Do you prefer revolvers over semi-autos for reliability?

[Pepssy]

A lot of folks swear by revolvers cause they're simple and just plain work. Others stick with semi-autos for the extra rounds and speed. When it comes down to reliability, what's your pick???

 

[Bullseye_joe]

I lean toward revolvers for their simplicity and reliability, and yeah fewer parts, fewer things to go wrong. Semi-autos are great for extra rounds and faster follow-ups, but if I had to trust one under pressure, it'd be a revolver

 

[Illudium Phozdex]

I use almost exclusively my own reloads, and I tend not to go for max power, just something pleasant to use. It took a bit of effort to find out what the right amount of my Czech surplus powder made my Glock work. But I can underload .38 special all day and it works just fine.

 

[ptgarcia]

I love revolvers for the history, romantic nature, and because they are just plain cool. I have a couple Smiths at the moment and I'm always willing to add more.

 

[huntinghuasna]

Modern Semi-autos are the way to go for most applications. Way back when, I bought a Glock 19. My revolver friends told me they were concerned because of the lack of an external safety. I told them I considered my G19 a 15-round revolver... no external safety on my S&W 686 or my G19! The Glock is simple, 30% fewer moving parts compared to other semi-automatics, arguably more reliable than any other pistol, and affordable. I've fired thousands and thousands of rounds through a Glock with practically zero malfunctions. The few malfunctions I did experience were due to shooter error or bad ammo. The Glock 19 is widely regarded as one of the most popular self-defense pistols on earth. There are many other Glocks to choose from, all carry the same reliability.

I'm also training hard with a few single-action 2011s as well, some excellent firearms in this class.

 

[Pepssy]

I lean toward revolvers for their simplicity and reliability, and yeah fewer parts, fewer things to go wrong. Semi-autos are great for extra rounds and faster follow-ups, but if I had to trust one under pressure, it'd be a revolver

Yeah, simplicity and reliability are hard to beat. Do you think the extra rounds and speed of semi-autos ever outweigh the revolver's dependability, or is it always revolver for you under pressure?

 

[Pepssy]

Modern Semi-autos are the way to go for most applications. Way back when, I bought a Glock 19. My revolver friends told me they were concerned because of the lack of an external safety. I told them I considered my G19 a 15-round revolver... no external safety on my S&W 686 or my G19! The Glock is simple, 30% fewer moving parts compared to other semi-automatics, arguably more reliable than any other pistol, and affordable. I've fired thousands and thousands of rounds through a Glock with practically zero malfunctions. The few malfunctions I did experience were due to shooter error or bad ammo. The Glock 19 is widely regarded as one of the most popular self-defense pistols on earth. There are many other Glocks to choose from, all carry the same reliability.

I'm also training hard with a few single-action 2011s as well, some excellent firearms in this class.

Gotcha, that makes sense, it sounds like your experience really proves that modern semi-autos, especially Glocks, can be just as reliable as revolvers when paired with good training and quality ammo

 

[Michael Matteson]

When in Montana I carry a 9mm, with clip in the pistol, and extra clips in it's case. Not like Cal with it's stupid gun laws. I think there less crime in Montana. Because others know that others carry in their cars or on person without any special permit.
I use to have bumper sticker that said. Better to have and not need it. than need one and not have it. It was showning a hand with a pistol in it.
When I was bow hunting in Montana I carried a 500SW in a 4". Oh by the way I have been trying to get Montana and Fed's, to ship some Grizzely Bear to Calif. That way you can experiences having some really big bears here. I suggested that placement to be in the Sierra's from the Mexico border to Oregon. Especially in the National Park that way the Griz are protected.
My family has 4 generation born here, most have left or passed on. My sons both hunt, fish, and reload, with a grandson hunting presently and learing to reload.

 

[Havasu]

Sorry. It is a force of habit! :}

 

[Michael Matteson]

Magazine: faster to replace and go again. Combat experiences! I carried one in the 1911 and 2 clips in my shirt pocket. A box of 50 in my M-5 aid bag.

 

[Pepssy]

When in Montana I carry a 9mm, with clip in the pistol, and extra clips in it's case. Not like Cal with it's stupid gun laws. I think there less crime in Montana. Because others know that others carry in their cars or on person without any special permit.
I use to have bumper sticker that said. Better to have and not need it. than need one and not have it. It was showning a hand with a pistol in it.
When I was bow hunting in Montana I carried a 500SW in a 4". Oh by the way I have been trying to get Montana and Fed's, to ship some Grizzely Bear to Calif. That way you can experiences having some really big bears here. I suggested that placement to be in the Sierra's from the Mexico border to Oregon. Especially in the National Park that way the Griz are protected.
My family has 4 generation born here, most have left or passed on. My sons both hunt, fish, and reload, with a grandson hunting presently and learing to reload.

You've got good experience, man. I agree, better safe than sorry. I usually carry a semi-auto for the extra rounds, but revolvers still have that old-school reliability you can always count on

 

[xchecker]

Magazine: faster to replace and go again. Combat experiences! I carried one in the 1911 and 2 clips in my shirt pocket. A box of 50 in my M-5 aid bag.

All a matter of experience and practice, practice, practice.

 

[waveslayer]

The fact that none of us , well 98% won't be at the level of Jerry. So no Revolvers are not the go to. Military isn't using them... semi all the way! More rounds. Better recoil control, etc. Plus ammo deficient is an issue when you need more ammo. Changing mags can be quick and are easy to carry

 

[xchecker]

Actually, the real reality is, that 99% of us will likely never be in a firefight. Perhaps there are a few LEO's here who have been involved in a real gunfight. Changing magazines while Under Fire is a completely different thing from changing mags in a USPSA match. Even with training, muscle memory is only a 50% thing once adrenaline/fear is involved.
While admittedly I have no experience in a gunfight, though I did get robbed at end of a doulbe-barrel shotgun @ 19yrs old, I have had several conversations with real Combat vets who have told me so. Just passing on the experience of those who know.
Personally carry a Shield40 with a spare mag. Hope I never have to use it!

 

[waveslayer]

Actually, the real reality is, that 99% of us will likely never be in a firefight. Perhaps there are a few LEO's here who have been involved in a real gunfight. Changing magazines while Under Fire is a completely different thing from changing mags in a USPSA match. Even with training, muscle memory is only a 50% thing once adrenaline/fear is involved.
While admittedly I have no experience in a gunfight, though I did get robbed at end of a doulbe-barrel shotgun @ 19yrs old, I have had several conversations with real Combat vets who have told me so. Just passing on the experience of those who know.
Personally carry a Shield40 with a spare mag. Hope I never have to use it!

Very true, Mag change under stress versus a moon clip... Mag all day long

 

[choprzrul]

While rare, the chances of clearing a malfunctioning revolver in the field is nearly zero. No tap-rack-flip for a dirty revolver....

 

[waveslayer]

While rare, the chances of clearing a malfunctioning revolver in the field is nearly zero. No tap-rack-flip for a dirty revolver....

Guess the military should adopt revolvers now