Revolver verses semi-automatic

[CCWlady]

I am new to handguns and this board, but would like your opinion. Some background: I started with a S&W 642 (and cause I am new I liked the look and size but did not shoot it ahead of time ) the recoil hurt my hand and my accuracy is not good. So I bought a Hoague grip and that fixed the recoil problem. Then I decided a Crimson Trace grip might help with my accuracy, and even though it is suppose to cut the recoil 30% LG405, I am back to the recoil hurting my hand Not one to take defeat easily I find a fingerless motorcycle glove at Walmart and now I can use the LG and it does not hurt my hand. I am still working on accuracy but am very comfortable carrying this gun with my IWB Kholster.

Next I decide I need a gun to target shoot that will not cost so much in ammo, so I get a Walther P22. I love this gun, but realize it is not powerful enough for self-defence. So I start thinking about a 9mm such as Walther PPS. Well over the weekend I had the opportunity to do a lot of target shooting with my P22 and I noticed it has many jams and did not fire each time (I think the cheap ammo might be part of the problem). To my question- I know with almost certainty that when I pull the trigger on the revolver it will shoot and I do not have to worry about racking or taking it off safety. I think I am in the minority here but isn't the revolver a better choice when your life depends on it? Why do you feel confident with a semi-automatic?

 

[mamacat2u]

CCWLady - I agree on the revolver quite a bit actually. I got my first revolver some 20 years ago (Rossi snub-nose .38 - five round) and it is my baby! It is the gun I took to qualify for my CCH permit. However, it is entirely too big to carry outside of my home. So, I started shopping around for a semi-auto, since I was the only revolver shooter in my CCH class, I suppose I succumbed to peer pressure. lol I do want a CCH revolver and I will most definitely buy the S&W .38 Bodyguard. It has a slim profile, no hammer, and fits my CCH purse perfectly.

Having said all of that, I carry a Springfield XD Sub-Compact 9mm in a holster. I live in an open carry state, so most of the time it is not out of sight. I also carry a Ruger LCP .380 in my purse. The LCP is a beast to shoot, but I find so long as I practice what I have been taught, it is quite reliable and accurate. The 9mm is so much more fun to shoot - outside or at the range, but it is also very reliable and accurate.

We also purchased a Sig Sauer .22 for practice - like you - and cheaper ammo costs. It is still relatively new and is quite finicky with the ammo it likes - read - it only likes CCI Mini-Mags at the moment. I have read, though, that over time it should like to feed and eat cheaper .22 ammo. *taps fingers* lol

At this point in time, I find I like the semi-auto and revolver equally but for much different reasons and situations.

 

[Dale64]

Most .22 caliber semi-auto pistols are picky about the ammo you choose.
Try CCI Mini-mag Velocitor or CCI Mini-mag Stingers.
They provide enough power to properly cycle the slide.

 

[Rich_S]

I am new to handguns and this board, but would like your opinion. Some background: I started with a S&W 642 (and cause I am new I liked the look and size but did not shoot it ahead of time ) the recoil hurt my hand and my accuracy is not good. So I bought a Hoague grip and that fixed the recoil problem. Then I decided a Crimson Trace grip might help with my accuracy, and even though it is suppose to cut the recoil 30% LG405, I am back to the recoil hurting my hand Not one to take defeat easily I find a fingerless motorcycle glove at Walmart and now I can use the LG and it does not hurt my hand. I am still working on accuracy but am very comfortable carrying this gun with my IWB Kholster.

Next I decide I need a gun to target shoot that will not cost so much in ammo, so I get a Walther P22. I love this gun, but realize it is not powerful enough for self-defence. So I start thinking about a 9mm such as Walther PPS. Well over the weekend I had the opportunity to do a lot of target shooting with my P22 and I noticed it has many jams and did not fire each time (I think the cheap ammo might be part of the problem). To my question- I know with almost certainty that when I pull the trigger on the revolver it will shoot and I do not have to worry about racking or taking it off safety. I think I am in the minority here but isn't the revolver a better choice when your life depends on it? Why do you feel confident with a semi-automatic?

The malfunctions that you will experience with a .22 semi are not at all indicative of what you can expect from larger calibers. A good quality semi auto well maintained will run flawlessly. Get a Smith, Sig, Glock, or Ruger and you will not have any issues.

 

[Everclear]

My Glock 19 (9 mm) has never had a single malfunction. Since I bought my Whitehat Maxtuck holster it is more comfortable to carry too. In fact whatever you carry i would look into that holster.

 

[Deserteagle]

I have a P22 and yes it jams a lot, but it is not representative of all semi autos. The P22 is cheap (but good), and shoots .22 which is not the most reliable round, especially when you buy cheap .22

A revolver is very reliable, but so are many semi autos these days. Look at a Glock. They are very reliable semi autos.

