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

Published on November 23, 2025
Duration: 8:17

This video explores why certain US military units and personnel still carry revolvers despite modern semi-automatic pistols. It highlights specific revolvers used for embassy duty, backcountry defense in Alaska, and by Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians, citing reasons like perceived reliability, stopping power, and specialized ammunition capabilities. The discussion also touches on historical use as backup firearms due to limitations with standard military ball ammunition.

Quick Summary

Certain US military units, including Marines on embassy duty and Air Force personnel in Alaska, still carry revolvers for specific reasons. Marines may use them for diplomatic appeasement, while Alaskan personnel opt for .44 Magnum revolvers for backcountry defense against predators. EOD technicians also utilize revolvers for specialized ordnance disabling rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Love for Revolvers
  2. 00:30Revolvers in Modern Use
  3. 00:44Military Sidearms (M17/M18)
  4. 01:11US Soldiers Still Carrying Revolvers
  5. 01:38Marines on Embassy Duty: S&W Model 19
  6. 01:51Reasons for Embassy Duty Revolvers
  7. 02:53Air Force in Alaska: S&W Model 29 / Ruger Redhawk
  8. 03:06Backcountry Defense in Alaska
  9. 03:41EOD Technicians: S&W 686
  10. 03:57EOD Revolver Use for Disabling Rounds
  11. 04:36Historical Use in Combat Zones
  12. 05:01Backup Revolvers vs. 9mm Ball Ammo
  13. 05:16Military Ball Ammo Limitations
  14. 05:37Soldiers Opting for Backup Revolvers
  15. 06:02Revolvers for Concealed Carry

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some US Marines carry revolvers on embassy duty?

Marines on embassy duty may carry revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 19 in .357 Magnum. This is often to appease foreign diplomats who perceive revolvers as having better control of firepower and to avoid appearing overly aggressive with modern, tactical firearms.

What revolvers are used by Air Force personnel in Alaska for backcountry defense?

Air Force personnel in Alaska commonly carry revolvers such as the Smith & Wesson Model 29 or the Ruger Redhawk, both typically chambered in .44 Magnum. This choice is driven by the need for significant stopping power against large predators in remote wilderness areas.

What is the role of revolvers for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians?

EOD technicians sometimes carry revolvers, like the Smith & Wesson 686 in .357 Magnum, because they are effective for firing specialized rounds designed to disable explosive devices. This application leverages the revolver's reliability and suitability for precise, critical tasks.

Why did some soldiers carry revolvers as backup firearms in combat zones?

During past conflicts, some soldiers carried revolvers in .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum as backup. This was often due to dissatisfaction with the terminal performance of standard military 9mm ball ammunition, opting for the perceived greater effectiveness of magnum revolvers.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from God Family and Guns

View all →