Pistol vs. Revolver?

[Halo]

Just curious -- which handgun do you prefer, semi automatic pistol or revolver?  

Of course the answer may be both, depending on the circumstances.  So it's okay to break down into categories as you wish.

For example, for home defense I like the simplicity and reliability of a double action revolver, specifically a .357/.38.  

For just plain fun target shooting, I like a .22 semiauto pistol.  

For protection in big game territory, I'd want a .44 magnum single action revolver.

For backup in combat (foreign or domestic), I'd want a .45 semiauto pistol.  

If I were stranded on a desert island or anywhere and could have just one handgun, I'd go with the .357/38 double action revolver.

To me, the biggest problem with semiautos is fully loaded magazine reliability over time.  Several sources advise freshening magazines at least once a month.  The whole idea of relying on a compressed spring over time is not encouraging.  

What are your choices?

[Chairboy]

Good point on the spring issue.  For desert island castaways, I'd prefer a revolver for simplicity, but a semi-auto for everything else.

[Shamus]

It depends, for everyday carry a semi-auto, If I'm sticking up gas stations, revolver, dont want to leave any brass.

shamus

[Yeager]

Revolvers are more dependable, tend to hold better accuracy, leave no brass behind.  I prefer semi auto Glock 19 (because thats what I carry) but always remember this, any gun is better than no gun at all.

[lazs2]

holo  those are pretty good choices and reasons.

I cut my teeth on revolvers and 22 semi autos.   Lately I have become fond of my Kimber 45 but... it isn't near the gun my chopped down ruger redhawk 44 is for plinking...  very accurate at close range tho (25-75 yards)

For carry... nothing beats a j frame smith in .357 and made of scandium   12 oz and wicked.  fits in the front pocket with no hassle.   fires every time and doesn't leave brass around.

I also reload... it is about the same to load 45 or 44 soooo  I shoot a lot of 44 mag.    

I like revolvers... the new speedloaders are neat but.... if you need more than 5 or six shots then you need something other than a handgun anyway or.... you need to learn how to shoot.

I would not feel at a disadvantage with an old blackpowder single action revolver even.    It's all about what happens when you hit the target not how cool you look while missing it.

lazs

[Chairboy]

Originally posted by Yeager
any gun is better than no gun at all.

This is the philosophy behind why I really like small .22 semi-autos.  You're much more likely to have it on you (because it's not a pain to carry around) that some big piece of iron that has "stopping power" as its primary virtue.  The perfect gun left back at home isn't too helpful when trouble visits you elsewhere.

[lazs2]

chair... the only 22 that is easier to carry around and use than the smith 340 PD in .357 is the berreta jet.   Most 22's are large guns for their bite.

These days there are some very small semi autos in 32 and 380 that are ok but... they aren't 100% reliable and can't be fired from a coat or pants pocket.   The 340 PD can if you want.

Most people are not capable of shooting the 340 tho sooo....

lazs

[Halo]

For plinking off my son-in-law's farm house porch I was looking for a .22 revolver so I wouldn't be spewing shell cases all over.  I was considering a double-action Taurus but the model I saw was crude with a terrible trigger pull and hammer pattern way too rough on my thumb.

So I may get a single-action Ruger .22/mag convertible, except my Browning Buck Mark is such a sweet handler it's worth scrambling around picking up all the little brass.  

For larger semiauto, I only recently learned Kimber is such a highly regarded brand.  I see some of you have Kimber or Glock.  Do you regard them as fairly even or do you definitely prefer one over the other?

We have a great local indoor firing range that lets you rent a wide choice of guns for $10 an hour.  I enjoyed trying a Glock the other day and will try a Kimber soon.

[lazs2]

I have a K22 masterpiece that was made in 1947   No modern 22 revolver comes close in quality.

I like the trigger pull on the single action Kimber... I do not like the glocks at all...  Not interested in getting used to em.

lazs

[Halo]

Yeah, lazs2, everything I've read about the K22 suggests it's THE classic carry and plink.  I liked my Ruger Single Six .22, and after giving it to my son, am thinking about replacing it.

[StarOfAfrica2]

Beretta used to make a little .32 semi-auto that was very well built and small enough to hide in a jacket pocket.  Tomcat I think?  The neat feature on it was a tip up barrel that let you either load the first shot without racking the slide, or let you check to see if there was a bullet in the chamber.  Loaded with frangibles it had the same one-shot-stop rating as some of the mid-range 9mm rounds.  The .32 ACP packs more kick than the .380 IMO.

[Yeager]

The Glock 19 is one of the finest examples of hand held weaponry ever devised.  It is the utlimate expression of individual readiness.  As far as engineering goes, the Glock system simply cannot be improved.  Its functionality is perfect, its reliability is solid over all ammunition types.  Its accuracy is exceptional.  But even then, the Glock is not right for everyone.  Choose the weapon that best fits your hand, and your sensibility.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

I pack a portable nuke where ever I go. That's enough protection for anything.

[ghi]

Originally posted by Shamus
It depends, for everyday carry a semi-auto, If I'm sticking up gas stations, revolver, dont want to leave any brass.

shamus

 Do you live in Detroit !?   i've notice armored glass at gas station to protect the cashier, close to downtown ,most gas stations,

[Shamus]

Naw, I work the burbs.

shamus