Revolvers are Still Relevant! Dispelling Revolver Misconceptions & Showing my Techniques
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Giving some points to why revolvers are still relevant for self defense, exposing the myths and poor techniques people often share and showing my shooting and reloading techniques. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.co...
I was taught to shoot handguns with revolvers. The people who trained me were old, not quite Elmer Keith old, but not far from it. I have recently been coming home to revolvers and truly enjoy them. I took an LCR in 327 federal magnum to the range and several of the guys I was shooting with wanted to try it. I was SHOCKED that I had to teach the ranger master how to operate a revolver. He shot it six times then went on and on about how bad a revolver is now that he as tried one. He said “the entire frame twists and distracts you from the sight picture.” He said that the Ruger LCP is far superior for self defense. I would say that six rounds of 327 Federal Mag with no chance to jam is far superior to 7 rounds of 380.
lol. The funny things semi auto guys say. LCP sucks lol.
My Grandfather was friends with Mr Kieth. Mr Keith taught my Grandfather fine points of Revolvers and my Grandfather taught Mr Keith, the fine points of mule packing.
I will take an over powered wheel 🔫 gun, Any day instead of a under powered semi-automatic!!!
@@joelclark2130 Ill take the one that i can control accurately, when needed.
@@TightwadTodd Yup I have to agree, train with what you can handle. . Wheel guns are not my favorite but. They are very effective if trained and handled correctly. But in hunting scenario, I'll take a revolver over my automatic any day
Started my career in ‘68 w/a department issued revolver and it saved my life more than once. My hands are XLG and I grip the revolver by crossing both thumbs across the backstrap & that helps w/recoil. I reloaded my issued Colt Detective Spl w/a speedloader in a ‘74 gunfight, but don’t recall if I switched hands (I’m a lefty) in the heat of that moment. Those old Colts had a longer ejector rod so my casings cleared easily & I was back in the fight quickly. In retirement my EDC is the no lock 340PD, small & light enough to be an always-gun. Thx for pointing out these common misconceptions about our old wheel guns, especially for all of us old timers still carrying them. As an aside my wife has serious RA (we’re in our 70s) so I understand how difficult shooting can be for you sometimes.
Internal locks are a ridiculous solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Anyone who actually locks up the action of their handgun might as well just take out the firing pin too, because both of which make the piece completely useless.
Agree! The stupid lock is a solution in search of a problem.
When I was going through Marine Security Guard Training at the FBI range in the 1980s, we were taught to reload our revolvers exactly the way you did in the video. It was more secure in a stressful situation. Some guys still dumped rounds anyway, because the trainers really put it on us. I always reload that way. When I see someone trying to reload with the offhand I think novice! We were trained by the best at the time because our lives and the American citizens we were protecting at the Embassies around the world depended on it. I enjoyed this video a lot. Thanks.
Thanks for your insight!
I did the police firearms instructor course at Camp Smith in 1982 and that was also the way we were taught. It was easy for me because it was the way I had been doing it that way for over a decade,
Oh, you mean those novices, like Tiger Mckee ??????
@@TightwadTodd I think he explained it in the video and Tiger whoevers life does not depend on it. Your average Joe does not have all that fancy crap hanging off them.
@@gud2go50 Let me introduce you to Mr Mckee...ua-cam.com/video/HcEvPooZXO8/v-deo.html
My first revolver was a Taurus 850 chambered in .38 special. The double action trigger pull was very stiff and awkward for me. I traded it off toward a S&W Pre-WW2 K - Frame .38 special with a 5 inch barrel (I know, not too easily concealed compared to the snubnose) but the difference in trigger pull is unmatched. Much smoother. I agree with what you said regarding you get what you pay for. If you’re truly interested in revolvers and becoming proficient in them, it’s worth the extra money to spend a little extra on a Colt or S&W.
You’re one of THE best shooting coaches we know, and everyone appreciates your kindly patience in helping the few who are set in their ways to see that they (and the rest of us) are learning from one great handgun professori!
So. Much. This.
thanks sam, thats all i carry and people are always telling me im crazy, i just love a revolver
Excellent video. As one who started training with revolvers in 1973, carried one in uniform for many years and have loved them ever since, I always enjoy hearing from those who appreciate and understand them. Hopefully, some will learn something from this video. Well done!
Thanks!
I was born in 2000, and I love my revolvers. I only have two so far, but I've practiced a lot with them. I have many autoloaders, but I don't find them as fun to shoot as revolvers.
Thank you Sam. Very good points covered. Your reloading technique was taught to L.E. during the seventies and eighties and is what I use even though I'm a lefty. As for capacity, I came across an interesting quote from Jeff Cooper. He commented that the more capacity one had, the more the shooter tended to waste shots and referenced an incident that happened during the Korean war when his vehicle was ambushed by an assailant with a submachine gun. He emptied one magazine before Cooper took him out with one shot of his 1911 while he was trying to reload.
That's exactly the NYPD thing, where in the early 90's the average shots fired was tripled if I recall. Same outcome, just tripled shots with the added effect of often hitting bystanders.
