revolver vs semi-auto for concealed carry

[Crash]

I know that the increased capacity of an autoloader over a revolver is an important factor in deciding which to carry. And the quicker reload is important as well. However the simplicity of operation of a revolver and it' higher reliability compared to an autoloader is really making me wonder if I shouldn't go with one or two lightweight revolvers.

Opinions?

Crash

[SewTexas]

I think it's whatever you are most comfortable with. when I started carrying I carried a revolver, it's what I "understood". As I got more comfortable and learned more about the way firearms worked, I became more comfortable with semis and started carrying one. I also find them lighter and less bulky.

[hovercat]

I carry an old 4" Colt Police Positive Special.

[K.Mooneyham]

I carry one or the other, as the situation dictates. I live in a small town, in a rather rural part of the state. For local carry, I have a Ruger Security Six, and I carry a reload in a speedstrip, as well. For times when I go to the city, I carry a Ruger SR9c with a 10 round mag, and a spare 17 round mag for it.

[mrvmax]

I carried an LCR in .357 with two speed strips for a while. I stopped carrying it since I did not practice enough to get quick with my reloads.

[carlson1]

I love revolvers. When I was stuck in a wheel
Chair for six years I carried a J Frame with two speedloaders and never felt "under gun" at all. I am not a huge fan of .357 in a small J-Frame, but to each is own. There is zero wrong with with .38 +P. I would never hesitate to carry a revolver for SD.

[dlh]

Whichever one you carry I recommend you spend time at the range getting "on-target" with it.

It is easy for the double-action trigger pull on a revolver to get you off-center on the target. That can be corrected with lots of practice.

I prefer semis as the ones I carry have more rounds, are more accurate (at least for me), and are easier to carry.

[Liberty]

I can't think of a single advantage of a revolver over semi-auto. When an old worn out autoloader wears it may become unreliable or less accurate. Revolvers kaboom as timing gets off. There is a reason why police have moved away revolvers to handguns.

I did think of one reason some prefer revolvers over autoloaders. The grip can feel more natural in a revolver, although I believe that the increased recoil of the revolver mitigates any advantage.
Listed are some of theasons why semi is the better choice.

Variety and choices: Lots more variety in semi.
Availability of ammo. Most semi-auto is easier to find than equivalent revolver.
More firepower and faster simpler loading for us mere mortals
the 1911 isn't a revolver.

[OlBill]

I carry a Vaquero.

[RPBrown]

I have several wheel guns in my stable and I carry one about once a week. However, in most brand semi's on the market now, reliability is not as much of an issue as it used to be. It is just a matter of choice and comfort.

[mrvmax]

I can't think of a single advantage of a revolver over semi-auto. When an old worn out autoloader wears it may become unreliable or less accurate. Revolvers kaboom as timing gets off. There is a reason why police have moved away revolvers to handguns.

On most revolvers that is true but most people never shoot enough for that to happen. If you do shoot that much (and you have a big budget) buy a Korth or Manurhin and chances are you will never get to that point. I'd like to buy the new Korth Skyhawk 9mm revolver being carried by Nighthawk. If I wasn't getting ready to buy an ATV id buy one.

[Excaliber]

Here are a couple of advantages:

The grip of a .38 snubbie allows it to be drawn more smoothly from a pocket holster than the squared off shape of a small 9mm or .45 (e.g. an XDS), and for simplicity of operation and panic proof function revolvers win hands down.

[parabelum]

It's all up to individual preference. There is indisputable tactical advantage to autoloader, especially if you look at full size Glock 17 as an example.
Reliable and with 18 rds of potent 9mm before you have to reload, not too bad.
Step down in size to Glock 19 and you have a reliable firearm with 16 rds of 9mm capacity. 2.5 times the capacity of your average 6 shooter.

Having said that, it is perhaps unlikely that you would need to go beyond 6 rounds as an average Joe. Even so, speed clips make reloading fast.


But if you are hesitant of autloaders because of reliability, step into the world of Glock or H&K, these are two brands I've exclusively carried over the years. Very reliable, high capacity (especially in Glock), and they will outlast you.

I have never worried if my Glock or H&K will go bang.

[Crash]

Thanks to everybody for their input and recommendations. I now have an FNS-9 for home defense and have been carrying a Ruger LCR (.38 Spl) for EDC. However, I may change to semi-autos for both and, if I do, I think I will change to the same brand (one full-sized, one compact) for commonality of operation and "feel."

Again, thanks for your thoughts on this.

Crash

[Smokey613]

JMHO, carry what you are comfortable with, can shoot proficiently and will always carry. Another thing, stay with the same "platform" for all your carry sidearms. Example, if you carry a revolver but carry various makes models due to weather, dress, etc. just make sure they all take the same exact motions on your part to put them in action. If you carry a semi-auto, stay with the same operational platform, ie. with or without thumb safety, striker fired, cocked and locked, DA/SA semi-autos, etc. When the time comes for you to deploy your sidearm you will do what you have trained / practiced and jumping between platforms is NOT conducive to getting your weapon into the fight efficiently. Lost motion and/or fumbling with an unfamiliar weapon will get you in trouble. This is the reason that while I love the 1911 platform and carried one on duty for years, "logic dictates" a striker fired, no thumb safety pistol is really my only choice today. This allows me to remain consistent on the operational mechanics whether on or off duty. I carry an issued Glock 22 on duty and my Shield 45 or occasionally an LCP off duty. They all use the same motion to put into action. I have even disabled the thumb safety on my Shield 45 so there is never a concern of accidentally engaging it.