Why a Revolver?

[Yawn]

So, I have asked a question in some other threads and then had a thought today, what if I present that question here. Was a little hesitant as I have seen some tough talk on this forum, but I have to ask...

What is the allure of a revolver? For the most part it looks more difficult to carry, has no modern saftey switched/features, normally carries less rounds, speed loaders seem far more difficult to carry than magazines, and doesn't seem as comfortable as a semi-auto. I will start this discussion off by saying the first reason that I will have to admit to, because the numbers speak for themselves... acknowledging that their are some very very relaible semi-autos out there (SR9!!!), the revolver family is far more reliable as a whole than the Semi family... Ok... now your turn...

Well wait, I ask because revolvers seem to be very popular still and I was suprprised by that because I gave them a fleeting second thought and then never again... not really interested, but am so curious as to why others are...

Thanks... be nice!

 

[tek4260]

Well it depends on what you ask of your handgun. I am really loving deer hunting, and as a hunting tool, the revolver is better suited due to fact that it can chamber more powerful rounds in a "relatively" small platform.

 

[bigtubby]

To me they are industrial art at its finest, unlike semi-auto's or bottom feeders they retain and grow there value the older ones are generally worth more than newer ones just the opposite for bottom feeders. They are made from carbon or stainless steel no plastic parts nothing tacticool about them they are what they are.I really enjoy trying to hunt down a certain model with a specific barrel length. I can't really express what I like so much about revolvers I am sure others here can do a much better job.

 

[derailed]

I don't care for the way the recoil feels out of a semi auto. I shoot better with a revolver.

 

[WAYNO]

Wow. I absolutely prefer revolvers, but it's really hard to explain why.

Let me create a lame example. A guy could drive a really nice Honda Accord. It's plenty fast, it is very comfortable, smooth, and fuel efficient. Or, he could drive a 60's muscle-car. I think the young folks would prefer the Accord. The older guys that have experienced muscle-cars, and younger guys that have a Dad with a muscle-car, would prefer the muscle car.

One excuse we use for revolver preference, is reliability. For the most part, (but even I'll admit not always), revolvers are more reliable. They seldom if ever jam. If you have a misfire, there's no need to rack anything to clear a round. Odds are, the next round in the cylinder will fire.

I have fired some pretty accurate semi-autos. But I still believe there are more revolver models that can be considered very accurate, than there are semi autos.

Revolvers often kick harder. There's real satisfaction in that. And, those hard kicking revolvers are much better for reliably killing big game, than most semi-autos, which are much more often designed for anti-personnel uses.

There will be many more reasons coming. Stay tuned!

WAYNO.

 

[P90]

Well it depends on what you ask of your handgun. I am really loving deer hunting, and as a hunting tool, the revolver is better suited due to fact that it can chamber more powerful rounds in a "relatively" small platform.

Same with me. Revolvers are my hunting, and woods handguns. Would hate to try to defend myself against a Grizzly with my CCW.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Because you don't have to crawl around on the ground to recover your empties.

 

[rugerguy]

all good points above, well said...but bottom line , "less to go wrong..."

and yes, at the totally 'wrong' time, something is going to go wrong....
Uncle Murphy was an 'optimist'..............

 

[BlackEagle]

.44 magnum!

 

[461]

I'm a confirmed revolver shooter for several reasons. I started with revolvers so there is a comfort factor to it that I can never have with a semi-auto even though I've put countless thousands of rounds through them. The power factor is significant, a revolver can just plain handle more power. As a reloader, I hate having to crawl all over the place to get my brass and sometimes it's dinged up. I don't have to fool with my ammo to get it to feed with a revolver. I've never dropped the magazine in a revolver, and if I lose one the semi becomes a single shot. I go through a lot more ammo a lot faster with a semi and this stuff is expensive.

A couple reasons off the top of my head.

 

[Hawkencougar2]

You ask why a revolver. Its very difficult but simple to explain.

A revolver is a simple solid uncomplicated gun.

In comparison:
A revolver would be and Over/Under if it were a shotgun.
A revolver would be a vernier if it were a micrometer.
A revolver would be a muscle car if it were a car.
A revolver would be a mechanical clock if it were a clock.

Revolvers are reliable and easily handle power loads.

I didn't realize how much I like revolvers until I got a Vaquero. That gun is great. It has style, it is build solid, it can shoot, it is smooth.

Its OK to like all guns but a Revolver in ones collection is a must.

 

[Yawn]

Wow... first off, let me say thank you to all of you who respond. I did somewhat expect the it is what I am used to response, but that makes it no less very credible as a reason. And I expected a comment about generational differences. But so far, here are some of the comments that I didn't expect:

"they retain and grow there value " (as opposed to Semi) not sure if this is true or not, but if it is, that would be a compelling reason

"Revolvers often kick harder. There's real satisfaction in that." I have always seen this as a big downside, but forgot to add it to my original post. So, I wasn't expecting that to be noted as a plus... that was interesting. Why is there satisfaction in that? Someone else said they like the revolver recoil better... Is it that some folks like to feel the recoil that is otherwise somewhat obsorbed in a semi?

