Revolvers ARE More RELIABLE than Semi Autos. Period
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Just going through my EXPERIENCE with revolver VS auto for reliability. I hear a lot of statements that "modern semi autos are just as reliable as revolvers and revolvers will catastrophically fail!" Well, in my experience this is false so I am sharing my experience, and to be noted I have a good amount of experience shooting both (tens of thousands of rounds).
False, theres a lot of larger channels with people involved in firearms manufacturing amd people who deal with every forearm imaginable and they would all disagree.
Well if you actually get a sense of what these channels think of revolvers, there's a reason why they disagree. They disagree for the same reason the septic repairman tells you that RidX will destroy your system. With a normal working revolver, there's no add on's to sell you, no upgrades, drop in parts etc, at least not to the degree that there are with autos. You can say false all you want, but you are probably getting that "false" from someone that's fired 500 rounds in their lifetime with a revolver. You can listen to them because they are bigger, but I have about 50,000 centerfire rounds through a dozen or more revolvers with ZERO malfunctions of any kind. Now if you want REAL bigger channel experience got to Jerry Miculek's channel, he's a big channel and he has over 1,000,000 rounds through revolvers. Ask him about revolver jams.
ruclips.net/video/XkWlIhaeuaY/видео.html
Is this irony? If so, LOL!
@@GunSam Normally, an appeal to authority argument is suspect. However, the courts validate Miculek amicus briefs almost unanimously.
I’d have to respectfully disagree and back Sam here. I’m in my mid 70s and retired from 30 yrs in law enforcement (‘97). While semi autos have only failed me a few times a revolver never has in over 50 yrs of shooting that include three officer involved shootings w/my issued thirty-eight. Modern auto loaders make sense for today’s LEOs and I carried a Glock 23 for my last 10 yrs on the job, but I no longer go in harm’s way. To each their own but my experience has me carrying a J Frame in retirement.
There's a reason the GP100 gets to sleep in the nightstand.
`my house gun of record. sp101 for concealed carry.
I wish I'd never sold mine. :*(
Jhawk386 and that GP100 can set in your nightstand for years, but when you need it, it will go bang. No worry of mag springs weakened and not feeding rounds ;)
I think my GP100 is the last handgun I would get rid of.
I love my GP100 but it doesn't have a rail for a light. I keep a cheap Smith 9mm with a light on it by the bed. Also if I had to shoot someone to protect my family, I would be pissed if the fuzz took my GP100.
let the RUGER Bells ring
In my experience, 10k plus rounds through SW and Colt Revolvers, ZERO malfunctions of any kind.
as long as i clean my revolvers, i have never had any problem.
Exactly.
Even a very dirty revolver will shoot.. can't say that about a glock
@@indianajets Unfortunately, people do say it about Glocks. They're wrong, but they say it anyway. I worry that the myth about Glock reliability causes people to feel like they don't need to clean them.
@@indianajets I don't like Glock but the one I had never jammed Ever......... Even limp wristing
Any gun can stop shooting if you try hard enough .. foolishness , neglect , bad ammo
Remember, every round sent downrange has a lawyer attached to it. Accurate, controlled shots.
Same goes for the gun you use for fun. There is a lawyer attached to everything you do, even sleeping. We allow it, maybe we should sue ourselves. This would be a joke if it wasn't true and it's really not funny, but it is true.
In my case, every bullet I send downrange has been sent by a lawyer. And yes, you need to think that way.
I've said it before on this topic and I'll say it again. I believe Chris over at LuckyGunner said it best. Revolvers better handle neglect and semi autos better handle abuse. If you try to subject revolvers to torture tests they will not fare well at all. Recent video from MAC showed that with the Model 19.
I think a lot of the context of "reliability" are people strictly talking about a combat environment and/or a martial context. And in those contexts they would be correct. Now if we're talking about high round counts without cleaning... I'd say it depends A LOT on the gun itself but also the ammo. I've got some revolvers that a vast majority of the ammo is lead round nose or lead flat nose loads and after a few hundred at the range they are due for a good cleaning. Likewise, I have had semi autos I shot over 800 in a day with no issue and no need for cleaning. Now I do personally clean my guns after I take them out and put anything over 50 in them but that's more of a habit. All the same I can look at them and see if they need it or not.
Now I've never had a catastrophic failure in a revolver myself in the 12+ years I've been shooting them regularly either, but I have witnessed them at least three times in person and of course not hard to find videos of them either but likewise I could find just as many videos on semi autos having those problems. And while I've seen more catastrophic failures of semi autos in person I like to attribute that partially to semi autos just being more prevalent on the market and a vast majority of the guns I see.
I have had some of my revolvers go out of timing as I just shot them heavily and while if that were to happen in a combat situation that would be a dead gun that's akin to having a broken trigger on a semi auto. If the gun wont fire or fire reliably, safely, or consistently then it wouldn't matter what kind of gun it is. I don't believe it's more prone to failure than a semi auto but likewise modern semi autos when well maintained and handled properly are no more prone to failure in my opinion. In "What If" and specific niche scenarios the revolver could be the superior choice or the semi auto could.
Usually the argument I hear isn't that revolvers have these catastrophic failures but rather what I mentioned above about abuse and things like that. But both sides need to acknowledge issues exist on both parts. A prime example... revolver guys usually DO say "A revolver will run any kind of ammo!" and one of the first things you prefaced with was people buying the cheapest guns with the cheapest ammo and experiencing issues. It can't be both ways. My opinion is buy a well built gun regardless of type and buy quality ammo when available. All in all, most people making the claims of reliability on either side are not doing things to their guns that they would ever be pushed to their limits to find out. I have had moments where my revolvers were dropped in dirt, mud, and other grime when out hunting but always unloaded and washed them out and they worked when I pulled the trigger. I've had the same thing happen with semi autos. So my personal experience has taught me if you maintain them well it won't matter much and we shouldn't concern over what somebody else is doing, using, or choosing and spout of exposition as to why they made a bad choice. Unless they bought a Hi-Point... Friends don't let friend's buy Hi-Points.
I have reloaded so much ammunition and tests with pistols and revolvers I couldn’t begain to describe. I’m my collection it’s numbers for semi automatic and revolvers. seeing you spoke on the issue of hi point pistols I’ll comment for on it . I have no junk weapons. they must work flawlessly on time, every time, any time or it won’t be tolerated at all.? the same cheaper or higher dollar weapons. the lives of my family demands it. in my collection I have two hi point pistols . 9 mm and 45 acp. i started experimenting with the 45 rated plus oz looking at 450 sms designed for plus p capible pistols which it and 45 super were like twin sisters. I called hi point speaking to a technician about what I wanted to load 45 super that I was told by a friend the employees of hi point did . me and the technician were concerned about premature pistol waring. he said normally hi point doesn’t recommend it but if you do don’t shoot over a box or two when shooting 45 super so not to wate it out early. he said chamber pressure was no problem. so testing the hi point and my Taurus pt 856 in 45 acp plus p rated . my highest load for both guns . Hornady 452 dia 185 gr xtp, powder pistol powder at 1330 FPS . no pressure signs on eather guns . the Taurus worked flawlessly. the hi point has a weaker magazine spring and would miss picking up some rounds. I loaded down to 1256 FPS curing the hi point problem . I keep both loaded with this load for self defense and hunting, much testing no problems. I don’t encourage anyone to load in any weapons because it could blow up the weapons and hurt or kill you . Nana and papa aka the hunter wishing you well.
Limp wrists, ammo sensitivity, failures to feed or eject, stove pipes, weak, lost or broken magazines...just a few terms that do not apply to revolvers.
An i sensitivity is a concern with some snub nose revolvers concerning crimp jump if I’m not mistaken. Either way anyone who has been in a number of gunfights will more then likely prefer a modern semi-auto.
