Pistols and revolvers each have their own advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses the pros and cons of each type of handgun:
Pistols
Generally speaking, a semiautomatic pistol is a handgun where the magazine slides into the grip of the gun, and some of the energy from firing the gun is used to eject the spent cartridge and load a fresh one. Compared to revolvers, pistols have the benefits of a larger magazine capacity (often as high as 15 rounds on larger pistols), easier trigger pull, faster rate of fire, and a more compact shape. On the down side, pistols are not as mechanically simple as revolvers, and rely upon the first round firing successfully in order for the second round to be cycled into the chamber. This means that revolvers may be better suited for self defense, at least for people who don’t take meticulous care of their guns. That said, the reliability of modern pistols is exceptionally high.
Revolvers
Revolvers have multiple chambers contained in a cylinder, each which holds a round. When the trigger is pulled, the cylinder rotates and a new chamber is lined up with the barrel. The gun then fires. This system has various advantages and disadvantages over a pistol. First, a revolver is very mechanically simple, and there is little that can go wrong with the firing process. This means a revolver may be a good choice for self defense, especially for those who don’t clean and care for their guns as often as they should. On the down side, revolvers tend to be bulkier than pistols, heavier than pistols, and tend to hold fewer rounds. Additionally, many of the safety features available on modern pistols are not available on revolvers.
No matter which type of gun you select, be sure to handle it safely, store your gun safely, and practice firing it often. The level of responsibility and skill that the use demonstrates matter more than the specific pros and cons of the gun itself.
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11 Responses to “Pistols vs Revolvers: Selecting the Right Handgun”
Those who want gun control just can’t “comprehend” reality. Reality is so concrete but these people don’t stop to look and see where they are standing.-My own quote
Also on the plus side for revolvers over semiauto pistols: The lack of a manual safety could be a lifesaver.
Very few ordinary homeowners compete in pistol-shooting competitions where they have to handle their firearms under highly stressful and against-the-clock situations. Therefore, some aspects of handling a semiauto which might be second nature to the ISPCA shooter who puts several thousand rounds downrange a month might not be the case for a guy who might shoot a box of shells every few months.
In a break-in situation where one might be awakened, adrenaline will be pumping hard, and being able to 1)check that a round is chambered 2)check that the safety is in the “fire” positions 3)check that the magazine is fully seated 4)know what to do in the event of a misfire/stoppage might be too much a feat for ordinary homwowners who don’t shoot often enough for this kind of practice to be long habit. A revolver, on the other hand, is so reliable and so simple, that it’s almost literally point and click. In the highly unlikely event of a misfire (the round not discharging), a second double-action pull of the trigger is all that is required to bring the next round in the cylinder in line with the barrel and shoot the gun. Then repeat as necessary.
Wow. I honestly can’t believe how much information there is on this site. It’s even debunked my recent decision to buy a stun gun. Though I don’t believe I’m comfortable in choosing a gun yet, this is all good to know.
You don’t need a stun gun. If you are ever threatened by a criminal just recite some anti gun rhetoric and they will be totally stunned and while they are laughing you cam go to the nearest gun store and get something that will really work.
If you really want to benefit society as a whole, instead of buying a gun go to your local animal shelter and adopt a one or two large dogs.
You need to get a gun to protect your dogs. Dogs cannot protect you but they can sure make you smile and feel good. But I will admit that they do lie a lot and water chair legs. I sleep with three of them every night and my wife sleeps on the floor. This is a good arraignment as she farts and scratches lot.
Betty,
Gun ownership and dog ownership are not mutually exclusive, and I fail to see why you’re suggesting that it is an either/or proposition.
I’m actually a dog and cat owner, and have adopted 3 dogs and 2 cats from shelters. Each of those animals has become a member of the family whom I cherish.
Although I love large dogs, it seems they actually aren’t good for society as a whole, due to their carbon (paw)print: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091220/sc_afp/lifestyleclimatewarminganimalsfood
I believe that anyone who brings up and blathers about global warming or carbon credits should be used for target practice.
I believe in global warming and am a proponent of carbon trading via a cap-and-trade system. Why do you want to shoot a fellow law abiding gun owner because he believes in the evidence of global waring and the economic externalities regarding carbon usage and pollution?
Do you also believe in Alien abductions and the the world was created in 6 days?
I guess that if you adopt animals from shelters you have to be OK guy even if you are a blithering idiot about the effectiveness of the judge.