"as a hunting tool" - never even considered that. We have always rifle or shotgun hunted, so why use a revolver instead or is it a back up? Why would a semi be good against big game or a grizzly? I am not sure I would want to protect my own life with something that couldn't take down a grizzly... I mean, a 6:4 270 pound man on Meth or Cocaine is probably worse than that Grizzly.

"the revolver is better suited due to fact that it can chamber more powerful rounds in a "relatively" small platform." Is that true? I held a .50 cal semi with dragon ports that my friend brought into my office the other day... Revolvers have a caliber higher than that, and that a semi does not have?

"Because you don't have to crawl around on the ground to recover your empties." This I actually heard is a reason why gang bangers are going back to revolvers... because their is no casing to run balitstics on after the fact. That was not a good reason for me, but never thought about folk that do their own reloads. Ok, that is another compelling reason... not for me per se, but for the platform as a whole.

This is great stuff all, please keep it coming. I will most likely be looking to get another gun in the next year or so... never even gave a revolver a thought as being in the running, maybe this will change it.

Lastly, "Its OK to like all guns but a Revolver in ones collection is a must."
Why?

Again, please keep it coming and thanks!

 

[KWYJIBO]

Although they are generally a little harder to conceal, when it comes time to put your concealed gun into use, revolvers have a huge advantage. In such a stressful, adrenaline charged situation simpler is better, and ultimate simplicity is the ideal.

With a double action revolver all you have to do is point the muzzle at the bad guy and pull the trigger. There's no thinking about whether you have a round in the chamber or whether the safety is set.

In the extremely rare event that something goes wrong, all you do is pull the trigger again. There's no worrying about spent cases ejecting completely, the next round feeding, or the slide going forward all the way--even if you have the muzzle up against someone's belly.

Spent cases never come back and hit you in the face.

You never accidentally hit the wrong button and drop the magazine on the floor right when you really need all 6 shots. (It seems unlikely even with the most complicated autos, but in a situation of extreme tension, this kind of thing can happen.)

If you decide you want to completely unload the gun (i.e., make it safe), you can instantly dump all the cartridges out with one hand.

Finally, there's never been an autoloading pistol that works as well as an old cowboy revolver for pounding in nails to hang up "Wanted" posters around town!

 

[contender]

As noted above,, and even in your original post,, reliability. You seem to lean more towards CCW as a standard by which to judge it. Well, as noted,, simple,, almost totally infallable and tough to beat. But think like this; If you had to bet your life on one gun type,, and you were in an awkward position, having to shoot using your off hand,, one handed due to injury etc of your dominate hand,, and you had to defend the lives of your loved ones,, wouldn't you want one that didn't require the manipluation of mechanical devices like a safety,, or the magazine that could fall out when you accidently hit the mag release with your off hand,, or try & clear a jam with only one hand?
DA revolvers; simple. Pull it out, pull the trigger. Any position, either hand, no manipulation of anything except the trigger.
Rugged reliable Ruger firearms.
Next,,, realize you can get more powerful calibers in revolvers vs semi-autos easier. There are few semi's that can handle heavy hitters like the 44 mag, 45 Colt, 454, 480, etc! Kinda like the old question; "Why do you carry a 45?" And the answer was; "Because they don't make a 46!"
Also as noted above,, if hunting is your thing,, not many regular production semi's are made in calibers suited for big game.
Lastly,, as someone once said before about this very same subject; "If you have to ask,, you just don't understand."

 

[Yawn]

Lastly,, as someone once said before about this very same subject; "If you have to ask,, you just don't understand."

Exactly, which is definitely why I had to ask! As I eluded to in my first, post, I really don't (well didn't) understand. I think I do a bit more now. As for your scenario contender, it actually plays into why I moved on from considering a revolver to the semi world. I personally am more concerned with shot placement, both in Self Defense normally or in a situation like the one you described... so the smallest recoil in the biggest bore (well among other reasons, such as I like the semi safety mechanisms and design a bit better, as well as amount of held ammo.) I currently find that happy medium in a SR9. Well accept for the jamming part... the revolvers own the semis on that issue, but I guess that is why semi owners always talk about if their weapon hase ever FTF or jammed or what not.

But why need variations like the 44 mag, 45 Colt, 454, 480? Actually, all the variations of big cals is a turn off to me, personally. Wouldn't a 45cal semi do the same trick for the most part?

But, I will concede that bigger cal variations are much more common in the revolver world, and therefore the accessories that go with it are as well...