@@Cant_Stop-Wont-Stop0329 , when I was younger, and I asked about semi autos, an old timer said to me; “Sonny, the army did not ask for a handgun that is better then a revolver, they asked for a handgun that has more ammo capacity. My opinion, based on experience with both types, a revolver is more reliable, and a much better carry option for an ordinary civilian.
@@albertforletta1498 facts
@@Cant_Stop-Wont-Stop0329 , also one more important item. I have fired thousands of rounds through my Ruger lcr 357 mag. Reloaded 38 spl mostly. And some Hornady 110 grain 38spl plus P. That little snub nose has never had a crimp jump, nor has it ever had a malfunction.
@@albertforletta1498 crimp jump is one of those EXTREEMLY rare (kinda like unicorn sightings) things that auto lovers cling to for one last dying gasp in the auto versus revolver dependability argument, but that is a fools argument on their part because even though yes it does very very very rarely happen it is still not a revolver problem but more of an ammo issue from not a firm enough crimp,,,,so what your gun jams up is about the worst of that,,,,,,,,however a much more common issue that is NOT bad ammo is bullet set back into the case from the battering an auto gives the ammo just in the normal function of cycling the ammo in normal course of fire,,,, this is VERY dangerous more than just an incovenience because to fire a round of ammo that has had the bullet pushed to far into the case can cause chamber pressures to sky rocket and act like a small bomb rather than a gun,,,,and in the course of just shooting you can never be sure if the next shot you fire is the one this has happened to,,,,it only takes one bad round this way,,,,and by design there isn't much you can do to prevent a bullet to case "neck tension" to be loose enough to cause this and no way to really test for it on the automatic type equiptment ammo manufacturers use because unlike a hand opperated press you can "feel" it if a bullet goes into the case too easy meaning the case is either bad or the bullet undersize (and other issues that can cause weak neck tension as it's called) and you can't even put a heavy type crimp on an auto designed round because most of them headspace on the case mouth and crimping it too much takes that away and creates another dangerous condition, if guys would just stop trying to make their love children into something they are not they would learn to enjoy life much more, auto or revolver there can be good or bad in both and both have some pros and cons and both have places where they do better and worse,,,,,but the dependablity argument is hands down won by the revolver and anyone who argues otherwise is a damn fool,,,,my glock 19 is and has been dead nuts dependable but if I am headed into the worst of crap and my life is on the line in the really bad post appocalypse I'm grabbing my revolver, be it one of my 686's, 629's, 69's, or possbly one of my Kimber K6's or Rugers (God knows I have too damn many to chose from anymore ) but my point is what goes with me will be a revolver made by one of the big and well known American manufacturers, I will never own a Taurus piece of crap because I've owned and shot enough of them to have developed a good feel for just how crappy they actually are if you actually use and shoot them, for that same reason I'm not a Colt revolver fan,,,,,,seen way too many of them shoot themselves out of time way too quick back in the day,,,they are a collectors gun NOT a shooters gun, if you're a shooter buy a Ruger you can't shoot enough rounds through a Ruger in 2 life times to wear it out or buy a S&W 686 you can't shoot it enough with any power level round to ever bother it,,,,they haven't been around long enough to really test them over the really long haul but so far my 3 Kimber K6's are taking quite a beating in stride and still like new (some 3000 or so rounds through each so far I'd be safe to say), anyhow didn't intend to write a book but up on the soap box and made the most of it LOL. but yep the revolver,,,,taking care of bussiness for some 150 or there about years and will still be getting it done untill they invent and release the phaser from star trek for the public to own,,,,,,but even then I'll still keep a good old revolver around just in case.
I've owned more semi automatic pistols, but in the last 3 years I picked up a few revolvers. I'm indifferent on these issues, but Honest Outlaw says it best "you have to be person of many calibers." This is so true. Knowing how your weapons work, function, and how to clear malfunctions, and keep them clean, and ready to use.
Your experience & knowledge are a big part of why I watch your channel! Solid information once again! Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching.
Frankly speaking, alot of the first time gun owners of 2020 would be better sutied with a revolver, as those buyers are not likely to be enthusiasts and just want practical pertection. The simplicity and inherent safety of a wheel gun would serve those people well. I have two taurus revolvers and they have never let me down.
@@glennsammon4465 To make matters worse, you know some are going to leave bullets stacked in their clips for months if not longer, or neglect cleaning and oiling the slide.
To each their own, naturally. However, I always gravitate back to revolvers. They just suit my style I guess.
I love revolvers more than semi’s. Depends on your preferences. Some people work it better than others.
I grew up with toy wheel guns so I know the feel and it’s workings in the dark. It is held a certain way that I can control quickly and safely. IMHO 👍🏻and I don’t worry if it will fire because it has quality ammo and it’s kept clean and oiled.
I agree with you. I have run my S&W 642 hard - say 300 to 500 rounds - without cleaning and it just kept on going. I did clean it eventually but it never failed and never got gritty. Same deal with my Ruger GP100. However, the Ruger got sticky and the cylinder did not spin freely. It still shot after the abuse it was just sluggish. After a good cleaning it was slicker than new. I have a Springfield XD mod 2 and XDs in 9mm. These also have been very reliable even when shot dirty. The only stoppages have been with one type of ammo that just did not feed correctly. When I wanted a smaller carry gun with a bit more power I considered the 10 mm. I stayed with my 6-inch GP100 and just bought a 3-inch Kimber. I can get low end 10 mm power with it using 180 grain loads. If I want more I will just carry the Ruger with Buffalo Bore or Underwood 180g loads. I also was tempted by less expensive revolvers but stayed away from them. The first time I did a full clean on my Ruger I realized that a good revolver takes a lot of skill to make. With revolvers I do think the saying buy once, cry once applies.
my takeaway: consider the mission and equip accordingly.
It is really amazing how much better any piece of equipment works when it is cleaned and lubricated. Common sense makes all the difference.
Very true
The other day my son was lubricating the push rod that unloads his revolver and when he closed the cylinder he didn't reload the weapon. A few minutes later he decided to reload it and the cylinder wouldn't swing out. I looked too see what the problem was and did not see anything wrong. It was jammed in the closed position. Time to get tough. I got my rubber mallet and without beating the cylinder too much it finally swung open. I found that the push rod had unscrewed just enough to keep the cylinder from opening. You need to always check to make sure the rod is seated all the way in or you could have a very embarasing situation if it jams.
I have had that happen on a Taurus revolver but nothing else. And yes, maintaining involves checking all screws and parts after cleaning.
Why I keep a revolver in my nightstand and in my camping kit:
It's 2:00AM and I just heard glass break downstairs. I don't have to ask my barely awake self if there's a round in the chamber.
I don't have to fumble with a safety while in the above-mentioned state. The revolver is always ready to go.
I reload and can tailor my ammo for a specific application. With a semi, the first consideration is always "Will it cycle the action?"
I own and enjoy several semis, but will always grab a wheelgun when my life depends on it.
If Rick Grimes can count on his Python through a zombie apocalypse, we can count on it during our errand runs to Costco!
Will a revolver survive a Democrat Apocalypse?
You ever actually see that happen ? It’s just like the forcing cone cracking on a K frame magnum. I’ve never personally seen that either. Just saying
@@jorgesolis9468 you’ve made my point. I’m a show me guy. Still waiting. Everything else is repeating crap you heard on the internet.
@@jorgesolis9468 I’ve read and heard everything you’re saying. I own all the books, read all the magazines. And watched all the videos. I own 30 smiths and 10 Colts. Fired thousands of rounds and yet. I’ve never put a python out of time, or have actually seen one. Same with the K frame forcing cone story. Never seen it happen nor has anyone shown me an example. You can read articles and watch videos regurgitating this stuff over and over. Still I have never seen either.
