For those who carry handguns professionally, preferences of SA or Rev.??

Question

I'm just curious for feedback from Police, Security, or anyone who carries a handgun professionally.
I know many have a strong preference for Semi-Autos, but I'd like to know why.
I understand for combat you want semi-autos for the high capacitiy and rapid reload.
For me, in an environment where accuracy and reliability is most important, I prefer my Smith 66 .357.
Your thoughts...?

Answer 1

I had always preferred my .38 revolver because it helped me survive a shootout in 1993. I was then directed to obtain a SW 5946. I prefer the semi due to its ammo capacity and the ease to switch magazines while under fire. But I always kept a five shooter on my ankle as a backup.

Answer 2

Personally, I owe guns because I am dealing with criminal youth all the time. I do not carry semi autos, but do like how they handle! I do like the feel and looks also. I don't think just anyone should be allowed to have one though. I do think up standing citizens should own what ever gun they choose especially if they are not mentally or emotionally ill. That is after all our right to bear arms at least for the time being. I was raised around them from very very young and was taught how to live with them and what respect is required around them. As were both my children, most of my family is either retired from higher levels of military life or are still in military life, even my mom who is early 60's is a security guard still. So, we all have been around so many different types of guns for so many reasons. I am amazed at how these problem children and teens can get a hold of one so easily, hence school horrors! Semi Autos should not be made available to just any Joe out there! Although that is my preference when hunting or camping in the wild, where you would find snakes and bears, etc. People would be amazed at where these young people can obtain their guns, remember I work with criminal youth (murders & rapests). I hope to see more response for you! Take care.

Answer 3

For the most part, the choice of any weapon is a personal preference... and most people fall back to what they are familiar with. (military prefer M4 etc..).
Personally, I carry SA (Glock - love em or hate em). I found it ergonomic, fits my smaller sized hands, easy trigger control (as opposed to many Rev.), and in a real fire fight were lots of rounds are flying (regardless of training/skill), it is nice to have 15 in the clip and the ability to change mags quickly.
just my two-cents.
Practice, find what works for you.


just adding something from others comments: first, watch any shootout video (now readily available for viewing on the Internet) and you will see even "professionals" fire more than 6 rounds in a fight...
second, when I was in the marines, as a spec op unit we put 2 highly trained and expert shots in a small 10 x 10 room with real handguns with sim-munitions (basically a paintball concept packed in a real cartridge). we would shoot it out over and over, different people, different scenarios etc... it was very consistent that it took more than 2 rounds from each before anyone would be hit. This is minus the stress of real death, the obstacles and chaos of an unexpected fight etc... and again, these were some of the best in the world. If you take a "it shouldn't take more than 6 rounds" stance, you've been watching too many movies.

Answer 4

I HAVE CARRIED A DAN WESSON .357 SINCE 1979.
IT CAME IN A KIT WITH 2", 4" AND 6" BARRELS.
2" UNDERCOVER, CONCEALED.
4" PATROL USE AND COURT DETAIL TRANSPORT.
6" PISTOL TEAM.

USE SPEED LOADERS AND CARRY 2.

HAVE A .40 CAL AUTO REMINGTON-WITH 15 ROUND CLIPS.

LIKE THE .38 AND .357 AS A WEAPON OF CHOICE IF PINNED DOWN. WHAT EVER THE WEAPON OF USE, THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD ADOPT AS IT DID IN THE 80'S A POLICY OF ALL THE SAME CALIBER.

HAVE BEEN OUT ON A DETAIL AND ALL OF USE 3 HAD DIFFERENT WEAPONS. IF WE DID GET INTO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHOOT OUT, WE WOULD NEVER HAD BEEN ABLE TO EXCHANGE ROUNDS BETWEEN US.

Answer 5

Semi.

30 years ago you could make an argument that they were less reliable and inaccurate. Not any more. Most semis now, even the cheap ones, are amazing.

Also, ammo technology has improved and thus needing to carry a revolver to carry a large caliber is not needed anymore.

Answer 6

The revolver can be termed as the most inaccurate gun however it is the standard issue for all British forces and police. Why?
because in the old days the British Empire extended all over the world, from swamps to arid deserts and the revolver was best adapted to such environments and can be cleaned in minutes after being covered with sand or dropped in the river. In fact it is not up to us to prefer which weapon to carry.

Answer 7

"For me, in an environment where accuracy and reliability is most important, I prefer my Smith 66 .357" that is what I carry, and the same reason.

Answer 8

Gimmie the wheel gun it will work when you need it, if you need more than 6, your in trouble anyway.
EDIT: As this was a personal OP question, I'm disappointed at the bashing my answer got. So I will clarify, the ONLY time I would draw down on someone is if my life was in emanate danger, which means my target is closer than 10 ft. Even with the snub-nose 357 I carry, if I can't get it done with six, well you can see where that's going, and finally IF I draw it, I'm gonna use it.

Answer 9

depends on where. I like the autos for carrying, but the revolver for concealed. when I hunt, I carry my auto as back up. definately auto. I don't shoot at much past 25 yards with the handgun anyway and don't need to shoot a coin out of the air.

Answer 10

Semis