There is nothing new under the sun and the popularity of any firearms platform comes and goes in a cycle measured in decades. In the past several years there has been a resurgence in interest in the revolver. Perhaps many have newly discovered the benefits that the wheel gun offers, but I suspect this is just another turning in the cycle of interest. Many people are now bored with polymer auto pistols, so they seek out new tools to immerse themselves in.
The small-frame revolver remains my preference for deep concealment in alternate carry modes, such as pocket or ankle, and for use as a backup gun. However, my opinion on using a revolver as a primary carry gun has changed over time. Although it remains my preference for deep concealment and backup, I no longer carry a revolver as a primary if I have an option. The nature of the threat profile has changed in our contemporary world, as has my perception of what is, and is not, adequate in a defensive toolset for dealing with modern violence.
It is for this reason that, despite my many articles in the past arguing the benefits of the revolver, I believe the better approach is to ask, “where does the revolver fit into the role of personal protection?” I also point this question directly at advanced practitioners. The revolver holds certain benefits for those who remain essentially untrained and unskilled. But a different set of revolver advantages becomes apparent in the hands of skilled practitioners. When considering the skilled shooter, where does the wheel gun fit?
There are two trends that have emerged in the past several years that give me pause in using a revolver as a primary carry gun: large numbers of assailants, and active killers armed with long guns. Both might still be outlier events, statistically. However, at what point do we start calling something a trend rather than an outlier? These things happen more and more. Large flash mobs robbing establishments and individuals have become quite common. Likewise, rifle armed active killers are more common than in decades past. Car jackings, conducted by multiple heavily armed assailants, is hardly unusual. When dealing with superior numbers or superior weaponry, carrying the most capable tool possible, on-person, only makes sense.
Even the small “micro 9” autos, typified by the Sig P365 and the Smith and Wesson Shield Plus, are exponentially more capable than a revolver if dealing with multiple assailants or heavily armed mass murderers. These small guns hold 10+ rounds, depending on magazines, and they reload much faster than a revolver, no matter the setup. Most find even such small autos more shootable compared to revolvers as well. While experienced revolver shooters can do good work with even small snubs, capacity and fast reloading is a given advantage for the auto.
So, in our contemporary world, where does the revolver fit for the advanced practitioner?
- It still rules as the best pocket gun. Even the very tiny pocket autos chambered in 380 do not draw from a pocket as well as the small-frame revolver does, and they are much less reliable when carried in that mode compared to a revolver.
- I also trust a revolver as a backup gun carried on the ankle far more than I trust any auto loader in that carry mode.
- Further, the manual of arms of the revolver is much more resilient against user error, and safer, if handing it to a minimally trained person during a sudden emergency, making it an ideal backup gun in such a circumstance.
- The fact that a revolver cannot be pressed out of battery, and is much more resistant to obstruction in a contact distance fight, also makes it ideal for backup gun use, as the need to go to the backup may result from a disarm, or loss of the primary in a contact distance struggle. This is a concern, especially for the LEO.
- It is also a great gun for traveling, as it can be loaded and made ready quickly, for example, out of a checked luggage bag when in a hotel room, or in a rental car.
For these reasons, I still consider the small revolver the best BUG for the armed citizen, and likely for police officers, as well.
As a gun that you put in the pocket to walk the dog or go to the mailbox, I think the revolver is great. If walking the dog in the typical suburban, yuppie, neighborhood, a J Frame in your pocket will probably do just fine. ISIS is probably not going to jump out of the bushes near your mailbox. A couple of junkies looking to rob somebody might, and a hand already on a revolver in your pocket when you see that coming will do just fine.
I also favor the wheel gun for home carry. Being so small and light in weight, they comfortably ride in a pocket of even board shorts or sweatpants around the house. In your home you should always have a full-size handgun, as well as a defensive long gun, quickly accessible. But having a small revolver in your pocket gives you options if you are taken completely by surprise within your home.
These are the places that the round gun fits.
However, when in public places, especially when your loved ones are with you, I firmly believe that a modern auto loader, with as much capacity as possible in the gun, and backed up by a spare magazine, should be your primary carry weapon in this third decade of the 21st Century. If you will not carry more than a wheel gun, but you do indeed carry that wheel gun daily, you still remain well ahead of the curve. I simply encourage consideration of the contemporary threat profile when selecting your tools of personal protection.
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