@@jorgesolis9468 I own two Taurus revolvers. What I’m giving you is actual personal experience with these firearms. You clearly like to repeat stuff that other people say and have yet to give me an example of any real world experience of your own.
A horse is more reliable than a car.
I WOULD DISAGREE A HORSE NEEDS REST AND IF A HORSE GETS SICK OR HURT IT CAN'T PERFORM FOR DAYS MAYBE EVEN WEEKS A CAR CAN BE REPAIRED IN HOURS
I have seen where a guy on here mentioned Revolvers having catastrophic failures. I think you are an expert to some degree based on your experience. My experience has been similar to yours. Never had a failure in my revolvers
I’ve had autos jam and I’ve had revolvers tie up (just took a little burr, that I later removed with a stone, to make a Colt Python lock up). But autos are more picky about ammo. I wear an auto every day, but if I was scrounging ammo that might be questionable I’d want a good revolver.
Love your channel love that you are not a sellout. My favourite channel on youtube. I just like talking guns. Im not trying to argue. Keep up the great work
Thank you. And it's cool as i'm not paid by anyone, just some patreon and regular youtube ad revenue. I even thought about doing a video promoting Buffalo Bore ammo because I really want to help people save time and money, because even though it's more expensive, they make it right...so rather than buying 20 different types of ammo at $25 a box....you can buy one box for $40 and be done..
@@GunSam i used to watch sootch ...now his channel is basically one long infomercial. Ruined it for me. You deserve a sponser you deserve endorsments. If you can find a way to incorporate that into your vids without sounding like a comercial that would be awesome
Auto-loaders have definite advantages, but revolvers are better at contact distance. The revolver can fire with muzzle contact; the revolver will not go out of battery due to imperfect grip or 'limp wristing'; the revolver has no slide to get caught on clothing or short-stroke due to hitting the shooters body or arm during the rough-and-tumble of a fight. So, for walking the streets, a revolver is great. For home defense or when one's vehicle is stopped by blamtifa, a 17 round auto-loader is great.
Revolver..Revolver..Revolver I love my Revolvers.
I have "revolver" in my youtube seach already filled in lol. I love revolvers, but I also have a weird fascination for .380 ACP and .45 ACP.
I have had a revolver bind up due to bad ammo, made it totally useless. And revolvers are sensitive to hard knocks. But I still agree that both are reliable for any normal use.
Great video! As usual no BS just facts based on your experience. I would even add the ability with a “hammerless” to fire through a pocket and the ability of contact firing without getting knocked out of battery. We are all jealous that you can walk out back and shoot 500 rounds at a time,any time. I can only wish. I do however do my share of shooting and have had many of the same issues as you with my semi’s. I love them all but when I walk out the door its and lcr in 327 mag that I dump in my pocket. Thanks again Sam, what a great first cup of coffee video this morning.
Thanks. And what I have seen is that a small hammer spur revolver will also fire from a pocket, but the concealed hammer is a little easier to do it though.
had my k- frame freez up after shooting 1 round of 357 at our local county range. The "old guys" at the range(www2 vets, some founders of our range and others who were "just " shooters) had never seen anything like this before. Young gunsmith started to take the revolver apart. Turned out the primer backed out and froze up the gun. I'd say with all that shooting experience around that failure was a 1 in a ???? Those are great odds that the revolver will go bang. Thank you for your videos.
I have auto jams in 22, 380, 9 luger, 9 mak & 45 acp. None of my 22, 32 h&r, or 357's have ever failed to fire when I pulled the trigger.
I've shot both a lot. A revolver that is serviceable and has good ammo in it will run more reliably. Although I've had one auto (no chit a Hi Point) that literally never failed, and I'm working on a PT92 that won't stop. I have had several revolvers stop, and one was down and out with broken clock work. A dirty revolver will stop. And when a revolver stops they can't always be tapped back into service. My revolver failures have been hard failures. The cylinder gap can close up shooting magnum lead pretty quick. I've also had lead work into the cylinder axle (base pin) in under 30 rounds and slow the gun way down. Plus it took a few lock ups for me to check every primer I load. A proud primer can stop a revolver cold. Then The Military Arms channel just ran a mod 19 S&W through their gauntlet. Major fail.
I grew up on revolvers and love them. But I carry autos in 2020. I got me autos to do every job a pistol can do except large game hunting.
Autos are also much easier to care for. My opinion on revolvers and autos has changed 180 degrees in the last 15 years. I have seen the light.
I used to shoot a lot more. I've had two revolver "jams"/failures. One was caused by ammunition and one was caused by me.
The jam was caused by a bad round of ammo. It was an American Eagle 38 Special in a Ruger Security-six. A primer backed out when I fired the round. This locked up the cylinder. It didn't need a gunsmith, but I'm glad someone was there to tell me I had to hold the revolver tight, press the cylinder release, and HIT the cylinder. I had to hit it twice to hit it hard enough to open the cylinder and clear the jam. Never had that happened before or since, but I'm glad to know how to clear it now. If that had happened for the first time in a gunfight, I would have been in trouble. Hopefully, the defensive ammo is made to a higher standard than practice ammo, but anyone can produce a bad round.
The other was a bent full moon clip. It was when I first got my S&W 645 and hadn't gotten a good loading/unloading tool. I bent one of the clips, not much, but enough to bind the cylinder. The gun still worked, but I had to shoot it single action to be accurate. Now, I double-check my loaded clips to make sure the cylinder spins freely. I've never found a way to carry the clips for self-defense that I trust not to bend one. So, the 645 has become a safe queen. It's loaded and I know at home it will work every time, but that is because the clips are the weak point, I don't carry reloads in my pocket. That's too bad because that 645 has the best trigger of any handgun I own.
So, revolver failures happen. Bad maintenance (moon clips) or ammunition failures can stop a high-quality revolver. I still own and trust both revolvers to work every time. I just don't trust myself to carry moon clips and not bend them during the day. If I had 45 ACP Rim ammo made for carry, I'd carry that handgun anywhere.
I only have one revolver that uses moon clips. I can attest they are no good, one or two might work but then you get one that prevents cylinder rotation. Most people who use moon clip revolvers have told me that the first thing you do, is throw away what comes in the box even if Ruger or S&W clips, and you buy legit ones made by aftermarket companies. They are made so much better and won't bend. I wouldn't call it a revolver malfunction though. Just one of those things that need an upgrade,
@@GunSam, when you're in the middle of a bowling pin match and your gun won't fire in double-action mode, it's a major malfunction. :) Same as in a life and death fight, if it isn't working correctly, it is a malfunction.
Either way, yes, I purchased after-market clips and a tool to load & unload them. Haven't had a problem since that day, but still wouldn't want to throw a couple clips in my pocket for EDC. I wouldn't trust them like other revolver reloads.
I don't and won't carry moon clip revolvers. Having a common failure that never happens with traditional revolver ammo, is really dumb to them incorporate into a carry gun. You might do competition, but I do not. Safariland comp loaders load more than fast enough in defensive application. I'm not looking to shave a split second, I am looking for reliability and common sense, which moonclips don't have.
Just Now I almost did it !! I have Never told in public how well my G20 shoots , I only say " if I told you , you would think I was making it up " . As I was putting it together , I was thinking they will all think I am full of $#!T if I tell the truth . I ask any G20 owners to chime in . My G20 loves Silvertips , I was shooting my 308 at 145 yards +/- prone from a rest , very windy , for the hell of it I thought I would try the 10mm , I had a very large target . As I have many times , I shot better than I thought I or the gun/round was able to , I am not talking about ONLY this gun , I'm 63 , I shot my first 22 @ age 7 . I don't shoot competition. On the regular I out shoot just about everybody I shoot with . My friends ask me to shoot their guns so they know how accurate they are . I use the term " super accurate " when talking about the large frame Glocks >> G20 & G21 . What I found is the drop @ 145 yds is almost none from point of aim . One friend said " you shoot better @ 50 than I do @ 25 yds " With HIS gun !! RE: how well will it shoot , I don't have proof , so I'm not sayin >> scary accurate !!!
