This argument dates back to the time of the dinosaurs and cavemen, when one group of cavemen argued that having a more reliable revolver was better than the higher capacity of semi-auto pistols, causing the semi-auto-loving group to storm off on their pet T-Rexes.
Okay, maybe it’s not quite that ancient, but revolver vs pistol has been debated since the invention of semi-automatic pistols, and my family still loves to argue about it today. So, to cause more arguments at the dinner table, I wrote this article detailing each type of handgun’s pros and cons.
Once you finish reading, you’ll know which one you should carry, regardless of what the cavemen claimed.
Let’s get started!
Benefits of a Revolver
- Reliable
- Less expensive
- Time tested
- Simple to use
I’ll never forget my first revolvers, a pair of Cowboys White Handle Toy Replica Paper Roll cap guns. I distinctly remember them not being reliable when shooting the imaginary bad guys illegally entering our yard. However, the same cannot be said for a real revolver. Thanks to the simple design and few moving parts, revolvers are ultra-reliable. This explains why they’ve maintained an incredible following for nearly 200 years!
For the CCWer on a budget (which is all of us!), revolvers have less of an impact on your financials. They tend to be less expensive because they use older technology, and manufacturers are really good at quickly making quality parts and frames.
If you don’t trust new-fangled technology, the revolver is the perfect solution to your home defense needs because it has been time-tested. Over the past two centuries, countless people have used revolvers to defend their loved ones, homes, and themselves.
Lastly, a revolver is very simple to use. Depending on whether it’s a single or double action, firing it can be as simple as pulling the trigger or pulling the hammer back and then pressing the trigger. New shooters tend to enjoy a revolver more because it is less overwhelming to use.
As great as revolvers are, they still have a few downsides you should be aware of.
Drawbacks of a Revolver
- Minimal ammo capacity
- Slower reload time
- Can be bulkier and heavier
The average revolver has a five or six-round cylinder. While I’m a decent shot, only having five or six attempts to end a threat in a life-or-death situation is a bit concerning. I’d much rather have as many rounds as possible.
Revolvers also suffer from slower reload times, as it is not easy to carry and reload spare rounds. Every second is precious, and I’d much rather spend it stopping a threat than trying to reload my handgun.
The last significant drawback of revolvers is that they are much bulkier and heavier than semi-auto pistols. This is because revolvers are made primarily of metal, and the cylinder can only be so small until it becomes unsafe to fire.
Now that you’re aware of the downsides of revolvers, you’re probably considering a semi-automatic pistol for the following reasons.
Benefits of a Semi-Auto Pistol
- Faster reloading
- You can easily carry more ammo on you
- Tend to have a slimmer profile
Because semi-auto pistols use magazines instead of a cylinder, reloading is as simple as pressing a button to drop the empty mag, slamming another mag in, and racking the slide. This quick process saves you much time and could save your life.
Another benefit of using magazines is the ability to carry more ammo. Not only do semi-auto pistols have higher capacity than revolvers, but it is also easier to carry a couple of spare mags on you. This means you can easily carry up to quadruple the amount of ammo you could with a revolver.
Lastly, semi-auto pistols are often easier to conceal because most have a slim profile. This makes them less likely to print, even when wearing tight clothing, and people with small hands find them easier to grip.
If you can’t tell, I’m a fan of pistols, but to maintain my integrity, I must also advise that there are downsides to carrying one.
Drawbacks of a Semi-Auto Pistol
- More likely to malfunction*
- More expensive
When semi-autos were first introduced, they were malfunction-prone. As manufacturing processes and higher-quality ammo have improved over the years, semi-autos are much more reliable than they were even a few decades ago. However, they still jam occasionally and are less reliable than a revolver. This is because semi-automatic pistols have many more moving parts, and more moving parts mean more chances to mess up.
The other drawback is the price. A quality semi-auto will cost more than a quality revolver of a similar caliber. However, pistol prices are not outrageous compared to revolver prices.
Parting Shots: Revolver vs. Pistol
So there you have it! We have officially ended the ancient debate about which handgun type is best for self-defense. The cavemen and dinosaurs can live in harmony once again.
Okay, I’m not naive enough to believe this settles any debates, but now that you’ve finished reading this article, you can decide which one you should carry.
Here’s a tip I learned from my grandpa: carry both! He uses a semi-auto as his primary and a revolver as a backup.
Author BIO:
Wes Littlefield is an avid firearms enthusiast and outdoorsman. As a teenager, he dreamed of the day he could legally conceal carry and didn’t waste any time getting his CCW permit after his 21st birthday. Since he was young, he’s dabbled in gunsmithing, reloading, and, of course, shooting. As a freelance writer, Wes has been published on Ammo.com, Sonoran Desert Institute, and The Gun Mag, among many other outdoor publications.
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