# Why do they still make revolvers when we have automatic guns? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 23, 2012, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902 "2012-12-23T06:01:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/21 "2012-12-24T06:12:19Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > If the situation comes up, he needs to be sure the gun goes boom. every. single. time. And even when it doesn’t (perhaps the primer fails), he can always just pull the trigger again (assuming DA) or recock (assuming SA) and the cylinder turns bringing a new round. With a semi, you have to rack the slide. I love semis but revolvers still have plenty going for them. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/22 "2012-12-24T07:13:53Z")
Revolvers are much easier to clean. Run a few patches with solvent through the barrel and cylinder. You have to break down a semi-auto to clean it. Once the slide is off then you have the barrel free to clean. Some guns can be tricky to get back together. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/23 "2012-12-24T14:03:07Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Revolvers are much easier to clean. Run a few patches with solvent through the barrel and cylinder. This, definitely. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/24 "2012-12-24T14:08:17Z")
> [@the\_diego](#): > > Not many automatics can take down at deer at 100m or farther (assuming you’re a good shot, and you don’t have a rifle.) You’re not claiming that kind of accuracy with a revolver, or with any kind of pistol, are you? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/25 "2012-12-24T15:32:40Z")
> [@echo7tango](#): > > You’re not claiming that kind of accuracy with a revolver, or with any kind of pistol, are you? Freedom Arms guns are known for their 1-1.5 inch potential at that range. (Scoped and rested) [Check the groups](http://www.biggamehunt.net/reviews/freedom-arms-454-casull-review) near the bottom of the page. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/26 "2012-12-24T15:41:57Z")
Why do they still make pens and paper when laptop computers exist? Why do Amish people use horses and buggies when they know that cars exist? Why are there still coal power plants when we have nuclear energy? Why do they still make gasoline cars when we know that hydrogen is better for the environment? ---
**Author:** ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/27 "2012-12-24T15:46:00Z")
If you want a firearm that you can put in a drawer and still have it fire when you pull it out of drawer 5 years later, then a revolver is your best choice. Magazine springs will tend to lose tension over time, so should rotate your magazines on a regular basis. A revolver won’t jam if one round misfires. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/28 "2012-12-24T16:39:00Z")
> [@JoelUpchurch](#): > > If you want a firearm that you can put in a drawer and still have it fire when you pull it out of drawer 5 years later, then a revolver is your best choice. Magazine springs will tend to lose tension over time, so should rotate your magazines on a regular basis. A revolver won’t jam if one round misfires. Nitpick: I’ve read that that’s not true; it’s constantly compressing and releasing the spring that wears it. ---
**Author:** ![Miltonyz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Miltonyz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miltonyz)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/29 "2012-12-24T18:37:45Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > Freedom Arms guns are known for their 1-1.5 inch potential at that range. (Scoped and rested) > > [Check the groups](http://www.biggamehunt.net/reviews/freedom-arms-454-casull-review) near the bottom of the page. I saw 3.5 and 2 plus inch groups. Thats fantastic for a pistol and pretty good for a rifle but nowhere close to 1 inch. I wish I had 2k laying around it would be a treat to shoot a pistol that accurate. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/30 "2012-12-24T18:42:58Z")
> [@Miltonyz](#): > > I saw 3.5 and 2 plus inch groups. Thats fantastic for a pistol and pretty good for a rifle but nowhere close to 1 inch. I wish I had 2k laying around it would be a treat to shoot a pistol that accurate. I’ve seen some gun magazine tests that got into the near inch range. I think they were using a Ransom Rest but I don’t remember for sure. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/31 "2012-12-24T18:58:23Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > I’ve seen some gun magazine tests that got into the near inch range. I think they were using a Ransom Rest but I don’t remember for sure. [Here’s one test.](http://www.gunblast.com/Freedom_97-22.htm) With a .22LR no less. [100 yd group.](http://www.gunblast.com/images/Freedom_97-22/Mvc-020f.jpg) .17 version [100 yds](http://www.gunblast.com/images/Freedom97-17/MVC-020F.jpg) [50 yds.](http://www.gunblast.com/images/Freedom97-17/MVC-021F.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![gunchris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecb155/32.png) [@gunchris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gunchris)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/32 "2012-12-25T02:08:56Z")