You bet us Wheelgunners are always relevant! 👍🏻🤠
Great video Sam! Like many of us older folks, I started with revolvers when I got into handguns 40+ years ago. I switched to predominantly semi-autos over the years and lost some of my wheelgun skills. I have made an effort to reacquainted myself as of late and actually improved my overall handgun skills as a result. Sometimes a revolver is the right choice for specific conditions
Thank you
Excellent Revolver How To Video. Have been thinking about the Taurus 942 Executive as my 1st revolver. A bit pricey but way more economical than S&W.
Such an awesome video; so much revolver wisdom and insights packed into this one! Definitely worthy of a rewatch or two for me, as a beginner. And .357 Magnum is one of the absolute best for human defense out of all of the handgun calibers... I now pretty much consider it to be a hand cannon round - despite being smaller and lighter than the big bores (I've recently watched a handgun caliber comparison which showed that .357 Magnum has a recorded stopping power history against human threats of a little bit better than 40 S&W - and the same as .44 Magnum, even!)... It's like the Corvette of handgun calibers, it seems - fairly light but with maximum power in a small package! Elmer Keith definitely did something right in developing .357 Magnum... So no - revolvers aren't antiquated (or at least they're still relevant). 💥🔫😃
Thank you
Excellent video! I am definitely a fan of the revolver. My father had a .38 and that was the first handgun I shot. When I grew old enough to purchase one, I bought a .357(still have it). I own several semi-autos and like them as well, but there is something about a good revolver that makes me partial to them. The most overlooked thing is that they are natural pointers. Worst case you don't need to use the sights. I demonstrated this to a friend at the range when I fired a 3-inch group from the hip at about 5 yards with my snub. Accuracy trumps capacity.
Nailed it right on the head, Gun Sam! Absolute truth. Your reload method is the one taught by Massad Ayoob, and is the one I use. In my armed guard days I carried a 4" S&W 625 Mountain Gun in 45 ACP using full moon clips. During semi-annual qualification, on the range, I almost always beat the guys carrying autos during the reload phase in putting two rounds on target. No one ever beat me, although a couple of times auto-pistol guys did equal my time for two rounds on target after reload!
As a retired LEO, I started my career with the 357 mags., before transferring to the 9 mm auto. Now I carry an appendix method with both the revolvers (chief special model 36) and my autos. I also carry 3 or 4 o'clock. My biggest concern nowadays is the threats of multiple attackers due to the open borders. I have been carrying more with my autos than my revolvers because of the change in threat levels. Honestly, I'm torn about the reliability of my autos and just may go back to my revolvers. I like the thought of the maximum power of my 357 more than my 9 mm, As always, I very much enjoy your videos.
Bought a revolver last week to carry. It was like a breath of fresh air. The stress and tension of carrying auto loaders vanished. The risk of shooting my self is now about zero. I can carry it when I’m sleepy or sick. I can sleep with it or throw it in a pocket or slip it into a holster in a perfectly relaxed state of mind. I don’t have to worry about it. My HK with the LEM V1 trigger requires EXTREME caution, HAS to be in a holster and is best avoided on brain fog days. I feel like I’ve been set free. Thanks!
I know what you mean. When I first concealed carried I was carrying a Glock 36. I would go to the mall and whatnot, and even though mechanically impossible, it was never ending thought like it's gonna fall out my holster, and it's going to somehow fire, or somehow it's gonna slip up in the holster, trigger pull in public, or while fastening seatbelts or whatever. In my pocket a little revolver never gives me worry.
@@GunSam Same here! I don’t like the firearm dominating my daily thought life and my physical lifestyle. Plus, when I go to shooting ranges, I don’t think all those bullet holes above the firing line came from revolvers 😁
I’ve been an auto guy for years and carry one. I decided to get a revolver. Now, I get it. There’s a type of soul to a nice wheelgun that isn’t even present in autos.
Revolvers have there place always, people seem to have the there's only one way to do this, wrong! A gun is a tool, you need a different tool for every job, and there is plenty of things that revolvers do that auto's can't, and vise versa of course, you are correct less rounds tend to make a more accurate shooter, make em count ladies and gentlemen!! is nice to be able to drop the rounds into your hand for us reloaders, pain for autos on that account, way more powerful cartridges available, better accuracy, more reliable, longer range with longer barrels available, stupid simple to operate, they are truly awesome and the crown jewels of handguns , good job 👍
Thanks for a great video! Too many people dismiss revolvers as a viable self defense option, but they overlook the ease of use and lack of user induced malfunctions revolvers provide.
Now that I have 2 snubbies thanks to Sam. I rotate from an S&W 442 and an LCR 327 Fed Magnum on my hip and a SeeCamp 32acp in my pocket.
Perfect timing for this video,i am cleaning my carry revolvers from my range trip today,i will make another point in 27 years of carrying everyday and shooting at least once a week i have seen many folks buy small revolvers go right out to the range come out 10min later and complain they can't shoot it,spend 15 min with them and things slowly start changing ,some folks don't spend the time or wanna spend the time and now with the optics fad forget it,for me inside 10 yards there is no better tool than a small light snubby that you can comfortably carry all day and get fast accurate hits.
Good video! Revolvers and semi autos each have their place. You’re right about one thing- most semi auto shooters do shoot them badly.
sometimes even cheap revolvers shoot well. Last week I was at the range and shot the rock island 206 snub nose revolver and it shot amazing groups with my 158 grain 38 special reloads.
