I already know my answer, but I'm interested in what others think. This was prompted by a question asked by another user and how he got jumped on.
I feel bad for the guy. He only got on here today and then asked a question in a stupid way and got dog piled. Live and learn I guess.
I keep a Mod. 19 S&W on the night stand. I often carry it as well.
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
Yes they are.They are now just as they have been for over a 130 years.
He got jumped on because he's one of those idiots that say other people don't know what they are talking about when in fact , he has not even a clue of what he's talking about.
Douglas...It was not the way he asked the question.It was his smartass know it all reply to people who tried to give him a real answer
ERIC
Very much so. Actually a double action revolver has a lot going for it. They are easy to learn, easy to use, and typically are not picky about ammo.
The only controls that you need to know are the trigger and cylinder release. It's a matter of grab it, aim and squeeze the trigger. This can be very useful in a stressful situation. Also double action triggers tend to be heavy enough where it has to be a deliberate pull to make it fire. This is also important in a stressful situation where your nerves will likely be frayed. Also it makes for no need to add a safety to possibly fumble around with. Bullet shape and profile is not an issue for function either like it sometimes can be with a semi auto. Generally if it fits in the cylinder it will fire, no need to worry about which brands or types of ammo it will reliably cycle.
Also I find that when I go for a while without shooting, I can usually pick up a revolver and be a lot better off the bat, while with most semis I get "rustier" faster. This might just be me, but in my experience it tends to be this way. Other things to consider are a revolver typically will not jam, the problem being on the very rare occasion where it does jam, it will likely require a gunsmith.
Two of the biggest reasons people don't like revolvers are capacity, and reload speed. However in how many instances are more than 5-6 shots needed? Also with practice speedloaders can be about as fast as a magazine change.
A single action revolver on the other hand, I would not classify as an ideal defensive handgun for obvious reasons, although with a lot of practice or out of necessity it could be acceptable.
Don
I certainly hope so. I've never really had to shoot anyone, so my knowledge is all second hand.
I rely on revolvers for carry firearms. Everything from a NAA .22lr, a Colt Cobra in .38 spl, and a couple of .357's.
Yes. A revolver can jam. In several different ways. Try a light crimp on a heavy magnum load, and you will have a locked up revolver. My Colt Cobra locked up on me, just because the cylinder bearings were dirty and needed cleaning. Too much fouling on a cylinder face has locked up my Dan Wesson. These are all easy fixes, and preventable. However I wouldn't want to deal with one of these problems during a gun fight.
Anonymous
Yes I too feel for the poor guy, obviously he does not know how to ask his question in the manner that will big up the people on here that wear blinkers and want to put down a guy fast as lightning.
I have my Dads ex service 38 and his retirement 357 mag which I love to shoot but to me is useless for defence.
I have joined just to answer this question... the sad people who holler TROLL (which I dont know what that means.. but they do to people with an independant thought) should go away and leave decent people alone.
I was raised by my Dad who is FBI retired ( I am now in Law Enforcement) to shoot his servece 38 snub nosed smith.. when I was a kid I loved it and asked is there anything better... he told me no.... son he said "only queers need more than a 38"... so I took him at his word... it wasnt til my time in law enforcement educated me to reality...
he kept me blinded to all the other makes and types of handguns available out there.. he did not want to let me find out about Georg J. Luger who in 1898 patented the gun that would be known as the P08 and revolutionising hand gun amunition & after being adopted by the German army in 1908..
or even the very admirable Colt 1911 developed many years later that packed much more punch than the 9mm and the lithargic .38.
he did succeed in controlling my knowledge while at the same time beating my mother and some how ruining my sisters self confidence.
but I did end up in law enforcement..in armaments..
so a revolver is a good defence weapon (if a guy jumps on top of you in your bed and you have it under your pillow).....
but it is a cowboy techno relic.
who wants to pull every shot off when under attack in double action and find themselves with only six shots ?
it is insane that some dumb grandpa can save the farm with six shots..
it doesent matter if you can shoot the heads off matches at a 100 feet with a 38 revolver... what about the other 54 matches ?
We are issued Sig P226 models.. I am aware that some other opinionated fellow a few weeks ago said the German version was more accurate... well yes it is to a Sig user but eat our shorts... we have a tactical rail so we have the drop on you...
pagamenews
Seeing has how law enforcement officers around the world pretty much relied on revolvers from about 1880 to 1990, I'd say they are pretty darn reliable.