It’s a scientific/mechanical fact that revolvers are more reliable than semi autos.
End of story.
Great vid.
Always enjoy your videos Sam - like you, I am blessed to live somewhere that I don't feel the "need" for higher capacity semi-autos (I have some, why not? But not as a "need").
My personal preference is the 686+ - got 2, one in 3" and one in 5" barrel length. .357mag for outdoor use, .38spl+P for in the house. 7 rounds in a reliable revolver - I am no expert, that is just what I like. 😏
The 686 really is the perfect revolver for both .357 Mag and .38 Special ammo. Hard to beat it.
Only issues I've had with my current revolvers would be light strikes when I was loading with CCI primers. I did own a Chiapa Dino many years ago that would lock up after shooting a lot of hot 357. I think it was the aluminum frame heating up. I got rid of it like I would any gun that had issues.
That pretty much dovetails my experience with both semi-autos and revolvers. I disagree that you are not an expert, because you spend a lot of time and effort doing experiments in ballistics and collecting that data. I also have to wonder that some of the negativity towards revolvers comes from a fear that if some are completely at ease in carrying a wheel gun then that will give the antigun people cause to try to restrict capacity again. Me personally, I'm all for high capacity. I don't go that route often, but when I see cause to do so, I'm glad I have it.
Thanks Greg, but if I would have said expert people would flip out lol, but still i'm relatively young and inexperienced VS others so I do not want to say i'm something I may not be. I sometimes think that revolvers bother some people because they cannot shoot them well. I have seen someone that's an expert with an auto (multiple times) try to shoot a double action revolver and they shake, miss the target and usually even short stroke the trigger, so because they are so uncomfortable with them and cannot accept that they did something wrong, they call it on the revolver. Of course they usually use other excuses that seem more legitimate like capacity, but then they carry a 6 shot .380 LOL
You might be onto something. Mixing revolver shooters who are okay with having a gun of limited capacity with fascists on the other side who want to limit capacity, if not limit complete ownership.
I agree with you 100%. It's a joke how all the most inexperienced new gun owners are buying the smallest, lightest semi autos that are available. I'll take my snubbys any day for carry, and my 4" 327 magnum revolver for home defense. Of course my 12 gauge coach gun is nearby.
Sam, what I see is the younger generation almost always buys and uses semi-automatic handguns, therefore they defend those guns as being better. And yes they are good, for certain uses. To each his own. I like my semi-automatics fine, but they aren't as 100% reliable as a revolver. I have never even heard of this catastrophic failure thing in revolvers folks speak of...except on the internet.
One thing I will say in favor of the Glock. It's dishwasher safe.
I wonder how true that is lol. I mean, they are not designed to shoot lead bullets. Might do well! In fact I think it would do well to clean the frame.
I really can not see why a stainless revolver with rubber grips wouldn't be dishwasher safe.
@@mgarand-no4tn You would have to open it up and lubricate everything properly. There's a lot of clockwork in there, including tiny springs. It's not all rust proof.
Thanks, Sam, I learned a lot from this video, wasn't aware of the 'limp-wristing' problem with semi autos. I agree with your general premise. I have been shooting revolvers for many years and have never had a malfunction. I don't have much experience with semi-autos but do see the problems that fellow shooters occasionally have with them.
thanks for watching.
Been shooting 50 years. Every semi auto I've ever owned has, at some time, had a failure of some kind. I've only had one revolver with a problem. It was an old beat up S&W model 36 that I bought used someplace. After a few rounds, the cylinder would lock up and I had to fiddle with it to get it going again. Was years go so I don't remember exactly how I fixed it. Seems like I disassembled it, then cleaned and oiled it and had no problems after that.
Same experience here. I have had at least a few malfunctions in semi autos, some have had 100 jams for every 1,000 rounds and some have had 2 jams in 10,000 rounds...it just depends on the pistol.
I was just carrying my Smith and Wesson 686 Performance Center .357 Magnum 2.5 inch barrel in a friction holster today for the 1st time and was surprised that it was as comfortable as my Ruger .357 LCR in a similar friction holster and gives me 7 vs. 5 rounds and with 34 oz. vs 17 oz.weight allowing the firing of .357 self defense ammo as an option. It is still lighter than my P226 MK 25 or my stainless 1911 which I consider very reliable as well. Thanks for the talk Mr. Gun Sam.
Thanks for watching
I want to like revolvers but a couple years I ago I bought a brand new Ruger GP100 and the timing with the cylinder was off and I had to send it back to Ruger for repair. To Ruger's credit, they fixed and got it back to me in two weeks at no charge. However, having every other shot not fire really made me lose faith in revolvers. I ended up selling it a couple months later. I'm looking at the S&W Model 19 and 29 right now but idk if I want to gamble with revolvers again.
I have never seen an instructor demonstrate failure drills for a revolver, but they all demonstrate failure drill for semi-autos. A catastrophic failure of either type will likely require bench work.
There are very few malfunctions a revolver can undergo that will not be a complete removal from the fight. Ruptured primer that sticks into the firing pin hole? Gun is out of the fight. Debris in the action? Gun is out of the fight. Drop the gun on the cylinder? Gun is out of the fight. There are no failure drills for revolvers because there's no easy remedy for most revolver. malfunctions
I had to return my Ruger lcr twice, I chalk it up to just bein' a lemon. Still wouldn't trade it for any other gun. Accurate enough and simple, and damn I just can't get over the feel of the weapon, how it sits in the hand. Hard to explain.
Great video brother. Did you know you're a millionaire? Your current stack of ammo is worth at least 1 million!
Thanks lol. Most of the boxes have like 10 rounds in each. I just keep the leftovers up there.
Even though semi-autos are more reliable now, I really don’t think they’re quite as reliable as a revolver. I’ve had 2 carry guns that went click instead of bang when I took it out to practice. Both had to go back to factory. But, I’ve also had an old Ruger Security Six that the ejector would unscrew after a couple of of cylinders and I would have to screw it back in or it would bind up. I heard once that a semi-auto was better at being abused and a revolver was better for neglect. That is, if you took a auto and dropped it in mud or sand, you could clean it out easier than a revolver. However, you could carry a revolver for years without cleaning and it would more likely work. I carried revolvers for years, but with the latest “unrest”, I picked up a Hellcat.
Agree.
So much bs circulating on this topic.
The average number of shots in a civilian gun fight is closer to 0 than any other number. Of al the shooting from the riots this year, I've yet to see one that could not be solved with a revolver.
No your wrong as a gun EXPERT( I just become one today) can personally assure you that revolvers are irrelevant outdated and useless also every semi auto jam in the history of ever was in fact due to limp wristing as everyone knows. Semis are incapable of jamming it just doesn't happen not ever unless you limp wrist .
Just try clearing a semi automatic jamb while someone is trying to kill you and you’ll wish you had that revolver you left sitting home.
Well I’ve never seen a Glock or a beretta jam or a 1911 that wasn’t the size of a pea and semi autos are easier to clear in a jam than a revolver , sure your revolver might not jam as often as a semi automatic but when it does you may as well throw it away in a fight
Revolvers look better too!
MUCH better!
Great vid and info. They both have their place, IMO. I tend to carry revolvers a bit more since that is what I grew up with and most comfortable with. Also with my daily routine they work well for me.
Thanks!
I think you really hit the issue of reliability on the head. I would say limp wristing is possible in a gun fight. An injured arm, or a strange angle can be an issue.
