# Doper handgunners, Semiauto or Revolver? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 12, 2011, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931 "2011-12-12T18:29:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/21 "2011-12-13T04:13:19Z")
> [@TreacherousCretin](#): > > And chip **munks**. And mosquitoes the size of your thumb, I hear. ---
**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/22 "2011-12-13T04:33:17Z")
I prefer semi-autos. I actually agree with most of your reasons for why revolvers are superior. But they look too old-fashioned to me. It’s a stupid reason, but if I’m going to drop hundreds of dollars on a gun, I’m not going to buy something that looks like a relic from 1850. I know, I know, some revolvers are actually quite modern looking. But in my head, that’s what they all look like to me. ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/23 "2011-12-13T05:18:25Z")
I owned a Colt Python. If six wasn’t enough, I’d grab the SKS out of the closet and fix bayonets. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/24 "2011-12-13T05:50:12Z")
Vote for capacity. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/25 "2011-12-13T05:57:56Z")
Moving to IMHO from MPSIMS. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/26 "2011-12-13T06:01:06Z")
> [@JBDivmstr](#): > > Same here. For reliability though, a ‘wheel’ gun _ **never** _ ‘hangs’ up. 😃 > I also prefer my S&W over the Colts and Rugers, due to the swing out cylinder. Much quicker reloading time, with the use of “Speed Loaders”. 😉 > > (Although, if you can’t hit it with six rounds, you’re doing something wrong.) > [@Tully\_Mars](#): > > I wouldn’t say “never” because I have had it happen once. … the powder residue had built up so bad around the cylinder axis that the cylinder wouldn’t turn when I thumbed the hammer back. Ooooookay. Let me phrase that a little differently for ya, then… :rolleyes: A _ **well maintained** _ ‘wheel’ gun rarely (if _ **ever** _) ‘hangs’ up. 😉 > [@](#): > > I went through a box of 50 one session and by the end of the box, the powder residue had built up so bad around the cylinder axis that the cylinder wouldn’t turn when I thumbed the hammer back. Which is a very good reason to thoroughly test fire different types, to determine what ammunition your particular weapon prefers. Many (if not most) firearms will exhibit a preference for certain specific types and/or brands of ammunition, _ **and** _ if you go thru 50 rounds of ammo and _ **still** _ haven’t eliminated the threat, you’ve got _ **more important things to worry about** _ than a revolver hanging up on ya’! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/27 "2011-12-13T09:56:39Z")
The only place I carry nowadays is on my hunting lease. We have a chronic problem with wild hogs and it’s almost a bylaw that every hunter in the club be armed\* when away from our cabins. I have a variety of handguns to choose from, but find the trusty old wheelgun always ends up as my first choice. For me, simplicity and reliability are key in any stressful situation (I’m neither military nor LEO). Usually it’s my old S&W snub .38 (+P hydrashocks). \*so far, the local warden is OK with it, even in archery season. Partially the G.O.B. network, and he knows from our history we won’t use them for game. ---
**Author:** ![Tully\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7ab992/32.png) [@Tully\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tully_Mars)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/28 "2011-12-13T12:19:41Z")
> [@JBDivmstr](#): > > if you go thru 50 rounds of ammo and _ **still** _ haven’t eliminated the threat, you’ve got _ **more important things to worry about** _ than a revolver hanging up on ya’! :eek: No doubt. 🙂 That exercise was all about using up the surplus ammo so I could reload the brass with some cleaner burning powder. It was a very graphic lesson in the importance of keeping the action cleaned. Those loads also used cast, gas-check bullets and the gas checks didn’t not totally eliminate the leading in the barrel. I got quite tired of scrubbing the lead out of the barrel after shooting a box. I’ve since decided that casting my own bullets is not worth the time and effort. It was neat to learn how to do it, but definitely not worth the time. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/29 "2011-12-13T12:34:26Z")
Revolver. I like the simplicity of the weapon, and it never jams or need be treated like a bomb when it’s loaded. It is simple to ensure that it is empty when cleaning, servicing, or showing/ training others. The heavier trigger pull and mechanical action means no misfires or accidents if the firearm is dropped, etc. Additionally, I greatly prefer the aesthetics of the revolver. Gun smithing was an art for a long time. Tactical weapons are fine for the military and police, but I like a little more beauty in my weapons. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/30 "2011-12-13T12:50:41Z")
I’ve only shot an assault rifle and two types of machineguns but I think that if I actually needed to shoot a handgun, either adrenaline would make me act in ways I cannot predict without having been in analogous situations or I would be scared out of my mind. We’re talking about pieces of metal going at once, twice of thrice times the speed of sound going through the air in ways that can kill or wreck me for the rest of my life. If you’re not scared, you’re a fool or a very exceptional person indeed. I would want something that 1) would not make me hesitate to shoot for fear of running out of ammo 2) would be forgiving of the deterioration of fine motor skills. Which means I would want a lot of ammo before reloading and easy & quick reloads. Which means a pistol. 9mm would be a sufficient caliber while giving me a wide range of ammo that’s cheap enough to extensively practice. So, Glock 17. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/31 "2011-12-13T13:48:53Z")
Modification to my above modification: I forgot the black powder weapons. Toss in a brace of 1858 New Army revolvers. And a couple of derringers. Don’t get me started on rifles… When it gets right down to it, I’d probably reach for a revolver for self-defense and a semiauto for fun. Probably. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/32 "2011-12-13T17:28:29Z")