One thing I like about revolvers is the heavier trigger pull. Less likely for an unplanned discharge in a high stress scenario.
I was 50 years old before I bought my first semi auto handgun and now have dozens and love them all but I love my revolvers, single action double action from 22 to 454 !
One thing's for sure they always go bang, and they're very simple to use
The trigger pulls on revolvers are just smoother. Polymer semi autos feel like toys
I generally prefer a revolver over a semi-auto for self and home defense for several reasons. I'll cite a few here. There's no failure to eject, no failure to feed, and no stovepiping issues associated with a revolver. Second reason: if a round fails to fire, simply pull the trigger again to get to the next round. The added bonus to that is, that round may still be good. It may still fire. You just keep pulling the trigger until you get back to that round and maybe it'll fire. With a semi-auto, however, once you've ejected the round, that round is already useless to you. Third reason is that, while today's semi-auto is accurate and more reliable than the semi-auto of yesteryear, a revolver is still inherently more reliable and accurate than a semi-auto because the barrel is affixed to the frame.
I just wanna add one more thing, sort of in a biased way: For every semi-auto that's out there, there's always gonna be a revolver that's more powerful than that semi-auto.
A wonderful survey of good points about revolvers! The only thing you missed is the emergency ability to shoot one from INSIDE of a pocket! I taught myself to shoot with double action revolvers and do not regret it! Isolating the action of the trigger finger from the gripping fingers is what it is all about. I gravitated to internal hammer double action only revolvers like the S&W Centennial because I only carried loose in the pocket and lint evasion and a smooth draw was essential. "Slicker than eels in a bucket owl spit!" I did make a pocket holster after all. Auto pistols with high capacity give a tendency to just spray bullets; a revolver encourages deliberate AIM in training. Television shows teach the absolutely WRONG way to shoot anything! BY THE WAY, I am still hoping you can find and test the Charter Arms .32 H&R Magnum "Professional" model. It is a seven-shot, three-inch, compact concealed carry revolver, now in stainless or blue steel. It has been out for two years but never advertised, or reviewed in magazines or on the Toob. I really want to want one!.................................elsullo
Thanks. I have showed here and there in the past the inside the pocket thing.
Before I offend the auto guys I will mention that I edc a 1911 .45acp. With some exceptions a revolver is more accurate than an auto. Revolvers tend to be more powerful than autos... .357, .41, and .44 magnums were all developed to be revolver only. Revolvers very seldom have any malfunction. I've shot over 10,000 rounds in a Colt Python without a single misfire. Nobody teaches how to clear a revolver jam because they just don't happen. Food for thought... the '86 FBI Miami gunfight featured Agents with 9s, 38s, .357s, and a friggin 12ga shotgun. The fight ended when an Agent with a .357 magnum shot the bank robbers with well places shots. Autos faster? My lifetime best on bowling pins was 5 pins in 2.5 seconds with a S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum. Bill Jordan an old school cop and experienced gunfighter designed that gun. Old Bill used to draw and shoot aspirin tablets in .3 seconds as a demonstration... one third of a second. My advice... pick a gun you like and shoot the living crap out of it. Practice is more important than who made it, what style it is, or what caliber. If you buy a gun to edc try to shoot 10 or better 20 boxes of ammo asap. No doubt you will notice around the 1000 round mark that you are making dependable hits and know all the quirks of your gun.
Thanks for supporting the good old Revolver! I'm tired of magazine issues,failure to feed,failure to eject, stove piping,ect on my pistols. Next gun will be a Revolver!
I love revolvers, I wouldn't get rid of my 357mag snubbie for anything. I hate seeing someone mistreating a nice revolver by slamming it shut because they saw it on a movie. Movies have most ppl with a false idea about revolver. And maybe my snub nose isn't accurate at 50yrd but gonna be hard to explain self defense at that distance. Great video as usal👍👍🔫
My Colt King Cobra snubby is my favorite CC for safety and firepower
The Revolvers have been working just fine, for almost 200 years.
I'm the same way as I have the same amount of semi autos and revolvers. I tend to carry a semi auto more often but I kind of like revolvers more if that makes any sense. "An elegant weapon for a more civilized age" if you will.😁
I appreciate the video! I started out on semi autos because I thought they were “smarter” but I never was able to find one that fit my hands well (just the cz75 did).
Then I decided to try a revolver since I thought “tap-rack-bang” was ridiculous in a self-defense scenario.
I’m super glad I did! I can confirm it conceals better (L-frame), can confirm it’s easier to shoot and more reliable (no FtFs, etc.), but it does weigh more (1lb more).
So I just carry both 😏
Give me a good Smith or Ruger, and I'm happy! My favorite is a Smith & Wesson police chief's model 10
You said it well - shot placement is key. One well placed shot with a .357 magnum buffalo bore 180 grain/1500 fps/900 fpe JHP will do the job in 99% of self-defense cases...against humans at least!
A pocket carry J-frame 38 Special +P backup firearm to my shoulder holster carry 44 Magnum/44 Special model 329PD and four speed loader off side holster is my system.