Thanks!
100 years ago my grandfather bought an H&R .32 revolver and a Savage model 1917 .380 semi auto. They stayed in a drawer and were very seldom fired. Today the revolver works fine but the .380 is almost impossible to rack the slide. I guess it needs a new spring.
Consider this, the most unreliable part of any firearm tends to be the feeding mechanism.
Autos have detachable mags that may bend because you drop them quite a bit in training.
A revolver may be rendered out of time if you drop it on the cylinder, but in general you don’t drop your guns as often as you do magazines.
So it reasons that a revolver IS more reliable due to the fact that there is NO magazines involved.
Also the reliability of the cycling operation of an auto is dependent on how free of obstruction the internals are, whereas a revolver’s inner workings are relatively well sealed and essentially mechanically powered, not recoil operated.
An auto can be out of battery, usually requiring a racking of the slide to fix the issue, losing a round in the process, even after racking the auto may not discharge. A revolver may be out of time if mud or dust gets into the cylinder locking notches, but you can simply lock the cylinder manually and still discharge the firearm.
I’d say both have their merits for reliability, mud or debris may not fit interfere with an auto’s magazine since it is sealed inside the grip, but the same can’t be said for foreign debris in a revolver’s chambers, which are open to the outside.
Cleaning is not necessary to the reliable functioning of a revolver, but the same may not be true for an automatic.
A revolver can be more easily damaged than an auto if dropped on its cylinder.
Revolvers can be fired through clothing without jamming, and can go off 100% even if limp wristing, whereas one cannot 100% of the time NOT limp wrist due to a variety of factors in an active shooting situation.
With everything said, revolvers ARE more reliable than autos for your general civilian, given most people might not clean their guns a lot, and in self defense situations, may be forced to draw and present the firearms in a less than optima fashion.
I have been shooting for over 50 years and in all that time no malfunctions in a revolver, and only two in semi autos. One was w/my Glock 23 service gun during LEOSA qualification (replaced old internal springs) and the other was w/a S&W 2.0 Compact 9MM during another LEOSA certification. I do own an older LCP that’s never chocked on anything for over 400 rounds, but that’s under ideal range conditions and not a real world fight. During my 30 yrs on the street I had to use my service .38 more than once & the circumstances were nothing like any range experience. I’ve been retired over 20 years so round count is less important that absolute reliability. I no longer go in harm’s way and feel comfortable w/a J Frame & one speed strip. While I trust the LCP, it’s for those times when I cannot adequately conceal my J Frame. Good video Sam, keep ‘em coming.
Thank you and thanks for sharing your experience.
@@GunSam Interestingly all the other sub compact .380 pistols I tried, to include Glock, S&W, Taurus, LCP2, & Kahr, all chocked somewhere along the line.
It’s simple: all we want is a handgun that weighs less than 6 ounces with the recoil of a .22 and the accuracy of a .308 at 700 yards that we can pocket carry.
Your argument is valid. I was going to dispute it by saying that the first revolver I bought jammed up when I first shot it. It was a Heritage Rough Rider ($130 single action revolver). I put 200 rounds through it that time, and it was Aguila ammo.
Thanks. And my only issue was a .22 revolver, so i'm not sure .22's should be really talked about as they are known to be unreliable.
As a gun smith, sitting here fixing four busted revolvers...this video made me laugh. to each their own I guess but for carrying in a pocket or tucked in pants or in ANY environment where their is dirt sand or debris a revolver is utter rubbish. Two of the three in front of me were brought in by "revolvers never jam" people, and I have the side plates off and have been cleaning out lint, gunk and factory grease for ten minutes on. one the lifter wore down and its causing timing issues, and the other one has cylinder gap issues. Revolvers just have a "different" set of problems, no better no worse then modern semi automatics when it comes to mechanical reliability, and again they handle hostile environments like shit as they are by definition open designs, and when debris gets inside the things they seize up like any machine. in close combat someone can bump the slide of a semi auto, well someone can grab the cylinder and stop the revolver just as surely by keeping it rotated out of time. I consider revolvers to be in the same boat as the guys with gucci glocks they carry with holes cut all in them. Congrats you just made a path for crap to get into your gun for the trade off of looking stylish. There is a reason no military on earth carries one, there is a reason every law enforcement agency on earth stopped using them. Cool? yes, fun to shoot, hell yes, awesome for some survival or hunting needs totally on board. CAN you use them effectively in defense or warfighting....sure, and if you want to you go for it man no hate, but they are not the best tool for the job, nor are the 'more reliable period'.
I like your directness and honesty, but I respectfully disagree based upon my experience in every environment on the planet (pole-to-pole). If you keep a revolver maintained in a manner appropriate for the area of regard, it'll outperform a semi-auto most of the time.
The civilian is more likely to get attacked than a cop.
wrong! a cop deals with assailants every day while a civilian can go there whole life with out ever running into an armed assailant.
@@kevincornell1439 well I got 5 bullet holes from a criminal not many cops can say that
@@crowmagg1 good for you. so your one in a billion. still don't see how that applies to every other single person in the US. I'm pretty sure a cops chance of getting shot far exceeds the average citizen.
Great content!
Thank you.
I own a 380', 25' Auto. I own a Taurus 357 Magnum and a Ruger 38 Special +P. I've shot 45's , 9mm, which I had jams on the first 3 to 4 fires. Never had any problems with my revolvers. I carry revolver for personal protection. With speed loads.
i love this show, but the sound isnt so great this time
I like your take on the heavier auto-loaders. I wish Beretta would do another mid sized .380 ACP or .32 ACP. Those heavy Berettas are just reliable.
Walther now has .380 semi that is modeled after their CCP M2 9mm. Everyone has different preferences and that is ok. I own both revolvers and semiautomatic pistols.
People should have a revolver to train with. If you can shoot the trigger and master the trigger of a good old fashioned double action revolver, then you can handle any trigger out there. This is only one of the many benefits. I personally wouldn’t carry one, but I want it for the benefits of maintaining a standard of finger strength (in both hands) that would allow me to pick up and shoot anything in the field. I like Clint Smith’s mentality of being a “master of weaponscraft.” You are the weapon, and the weapon is only as reliable as you are. You won’t get to pick what weapon you have in extreme situations, and you may very well be given a revolver. It doesn’t hurt to get experience in many different weapons platforms instead of sticking to “favorites.” I also like the ambidextrous nature of the revolver. Good video. Take care.
My sp101 crane became loose and locked the cylinder out of battery. My security six with 357 would friction lock the cylinder and forcing cone after 35-+ rounds
Did ruger fix them
@@W1ldt1m I’m not sure. Roger said I broke the frame of my SP101 so they replaced it but I think it’s only a matter of time until it breaks again
Love your channel . I got rid of all my semi autos . It came down to I don’t like the 9mm cartridge or really any semi auto cartridge . 357 magnum is my favorite . And the 38special and 44 magnum are a very close second . I have 5 gp 100s and two ruger super red hawks . To me the ruger is the best go to revolver . So easy to break down and do a good detailed cleaning . Like you I yet to have a problem with a revolver . Originally had colt pythons new ones but after costly mistakes I found it was the look I liked more than the gun . The ruger lights out.
I like my revolvers, but.... the key lock on one of my S&W 357’s has engaged over and over while shooting 38 +Ps. I had the lock removed by a gunsmith and he put a plug in place of the lock (it eorks fine now). My Ruger 9mm LCR still has a federal projectile stuck in the barrel. The “squib” happened with factory ammo. If you have a Ruger 9mm LCR, I recommend only shooting Hornady CD 115gr thru it. The timing on my Heritage .22 LR/22Mag is off. If shot, the projectiles get shaved entering into the barrel causing projectile debris to fly in the face. I have a German made revolver, the trigger kinks up and is inoperative at times. I have many different brands/calibers of revolvers and like them very much, but.....