And, no one can argue that the revolver is simpler and more reliable. A great statemement made was:
"In the extremely rare event that something goes wrong, all you do is pull the trigger again."

The wheel cycles and the next round comes into play, as if the first issue never happened... that was an aspect of the reliability i had not thought of. Well said!

 

[98Redline]

A revolver is shapely and refined. I has lines that in some cases could almost be considered sexy. Autos, in my eyes are very utilitarian and purpose built. Square and blocky.

It sounds like the .50 cal auto your friend had was a Desert Eagle .50AE. Yes it is a very powerful cartridge, however the auto required to fire it is a behemouth, heavy and unwieldy. The same cartridge in a revolver will be more svelt and easier to manage for shooters with normal sized hands.

I own about an equal number of autos and revolvers. That being said, I find that all of the first guns I purchased were autos. As I have gotten older (not necessarily more mature) I have developed an affinity for revolvers and all of the last guns I have bought have been revolvers.

When it comes to SD, my choice has always been a revolver. In the same size package, the revolver tends to be more concealable and comfortable to carry. While the number of rounds I can carry is diminished, in many cases by over half, I have 100% confidence that even after riding around in my waistband for months or years, when the trigger is squeezed, it will go bang.....every time. I would be had pressed to say that about any of my autos, even after spending significant amounts at the gunsmith for reliability work.

Just my $0.02

 

[Yawn]

This is great... keep it coming...

Another great reason -
"Spent cases never come back and hit you in the face. "

 

[Yawn]

another great statement!

"I own about an equal number of autos and revolvers. That being said, I find that all of the first guns I purchased were autos. As I have gotten older (not necessarily more mature) I have developed an affinity for revolvers and all of the last guns I have bought have been revolvers."

 

[WAYNO]

"Revolvers often kick harder. There's real satisfaction in that." I have always seen this as a big downside, but forgot to add it to my original post. So, I wasn't expecting that to be noted as a plus... that was interesting. Why is there satisfaction in that? Someone else said they like the revolver recoil better... Is it that some folks like to feel the recoil that is otherwise somewhat obsorbed in a semi?

There are folks that truly enjoy the challenge of shooting the biggest, baddest cartridge available, in any gun. If you're shooting a big, heavy recoiling cartridge in a revolver, and ya get really good at it, that is something to be proud of, and not something just everybody can do. The heavy recoil is part of the territory you're trying to master.

WAYNO.

 

[Yawn]

It sounds like the .50 cal auto your friend had was a Desert Eagle .50AE. Yes it is a very powerful cartridge, however the auto required to fire it is a behemouth, heavy and unwieldy. The same cartridge in a revolver will be more svelt and easier to manage for shooters with normal sized hands.

Wouldn't the kick/recoil be greater on a revolver then the semi, as has been mentioned before in this thread and others, no matter what the Cal?

 

[Yawn]

This is excellent! Another great point!

"The heavy recoil is part of the territory you're trying to master."

 

[tek4260]

I'll venture to say that any quality FULL SIZE semi auto is as reliable as a revolver. In the "real world" people take care of their firearms and keep them relatively clean.

As far as reloads and tacticool crap go, if you can't take care of the situation with what your firearm holds, you shouldn't have been there in the first place. These people who carry a BUG and several extra mags have been watching too much tv or something. How many bad guys are they planning on taking out? I have a CCW, and I'll be honest, my first choice will be to get away without firing a shot. AKA running away quickly! Here in the real world there are things called grand jurys, criminal suits, and civil suits. Things I'd like to avoid since I have sat on some jurys and those people are not my "peers", and I'd hate to have them judge me. Of course none of the above applies if my family is with me or you come into my home.

Sorry just had to say it. Rant off.

 

[41manor44]

Eveything said here regarding the revolver I totally agree with. All I can suggest is at your earliest opportunity TRY a revolver. Maybe start with a 357 which has some "kick" but very managable with plenty of knock down. Just try one before you totally dismiss the revolver. Totally different experience from a "spray and pray".

 

[bigboredad]

Heavy recoil and the joy that comes from mastering it is something that is really hard to explain and or understand. It is however very addicting I myself am a recoil junky. I like to toss big hunks of lead and I like to watch big things come apart from that lead. I love the deep roar and flame that comes from a big bore wheel gun .
I also have .45 autos and I also hate chasing brass I to tend to go through almost twice as much ammo when my auto goes with me. The biggest plus for me is the fit. I have short fingers and the bigger caliber autos are too big for my hand but the wheel gun fits perfect

 

[eagle55]

