED to switch between my 642 and my CM-9. Now, I use my P365 and neither of the other two. While the roundness of the revolver let it blend in the pocket more to your body, I just cannot seem to shoot it as accurately as my 365. Add in the 365 has more than double the capacity..................well, that makes it the winner for ME.
 
GEM said:
In today's world of possible multiple opponent situations, a higher capacity gun like a Glock 19 takes up the belt space that a SW 66 or 586 would. The realibity is not a problem. You can shoot it with one hand. One handed reloads are easier. There is not discernible difference in stopping power in the real world. Semis are easier to shoot for most people.

The revolvers that shine are the pocket guns like the J frames or LCRs. They are harder to shoot but that's why I train and practice with them.

I compete and train with both semis and revolvers. That experience breaks the nostalgia and wanting to be 'different'. A modern striker semi is my choice unless dress mandates a pocket gun.

Tom Givens discusses time in the fight before you need a time out. With a six shot gun, it is fairly soon. With a 10 more (10 being the suggest lower limit) = you are in fight longer.

Revolvers are viable guns. Single or double opponents guns.

I end with the thought that flip phones still worker. Old codgers carry them.
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The thought of having to flip the safety, rack it and fire give me pause and pause would be the last thing I would wish in a situation. You are right that it will be another learning experience altogether with the revolver. So much more difficult. Shock to the hand. At the end of this journey, I'm hoping to be proficient with both. As for the flip phone.....I'm in line. As long as they make them really big this go 'round.
 
George P said:
I USED to switch between my 642 and my CM-9. Now, I use my P365 and neither of the other two. While the roundness of the revolver let it blend in the pocket more to your body, I just cannot seem to shoot it as accurately as my 365. Add in the 365 has more than double the capacity..................well, that makes it the winner for ME.
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The P365 is beautiful. If I could begin again, that would be a first choice.
 
All very interesting replies!

I have several weapons, that I chose from for EDC. All depends on the days activities and what I am wearing.
A good hike in bear country, I will always dual carry, a revolver on m chest holster which is a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull along with my Baretta 92FS and a 17 round mag on a thigh holster. My wife will wear my Bond Arms with two .410 3” PDX1 shells. All three of which is used mainly in defense against 4 legged creatures or slithering ones. 454 Casull isn’t available as a semi. And if 6 shots of that doesn’t bring the threat down, then there is 17 shots of 9 to deal with.

Normal camping / hiking not in bear country or just running around town etc... it’s Semi Autos, two reasons for me, smaller and easier to carry and conceal, and to some degree number of rounds.

however... I also carry a bond arms derringer. Extremely easy to conceal as cross carry. Which is neither a semi or a revolver. It has two rounds of .410 3” Winchester PDX Defender rounds. Which with my shooting, will put just about anyone down at 10 yards or less with 1 shot, if I need more then 2 shots. Things are really bad. Which is why sometimes I will also carry my P238.

I also have two other pistols, lever action Mares legs, 45 colt and 22 mag. I don’t EDC them except on the property of my vacation cabin and acreage.

the reason for the thread, is I was just curious why someone chooses one type of pistol over the other.
 
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Thibaut said:
I'm trying to decide what to buy for my edc. Until a day or so ago, I was pretty well set on a .380 pocket gun but now I'm leaning towards a revolver. A snubbie. I recently impulse-purchased a Taurus G2C 9 mm (rebated - a great deal). Still in the box. Unfired. I also own a Shield and a S&W M&P .22 LR which I love to shoot and a Beretta Puma which I mostly just look at because it is a pain to deal with, truthfully. I have access to a S&W J frame 637 and I think, being totally honest with myself, that something similar to the J frame makes the most sense for me as a carry gun. SO much easier all 'round. I'm pretty rigid about keeping them clean but it's not really the sort of thing I love to do and the semi is more involved in that aspect. I know that there are pros and cons as there are with all guns and all things, really, but I have to believe that in a bad situation, I would come out of it better with a revolver in my hand(s). Clearly, I went gun crazy and I still like them all so I will keep them and add one more since I don't want to edc any of them. I am looking at the S&W J frame family - probably the 642, the Ruger SP101 and the Taurus 856 - .38 with 6 rounds. The Taurus is a good bit better price and the 6 round vs 5 gives thought but you know how that goes. I'm appreciative of any thoughts and/or experienced advice. Thanks.
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This my personal honest opinion. So take it for what it’s worth.

The MOST important thing for any firearm that you EDC, is it is a gun your comfortable with shooting, & Carrying AND able to shoot accurately. It doesn’t matter what gun your shooting with if you aren’t hitting your threat/target.

According to the FBI, shootings by civilians to end the threat, 98% of the time require no more than between 2-3 rounds to end the threat. it is considered rare that more have been needed. Even in mass shootings where a civilian has ended the threat, it was stopped in less then 12 rounds fired by the victim.
 
Texasgrillchef said:
I couldn’t agree fully! However which do you EDC and why?
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Most days it is an 45 1911 officer model or CZ 75 compact.
Sunday and other dress up days get a Smith 649 357

Why? Cause I can t pick when it will happen but I can be as well prepared as I can given the dress, destination and risk probability.
 
Thibaut said:
The P365 is beautiful. If I could begin again, that would be a first choice.
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If I were to begin again, I would start with a large, duty-size gun (revolver or semi-automatic). Then I would train (in classes with a trainer) and practice. If I were ever to be in a situation where I needed to use a firearm to fight, I would not regret those choices.

Reading the guns you've listed as owned or considered, my advice is to sell them all and follow what I've written above. I'm not trying to shame you or intimidate you or anything. It's just my informed opinion. Gunfighting is something that the overwhelming majority of people come into in uninformed ignorance. There's vast amounts of opinion formed with very unrealistic expectations. Even a person with experience in numerous gunfights cannot tell you what yours will be like. Presuming it will be so fortunate for you that minimal tools will serve all your interests best is only undertaken at grave risk. On the other hand, it is perfectly sensible to equip yourself with a standard/normal duty/service weapon or two. And training (with a trainer) using this equipment will result in a better experience. Just go to one class with one of the junk guns you mentioned like the S&W 642, Beretta Puma, G2C, the 856, or the pocket .380 you mentioned, and you will quickly see what a disadvantage you will be at. I'm pretty sure they would not even let you take Gunsite 250 with any of those guns because they know enough to protect their students interests even if the students would otherwise be ignorant. If a wise person wouldn't waste their money on a weeklong class with such a gun, why would a wise person carry one for when it really counts?
 
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For full size I use a1911, or a CZ 75 or a Ruger police service six 357.
The 357 was my duty recipes and I was allowed to purchase it.
The CZ replaced the revolver and I was allowed to purchase it also.
The 1911, well it is a1911, nuff said.
 
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