Revolver vs. semi-automatic; which is better for a female CCW?

Question

I have a S&W 642 .38, which I really like, but would there be an advantage to a semi-auto?

I am an outside salesperson with customers in very bad neighborhoods.
I'm very proficient with the .38; I regularly go to the range and have taken NRA approved training classes.
My .38 is my primary CCW; I just wanted some feedback.

Uncle Frosty
Sounds like you've run across some of those blowhards!
Funny, I out-shot one of them in one of my classes.
Thanks for your vote of confidence.

I wanted to get more pro/con opinions, it sounds like there are good arguments in either camp. I'll stick with what I have, maybe get a semi-auto to play with at the range.

Thanks, guys!

Answer 1

stick with what you are familiar with. a small framed .38 special is still one of the best concealed weapons around. It's simple to operate, reliable and easily concealed. It's main draw back is being limited to chaving 5-6 rounds without a reload and being low powered if you don't use the right ammounition. Make sure you use a good cartridge, like the new "tap" ammo,or hydra shocks.
Changing over to a semi auto, is more than just loading, shooting till you can hit what you aim at an being satisfied. You have to learn to trouble shoot, clear jams, clean properly, grip properly, engage and diss- engage safeties, drop and re insert mags, and develop the muscle memory to handle it by instinct in an emergency. Don't get me wrong, I carry a pistol, as does my wife. But, we both have years of experience with them. Remember that most shootings take place at a distance of less than 7 feet, and involve 1-4 rounds fired and is over in under 15 seconds ( according to FBI statistics).

Answer 2

I think you are wonderfully well armed.

I've made many a sales call with nothing but my S&W M-640 Always Gun in a pocket, or fanny pack.

My only suggestion is to be sure to carry a couple of speed loaders or Bianchi Speed Strips filled with your carry load, and practice rapid reloads.

Unless you just WANT to get a new gun, I'd say don't bother. You are packing a highly reliable revolver, loaded with effective ammunition, and more importantly, you are proficient and confident with your revolver.

If you want to get a new pistol, consider an S&W M-640, which is a stainless steel .357 Magnum version of your M-642. If you want to go with a flatgun, get the one that fits your hand best. Be sure you can easily work the slide. My wife who can easily handle a .357 Magnum revolver has trouble racking the slide of a semi-automatic. A 9 mmP would be very similar to the power level of your .38 revolver, so recoil should not be an issue, and from a compact 9 mmP pistol, you should be able to get in two or three more rounds.

If you can go to an indoor range that rents guns, you can try several to see which suits you, and fits your hand.

Also bear in mind a semi-auto will require more cleaning to maintain reliability, and is far more ammo sensitive than any revolver.

Doc

Answer 3

The S&W 38 5 shot revolver is good for CCW. I also like the Ruger SP-101.

What do you hope to gain with a semi? The revolver is solid and dependable. Hard to mess up. Easy to make sure it is loaded. Will essentially never jam. And it is about as safe as you can get in a CCW. (Many people will argue that you are safer without a handgun.)

Going to a semi-auto might give you a few more rounds, and with extra clips, you can have even more ammo at your disposal. It might make you feel like you carry more power, but does it give you any real advantage?

How often do you use your gun? Are you Special Forces than needs to be concerned about barrel fatigue? Is this a primary CCW or a backup? Are you a suburban housewife that wants to feel a little bit of security if you are loading groceries into your car at night?

Have you ever needed your gun? Have you ever needed to reload? Are you better served with tactical loading? Maybe two or three rounds of Glaser Safety followed by some Hydra-Shok’s.

How many people that have ever used a CCW for self defense have needed more than 3 rounds? I once had a friend tell me that the fifth round in a revolver was for yourself. If you were dumb enough to get yourself in a position to need four rounds, you might as well shoot yourself with the fifth. I am not saying this is true of course. But it is illustrative.

Carefully ask yourself what you want and what you need. It could be that the best value is going to be in training. Maybe sign up for tactical shooting classes where you learn to use the 38. Getting an 18 shot Glock with three extra clips might buy you some street cred and flash in “the hood” but training and understanding your weapon is likely the best upgrade you can get for saving your life and those around you.