Thanks for putting this out - I agree with everything you said. Revolvers were my first love, but the capacity issue (non-issue?) lead me to think of them as bugs to a semi-auto. The revo, I thought, would be for bad breath range, as the advantages of a wheel gun, especially a snubbie, in close combat are many. So I usually carry both. I found, however, that the snubbie carried more comfortably & concealed better. Then it dawned on me: most unavoidable violent confrontations are going to be in bad breath range, so, unless I plan on visiting somewhere that is plagued by gang violence or riots, the snubbie is actually the better choice for self-defense, since it's useful in ALL defensive ranges, whereas an auto-loader can be useless or even a liability in close combat. So, I'm focusing exclusively on snubbie practice at the range, now, with the goal of being able to shoot one as well as my auto-loaders. I often now just carry 2 snubbies - 1 in each pocket, with 2 speed loaders & a speed strip.
I learned to shoot recreationally with revolvers. They're more fun to shoot and more fun to load ammo for. Although I have my fair share of semi-autos, I am more comfortable shooting revolvers. So it follows my EDC is a Smith 686+ 3" bbl. In warmer months, when light clothing offers less concealment, I move to my compact 9mm though. But I always carry the big Smith when it's practical.
Reloading is one of the best parts of shooting manual loading firearms with internal mags. Levers, bolts, revolvers, pumps. Just feels good
This is the #1 Revolver channel for performance reviews that actually matter in the real world not just on paper. His testing and comparisons actually show real world results that are surprising. Watching his videos will really get you a good education on revolver capabilities.
I remember a gun rag article many years ago called "Revolvers are Omnivores". So classy. Only drawback is capacity and price
Always been a revolver guy. Finally got a 9mm auto-loader. No complaints. Spending lots of time on the range. Still love my wheel guns. Train Train Train.
Lots of good info on double action shooting. I carried a revolver as a duty weapon for many years and never felt under gunned.
I always tip the revolver straight up when ejecting. If there is any loose fouling, it will probably fall out. At an angle, it would go back into the action. The Magnum loads will have slower powders that leave a lot of residue. I would find a duty load that will leave minimum residue. If you handload for the magnums, AA#9 is the best for leaving little residue.
8 months down the road. End of Sept I now carry wheel guns exclusively with speed loaders on my belt. Sold off a few of my "Hi-end" semi-autos in favor of revolvers. I have a Dan Wesson 715 coming in soon from "GB".
This video is on point. 100% learning here. So many good points and tips!Thanks!👍🦃👊
Thanks a lot!
I carry Safariland speedloaders for my 686 and J-frame, for the full-size I keep the reloads in a DeSantis 'Second Six' pouch (A35 SS).
It straddles the belt and holds COMPII's perfectly. Anytime I carry either my L or J, I always have (at least) two full speedloaders on me as well.
Of course I reload with my off-hand and hold the gun with the firing hand, and practice this regularly. But you gotta do whatever works best, no two people are the same.
Great video as always, seriously good content.
I have always swapped hands for a very positive ejection. It allows me to use my right hand to shoot, open, unload, and reload.
@@bobjohnson1633 Yep, honestly the 'correct' answer is to practice reloading with either hand, one handed, etc. But for practical EDC-use I tend to carry reloads that are slightly easier to grab with my left hand while the right hand holds the gun. Especially when I carry in a shoulder-rig, the 2 reloads would be quite awkward to grab with my right hand, albeit doable... I know some people say 'this way' or 'that way' is the ONLY way to reload a revolver, but I honestly don't care what people do. As long as they practice and are effective in whatever way the choose to reload. Sadly most people don't bother to practice reloading their wheel guns at all...
I went through the police academy with a revolver and carried one on duty for the first 4 years. Around that time your typical police service semi-auto was a DA/SA type, I could not get used to 2 different trigger pulls and I went back to a revolver until my agency approved Glocks. However my 2nd go around I worked for an agency that authorized only one gun, a Glock 22 which I still have. I always qualified with a high score with the Glock 22, however my off duty weapon was an S&W 37 air weight and I shot it better than my duty weapon (G22). I've been retired since 2014 and my EDC is a S&W 642 in warm weather and a 2" model 10-7 in cooler weather. I recently picked up as Sig P250 subcompact 9mm it's what I consider a step in the right direction for semi-autos.
On humorous note I remember when I was a Deputy and one of the range officers was an old crusty NYPD officer's comment on the Glock, he said "how do you beat a confession out of a skell with a plastic gun. Skell is a NYPD slang for a scumbag.
I worked for a Sheriff Dept. in So. California in the mid 80's for many years and we carried revolvers and we reloaded and trained the exact same way that you reload.
I have many more auto loaders than revolvers, but I love them and carry both. For full size pistols, I do feel that auto loaders are easier to conceal, they shoot well, and are faster to reload. But, snubs are far easier to carry then anything, except mouse guns, which I also love: Colt Vest pocket, little Berettas, NAA guardians, find their way into my pocket quite often. Revolvers can also handle extremely powerful cartridges with aplomb. I also often carry a Smith 34-1 snub in 22LR around the farm because it can handle snake shots, shorts, quiets, Velocitors, and stingers all in the same cylinder. It’s very convenient and extremely well made. Also, there is no tap, rap, bang. Just pull the trigger again. I normally carry a Sig Legion, Shield, or a 1911, but when driving or sitting a lot, I carry a Rhino 357. I am carrying my Rhino today. With underwood’s, I get 1200 FTPS out of a two inch barrel. Try that with a auto loader with a 2 inch barrel. They can also be fired from point of contact without malfunction. Sometimes I carry a 4.25 inch King Cobra in the woods with dinosaur killers, and hunt with 44 Magnums. So, revolving pistols aren’t going anywhere. Having said all that, there are times when an auto loader makes more sense, and I love them as well. Yesterday, I had my SAO legion. The day before, I had my Shield. When a raccoon was out running around the quail coop late the other night, I grabbed what was handy: my little beretta, and dropped a CCI quiet into the pop up barrel, so as not to scare the horses. My Rhino is perfect for today. Luckily, we can choose what makes the most sense for a given situation. Thanks for the video.
