Wheel Guns or Slide and Ride?

[sergemaster]

Amici,
When it comes to hand guns, any wheel gun lovers here? I know most folks enjoy the semi auto in that girl scout badge approved caliber of 9 mm. But before she showed up, there was the 38, 357, and the ORIGINAL 44 magnum, and they all did the job nicely..

So anyone else like cylinders or is it all "slide and ride" when it comes to your favorite handgun?


Cheers,
Serge

[Chako]

Can't say as I haven't even fired a handgun as of yet. I do plan on getting a revolver down the road though. I am thinking a nice Western style 6 shooter, as I have some nice western style belt patterns that I can make out of leather. Might be a nice summer project...maybe. I haven't touched leather in a while.

[Lynn LeFey]

I had a fair amount of experience with revolvers before I fired my first semi-automatic. There are things I like about revolvers, but functionally, I'm afraid they're pretty much obsolete. The modern semis are so reliable that the last bastion of revolver superiority is now kind of moot.

I loved ... LOVED... pretty much ever .357 I ever shot. I like cowboy style revolvers just because they look SO cool. Something like an old Colt Navy... wow.

But... I'm all semi these days. I do not own a revolver. I've considered getting a low cost .22 revolver just for the fun factor at the range, but I'm not dying to get that done.

[ducttapetech]

Wheel gun all the way. While I have some semi autos that I like, but I love my revolvers. I will take a revolver any day of the week and twice on Sunday over a semi auto. Unless its a semi auto revolver. Those are just plain sweet.

Nate

[powernoodle]

I have carried a concealed firearm for more than 20 years.  For the last several I have carried a S&W 442 in my right front pocket. I carry it primarily because it has the contours of a used bar of soap, so it hides easily in the pocket.  But I also consider revolvers to be highly reliable, with no possibility of failure to feed, extract, eject, etc., though any mechanical device can fail.

[jerseydevil]

The simplicity and reliability of a DA revolver wins for me.  I LOVE my Model 19 S&W.

[PTRSAK]

Well I can only comment from a sport shooting perspective, but with wheelguns I've had S&W models 14 38spl, 19 .375mag, 29 .44mag and a 686 based Bianchi cup revolver that was used with 38spl cases.
On the auto front I had .22 Browning Buckmark, 9mm CZ85, .45ACP Springfield Armoury 4" "Champion" 1911 in Stainless Steel, .45ACP Colt Govt Model 5" Series 70 1911 in two tone Blue/Nickel.

The model 14 was the most accurate open sighted of them all and the 686 the best optical sighted. But it was a fully worked competition gun so it should shoot!
The 9mm was okay for steel challenge, but on paper I could shoot 15% higher scores in Service match using the S&W M14. But 15 shot mags were fun

The Govt model was set up as a basic IPSC gun because "Run and Gun" is just sooooo cool.

The auto's were more fun to shoot, but the wheelguns could generally outshoot them in terms of pure accuracy.

If I was allowed to carry one, it would have probably been the Champion. I have a big soft spot for 1911s.

[BASguy]

I am also a revolver guy.  I have a lot of guns and a good mix of semi auto and revolvers.  There is simply no semi auto that is practically as reliable as a revolver.  That's just a fact.


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[NKlamerus]

We do own an S&W 500 Magnum. Only holds 5 rounds but the only reason to purchase it was to be "that guy" with the loudest gun at the range

Plus I would LOVE TO HIP CARRY it. Just to see people's reactions

[Grant Lamontagne]

I like the simplicity of a revolver, however if I was to carry something on a regular basis it would probably be a semi due to the narrower frame.  That having been said, I much prefer a revolver, although you really do need to make sure they are aligned properly. 

I had the misfortune once of standing next to a guy at a range once who obviously didn't look after his gun and he was spraying hot lead out the side of the gun and all over me with every shot.  I moved to another booth because I didn't want to be around when the frame exploded.   