Answer 4

Given your experience, I would definitely go with the .38. Also a plus is the fact that you have found one you like. You are way ahead of most people when they are looking to purchase any type of firearm.

The advantage that a semi-auto has is mag capacity. So unless you feel you need more rounds, then I would stick with the revolver. If you decide to move into the semi-auto market, I would look at Glocks, SIGs, XDs, or H&Ks.

Answer 5

Your S&W 642 is perfect.

The only advantage to a semi auto is magazine capacity and there are some drawbacks like weight, maintenence and reliability. Do you really need 10+ rounds? Probably not.

It's a great question to ask and the answer is you are fine as is. Stay in practice and happy selling!

Answer 6

The S&W 642 is the best ccw gun out there in my opinion. A revolver is better because in a stressful situation it is less to think about. All you do is pull the trigger. And the 642 has a heavy, hard trigger pull, which means it won't fire unless you deliberately want it to. You just can't trust a semi-auto. They jam frequently and require more steps to initiate firing.

Answer 7

Only major advantage is ammo capacity. Semi autos could hold more depending on what model you are looking at. Also I think and easier trigger pull and felt recoil. As for a semi-auto jamming, well if you get a good gun I do not think you will have a problem.
Springfield Armory XD
Glock, Kahr Arms, Taurus, Sig
are all great manufactures who make CCW style guns. I prefer the XDs myself.
What it comes down to is what you feel more comfortable with. Good luck..

Answer 8

This is where personal preference is critical.

Revolvers are proven, solidly built and have fewer demands for their initial operation. Yet they require far higher dexterity and focus when reloading - not something available in a threatening environment.

Auto-loaders are also proven, it is largely myth that they are less reliable or accurate than a revolver. They do require more in terms of maintenance and upkeep, yet far less for reloading and clearing of stoppages [jamming].

They generally have a slimer cross-section, making concealment on one's person a bit easier. Drawing the weapon seems to also be a bit easier as the average auto-loader is more uniform in its edges.

They also have firepower, even the Mini-Glock G26 carries up to 12 rounds of 9mm, the similar G30 carries up to 9 in .45 ACP.

Concerning safety, modern designs of both revolvers and auto-loaders may be carried chambered without fear of a neglegent discharge. Only in the Old West did a gunfighter have to restrict it to "Five beans in the wheel". Modern designs are proven with their engineering and safety.

A single action, such as an M1911 type of .45 is a superb design, but can lead to trouble where a lawyer might accuse one of being a "Gunslinger looking for a fight with his fancy .45!"

An adoptive uncle in NYPD warned against 1911's only because of that. The 1911 however, is not ideally suited for everyday carry, I believe, due to the nature of the action. A more contemporary double / single action or double action only are a touch more "Lawyerproof" by comparison.

Yet there is no magic answer. It will also be dependent on how much time you are willing to invest in both training and professional instruction to adapt to the auto - which I would strongly recommend once a month or better and a certified course - it is also dependant upon the mission the weapon will ultimately serve.

The 9mm is a reasonably effective cartridge, provided you are using the proper bullet - the Full Metal Jacketed "Ball" round used by the Army is not.

.357SIG, .40S&W, 10mm Auto offer a vast array of bullet designs and power loads to fit a variety of needs.

My personal choice is for a .45 ACP loading, such as the Heckler & Koch [pronounced as Coke] USP series.

SIG Sauer, Beretta, Glock, Styer, Walther, and Browning are all proven in the world's militaries and law enforcement.

Ask about different types, see which fits the hand best, which offers the type of sight picture that you prefer, and the method of operation you believe will work best for you.

Answer 9

If you got an auto you would probably get a little more power and a lot more ammo. The drawbacks would be less dependable and less concealable (o.k. there might be some exception but in general).
You sound knowledgeable enough to make your own decisions. It sounds like you got the right gun for you. I am curious why you are doubting yourself? Was it a bunch of blowhards sitting around the gunstore? I really am curious; why the second thoughts?

Answer 10

Semi auto advantage? Purely personal prefrence. However revolvers are inherently more accurate, and safe, compared to pistols. A big advantage over the stress that occurs during a situation where your firearm is needed. Training and practice will even out the differences between revolver and pistol.