I like a full size pistol as they tend to be reliable, but a pocket revolver as reliability between auto and revolver in the pocket size definitely give the revolver an edge, as totally reliable 6 shots of .327 beats like 6+1 of 9mm like some of the slim frame pocket 9's. In full size, while a nice 7 shot .357 Mag is great, a 5" .40 S&W with 16 rounds makes more sense if i'm going to carry big.
I recently picked up my first revolver s&w 442-1 airweight DA only chambered in 38special and I couldn't be happier I have yet to shoot it but just everyday carry I enjoy it more then my ruger max9
I love my revolvers. Alongside my semi-autos is my 38sp loaded with +P rounds. It's the one closest to my head and the one I trust most to go 'boom' when I pull the trigger.
I'm fortunate to be ambidextrous. I'm usually a leftie, but I shoot right handed, so I reload with my more coordinated hand, and therefore don't need to switch hands.
Long live revolvers and big powerful V8 engines!
I own and use two revolvers and eight semi-automatic handguns. However, I am biased toward revolvers.
In the late 1960s, I purchased my first handgun -- a Colt 357 magnum revolver.
In the early 1990s, I received a 45acp semi-automatic as a gift.
My personal favorite handgun is a 6-inch Smith & Wesson 357 magnum revolver.
My personal favorite semi-automatic is a 6-inch 45 acp Heckler & Koch USP Elite semi-automatic.
I shoot both semi-autos and revolvers. My mind frame with a revolver is to make each shot count. A deliberate revolver shooter will aways be at the advantage to a semi-auto shooter that just sprays the landscape plus I like the idea of "six for sure"! Thanks Gun Sam for a great presentation!
Most of the time I carry a S&W Shield 2.0 (9mm) along with a S&W 438. But if the Shield isn't with me the 438 still is. I call it my float gun because it is always with me. Tis a beautiful piece!
Another great video! You need some snow in the background. I carry revolvers most of the time and it works for me.
I have to kinda laugh at the whole argument. I'm a gun guy. I love them all. I carry both pistols and revolvers. Usually smaller versions of each for concealability. I really don't have a problem or ever feel "underarmed" with anything I carry. I love my revolvers the best though. Something about they way they fit the hand and shoot. Just love them. I probably have an equal amount of both pistols and revolvers. Both are fantastic! Both have advantages over the other. Why the heck argue about it at all? Shoot and love both! lol
I feel the same way. All shoot bullets, and anyone serious with okay skills uses like 5 bullets total in a confrontation. Both do the same thing. The auto allows more cushion for error if it's a reliable auto, but still they both do about the same thing.
Excellent Content Sir,I Have Recently Dumped All Semi Auto's And Have Gone Back Home To Revolvers,More Power,More Reliability,And Just Plain Cooler
My first revolver was a Dan Wesson 44V, 8 inch and after that I had a 4 inch blued Python. I've had others too, I just went to autos after awhile and settled on a combat commander and hi power(and recently bought a XDs OSP in 45 for 399+). I'd love to get one again, I love the Smith model 69 with the short barrel. I just get weird about paying over a grand with tax on a gun. The other thing is, Ruger used to be the value line of good revolvers and now they are priced similarly to the smiths. If the new smiths are like the old ones, the Ruger isn't as good from a trigger perspective and overall quality. My brother has a Redhawk he bought in the 80's and it's a solid gun, but it's not highly finished or refined like a smith was at the time he got it. I've owned Blackhawks, 45 colt and 41 mag, and a speed six too and great utilitarian guns, just not as refined as the smiths were. Maybe things have changed, IDK. I had a model 15 smith that was a work of art in terms of trigger. Double action at 25 yards one could keep it in the black on a 3 inch bull. Anyway, I enjoy your videos, thank you for the content.
Wheelguns are real guns!!! Here in Mi. I carry a 4” Colt Trooper in the winter and either an old S&W m&P 38sp from the late 40’s/ early 50’s or a Charter arms 38 undercover!!!
The revolver is more than adequate in the hands of a trained , skilled user. Legal everywhere, flexible in the ammunition it will function with, and more than enough power in 38/357, 45and 45 to be fight stoppers.
Accuracy, safety, comfort, reliability. While I'm a traditional guy and love the 1911, I'm into recovers for self defense all the way. LCR 327
I started on semi auto talked bad on them. Then I switched to revolvers I only shoot revolvers now and have always trained alot I now am convinced revolvers are 100% the best ccw gun. Only have one semiautomatic and 18 wheel guns. Great content sam
I will add that my two favorite carries are a LCP Max in .380 and a LCRx in .327.