I haven't had a 9mm revolver yet. But I thought to myself if I did, I would use that ammo because it has a cannelure right at the brass mouth. I could roll crimp that.
Yes sir, I agree, that crimped projectile is the trick. Your work is much appreciated. Thumbs up on the info you share with us. The Ruger .327 LCR is my trusted tool and I enjoyed your thoughts on it.
Draw, point, pull, BANG! Revolver.
I also find it depends on the caliber you want to shoot it's kinda hard to find an automatic that shoots 357m also if you want to carry concealed. I don't think a person would carry a large caliber revolver for personal protection, but it would be funny in a street defense situation to have someone pull out an Alaskan for personal protection the size of that caliber( I mean the the 454 or the 480) the size of those would scare the heck out of most robbers and if you shoot it that should take the fight out of most
Haha, I have often thought though that a .454 would be great for defense, just like for the Rock in that move Faster...but seriously, I do think it's good as there's some nice .45 Colt rounds it can fire.
@@GunSam true but I had to say that because I knew you would get a laugh out of that lol. I don't know if it can be found but in the late 60's to early 70's there was a tv show called safari to adventure where in one show the host killed an elephant with a 45 long colt
My experience of revolver / auto "reliability" pretty much matches yours almost 100%. Over many years of watching CCW classes of fairly new shooters, I can safely predict that you WILL see multiple auto failures EVERY range class and ZERO revolver failures in the hands of both experienced and new shooters. NOW I do conduct a examination of each handgun before first range class, and I HAVE found revolvers with mechanical issues (autos too!), but 99% of the time the problem was home gunsmithing / cleaning that had internal parts improperly installed. Almost all the time the revolver or auto could be quickly returned to proper operation. Almost always the revolver is 100% ready to go after correction, while many times an auto is sidelined until the extractor / ejector / magazine / recoil spring etc has to be ordered and replaced.
Worn cylinders that don’t quite line up with the barrels sending lead shavings back in ur face. Cases that swell up and hard to get out of revolvers. Low capacity on holding ammunition so both do have their share of problems.
They all have a place for a reason even if you have to ditch it.
Exactly. I ran the "cheapest" Rock Island 1911 and ran 1000s of rounds through it without hiccups. I can't say that about my pocket autos. Thanks to this channel, I found a minty S&W Model 30-1 3" and promptly reamed the cylinder out to H&R Magnum. It is so easy to shoot, it's almost cheating. I bobbed the hammer and smoothed the trigger face.
I agree with you. A clean revolver is more reliable than most semi autos. I've been shooting, carrying and reloading my own ammo for 10 years. I currently own more semi auto handguns than revolvers, but around town I like to pocket carry my Ruger LCR 9mm because it draws from my pocket much easier than any of my square butt semi autos. The rounded rear portion of the hammerless revolver doesn't have any snag points in my pocket. When I head out of town the LCR 9mm stays in my pocket, but it becomes my backup to my Sig P365 on my hip. The bonus is the spare mag for the Sig can be used as a speed loader for the revolver if I ever needed. I have the Ruger LCP2, Glock 42 and Beretta Pico in 380 acp and they are all small enough to pocket carry, but I've had a few malfunctions with each of them over the years so that's another reason why I choose to pocket carry the Ruger LCR 9mm instead. I've never had a malfunction with any revolver I've ever shot. A 3rd reason why I like the Ruger LCR 9mm as a pocket gun is because I make several trips to the post office every week and it's much easier to pop out that 9mm moon clip to unload the gun when I lock it up in my car across the street from the post office. With a semi auto I have to remove the mag, extract the round in the chamber, and then lock up the gun. Loading and unloading the revolver with a moon clip in these situations seems a lot easier for me than having to do that with a semi auto. Plus it's not good to rechamber over and over again the same round of ammo in a semi auto because you might eventually cause bullet setback in the casing or damage the HP tip or wear out the rim of the case from the extractor claw pulling it out of the chamber dozens of times. With the moon clip in the revolver I don't risk damaging the ammo no matter how many times I load and unload the gun.
Interesting points. And the post office lol. One of those places that is federal, so technically illegal to carry on their property. I have never heard of anyone getting into trouble there with a gun though.
@@GunSam Yeah, well I live in an anti-gun state ( CT ) where I'm sure they aren't going to let anyone off if they did get caught on postal property. I can't even park my car in their parking lot. I have to park across the street to be legal.
I've seen BOTH fail over the years from mechanical issues, broken springs, firing pins ect. Most malfunctions were not being cleaned properly or at all. My BiL has a friend with more $ than brains and he took a auto and revolver, shot them a ton and NEVER cleaned them. A 66 smith that was so dirty the cylinder only turned single action and a old 39 S&W you had to tap the back of the slide to get it to chamber a round. Ran them till they quit and THEN cleaned them. Both worked as they should. If it's mechanical it will fail at some point. The fewest failures I've seen in 40 odd years are Ruger revolvers and Glocks. YMMV.
A friend of mine was a Marine in Nam. Because of his small size and being a Tennessee country boy he was "volunteered" to be his units tunnel rat. He would not take a 45 auto into one of those tunnels. What he did take was a 38 revolver he recovered from a downed chopper where the pilot was no longer in need of the one he was carrying. He said there were just to many things to think about with the 45 in such a confined, muddy, dark hell hole, not to mention trying to maintain a proper grip on the grip safety while crawling on his belly with a flashlit in the other hand. With the 38 all he had to think about was getting of the first shot off, which he was always able to manage with the revolver.
I carry a revolver primarily because I am old and an encounter will probably be very close up. The revolver wont go out of battery. I have had less malfunctions with revolvers but when they happen you better have a back up. At one time I was shooting a lot of 38 spl reloads and only remember 1 bad primer out of thousands of rounds. I have had a 357 mag revolver cylinder not close because a spec of residue got behind the ejector star on a reload. Easy fix once you figured out what happened. Bad rounds will mess up any gun. I had a primer back out on a big name factory 44 mag and lock up my revolver. I also had a bad crimp on a big name factory 45ACP destroy an aluminum frame1911. I have not had any problems with my Glocks jamming but I have had some handguns that went away because I did not trust them. Dirt and revolvers do not mix. They have to be kept clean.
Do you have any experience with Charter Arms revolvers? I’ve seen them at a couple local gun shops and are fairly priced. Also American made so that’s nice.
Charter Arms revolvers are great, but they use a sandwich frame design that I'm not crazy about. It's just me, though, I've always heard good things. Taurus Defender in .38+p with g10 grips is a really nice ultra light with a 3 inch barrel. Its under $400 most times. Maybe $425 pandemic prices.
I agree. 100%. I appreciate your opinion and experience. Revolver with .38spl +P is completely adequate.
When some people test reliability they think they need to stuff it with mud and drop it on concrete. This may be a good test for war when you may encounter that type of environment, but it's not a good test for a concealed carrier. My environment is pulling a clean gun out of a clean holster. Under those conditions revolvers are far more reliable. I've shot enough of both to know. This is especially true when you start to shrink the size of the pistol. Revolvers don't loose any reliability as you make them smaller.
Exactly lol. I got a few comments already, and i'm like....how will I be falling in quick sand in the Walmart parking lot or my living room?
So if you get sucker punched and land on the concrete of a parking lot, you can 100% guarantee your gun will be completely saved from the fall? Or is it more likely that you'll try to brace yourself with your hands and smack the gun into the concrete? Are you preparing to CCW to protect yourself from attack or to attack someone unaware? In which of these situations is it more likely that you'll be the one recovering from the fall?
@@jacobackley502 At that point ... planning on busting out a can of spinach, and kicking Bluto's ass!