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Handguns were banned over here when I turned 17, but I know I would of been a revolver guy as I was at the range with my uncle shooting his CZ75 and Browning Hi Powers then switched to his Webley 455 IV! That was it I was smitten then!

[ducttapetech]

Love Webleys.

Nate

[jerseydevil]

  Ooohhhh, Webley.....  I want a Mark VI one day......

[PTRSAK]

We do own an S&W 500 Magnum. Only holds 5 rounds but the only reason to purchase it was to be "that guy" with the loudest gun at the range

Plus I would LOVE TO HIP CARRY it. Just to see people's reactions

One of my shooting buddies has a BFR in 45-70.  He's our "that guy".

500 magnum BFR


45-70 BFR

[toolguy]

Some members don't understand the capabilities of a good wheel-gunner.

It's the operator not the equipment.

[Aloha]

I have to say I was surprised by Lynns post.........  obsolete  .  While I don't own a gun I have quite a few LEO friends and family that carry and love revolvers.  I also dig the old style wild west revolvers.  I have a client that has quite a few in her collection that see regular range time. 

I'd be curious what folks in bear country carry.  I'd imagine its a large calibre revolver but enlighten me.   

[toolguy]

The number one revolver and cartridge combination used in bear country is the Ruger Super Blackhawk chambering the .44 Remington magnum.

There are many other handgun and cartridge combinations that will work well but they are invariably revolvers.

[captain spaulding]

I have to say I was surprised by Lynns post.........  obsolete  .  While I don't own a gun I have quite a few LEO friends and family that carry and love revolvers.  I also dig the old style wild west revolvers.  I have a client that has quite a few in her collection that see regular range time. 

I'd be curious what folks in bear country carry.  I'd imagine its a large calibre revolver but enlighten me.   

You would be correct. Everyone I know carry either .357 or .44 mag when out and about in bear/lion country.

In all honestly the bears do not scare me very much. Its the lions that really make you check you back every few seconds.

Revolvers are most certainly no where near obsolete in my opinion. They never will be either. The shear simplicity and reliability are very important and the revolver has that as well as the capability of being chambered in large caliber pistol cartridges.

[Aloha]

I agree with the Lions those suckers are scary.  I've contemplated getting a handgun for just this reason. 

[captain spaulding]

I agree with the Lions those suckers are scary.  I've contemplated getting a handgun for just this reason.

I would say go ahead and do it then because the next time you contemplate getting one might be when a lions on your back tearing your skull apart...... Just saying. 

[Aloha]

I agree with the Lions those suckers are scary.  I've contemplated getting a handgun for just this reason.

I would say go ahead and do it then because the next time you contemplate getting one might be when a lions on your back tearing your skull apart...... Just saying. 

Good point. 

[Lynn LeFey]

I have to say I was surprised by Lynns post.........  obsolete  . 

Obsolete. Yes. If you can name one military, law enforcement, or special service that issues a revolver, I'll retract my statement.

Look... The Mosin Nagant is obsolete too, that doesn't mean it's not still FUNCTIONAL. It's just not state of the art. Revolvers are still good, reliable technology, but there is better available. If a semi-auto can fire ten thousand rounds without fail, I'm not sure how ANY claim of 'more reliable' from the folks who love revolvers holds water, and if that's the only argument anyone has for carrying one, then... Obsolete. Right?

I'm about 600 rounds in with my Ruger LC9, with 0 failures. At what point do I get to claim that it's 'absolutely reliable'?

I'm talking CCW role here: For the same weight, same reliability, MORE capacity, and MUCH lower cost... Semi-auto wins. And, in the 'real world', whatever that's supposed to mean, carrying a single stack semi seems easier to me than any revolver I've ever looked at. Outside of carry and service use, you're talking about 'sport'. And hey, for sport, do whatever. You can still use cap and ball, or bow and arrow, or atlatl and dart, or a sling and a rock. Or just throw a rock. Whatever you find most fun. No i'm NOT saying a revolver is an antiquated, worthless, utterly impractical tool. Just having a bit of fun there. it's just that it's been outclassed. Maybe not enough to be an issue for some, but still outclassed. YMMV, but it always comes back to this: No one uses revolvers in service roles anymore. THAT is the definition of Obsolete I'm talking about.