 

[olsparky]

I actually carry one of each, but if I only have one with me it is a semi-auto. My LCR is my secondary, and I really like that gun. For me it is a matter of quantity, and reload time. I have 5 shots with the revolver, but 10 with my semi-auto, and I can change a mag with another 12 rounds in a fraction of the time it takes me to reload the revolver (the grip on the LCR doesn't work with a speed loader).

Quality (accuracy) is always compromised in a situation where one must use their gun, so I like to counter that issue by increasing my quantity.

 

[CCWlady]

My Glock 19 (9 mm) has never had a single malfunction. Since I bought my Whitehat Maxtuck holster it is more comfortable to carry too. In fact whatever you carry i would look into that holster.

Oh no! you just cost me some money I am not a pink girl, but I am a sucker for black and white zebra print, and I love that style of holster. Thanks

 

[CCWlady]

The malfunctions that you will experience with a .22 semi are not at all indicative of what you can expect from larger calibers. A good quality semi auto well maintained will run flawlessly. Get a Smith, Sig, Glock, or Ruger and you will not have any issues.

I had my 9mm choice narrowed down to the Walther PPS or the Glock 26. I am not sure about the Glock because it is so wide in my hand, but I read a lot about how reliable it is. Do you have any experience with the PPS?

 

[bullmooose]

My XD-45 has never jammed (yet) and I like the fact I can carry multiple clips which i can reload faster than carrying the strips and shoving them in my .357 mag. At any rate ... do as i was told ... go to a gun shop and handle everything until you find the top 5 (or 10) that feel good to you. Then go to a range that rents these out and shoot them all. When you're done you will know which one you want to buy. Just because someone tells you which one they like, and that they look good on the computer comparisons, doesn't mean that they will be the one you're going to be happy with.

 

[GTNerd]

I have an H&K P30 (.40) and I also have never had a malfunction. The only semi-auto that I've personally seen malfunction on a consistent basis is my brother's Taurus 9mm (don't get a Taurus). H&K, like Glock, is used by special forces as a favorite side arm. They are very rugged, and will stand up to a lot of abuse. Something to keep on mind, however, is that they have double stack mags which make them harder to conceal, but give you about half again what a single stack mag can. Mine is 13+1 and I think the 9mm is 17+1. The mag size should play a factor in buying an autoloader as it changes the thickness of the handle.

 

[Cowbilly32]

Oh no! you just cost me some money I am not a pink girl, but I am a sucker for black and white zebra print, and I love that style of holster. Thanks

Know what you mean CCWlady, I wasn't in the market but I may be now. I kind of like the Texas Flag one.

 

[Rich_S]

I had my 9mm choice narrowed down to the Walther PPS or the Glock 26. I am not sure about the Glock because it is so wide in my hand, but I read a lot about how reliable it is. Do you have any experience with the PPS?

I don't like Walthers at all. A friend of mine has one and it jams frequently. If those are your two choices I'd vote Glock all day long. Just my .02 of course....

 

[greils1]

After watching so many people struggling to clear their jammed semi-autos at the range, I would never rely on anything but my revolver in a critical situation. It's not worth the risk to me.

 

[Everclear]

They do have a lot of interesting options for the Kydex sleeve. Another good thing about Whitehat is if you have more than one preferred carry you can buy extra Kydex for each weapon for about $20.00. Just swap them out on your holster. You can't do that with Crossbreed.
It's pretty hot in S.C. so I went with horsehide but the basic holster is only around $55.00.
I ended up calling them with a question and found out they offer discounts. NRA member gets 10% off. They are great to talk to and will help & guide you through the whole thing. I ended up doing a verbal order while on the phone. So simple.
Enjoy.

 

[selig2989]

If looking at the pps... Maybe check out s&w's new m&p shield in 9mm. You'll have the quality of the m&p line and lifetime service warranty through smith. Can't go wrong for the price either. 450$ out the door and comes with 2 mags. 7+1 and an 8+1

 

[Fyrewerx]

I second the vote to at least "look" at the S&W Shield. If it is as good as it sounds, and is reported, my only decision will be whether to try to trade in my Taurus PT709, or just toss it into the bottom of some dresser drawer, probably never to see daylight again.

 

[Oldgrunt]

I have a P22 and yes it jams a lot, but it is not representative of all semi autos. The P22 is cheap (but good), and shoots .22 which is not the most reliable round, especially when you buy cheap .22

A revolver is very reliable, but so are many semi autos these days. Look at a Glock. They are very reliable semi autos.

I bought the CCI Velocitor for my P22 for $6.95 per box. Shoots well but I can buy cheap 9mm target ammo for $9.00 per box. Only a little savings with the .22. I read in one of the gun magazines that the P22 functions better after 500+ rounds. Can't say for sure since I haven't fired that many yet.