Carrying in the pocket, being able to have a hand in a pocket when seeing sketchy shit with nobody knowing im holding a gun, and shooting through a coat pocket are my reasons for liking revolvers. Carrying on the belt it's usually g19 with a light and optic
I have done that with the pocket revolver lol
Excellent points made. I do agree.
Do you have any recommendations for cleaning kits/tools for handguns? Have you piecemealed your cleaning kit together or bought as a set?
I have basically used whatever I had at the time, but personally I find any of the cheap caliber specific handgun cleaning kits to work well. I will then typically buy a second copper wire brush for that kit. Like, I will buy a 9mm/357 kit as I own more in that caliber range than anything, then buy a .32 and .45 brush to clean everything else. I just use CLP with everything and it all works fine.
@@GunSam Okay cool. You run copper or lead remover in the bore or forcing cone every so often? Use jags for squeezing patches along the bore walls?
"Lucky Gunner" has a great vid on revolvers and their reliability! He quotes one of his teachers: "Semi-autos tolerate abuse, revolvers tolerate neglect".
Ofc revolvers are more reliable from a "cycling" standpoint. They don't rely on recoil momentum to to the work (which i'm sure many reloaders are very happy with...)
Other revolver specific failures like cylinder jams or the likes usually only happen with cheap or unmaintained, gunky revolvers from what i've heard [not experienced one myself yet], so I'd not really consider them an issue for somebody who knows what he's doing/buying).
The real implied question with these type of comparisons usually is a different one though:
It's whether that reliability advantage translates to a higher likelyhood of getting out of a sticky situation, which is a lot more complex a question.
Revolver people will usually go on about "what if your pistol jams", but categorically refuse to entertain the thought of "what if 6 rounds are not enough". Why are these questions treated differently?
Nothing is black and white, there's no absolutes. Your survival chance is probabilities left and right...
You're more likely than not to go through 10 cylinders worth of ammo before you have a single hickup, even if your semi auto failure rate is 10 in 1000 (which i find disturbingly high, i haven't had a single malfunction with either my G19 and PPQ yet, the latter alone has gone through over 3,200 rounds of all types of ammo from 65-165gr, not counting CCI shotshell cycling issues).
Considering pro revolver arguments usually include phrases like "6 is enough", even with your ridiculously high failure rate the semi auto gun will get the job done with >94% likelyhood.
The rest of it is speculations and probabilities ... For the revolver to be flatout "better" these assumptions would need to hold:
- revolvers never fail
- the likelyhood of 6 rounds not being enough is less than 5% ...
- a hickup in a semi cannot be cleared and will 100% lead to your demise
- you can shoot the revolver at least as good and fast as a semi
Neither of these can be said for certain. The answer is probably somewhere in between.
That is close enough for me to say: Shoot whatever you are (or can get) more proficient with.
Also: Not all pistols/revolvers are created equal. Neither is the ammo. To find out what works for you is your responsibility.
Also thank you for your uploads, i thoroughly enjoy them :)
For you who disagree, Sam was specifically addressing new shooters, new firearms owners, yada, yada. I own many of each, have had more than one malfunction with autos, and one with a revolver. A Ruger Security Six, after 40 years of shooting it, had a screw came out. My fault, no maintenance checks on that part in 40 years. I laughed, took out a screw driver, lock rite, and 7 years later, still works, perfectly. My experience matches Sam almost exactly. I have three Ruger, four Smiths, two Taurus Trackers, 4 x 1911’s, a Glock, BDA, Beretta’s...... and with the exception of the Glock, had at least one malfunction with more than half of the others.
I carry a Ruger LCR most of the time.
Keep it clean, and train with it regularly, and you will be well served by either type. That being said, I admit to a preference for revolvers because with my training and experience I am more confident in them. This is not to say that I don't know how to clear common problems with a semi-automatic (I do), but that my muscle memory is better suited to a revolver. As for capacity, if you live in a state with limits on magazine capacity, semi-automatics lose a lot of their capacity advantage.
When I go to the range, I usually take two guns that use the same ammo so if one gun breaks, I can switch to my second weapon in order to continue shooting without interruption instead of stopping to repair the broken weapon.
Over the decades (since early 1970s), many times I have had to resort to my backup semi-automatic gun. I have yet to resort to my backup revolver.
Truth is I love them both but I have to say that I have never pulled the trigger on a revolver and it didn't go off I can't say that about the Semi..
Yes, semi automatics are more capable firearms; however, the design is more complex, with more variables that can go wrong. That also means it takes more effort to make them right, and it also means you have to pay more to get the same value of reliability. Revolvers are beautiful, elegant, reliable and Powerful hand guns, and you don't sacrifice reliability for capability. Yes, 6, 7, 8 shots is limited capacity, but there is a 0.0001% chance that you will need 15 rounds in a self defense situation. In fact, most self defense situations are resolved with only two shots fired, so even a 5 shot compact revolver is going to be good enough for 98% of civilian self defense situations you may end up in. If you want a semi-auto, then do research on which company is going to put the effort to make a quality firearm for you, because revolvers have been made for a longer time, and we understand how to make one work well. Semi-autos are relatively new to us still, and it takes a lot of effort to make one right.
I have had issues with the Glocks. I have never had my wheel guns stop spinning prematurely.
Well said sam. Got into it with Yeager about this. I say they are right, at least nowadays, auto's are equally reliable in 2020 as revolver's are. BUT....and this is a big BUT, that not many at all think about in there decision for a cary gun, Is when you add in shooter induced malfunctions to the equation. Wich is more likely than EVER In a self defense situation. Revolver's are almost "bullet proof" to a shooter induced malfunction. People who say there gun has NEVER not once malfunctioned, needs to shoot more. Guns malfunction some times, that's just what they do. A Revolver is more adapted for up close self defense than any auto. If your a cop, carry a Glock, if your just a concerned citizen, carry a Smith!
I think though, I have heard James say that all handguns should be Glock, all Glocks should be 9mm and all 9mm Glocks should be Glock 19. AND, in that platform absolutely, as this is the minimum size pistol with the minimum high power cartridge that does it all, not only good stopping power but because there's just enough weight and the cartridge is just low enough in power, it functions for most people. The issue I take is when people then transfer that common knowledge that a mid to large frame 9mm as being great, over into like an LCP and claim that the LCP is "better" than a S&W J-frame or LCR. This is certainly not the case and that's why I look at handguns as a whole, as a whole revolvers are always more reliable than semi autos, but in duty sized guns in 9mm not really. So of course, if someone is going to take up enough real estate on the hip for a full size gun, absolutely a G19/17 makes more sense than a S&W 686 or SP101. But in pocket guns, compact guns or POWERFUL guns, revolvers are so much more reliable.
@@GunSam Once again sam, well said brother. Yea I've heard james say that too before lol. When we evaluate every aspect of self defense, for regular people, revolver's are always more reliable. I would go as far to say, and I think I've heard you say too, that if a full size auto is what you want, carry a metal gun. Limp wristing is less applicable in a solid steel frame gun. I've got glock 17's a 19 and 26. I manly only use auto's in IDPA though. But when I do want to put down my 686+, or 69, or 586, or the like for one of my auto's, I go with my CZ 75 bd. Not only for the wight of the gun, but also for the revolver like peice of mind of a double action trigger when carrying it. And as you know, after the first shot you have a nice single action trigger.