Still love them, and if I had the budget i'd still OWN them and shoot them with pride.

[ducttapetech]

Athens county sheriff's department still uses them here. That said, I do see some with autos.




Nate

[Aloha]

 

I hear ya.  I'd imagine capacity and large calibre was the reason for the revolver being replaced by the semi auto.  I'm also sure the technology had a big part as well. 

I was more relating obsolete to what friends and family LEO carry as back ups, they have semi auto as a primary side arm.  I also know a fair amount who like the members here who carry revolvers as CCW vs semi auto.  It's all personal choice as with all things and as far a reliability I have no clue what weapon you have nor how many rounds would make me say "absolutely reliable" to much of anything that has a potential.

Oddly enough just today my good friend who is a LEO was at a LEO sponsored shooting match for their woman officers.  She shoots a 9mm Glock ( big shock ) and carries a revolver back up ( don't know what model).  In 16 years of law enforcement she's never fired her weapon thankfully and I'm sure she'd also say her service weapon is reliable.

I don't claim to know squat so YMMV is spot on.             

[Lynn LeFey]

Athens county sheriff's department still uses them here. That said, I do see some with autos.

They ISSUE them, or they ALLOW them?

Lots, in fact pretty much every police department I know of, allow officers to carry whatever it is they prefer as a secondary, and many allow and some even require their officers to supply their own service piece, which often means the officer is free to carry whatever.

So, like I said above, I'm talking ISSUED here.

I come from a fairly small town, surrounded by equally small towns, and my oldest brother was LEO. I was frankly a bit surprised when i found out that there were police departments that issue weapons, because my brother had worked in several cities and town in our area, and had to supply his own firearm. He spent 4 years in the Marines, most of that time special duty assignment with the Marine Corps Pistol Team, shooting 1911s in competition, and he STILL carried a .357 as his duty piece (and i think a Baretta Tomcat as a backup in an ankle holster). But this was in late 1980s, and reliability of semi automatics has increased dramatically since the widespread use of Glocks, and all the competition having to keep up. In any case, I found it a bit shocking when I learned that most larger departments issue firearms. And many or most that DON'T still require officers to use specific makes/models. I assume this is the ensure that if officer A is supporting officer B, and something goes down where Officer A suddenly needs to use officer B's weapon, he or she is instinctively familiar with operating the piece.

[ducttapetech]

Athens county sheriff's department still uses them here. That said, I do see some with autos.

They ISSUE them, or they ALLOW them?

Lots, in fact pretty much every police department I know of, allow officers to carry whatever it is they prefer as a secondary, and many allow and some even require their officers to supply their own service piece, which often means the officer is free to carry whatever.

So, like I said above, I'm talking ISSUED here.

I come from a fairly small town, surrounded by equally small towns, and my oldest brother was LEO. I was frankly a bit surprised when i found out that there were police departments that issue weapons, because my brother had worked in several cities and town in our area, and had to supply his own firearm. He spent 4 years in the Marines, most of that time special duty assignment with the Marine Corps Pistol Team, shooting 1911s in competition, and he STILL carried a .357 as his duty piece (and i think a Baretta Tomcat as a backup in an ankle holster). But this was in late 1980s, and reliability of semi automatics has increased dramatically since the widespread use of Glocks, and all the competition having to keep up. In any case, I found it a bit shocking when I learned that most larger departments issue firearms. And many or most that DON'T still require officers to use specific makes/models. I assume this is the ensure that if officer A is supporting officer B, and something goes down where Officer A suddenly needs to use officer B's weapon, he or she is instinctively familiar with operating the piece.

Not 100% sure if there ISSUED or ALLOWED. But the most of have a revolver in the holster on the belt as a primary that I have seen. It may be a good possibility they don't issue a piece at all.

