Gun Gripes #350: "Are Revolvers Useless?"

Published on February 9, 2023
Duration: 47:39

This guide synthesizes expert discussion on the enduring relevance of revolvers in personal protection, comparing their pros and cons against modern autoloaders. It covers critical aspects like training, reliability, capacity, power delivery with different barrel lengths, and suitability for various roles from concealed carry to hunting. The discussion highlights that while revolvers have unique advantages, modern autoloaders often offer superior capacity and concealability for self-defense.

Quick Summary

Revolvers offer simplicity and reliability, making them great backup guns, but their limited capacity and slower reloads are drawbacks compared to modern autoloaders for primary self-defense. Barrel length is critical for magnum cartridge performance, with less than 4 inches significantly reducing power. They remain potent hunting tools, often exceeding autoloaders in raw energy delivery.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Revolvers vs. Autoloaders
  2. 01:46Revolver vs. Autoloader Debate
  3. 04:00Training and Reliability
  4. 06:30Capacity and Reloading
  5. 07:45Power and Barrel Length
  6. 10:35Hunting Applications
  7. 14:50Backup and Ankle Carry
  8. 17:55Customization and Modern Options

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of revolvers for personal protection?

Revolvers are often praised for their simplicity, reliability, and ease of concealment, making them excellent backup or 'ankle' guns. They are also known for their robust build and the stopping power of magnum cartridges, though their effectiveness is tied to barrel length.

What are the primary disadvantages of revolvers compared to modern autoloaders?

The main drawbacks of revolvers include limited ammunition capacity and slower reloading times compared to autoloaders. They also typically require more specialized training to operate efficiently under stress, and magnum rounds lose significant power in shorter barrels.

How does barrel length affect the performance of magnum cartridges in revolvers?

Magnum cartridges like .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum lose substantial velocity and energy when fired from revolvers with barrels shorter than 4 inches. A longer barrel is crucial to realize the full potential of these powerful rounds for self-defense or hunting.

Are revolvers still relevant for hunting applications?

Yes, revolvers remain highly effective for hunting, often outperforming autoloaders in terms of raw power and energy delivery, especially when chambered in large magnum calibers like .460 S&W or .500 S&W and paired with adequate barrel length.

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