Sam tells it like he see's it & way to go Sam, you are spot on. Thank you for telling like it is..
I’m left handed and reloading can be a little more difficult. That’s why for a long time I only carried semi autos. I practice and practice my own reloading technic and now I carry a snobby with wadcutters in 38 special and SWC in my speed loaders. Thanks Gun Sam!
You only need one reloading method as a lefty. It just requires you carry multiple guns
Good video, and yes revolvers are a viable option!
My first revolver was a 1976 6-inch Colt Python, which unfortunately I sold.
My first duty gun was a 4-inch S&W 686, which I still have. In the 1980s, our team competed in national SWAT competitions, we were some of the few agencies who still used revolvers, but we trained and trained and were very good with it.
Bottom line, no matter the firearm, they all have their good and bad qualities, just train with it until you are proficient!
To that guy who commented about revolvers not being serious needs to go watch ActiveSelfPotection videos. Plenty of revolver usage there that shows they are more than adequate. Not to mention all the national shooting data available that shows less than 4 rounds are often used, so once more revolvers are plenty adequate. That's all that needs to be said as the rest is irrelevant.
I've had people tell me a lot of it not all the same things mentioned in this video. Most of the people saying such things can't even shoot their guns accurately or proficiently. We have an indoor range at my job so I sometimes get called to "test" myself against those claims. I'm not the best shooter or anything so there are some people who are much more proficient than I am who end up shooting better overall but generally concede that revolvers are not as bad as they expected. Others get absolutely smoked on the line by me and my revolvers and I feel like Jerry Miculek for a little bit. But I always drive the point home that it's about time and training with your chosen tool and nothing more regardless.
Nobody is coming to me for training on a revolver as I don't do that sort of thing but as one of the only employees there who uses revolvers I'm always the first to get asked questions about them. I always try to direct them to good schools and classes as well as UA-cam channels that discuss revolvers and revolver usage such as yours.
I have carried a revolver of one kind of another every day for like 10 years. I carried an auto for a couple months at one point. I don't own an auto pistol of any kind anymore, but more than 30 revolvers.
At 7 yards, I can put 5 rounds in a ragger hole from a J frame. I blame the gun for being so damn good.
Another reason to smartly strike that ejector rod is if you gently depress the ejector rod you risk an empty falling back into the cylinder under the ejector. It’s happened to me a couple of times during qualification, causing my score to suck. If it happens on the street, it could cost you your life.
There is another aspect to revolver shooting that factors in. You can shoot as fast as you can recover from recoil and cycle the cylinder . With a semiauto you have to have the slide recover and strip a round from the magazine. What I can do with a revolver is to fire another round as I recover from recoil and the front sight is crossing the target, I fire again. People are usually surprised how fast this can be done and how tight the groups are
My first handgun was purchased in mid 1980s stainless steel Taurus model 85 2in snub .38 sp .. it was a fantastic revolver... It wasn't until I got separated and divorced 1991 that I got my permit and got into shooting my Taurus 85. I am pretty much self-taught.. and I learned myself how to stage the trigger using double action.. in fact I very rarely fired it at the range single action... I became very proficient and while I own a few semi-automatics I just love revolvers ❤️..
My daily carry gun is a Smith & Wesson 342 air light TI .38sp centennial.. (titanium cylinder) . I installed full size rubber hogue monogrips.. covers the back strap and cushions my hand against recoil it's all my fingers on the grip for maximum control.. I carry it in my right front pocket in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster with the velcro on flap to prevent printing.. I can actually draw from my pocket much faster than a iwb holster.. and no one knows I have the gun on me until I need it.. in fact I can have my hand in my pocket on the grip ready to draw if I am alerted to a problem.. I can hit accurately with this lightweight snub out to 50 ft no problem
I have a smith 686 in a 6inch barrel took it out at consistently shot a ten inch gong at 75 yards. Did some free hand also. My glock 21 gen 4 45acp did decent as well at 75yards. Not at good as my 686 tho.
Ok, so heres my 2cents. Retired military, for whatever thats worth.
The more finger on the trigger tends to pull the shot right. Most all your shots are right...notice that? The less finger on the trigger, pushes it left. Just how I was taught, and still use to this day. Great vid, longtime sub. Be safe youngman..😉🍻
Remember when shooting was FUN! I do. I love revolvers. I dont have to chase brass! 357 magnum is very difficult to beat. 10mm can if its HOT. I am not a glock fan boy, but they have their place. I am old. I am a revolver guy. My 1990 SW with an actual point on the hammer ( that hits the primer) never ever miss fires. The newer one that is SAFE.. Flat hammer that hits a firing pin , will miss fire on occasion. I need to clean it more. Fn Lawyers. I HATE new SWs. I'd love to buy me some older omes.
Sam, you are a champion in my book very level head person with logic and the art of persuasion.
Gun Sam, you are the Revolver Aficionado. It's all you my man. You crush it!
Also, if anyone ever comes face-to-face with a predator, 500-lbs or above, may God have mercy on them and let them be carrying a revolver.
