Why a Revolver?

Why a Revolver?

  • Just Because

    Votes: 49 8.7%

  • Simplicity

    Votes: 65 11.5%

  • Reliability

    Votes: 115 20.4%

  • More Power

    Votes: 21 3.7%

  • Style

    Votes: 29 5.2%

  • Traditional

    Votes: 19 3.4%

  • Shoot Them Better

    Votes: 16 2.8%

  • Intimidation Factor

    Votes: 2 0.4%

  • All of the Above

    Votes: 214 38.0%

  • Other Reason(s)

    Votes: 33 5.9%
  • Total voters
    563
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I'd say:

1. Accuracy - for some reason I'm more accurate than with semis
2. Reliability - obvious
3. Durability - they're big ol hunks o' steel! Long-lasting makes them good values, and I love a good value.
4. Intimidation factor - Nothing says "I'm gonna jack you up if you don't straighten up and fly right" quite like a revolver.

So I voted 'Shoot them Better'.
 
I find myself carrying a revolver more and more these days. I have nothing against semi auto pistols but the simplicity, reliability, and larger more powerful rounds that are afforded by revolvers just tip the scale for me.
 
I vote all the above

I'm in my twenties, and chose a revolver for my first handgun, because I like the look of them. I wouldn't want to be looking down the business end of my 357. Besides, you can't beat their reliability, easy maintenance, and larger ammo selection. Lets not forget that many of the wheel guns have a lot of history behind their making.
For me, all of this is worth giving up a few extra rounds in the chamber. I'll make up for them with plenty of practice.
 
I would have to say I chose a revolver for two reasons. One would be the size. I have an SP 101 in 357. There are certainly smaller guns than that but I like the power of a 357, and I'm all about concealability. The second would be reliability. There are much less moving parts and all the springs are at rest. Don't get me wrong I love pistols, but after much research I chose to carry a revolver. But this is only for CCW. Autoloaders have their place in this world too.
 
For me it is reliability, for sure. To be able to tell the wife "pick it up, aim it at the bad guy, pull the trigger" is pure simplicity.
My .357 is a S&W 63 that was carried by my dad in LE so there is a nostalgia i feel for revolvers also.
My new 442 is alot of fun as well. I can never load a magazine right anyway! Always stub my thumb!!!
 
I just like revolvers better to shoot at the range. I can hit an oil can consistantly with my Smith 629 at 50 yards. I sure can't do that with my 9mms. The 629 is the most accurate handgun I've ever shot. I like my autos for a CCW though. I like the firepower. I have a Glock 26 that will take the Glock 17 clip as a backup when needed. I also have a Smith 6906 that's been a nice piece for CCW.
 
All of the above plus it is the quickest most accurately way I can get 2 rounds on target. It is with a tuned S&W Mod 19 2.5"bbl. I was raised shooting all kinds of handguns and own/shoot quite a few semis and revolvers.
I still think Bill Jordan got it mostly correct.

I thought the post was to find out why folks shoot/carry/own a revolver not to find out why other folks disagree with them.

Hawk - My father retired from the NYCPD and told a story that sometime in the 60's a plain clothes detective fired through his over coat saving his life. The revolver got snagged in the coat when he tried to draw it from a concealed holster. After the incident officers were trained that if this occurred don't waste time on freeing the revolver go ahead and shoot through it. I'm offiering this info as it looked like you were asking for a real life situation where something like this occurred.
 
When I'm old and crippled by arthritis, I may not be able to run the manual of arms on the semi of the day, but I bet I can still tape the trigger of my SA revolver back and fan the hammer pretty effectively.
 
My, my, look how long this thread it!

I picked "All of the above." Autos require changing springs on occasion, they scatter brass indiscriminately, you have to worry about magazine fatigue when you leave them in drawers. You put a revolver and an auto in a drawer. Four years later, your autoloader may work, but will you have confidence in it? How about ten years? Take both out in the biting cold and are you sure the autoloader is going to function flawlessly? I'm not.