Bigboredad nailed it, the JOY of shooting revolvers! The OP talks about "shot placement" being the most important consideration, and that is an important one to be sure should that need arise, but always seeing any firearm only as a tool for defensive or offensive purposes doesn't really emphasize the pure joy and fun that say blasting tin cans or driving tacks @ 25yds can give. I think most semi auto folks don't often factor in the joy of shooting as much as revolver types do.. Someone on here once said that shooting a semi auto is about as much fun as operating an electric stapler, not my words, but accurate IMHO. Also it just comes down to "If you have to ask the question, you will not understand the answer.
Now go and try to have fun shooting your semi auto and prove me wrong!!! :mrgreen:

 

[eagle55]

Pardon me if I come across as not nice here Yawn, I really don't mean to be, but I am wondering why the inquiry in the first place? You don't seem to be on the fence, trying to decide if you want a revolver or not. You seem pretty firm in your feeling that the semi auto is superior in every way that you feel important to your purposes. That should be all you really need to understand and carry on. I would find it a tad strange if I were to say, go on a semi auto board, or a muzzle loading board, or whatever and ask what is the big allure, when I had no real interest in them in the first place. It would feel like I was trying to stir up some sort of argument. I don't think I really would need to know their reasons, everyone has their reasons for every decision they make.. I can deal with that! Be happy that you have the best hand gun that there is, for you!

 

[Yawn]

Eveything said here regarding the revolver I totally agree with. All I can suggest is at your earliest opportunity TRY a revolver. Maybe start with a 357 which has some "kick" but very managable with plenty of knock down. Just try one before you totally dismiss the revolver. Totally different experience from a "spray and pray".

I can say I have tried one... it was a long barrel 44 and I put all the rounds about 10 feet above the target into the side of the hill. It was hillarious. Now, I am not saying that I couldn't practice better or that a smaller revolver wouldn't be better... I am not even knocking the revolver, I just really wanted to know what the big appeal is. I was surprised reading at how many people still prefer the revolver but hadn't heard anything as to why people loved it so much.

 

[Yawn]

Bigboredad nailed it, the JOY of shooting revolvers! The OP talks about "shot placement" being the most important consideration, and that is an important one to be sure should that need arise, but always seeing any firearm only as a tool for defensive or offensive purposes doesn't really emphasize the pure joy and fun that say blasting tin cans or driving tacks @ 25yds can give...


Now go and try to have fun shooting your semi auto and prove me wrong!!! :mrgreen:

I did make that statement but only in reply to a post about Self-Defense.

I probably had more fun shooting the revolver as we laughed at how bad I was! Ha ha!

 

[Yawn]

Pardon me if I come across as not nice here Yawn, I really don't mean to be, but I am wondering why the inquiry in the first place? You don't seem to be on the fence, trying to decide if you want a revolver or not. You seem pretty firm in your feeling that the semi auto is superior in every way that you feel important to your purposes. That should be all you really need to understand and carry on. I would find it a tad strange if I were to say, go on a semi auto board, or a muzzle loading board, or whatever and ask what is the big allure, when I had no real interest in them in the first place. It would feel like I was trying to stir up some sort of argument. I don't think I really would need to know their reasons, everyone has their reasons for every decision they make.. I can deal with that! Be happy that you have the best hand gun that there is, for you!

I am not even knocking the revolver, I just really wanted to know what the big appeal is. I was surprised reading at how many people still prefer the revolver but hadn't heard anything as to why people loved it so much.

I have been curoius about this for weeks and thought what a better place to get this answered then in the revolver forum. And I am glad I did... it definitely gave me food for thought. I don't think one superior to the other, I just would have said a revolver was never for me. But, this is definitely making me think. One can probably tell my religious beliefs from my sig line, but that doesn't mean I haven't studied other religions or haven't spoken to others of their belief. I will not change my religious beliefs, as those have been tested and tried by fire and research. But, my understanding of revolvers is just beginning... so I come to people who know them best.

Such as: overcoming massive recoil, controlling the beast if you will, was never even a thought up for consideration, even after I fired the big beasty. I was younger then, and a challenge like that might be fun now. What else about the revolver has appeal or benefit in your opinion?

Thanks again all!

 

[BearStopper]

When I buy a firearm in general it is with hunting in mind although I do more shooting than hunting with most of them since I am a bowhunter. As a reloader and a bullet caster the revolver makes a great platform for testing and accuracy. The primary concern when reloading for an auto is function first. For me I take it one step further in which I prefer a single action over a double action for a couple of reasons, one of which is my love of western movies/nostalgia but I still love a good double action over an autoloader. For me, spraying shots all over with an auto was cool once or twice when I first got one, but now prefer not to waste expensive components by doing so when a revolver is most of the time more accurate and funner for slow deliberate shooting with accuracy in mind. I am a conservative/old fashioned person in general even though I am only 39 so a revolver is just plain old better to me. My idea of a great autoloader is a milspec 1911 that has been gone through by a pistolsmith for complete accuracy/function with a super high polish royal blue. Autoloaders are for movie watching wannabes who have a hard on for "acting" like a gangsta.....did I say that out loud?