I'd think most would prefer a 10mm that has 16+1 cap and a .401 diameter bullet that sends a 180 grain bullet going about 1300-1350(4.5-5inch barrel) or a 200grain at 1250 . I have a few revolvers and love them but in no way are they a better option for dangerous game like bear, moose ect
@@rickyricardo3551 great screen name, btw, but I have to disagree about the dangerous animal encounter scenario. How many times can you fire that 10mm accurately while a large animal is charging, closing the distance rapidly? I'll take a 44 mag with six over a 10mm with sixteen in that situation. I've encountered a few dangerous animals in the forest in my time; thankfully none has stuck around long enough to find out if I was dangerous or not, but Time, no matter how it seems to stand still in that moment, is a scarce commodity. Either something's going to happen or it's not, and it happens THAT quick. Then they're gone - or they're on you. Typically you'll have time for one aimed shot, so it has to count. Now, on open ground like Grizzlies prefer, I really can't comment as I've not had that up-close encounter in that environment (so far), but the men I've met who carried firearms into such locations generally went with nothing smaller than 30-06, although one I knew well carried a .44 Mag as that had been his service revolver when he was a police officer. Out in Montana I heard a nearly first-hand account (technically there were no eye-witnesses to the attack while it was on-going) of a sheep rancher emptying a 30-30 into a grizzly and it still got him, although the bear was easy to track and kill afterward. Think of the power of a 30-30 compared with a 10mm... Now, if you drop down to .357, there might be an argument for 10mm, but I'd never want to pull either of those calibers on a 1,000-lb animal that had the drop on me and was already charging. But all of this is beside the point, and has been rehashed a thousand times since long before the internet. What you find today, in the "EDC" era of carry, is that most people will carry the most gun they comfortably can. Typically that's 24 oz or less - loaded. I can't imagine squaring off with a 500 pound animal with an 11-shot subcompact 9mm! Give me a 3" steel frame .357 with 5 rounds instead! Worse, you'll find people who won't carry anything heavier than a 380 - 16 oz loaded! Again, for the same weight you'd be better served with 5 rounds of Underwood hard cast 38 +P than any number of 380 bullets no matter the construction. So you see the relationship I'm thinking of has more to do with what's practical than with what's ideal. No one in their right mind would willingly choose to bring a pistol of any caliber over a rifle if they knew they'd be in a fight for their life against an animal that outweighs them five to one. It's all about what you'd actually have with you at all times - and almost no one EDCs a long gun these days. So it's down to handguns, and in that category, guns of similar weight and bulk must be compared because those are the factors that determine "the most gun" a given individual will carry regularly.
I'm not even a revolver guy, but people tell me the same shit about my 1911. To old and antiquated to get the job done. What a bunch of bullshit.
Sir, absolutely great video as always. Please continue to review and shoot revolvers, I'm a huge revolver fan I've got a Smith and Wesson 686 plus with a 6 inch barrel as well as a colt Anaconda 44 magnum 6 inch. I work with both on my ranch and easily carry both.👍
I like semi autos and revolvers and depending on what I'm doing or wearing I might carry either. One thing is for sure when it comes to semi auto striker fired guns they experience more light primer strikes than any hammer fired semi auto or revolver with factory hammer spring weights. I pickup brass casings at several local shooting ranges and I pull apart ammo left in the hot boxes. I can tell you I find easily 50 times more rounds of ammo in the hot box with light primer strikes that are semi auto calibers like 380 acp or 9mm than I find revolver calibers. Very rarely do I ever see any revolver calibers in the hot box with light primer strikes. I'm pretty sure the reason why this happens with semi autos a lot more often than revolvers is because most striker fired semi autos have the striker fully or partially cocked all the time which weakens that spring over time and because the striker channel has tighter tolerances which means it takes less carbon build up inside the striker channel to impede the striker from going forward will the full power of the spring.
I've been an M&P guy for years, started with the 45 as my first handgun, and added a few M&P9's and a 40. I grabbed a Ruger Wrangler on impulse, and now I've got the bug man. It just feels so damn natural.
I'm looking at a 638, 686+7", 66-8 4.25", and the 627. Also a 5.5" Ruger Vaquero in 45lc. Lol, I'm having a really hard time deciding, I can only afford 1 every few months, and I just bought a new 5" M&P. Eventually.
All of those 357 options are good, but there is for me such a different feeling to each frame size. I own half of every s&w revolver you could think of, but I will ALWAYS go to a 686, 6 or 7 shots, for all purposes at all times.
The 66 is barely smaller for carry than the L frame. The N frame is much bigger than the L frame. The K frame is lithe, the N frame is hefty, the L frame is just business.
A 4" 686+ is a perfect handgun for all purposes. Except deep concealment. I concealed one for many years without trouble. Just don't wear shirts that hang just below the belt or you will print all day
@@bobjohnson1633 I appreciate the advice.
I love my .357s! Gotta get some speed loaders for it!
Keep it up man revolvers need more love this day and age i went to academy they ONLY had polymer semi-autos i had to order a revolver off the website to get it SMH!
Thank you for explaining real world vs competition.... most of us who have shot revolvers forever have a style somewhere in between. also? Revolver shooters tend to really not care what is this weeks tacticool technique. We grew up when people shot one handed.... then they did Weaver... then they did modified Weaver..then... well you get the picture.
