Many US Soldiers STILL Carry A Revolver! Here's Why & WHAT They Carry!

Published on October 24, 2025
Duration: 8:17

This video explores why certain US military units and personnel still carry revolvers despite the prevalence of modern semi-automatic pistols. It details specific revolvers used by Marines on embassy duty for perceived diplomatic reassurance, Air Force personnel in Alaska for protection against wildlife, and EOD technicians for specialized ordnance disabling rounds. The discussion also touches on historical use as backup firearms in combat zones due to limitations of standard-issue ball ammunition.

Quick Summary

Certain US military units and personnel continue to carry revolvers for specific reasons. Marines on embassy duty use the S&W Model 19 (.357 Magnum) for diplomatic image, while Air Force in Alaska opt for S&W Model 29 or Ruger Redhawk (.44 Magnum) against wildlife. EOD technicians utilize the S&W 686 (.357 Magnum) for disabling ordnance. These choices are also influenced by the limitations of standard-issue 9mm ball ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Why Carry a Revolver?
  2. 00:44Military Sidearms: M17/M18 vs. Revolvers
  3. 01:11US Soldiers Still Carrying Revolvers
  4. 01:38Marines on Embassy Duty: S&W Model 19 (.357 Magnum)
  5. 01:51Diplomatic Reasons for Revolver Use
  6. 02:51Air Force in Alaska: S&W Model 29 / Ruger Redhawk (.44 Magnum)
  7. 03:06Backcountry Defense Against Wildlife
  8. 03:41EOD Technicians: S&W 686 (.357 Magnum)
  9. 03:54Disabling Explosive Ordnance Rounds
  10. 04:36Historical Use as Backup Firearms
  11. 04:54Combat Experience: 9mm Ball vs. Magnum Revolvers
  12. 05:16Limitations of Military Ball Ammunition
  13. 05:37Backup Revolver Choice: .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum

Frequently Asked Questions

Which revolvers are still carried by US soldiers and why?

US Marines on embassy duty carry the Smith & Wesson Model 19 in .357 Magnum for diplomatic reassurance. Air Force personnel in Alaska use the S&W Model 29 or Ruger Redhawk in .44 Magnum for backcountry defense. EOD technicians favor the S&W 686 in .357 Magnum for disabling explosive devices.

Why would a US soldier carry a revolver instead of a modern semi-automatic pistol?

Reasons include diplomatic perceptions (Marines on embassy duty), defense against wildlife in remote areas (Air Force in Alaska), specialized ordnance disabling capabilities (EOD), and perceived greater effectiveness of larger caliber rounds (.357/.44 Magnum) compared to standard-issue 9mm ball ammunition in combat.

What specific calibers and models of revolvers are mentioned as being used by US military personnel?

The video mentions the Smith & Wesson Model 19 in .357 Magnum, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 and Ruger Redhawk in .44 Magnum, and the Smith & Wesson 686 in .357 Magnum. These are used for various specialized roles.

How does military ammunition policy affect sidearm choices for soldiers?

The US military's policy of issuing only ball ammunition for standard sidearms can be a significant factor. Soldiers may choose to carry revolvers in calibers like .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum as backup firearms because these rounds are perceived to offer better terminal performance than 9mm ball ammunition.

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