Also, because our military issues semi and most of our LEO are issued semis does not make them obsolete. Clearly quit a few still carry and use them rather effectively.
And I do agree with wanting a force to carry the same weapon. Everybody can grab it and use it.
I will also say that the semi autos have clearly made leaps and bounds and don't jam like they used too. However I still see them jam. But it seems that the jams are a little easier to clear.

Now that I think about it, revolvers might be obsolete with the military, but the are not obsolete with the civilian population.


Nate

[Lynn LeFey]

Now that I think about it, revolvers might be obsolete with the military, but the are not obsolete with the civilian population.

The notion of Obsolete is only a matter for military and law enforcement. I think this is part of the issue here. People seem to assume I mean 'worthless', when I mean 'technologically outdone', and more specifically 'replaced in service use'.

If your requirements is to throw a slug downrange accurately, the (normally) 5 rounds meets your needs, you find the piece easy to control, and you can carry it comfortably, then it will obviously do the job.

I really, REALLY didn't expect the use of the word 'obsolete' being connected to the revolver would bat an eye. I thought everyone understood this.

[Mike 208]

When I was a Detention Officer with the LAPD (late 1996), a female Officer came in with her arrestee for booking.  I noticed that she was wearing a break-front revolver holster and speed loader pouches.  I guessed this Officer had not been on the Department since 1987-88 (when the LAPD began issuing the Beretta 92-F), so after her prisoner was booked, I asked why she was carrying a revolver (Smith & Wesson Model 67 .38 Combat Masterpiece, which was their standard issued sidearm before switching to auto loaders).  The Officer told me that she had an accident, which broke most of the bones in her right (strong side) hand.  She currently did not have the strength in her right hand needed to operate an auto loader (a firm grip is needed, otherwise it will jam).  Therefore, the Department issued her a revolver, which does not require a firm grip to operate.  I would guess other Agencies would have a similar policy of issuing revolvers to injured Officers, since injuries can happen anywhere.  Also, at least in my area (California), most (if not all) Officers carry revolvers as a back-up weapon (mostly 5-shot "J" frame Smith & Wessons, usually in .38 Special).  Many State Prisons still issue revolvers to their Correction Officers, though this seems to be changing.

[Aloha]

I didn't misunderstand the term you used what surprised me was you didn't specifically say Issued till your follow up, to which I can agree.  I knew full well however my bro ( retired Marine ) and friends that are current LEO carried revolvers.  Yes they have Glocks as primary but all carry revolvers as back ups.

Obsolete to me as I understand is; no longer used or out of date.  I had to disagree until you responded ( see above reason ).  I don't know about the current technology of revolvers nor guns in general so I cannot speak to "out of date". 

Let me ask is one( semi/revolver) "more" accurate?  I have seen a lot of shooting for accuracy with revolvers mostly.

Heck the way I see it is fire, adjust, repeat   

Kidding      

         

[Lynn LeFey]

Revolvers TEND to be more accurate. Any time you have a fixed barrel, you tend to get better accuracy. There are a number of fixed barrel semi-autos as well, but those tend to be smaller caliber. Our Ruger SR-22 and Beretta Neos (both .22lr semis) are fixed barrel, and super accurate. I THINK (not sure) the Hi-Point C9 MIGHT have a fixed barrel, though. Not that many people sing the praises of it.

It's also a matter that you can often get revolvers with longer barrels, thus longer sight radius. The longer sight radius on a gun makes them a lot easier to shoot accurately, in my experience. While i'm sure they make them, I've never seen a semi with a barrel much over 4.5", where 6" is more widely available for revolvers, and I've seen much longer, like the Wyatt Earp Buntline with 10" barrel. Good for smacking outlaws over the head, as well as accuracy.

Mike: I'll take your word that detention centers issue revolvers, but I find it more than a little odd. Also, if an officer can't work a semi due to injury... no one thinks that might maybe just cause problems in the field, like if you have to wrestle someone down?