For most practical purposes, a revolver will do what you ask of it, and has fewer moving parts than an auto, therefore they're usually cheaper and more reliable. However, if you need to get more than six shots off, or reload quickly, or even bolt a bunch of 'tacti-cool' stuff to it, you'd be better off with an automatic pistol. They're capable of fast reloads if you're willing to practice lining up with an empty magazine, and are usually able to get shots off a little faster, as the slide will cock the gun for your next shot, whereas a revolver has to be manually ******, or the trigger pull cocks the hammer. It really comes down to personal preference.
If I had to choose one pistol for self defense, it'd be a S&W featherweight with the low profile hammer, as they're very reliable, light, and easily concealable. For shooting, or for high risk security work, either a Sig GSR (1911 clone) or a Springfield XD. For hunting, a large .454 Casull revolver.
2007-09-23 23:20:39
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answer #1
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answered by fishtrembleatmyname 5
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Here's the cookie cutter answer. If it's your first handgun, I'd recommend a .22 LR revolver like the Heritage Arms piece. It's cheap, and you can shoot it for pennies. It will help you hone your skills as a marksman as handgun effectiveness is based HEAVILY on bullet placement. After you're comfortable with that, the world is your oyster. There are wonderful selections of revolvers and automatics to pick from, and all of them will do what you want them to do. If you don't want to get a .22 to start with, I would recommend getting a big, fat 9mm like the Ruger. It's got fat grips, it's comfy/cheap to shoot, and it's reliable. It's a gun you'll shoot comfortably so you're apt to practice more. It's also perfectly acceptable for home defense. I would NOT start out with a small gun because, typically, they have more felt recoil, they're not as accurate, and they're harder on the senses i.e. louder with lots of muzzle flash. A glaring exception is the Taurus PT-145. Everyone who shoots ours seems to be amazed at how gentle the thing is. My wife carries it and she's 110 pounds and "little". Her daughter shoots it, as well. It's NOT the rule, though, with small guns. Whatever you get, make sure it's something you can live with easily. I'd stay away from the 1911 variants as they're a bit harder to live with. They're FINE weapons, but they take more practice, and they don't have some of the more modern features that make living with a gun easier. I won't argue caliber and all as I carry pieces in 5 different calibers from .32 to 10mm. Each has it's place. Go to a range that rents guns and try a few out. DON'T be intimidated into getting a "bigger" gun than you like. If you like the way the 9mm feels in your hand (and how your hand feels after you shoot it!), and the .45 "hurts", get the 9mm. Get something that YOU'LL be happy with and will shoot. Last note . . . if you scoff at buying a .22 LR first, that's okay. Lots of people do. HOWEVER, I'll leave you with this. Many of the people that I've helped pick a firearm didn't look twice at a .22 . . . then. A year or two of frequent shooting, though, and almost all of them went back and got a 22/45 or a Buckmaster. I've got a 22/45 and a Neos that almost always get more rounds at the range than anything else.
2016-05-17 08:26:21
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answer #2
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answered by glennis 3
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Both have pros and cons. Both are well liked and used in the field (although semi-autos are use more today).
Semi-Autos: Most semi-autos have at least 8 rounds but go all the way up to 18 round mag caps depending on the model and caliber....more ammo before reloading, depending on the shooter easier to shoot and aim. You have a lot of different models, manufacturers, and calibers to choose from.
Revolvers: Less working parts, just plain mean looking, less models and manufacturers to choose from (both a pro and a con).
What it comes down to is personal preference. Go to a gun shop and put a few guns on the case and feel a few out. What feels best in your hand, what is easier on the eye in line of sights, has the best price for what you want, etc.
2007-09-24 03:00:31
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answer #3
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answered by bobbo342 7
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Better for what? Accuracy the revolver. Fire power the semi- automatic. Reliability the revolver. Reload speed the semi- automatic. Types of ammunition available the revolver.
2007-09-24 03:10:20
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answer #4
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answered by Steel Rain 7
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For nighttime self defense, I choose a revolver with .38 special 158 grain jacketed hollow points. 6 shots, double action, point and shoot. I think I'll be able to do that if awakened from sleep. I worry that I will not be able to get a semi auto set up to fire in that situation.
Daytime defense? Semi auto. I reckon I'll have more time and be more alert to be able to safety off or rack a round. My carry gun is a .380 Bersa Thunder.
2007-09-24 03:22:34
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answer #5
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answered by David B 3
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Revolvers are limited to only 6 or 7 rounds but have fewer problems in the heat of a gun fight. Semi-autos hold more rounds and have the potential for more firepower but are mmore prone to jams. If you choose to carry a semi-auto, be sure that you become proficient in dealing with the various types of jams and misfires that can happen.
2007-09-24 02:26:50
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Better for what? I carry a semi on duty and a revolver when I hunt. Why? The semi hold more ammo and is easier to reload and the revolver will shoot snakeshot without jamming when I'm in the field.
Best.
H
2007-09-23 23:24:28
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answer #7
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answered by H 7
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For combat purposes, the semi autos are far superior than revolvers.For the ordinary Joe Blow, the revolver is better, because most people are NOT gunwise, and the revolvers are much safer for them to handle and carry.
2007-09-23 23:50:31
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answer #8
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answered by WC 7
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What I'm suprised hasn't been mentioned yet is that revolvers are capable of firing some really macho rounds!
.44 mag is a revolver round, but it it also rarely found in autoloaders. the .460 (I forget what!) is an exclusively revolver round that hits with 3 times the force of a .44 mag, which itself is very rarely found in autoloaders!
This is due to the revolvers much stronger frame design!
Also you can be more flexible with what you fire! Auto's are very selective on what they'll fire and jam if loaded with unexact ammo! A .357 mag revolver can just as easialy be loaded with the lighter .38 special for more casual usage!
They also rarely jam.
The only real advantage of an auto is faster reload times and a higher ammo count!
2007-09-24 03:51:50
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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A revolver dont Jam but neither does a Glock 99% of the time.I really like revolvers but I also own autos.I really like the massive rounds you can get these days like 500 and 460 S&W
2007-09-24 04:12:33
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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