In cartridge I own 3 wheelguns and 2 semis. The revolvers are carry guns and I like shooting them but the two semis are full-on target models and fun as heck to shoot. Say 75% of my rounds fired are out of them. In black powder I hate to admit to any number since my yacht may be sinking even as I speak ---- from all the weight. My favorite of those for shooting are a double-brace of .69 Charleyville-styled belt pistols. I’ll run ball, ball&buck, buck and even swan shot. I’ve had them all since the late 60s and they are just good guns to have a good time with. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/33 "2011-12-13T19:29:21Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > In cartridge I own 3 wheelguns and 2 semis. The revolvers are carry guns and I like shooting them but the two semis are full-on target models and fun as heck to shoot. Say 75% of my rounds fired are out of them. > > In black powder I hate to admit to any number since my yacht may be sinking even as I speak ---- from all the weight. My favorite of those for shooting are _ **a double-brace of .69 Charleyville-styled belt pistols** _. I’ll run ball, ball&buck, buck and even swan shot. I’ve had them all since the late 60s and they are just good guns to have a good time with. (bolding mine) _ **Way** _ cool, IMHO. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/34 "2011-12-14T02:49:11Z")
When it comes to the mechanics of shooting, I’m equally at ease with either. Aestetically, I generally find wheelguns much more pleasing. ---
**Author:** ![Grestarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grestarian/32/3227_2.png) [@Grestarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grestarian)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/35 "2011-12-15T02:42:52Z")
Well, I only own one, but it was thoroughly researched. After spending an hour or two with each and every handgun in the rental cases of three different ranges (and the Oceanside Shooting Academy had a huge selection), I settled on a .45ca Witness from European American Arms (who imports and renames it from Tanfoglio of Italy) which is based on the CZ75 that chambers 9mm rounds. I actually like it because the backstrap is really comfortable, like the Baby Eagle made by IMI except that the Desert Eagle was a .50ca and the Baby Eagle was a 9mm and neither round gives me a comfortable recoil. After renting all those different sizes, shapes and calibers, I settled on the Witness as the most accurate and most comfortable – for me. My buddy got a 9mm Witness, though I don’t remember why he chose it over the CZ75 and Baby Eagle. Quite the opposite of ExTank, when it comes to the mechanics of shooting, I’m equally at ease with either but aesthetically, I generally find semi-autos more pleasing. I use it strictly for targets at the range; I don’t live in a crime-prone area so there’s no need for a defense tool, and I don’t have a CC license so I’m not likely to be using it on the street. Nevertheless, my shoulder rig includes two double-mag holders so I can load all 5 of my magazines and practice a quick drop&reload as I approach cartridge #9 of each magazine. The familiarity-by-repetition would probably serve me well under stress, and the quick-change would be faster than possible with a revolver, even with a speedloader – but, again, I seriously doubt I’ll aim at anything more than paper or steel. —G! He saw it in a window The mark of a new kind of man He kinda liked the feeling, so shiny and smooth in his hand . --Meisner/Frey/Henley (The Eagles) . Certain Kind of Fool . Desperado * * * A bit of a nit-pick (it seems to be a sport on message boards) but isn’t the OP correct in his subject line – aren’t they both considered “pistols”? I thought even the black powder .69 Charleyville-styled weapons were pistols. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/36 "2011-12-15T03:17:53Z")
I have a semi-auto Beretta 92F that has been utterly, absolutely, unfailingly dependable over thousands of rounds. I would absolutely stake my life on it. Holds 15 rounds. All the other semiautos I’ve had have been finicky and prone to malfunction. So I guess my answer is semi-autos IF you get a good one. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2011, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/37 "2011-12-16T22:43:16Z")
> [@Grestarian](#): > > … A bit of a nit-pick (it seems to be a sport on message boards) but isn’t the OP correct in his subject line – aren’t they both considered “pistols”? I thought even the black powder .69 Charleyville-styled weapons were pistols. Yes, AFAICT he is correct, revolvers and semi-autos are both in the ‘pistol category’ of firearms, even the “black powder .69 Charleyville-styled”. And your point is? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2011, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/38 "2011-12-16T22:50:31Z")
> [@JBDivmstr](#): > > Yes, AFAICT he is correct, revolvers and semi-autos are both in the ‘pistol category’ of firearms, even the “black powder .69 Charleyville-styled”. > And your point is? 😕 Ah - some folks here in this thread seem to have used the word pistol to differentiate a revolver from a semiauto (or vice-versa, I forget). I didn’t pick the nit because I knew what they meant, but it did kind of bug me a little bit. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2011, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/39 "2011-12-16T23:03:12Z")
> [@ExTank](#): > > Ah - some folks here in this thread seem to have used the word pistol to differentiate a revolver from a semiauto (or vice-versa, I forget). I didn’t pick the nit because I knew what they meant, but it did kind of bug me a little bit. Yeah, I noticed that too. FWIW, I’ve always thought of revolvers and semi-autos both as pistols. Apparently Wikipedia has a different view on the subject. :dubious: ``` http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistol ``` ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2011, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931/40 "2011-12-16T23:17:21Z")
Huh. Learn something new every day. I’ve always used pistol and **handgun** interchangeably. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-handgunners-semiauto-or-revolver/605931.md?page=3)