It depends on the purpose if your military and your downrange and you are exchanging shots with insurgents that are armed with AKs while they're buddies are firing mortars in your direction it makes more sense to have the most possible ammunition. But if you're walking down a city street and some a****** pulls a knife or tries to pull a gun what's more important than capacity is the absolute certainty that the weapon will fire you need that weapon to fire if it doesn't you're screwed because it's unlikely that you're going to have a squad fully automatic weapon nearby that you can just pick up she probably not traveling with fire team I can watch your back and cover you while you get your weapon back up online civilian self-defense scenarios happen quickly and usually it's your actions and your actions alone that make the difference in life and death. If it were me I'd rather have an auto loader select fire like the M4 carbon and carried in the military but I will say this I would have rather had any revolver than that stupid M9 Beretta they issued me. That thing was like tits on a bowl it jammed every third shot. as a civilian in the self-defense scenario you shouldn't be trying to engage the bad guy in a protracted fire fight you should be drawing your weapon aiming at center Mass clearly saying stop multiple times as many times as you can anyway and when he gets too close for comfort if he's still coming at you and he's still a threat put two center Mass. That's more likely to go over well however with a revolver than with an auto loader because what if your magazine is warped without your knowledge. The slightest warp can cause feeding issues you might be one of those people that does not carry with around into chamber in that case you may forget to chamber around before you draw or as you're drawing due to the adrenaline and the confusion and stress of the situation so it's much better to have a revolver with no external safety that you can pull and fire because it is so reliable it's so reliable because it's so simple the last moving parts the last can go wrong less I'm sorry. I'm not knocking on a loaders they're great for military and law enforcement purposes where you need high capacity over absolute as close to absolute certainty that it will be reliable but when you're alone you have only one weapon and you're attacked reliability is more important than capacity because after you put those round center Mass you should be seeking cover after that you should seek the next cover until you're pretty far from the situation and once you are far enough call the police and tell them what's going on what happened and the location of the bad guy. But yeah I'd much rather have a reliable revolver simplistic but effective and trustworthy if I was attacked while being alone or threatened with a weapon while I was alone however if I'm part of a team that's going after the bad guys not just trying to fend off an attack by bad guys then obviously I'm going to want the capacity that's the difference civilian self-defense should be geared towards fending off and attack fighting back but not going out and looking for trouble and definitely not engaging in a long protracted fire fight. Because you can't afford to have a misfire or have a feeding issue when a bad guy is pulling a gun out of his waistband because with that bad guys going to do is say lucky me he's going to pull out his own well yours goes click and then he's going to do away with you so make sure that whatever you carry is reliable above all
Like hinted on in the video -- get a quality handgun (be it revolver or semi-automatic) and take care of it, and and for all practical purposes they will defend you equally well. I have only bought good quality guns (revolver and semi-automatic), clean them after use, and never had a real problem. But then again, I load my own ammo so I know I am not using cheap crap. Just keep in mind, different guns exist to meet different criteria, so get the gun that best suits your intended use.
true on ammo. I have shot some .38 Special ammo that's all black soot and flakes, but my own ammo I usually just use Titegroup at the max and that almost cleans your gun lol. Hundreds of rounds no hang ups in rotation of a revolver, shoot Aguila...10 rounds and you're done.
I am in total agreement
I carried both revolvers and autos during my 30-year law enforcement career. I love both types of firearms. I’ve never had any revolvers malfunction, nor have my autoloaders for that matter. I carried a Beretta 92F for the bulk of my tenure, and also briefly used a Sig P220. Neither auto ever malfunctioned, ever. However, I owned an HK USP .45 that would occasionally stovepipe with FMJ Target ammo, so I quickly sold it.
Regardless, I’ve always cleaned and oiled my handguns after each range visit. I believe that is the key to pistol reliability. Almost all the malfunctions I’ve seen in autoloaders was with very dirty, poorly lubricated guns.
Excellent video and you’re absolutely right
I'm with you on the regular use & cleaning reliability. How reliable are both when they drop in sand or mud? How reliable will they be if not cared for, stuffed with lint and pocket crumbles?
The Block will be done if it drops in mud (e.g. InRangeTV G19). In testing it's always interesting when things fall apart and show the strong suits and weak points under various conditions. If that mud drop really happens, can you clean the revolver? I'd like to see how you clean a dirty revolver, not one that was on the range for two days but one that was in the mud or sand or full of lint to see where it fails and how to quickly fix it with minimal tools. I don't want that to say "see, see, it's not reliable", I want to know how to do it properly with minimal damage and get it working quickly. I think that would make for a good video and I can't recall anything like it on youtube (revolver mud test rarely, but not cleaning + how to after that).
Mud the Wheelgun S01E01
While a sand and mud test might be interesting, I fail to see it's value in general. In my 40 years of life I cannot recall one time with or without a gun where I fell into sand or mud, and as an adult that chance has decreased by 200%. So the way I see it, my revolver falling into sand or mud is as likely as me falling in a craft store and my revolver somehow getting it's bore, chambers and cylinder filled with and wrapped with yarn and becoming jammed. One might think of soldiers or cops falling into sand or mud, but obviously they are not me, the battlefield is a different environment than aisle 7 of Walmart.
@@GunSam
If you only base everything on you personal experience, that's a case of anecdotal evidence. The question was not how likely it is, but what to do to get it running again IF it happens. I think that would be a helpful video on youtube for all revolver owners in that situation. Keep in mind how many revolver owners use them for hunting or protection against dangerous animals. Nobody ever slipped and fell on a hunt, not a muddy trail in sight while hiking or camping. Nobody says it would be easy or safe to do without a gun vise. You could just show where the dirt lands and where to quickly remove it to get it operable again. If some things almost never happen, who needs to learn about hang fires?
Gun_Sam I have had personally had an issue with a very serious failure with a brand new Smith and Wesson 686. It had serious timing issues (and a canted barrel I did not recognize in my inspection). Lead spit out and cut my hand. Also locked up at one point. Naturally I ceased shooting and sent it back to Smith and Wesson. The replaced the barrel, repaired the crane and hand. FWIW I have not had issues like that with any semi-auto. It can happen, which points out the value of a lifetime warranty like Smith or good policies like Ruger. But that's the thing -- a revolver being more complicated if it has serious flaws you will see it first time out at the range. Mine is fine now.
The stuff that guys like John Correia complain about -- revolvers are not capable of firing 200-300 rounds in a class without some serious cleaning, is more an issue that the gun is not adapted to their classes not the fault of the gun. No civilian hand gun is likely to go through 100 rounds plus in a gunfight, and like Hickok45 notes, a revolver is unbeatable for putting first six or twelve rounds on target reliably. After that, unburnt powder under the star can be problematic. At the range I keep an old toothbrush on hand for that reason and also a spare cleaning brush. Yeah a S&W Shield can run 100 rounds in a class easy but how indicative is that of what an armed civilian needs for defense? Clint Smith carries revolvers upon occasion. Jim Cirillo carried Smith and Wesson .357s. That set up trades capacity for sheer power.
Thanks for this video. Among your most awesome and that's saying something.
I know how that type of thing goes, not on a S&W revolver but in general with a very popular firearm. Like, with my Glock I had several videos where the magazine would drop randomly. People would laugh and scoff and I heard it all, but ultimately it was the most popular make of firearm and I was the only one it was happening to, everyone else claiming no problems ever and acting like i'm lying, so I have been there. As far as revolvers go, the only time I have ever had flakes under the extractor was with my .32 S&W Long reloads, low charge with Universal powder. With my .38+P loads I can go 1,000 rounds with no build up as I use a faster powder loaded hot.
I love revolvers and semi autos even though I am a semi auto guy I hate when people are like “ semi autos suck all you have to do is neglect the hell out of them and use the shittiest hand loads and they fail to work. But my brand new revolver shooting premium ammo is perfect. “
Love revolvers and love my big and small frame Glocks. Comes down to what you can use best to fight well. I'm more effective with the Glocks, but I always have a revolver with me. My Ruger SBH 44mag has jammed twice now. A sliver of bullet jacket shears off on the forcing cone and jams the cylinder so it won't turn. I'm gonna have it fixed though, love that gun.