> [@drjackal](#): > > Why do they still make revolvers when we have automatic guns? > > What are the benefits of the revolvers? They’re beautiful, collectible, often more accurate then Semi-Auto. “Auto matic” hand guns are extremely difficult to get, I’m not sure folks outside of LE or military can get them. There are other reasons too, reasons an outlaw would want one but I’m not sure if the TOS allows me to say. I’m the new guy so I am trying to be polite. ---
**Author:** ![gunchris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecb155/32.png) [@gunchris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gunchris)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/33 "2012-12-25T02:12:59Z")
> [@Lumpy](#): > > Nitpick: I’ve read that that’s not true; it’s constantly compressing and releasing the spring that wears it. There was a guy named Michael Moore ( oddly enough ) he was an eighty yr old African American man living in the notorious Bay Point ghetto of San Francisco, He had an 50 yr old revolver that he never cleaned or used for thirty yrs. A hood rat broke into the mans house and attempted to kill Mr Moore despite him being very cooperative. The revolver worked fine!!:D:cool: ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/34 "2012-12-25T02:24:01Z")
> [@gunchris](#): > > There was a guy named Michael Moore ( oddly enough ) he was an eighty yr old African American man living in the notorious Bay Point ghetto of San Francisco, He had an 50 yr old revolver that he never cleaned or used for thirty yrs. A hood rat broke into the mans house and attempted to kill Mr Moore despite him being very cooperative. > > The revolver worked fine!!:D:cool: I remember reading that story… he bought a revolver and a box of ammo, went to the range and tried it out, then took it home, put it into a shoebox and shoved it under his bed and left it there until somebody broke into his apartment and walked into his bedroom with a crowbar in the middle of the night. ---
**Author:** ![gunchris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecb155/32.png) [@gunchris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gunchris)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/35 "2012-12-25T02:39:43Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > I remember reading that story… he bought a revolver and a box of ammo, went to the range and tried it out, then took it home, put it into a shoebox and shoved it under his bed and left it there until somebody broke into his apartment and walked into his bedroom with a crowbar in the middle of the night. yeah that’s it! On the gun boards I frequent they often tell you how terrible SF and CA is for honest self defense but the good guy got in no trouble. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/36 "2012-12-25T02:40:05Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I have a range on my property, have shot with countless people over the years, have trained many, etc. Oh, WITH countless people. Never mind then. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/37 "2012-12-25T03:52:01Z")
> [@JoelUpchurch](#): > > If you want a firearm that you can put in a drawer and still have it fire when you pull it out of drawer 5 years later, then a revolver is your best choice. Magazine springs will tend to lose tension over time, so should rotate your magazines on a regular basis. A revolver won’t jam if one round misfires. Many years ago a firefight broke out in the apt next to mine (drug dealer/ under cover cop) and I reached for my 1911 and tried to chamber a round. Yep, it jammed. Now the gun in my nightstand drawer is a revolver. ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/38 "2012-12-25T13:05:14Z")
As an old guy with arthritis I had difficulty working the slide and loading the clips. Those problems don’t exist with a revolver. ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/39 "2012-12-25T23:31:07Z")
> [@echo7tango](#): > > You’re not claiming that kind of accuracy with a revolver, or with any kind of pistol, are you? Metallic silhouette shooting reaches to 200 meters and power that far downrange is required. The contests are almost never won by any kind of automatic; mainly magnum revolvers or single-shot pistols chambered for rifle rounds. ---
**Author:** ![PSXer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/48db29/32.png) [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2012, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-still-make-revolvers-when-we-have-automatic-guns/644902/40 "2012-12-26T02:47:20Z")
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