I recall that situation some years back when some cops and bad guys were emptying their guns at each other and none of the shots was connecting. I think autos are just more instinctive. Also, if I'm armed, I'm not sure how well I could concentrate if someone was firing full throttle .357s at me! Even standing behind them gets your attention.
 
Hawk - My father retired from the NYCPD and told a story that sometime in the 60's a plain clothes detective fired through his over coat saving his life. The revolver got snagged in the coat when he tried to draw it from a concealed holster. After the incident officers were trained that if this occurred don't waste time on freeing the revolver go ahead and shoot through it. I'm offiering this info as it looked like you were asking for a real life situation where something like this occurred.
Click to expand...

I'll remember that one, but it's an emergency recovery from finding that the thing can't be drawn, not something done in preference to drawing the firearm.

It was a response to a snag (malf) - not a tactic.

From back in the day when the NYCPD carried revolvers.

Between the time of my post and necromancy being performed on the thread, I actually started a "shoot from pocket" thread to flush out the comments. The general consensus was:

1. It was a dumb thread and
2. Not a valid primary tactic. If someone derives comfort from the scenario, fine, but trying to sell it as a wheelgun advantage to a disinterested third party - not so much.

There's a world of difference between recovering from a "holy rats! it's stuck in my pocket!" and "I think I'll just shoot it from my pocket because it's a real smooth idea." The first is analagous to clearing a malf the second is still an idea marketed by my Cajun buddy, Mr. Beau Gus.
 
I like revolvers for accuracy and simplicity. I feel like I could shoot the wisker off of a running wildcat using a revolver with the hammer drawn.
 
because they work and are easy to use and clean and if u have a miss fire u just keep pulling the trigger u dont have to clear it like and auto
 
Hawk - I read the post and it stated that "because" you "can" shoot from the pocket is why that individual prefers a revolver. If for what ever reason someone would have to do it... yes a revolver would be the best choice. That doesn't make it "dumb". It is just an answer as to one of the reasons why that individual prefers a revolver.

Stay on the High Road please.
 
What can you say? Revolvers are just beautiful. A lot more fun to own.... I own both semi-autos and revolvers, but I own quite a few more revolvers than semi-autos. Any gun purchase I plan on making in the foreseeable future is a revolver.... my short list is mostly revolvers. There are one or two semi-autos I want to have, including a Walther P38, a Walther TPH, and perhaps a 1911 variant of some sort, but I can't stop wanting more revolvers. :evil: Got to get a Python, a S&W Mod. 17, a Ruger x Six stainless, and the list goes on....
 
Hawk - I read the post and it stated that "because" you "can" shoot from the pocket is why that individual prefers a revolver. If for what ever reason someone would have to do it... yes a revolver would be the best choice. That doesn't make it "dumb". It is just an answer as to one of the reasons why that individual prefers a revolver.

Stay on the High Road please.
Click to expand...

"Dumb" was what my thread on "pocket shooting" was called. Not what I called the reason, such as it is.

I do have some minor concern that a throwaway observation that "shoot from the pocket" is a valid (intentional) tactic is often thrown in with "needs less training" in the "why revolver" threads. Sooner or later, some newbie is going to think "pocket shooting" is a spiffy idea and turn himself from a rooster to a hen - or worse.

But, in deference to the OP, I'll throw in my favorite revolver attribute: cheaper to shoot - I get to keep the brass and reload.
 
Revolvers also appear to be a good value - for whatever reason, a top shelf wheelgun generally costs less than a high end semi-auto.

Freedom Arms is competitive with not-quite-custom 1911s.
Korth's base model is only 25% more than a Nighthawk Heinie.
A Colt's SAA or Turnbull Classic is the same as some pricier Kimbers.

Might just be me but it seems one's dollar still goes a bit farther with round guns.
 
If you live in DC, a revolver is your only "approved" handgun choice.
For now (the policy violates Heller v DC in a big way).
 
No real choice in the poll that fits me, or many of us, since a lot of us own both wheels and flats. So, I went with "traditional" because, at the time I purchased my first one, they were still the standard for law enforcement, and I was entering the field.
 
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