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

Published on January 11, 2026
Duration: 8:17

This video explores specific instances where US military personnel still carry revolvers, detailing the models and calibers used. It highlights Marines on embassy duty carrying the Smith & Wesson Model 19 in .357 Magnum for perceived diplomatic reassurance, Air Force personnel in Alaska opting for .44 Magnum revolvers like the Model 29 or Ruger Redhawk for wildlife defense, and EOD technicians utilizing the Smith & Wesson 686 in .357 Magnum for specialized ordnance disabling rounds. The video also touches on historical use of revolvers as backup firearms in combat zones due to limitations of standard-issue ball ammunition.

Quick Summary

US military personnel, including Marines on embassy duty, Air Force in Alaska, and EOD technicians, still carry revolvers for specific reasons. Marines use the S&W Model 19 (.357 Mag) for diplomatic reassurance, while Air Force in Alaska opt for .44 Mag revolvers for wildlife defense. EOD technicians utilize the S&W 686 (.357 Mag) for specialized ordnance disabling rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Why Carry a Revolver?
  2. 00:44Military Sidearms Today
  3. 01:11US Soldiers Still Carrying Revolvers
  4. 01:39Marines on Embassy Duty: S&W Model 19 (.357 Mag)
  5. 02:53Air Force in Alaska: S&W Model 29 / Ruger Redhawk (.44 Mag)
  6. 03:41EOD Technicians: S&W 686 (.357 Mag)
  7. 04:36Backup Revolvers in Combat Zones
  8. 05:089mm Ball Ammunition Limitations
  9. 05:35Why Soldiers Chose Revolvers as Backup
  10. 06:03Revolvers in Civilian Carry

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some US Marines on embassy duty still carry revolvers?

Marines on embassy duty may carry revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 19 in .357 Magnum to project an image of 'appeared safety' and avoid alarming foreign diplomats with more modern, intimidating firearms. This choice is often driven by diplomatic considerations rather than purely tactical needs.

What revolvers are used by US Air Force personnel in Alaska, and why?

Air Force personnel in Alaska often carry revolvers such as the Smith & Wesson Model 29 or Ruger Redhawk, typically in .44 Magnum. This caliber and platform are chosen primarily for defense against dangerous four-legged predators encountered in the Alaskan backcountry.

How are revolvers utilized by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians?

EOD technicians may carry revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 686 in .357 Magnum because it is considered effective for firing specialized explosive ordinance disabling rounds. These rounds are designed to neutralize explosive devices safely.

Why did some soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan carry revolvers as backup?

Some soldiers carried revolvers in .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum as backup firearms during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This was often due to dissatisfaction with the terminal performance of standard 9mm ball ammunition, which is the only type they were permitted to carry.

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