Hi Sam always enjoy listening to somebody that knows what the hell they're talking about
Excellent video! I started out my career with revolvers, but being you and impressionable and reading Soldier Of Fortune mag, I lobbed constantly for a Browning Hi-Power or Colt"s 45ACP! Carried them, went to Glocks and finished up as an office guy carrying a Walther PPK in 380. As SOON as I retired and my mission changed, I have went back to revolvers. Clearing a building? Heck yeah give me a semi-auto OR Shotgun or carbine, protecting my family to get them out of danger, I'm fine with a revolver and a couple of reloads. Again great video and carry what you can utilize when the chips are down and you feel most comfortable with!
For a self-defense revolver, would you consider Moon Clips? They are easier to carry than a speed loader and they have an advantage on ejection: they all come out together so a defensive shooter is not going to have a single spent case hung up on the grip or a dirty chamber. Thank you for stressing -> Revolvers require practice, practice, practice.
I don't have a lot of experience with moon clips, and I cannot say that I necessarily would not carry them, but they are less forgiving than speed loaders. I could sit on a speed loader all day and it's still going to work to drop in the rounds. The moon clip on the other hand truly is a part of the gun and the guns isn't going to work right if any little thing is wrong with the clip. So either if I had an auto caliber revolver or a revolver caliber revolver cut for moon clips I would be investing in a pouch specifically for them.
@@rbm6184 Agreed. I've gotten some cheap .45 ACP clips that were slightly uneven and they prevented the cylinder from rotating properly. I ended up sanding them flat to fix the problem. But yes, with short semi-auto cartridges, especially ones as short and round as .45 ACP, they drop right into a Model 625 in no time.
Great film clip!
I agree on expending spent brass. Hot rounds in the magnum loads present problems. I prefer wheel guns. With my experience the semi autos dont instill confidence in me. They just don't fit my hand comfortably. Everyone knows if the weapon isn't comfortable in your hand then it becomes a hindrance. My 686 plus with 3 inch barrel is my EDC and with it comes the option of 38 special rounds. I have wheel guns from 22 to 50 cal. I always prefer them. I have barrel lengths from 1 inch to 8 3/8. I personally like to shoot the 6 inchers the most, although 7 1/2's aren't bad for 44's and 45LC. I shoot for a lot of reasons. But not for killing human beings.
I love Revolvers, it's just that they're expensive.
To get a GOOD quality Revolver your looking at $1000.00 easy. used $700.00 to $800.00
I got a Brazilian Rossi 462, 357 Magnum for $380.00 and I haven't had any issues yet.
One day I will be able to get a worthy Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum or 44 Magnum.
I plan to habituate myself to conceal carry two handguns: (1) a revolver as primary (which will give me 5 rounds of 38 or 6 of 357, depending on which revolver I'm carrying that day) and (2) a semi-auto (along with two extra mags) as secondary if it turns into an extended fight or I need more after the initial 5 to 6 rounds.
Excellent plan.
Thanks for another great video! I am a revolver guy as well! I like semi auto pistols just fine but there is something extra about revolvers
Thanks for the video Sam. You're part of the reason why I started uploading my own videos on the subject, I wanted to share my own answers I've learned to questions I hear about revolvers. Keep it up.
I'm with you all the way on revolvers except your using Taurus as an example of a junk gun. I'm quite happy with mine. They're accurate and reliable and a good bargain. But each to his own. I do feel revolvers are much smoother and provide a more controlled fire platform. I'm so glad that so many of you younger generation still love the wheel guns. I don't think they are going anywhere soon any more than the lever-action rifle is.
LCR has superb ergonomics and one of the best stock triggers in anything under 3-grand these days. It also deals with recoil better than any snub. A 17oz .357 magnum is not pleasant, but it is functional believe it or not, and you wouldn't notice that much under the stress of a defense situation. Ruger did good. I'm still waiting for them to scale that LCR up to 'next size' and run somewhere in the K6S equivalent, not quite K-frame size but giving more space and more capacity.
Keep hitting the misconceptions, Sam. Revolvers are a great tool and they will never go away, will always be relevant, in many ways will always be superior in simplicity and reliability, an option for those less inclined to put up with semi-auto complexity. I have both, I prefer revolver.
Actually I been planning on getting another LCR but in .22 LR and if you look at their 3" X versions, personally they look like a K frame type size to me. Maybe they aren't that big, but the size of the barrel shroud, top strap and full grip lead me to believe they are in the K frame size.
@@GunSam Visually they appear that way. The barrel top rib, the extended grip length, another 1.13" barrel length all lend to that larger appearance. It's the same frame. I do think they'd have to scale it up a little for a 6-shot .357, 10-shot .22LR, 7-shot .327, maybe even reach for a 5-shot .44 Special.
Been checking out those 3" .22 LCRx for a while, I'd like one as well, even though I already enjoy S&W 17-4 and 3-screw Single Six Conv.
My first 2 or 3 handguns were revolvers. I've owned and own several autos too. But, there's something about a good revolver.
Excellent video Sir, I agree with you 100%
Excellent video-thanks for posting. I like both, but will always feel more confident with a revolver.
Thank you
So much so that I ended up strictly carrying 38 special.
Cheap, works every time and no slide or mags to mess with.
Simple, easy and reliable for EDC in not so violent areas of the country.
I live in a very much safest state in US with Constitutional Carry no permits and hint its a "blue" state).
GREAT video, Sam!