Carry semi-auto or revolver?

[MikeM]

I swear by revolvers for carry. It's just my comfort level sweet spot based on personal experience and perceived need only.

I've never once had any revolver, of any make, fail to fire for any reason. Granted, I'm limited to 5 rounds, but considering the few types of places I go to outside my home, the likelihood of becoming engaged in a prolonged exchange of fire is minimal.

My strategy is to just get the hell outta there, and I keep 5 rounds of .357 to help me do just that.

So, do you carry semi-auto or revolver, and why? I don't think there's a right or wrong answer, as everyone's needs, preferences, experience and risk tolerance is different.

(I'm specifically discussing carry choice, not home defense)

 

 

[E4 No More]

Auto, because I prefer to have 15 rounds of .357 Sig to get me out of trouble.

[FUJIMO]

Either or depending on clothing and the activities that day. Today it's revolver because I'm in overalls and wearing a belt and holster on the outside might give people the impression I'm from KY

[Luckyforward]

I carry both at times, but am growing to prefer a revolver - just because I am an old wheelgunner!

[peejman]

Semi.  Size and capacity. 

[Raoul]

Semi auto. Kahr PM or a CZ 75, depending on where I'm off to.

[papa61]

I carry auto because they have a thinner profile for the same round count. I also shoot better with autos. now caliber and size depends on where I'm going.

[derf]

Carry whatever you're comfortable with but get some training and practice, practice, practice. I carry a Sig P220 in 45 unless my attire limits me, then I carry S&W model 36. I've had both of these for over 30 years. I've had training and I consistently practice with both. 

I've got Pythons, High Powers, hi cap Sigs, Walther and of course, several Glocks, but I always go back to those two. Its a confidence game  kinda like golf and your favorite clubs. 

The smallest thing you can carry is better than the biggest thing you had to leave at home! 

 

[Snaveba]

Semi. P365XL or Shield 9 with an extended mag. And as Papa61 said, I shoot better with a semi. 

[DWARREN123]

15+1 in the pistol (semi auto) and another 15 round mag as back up.

Just my comfort zone.

[Grayfox54]

I carry both depending on my needs at the time. Where I'm going, what I'm doing, how I'm dressed, weather, circumstances, etc and so on determine which gun I carry. Could be either one and I got no problem with that at all. 

[ppcgm]

Where I'm going is always a factor, but usually one of each. Revolver "malfunctions" are usually due to ammo issues and we know all the things that can go wrong in a semiauto. One on each side helps with situations where one arm might be pinned or grabbed. And a "new york reload" is quicker than changing magazines or employing a speedloader. Train with what you carry and be consistent in what you carry, though we all make allowances for changing seasons. 

[Frog4aday]

Ruger LCP or Glock 43x. Flatter profile. Light. Higher round count. But I love revolvers for shooting & "drawer/glovebox" gun.

[gregintenn]

The semi auto is flatter and conceals better.

The revolver is less prone to mechanical failure and doesn't leave brass behind.

[felinesNfreedom]

Semi, 16 rounds of 9mm ( Glock 43X ) is greater than 5 rounds of what ever. If you are having issues out of a semi auto you probably bought a crap pistol. All handguns can break, revolvers included. Take off the handle of your revolver and look at the moving parts inside.

[leroy]

Remember the words of the great Jeff Cooper: "... They are all the same till the first reload. "... Collect em all, learn ta shoot em all well... Carry the one ya like...

leroy...

[Will Carry]

Great post! I have struggled with the same problem.  I can draw my little Smith and Wesson model 36 3" and fire two rounds faster than any handgun I own.  So that is what I carry at 3 O'clock.  To deal with the 5 round capacity, I keep a P365 in a crossdraw configuration at 10 O'clock.  If I had to pick just one, I would have to pick the wheel gun. 

 

[Defender]

Usually 12+1 in a semi-auto +15 round spare mag, with more ammo  in the car.

[tnhawk]

Several decades ago I wouldn't carry anything other than a revolver.  The only revolver I carry now is a 442.  After years with a 1911 a Shield Plus has become my primary carry.