Beginner Questions

[usmcpmi]

Phoebe Ann, The thought is that a semi-auto takes more training/skill/practice than a revolver... So in theory if you can master a semi-auto, the revolver is simple.... IMHO...with proper training, and a quality, well maintained firearm, either will fill the need. I have carried the same semi-auto since '83 and have complete confidence in it's ability to function correctly when needed. Shoot/carry what YOU are comfortable with. MG

[M. Sage]

I don't quite understand why they think a semi-auto is harder to master than a revolver. IMO, the double-action trigger pull of a revolver makes it a lot harder to master. Get good with a Smith and my P220 is easy by comparison.

[txinvestigator]

Originally Posted by res1b3uq

357 signifies revolver. If you take the test with a revolver, you will have to carry a revolver.

Not necessarily. .357 SIG as opposed to .357 magnum, is a semi-auto.

Besides all that, a .357 to me is about the worst size revolver a beginner could use.

.357 has nothing to do with the size of the gun, but of the caliber of the bullet it shoots.

[TXSUT]

Originally Posted by M. Sage

I don't quite understand why they think a semi-auto is harder to master than a revolver.

Revolver = open cylinder, load, close cylinder, pull trigger. Simple as that. It's not about mastering the firearm in the manner in which we think about mastery; it's about being able to operate it at an acceptable level.

[navyguy]

Originally Posted by Phoebe Ann

That's something I just found out the other day and was news to me. So, don't take the test with a revolver, even if that's what you plan on carrying. After plenty of research and gearing towards my purpose (personal protection, don't want pistol malfuntion regardless of skill or gun care) I'm thinking of revolver.

Why would they even offer the two options? Doesn't make sense to me.

They offer both options because an auto loader has a more complicated manual of arms. Rack the slide, lock the slide, decock, DA/SA, clear jams, clear the gun... etc. A lot more to learn and know. A revolver, basically you put ammo in and pull the trigger. Swing out the cyclinder and dump the ammo out to unload.

But to the .357 they are offering for you to use, I'll bet that's a .357 Sig, and most likely a Glock, HD or M&P. When I was researching where to take my CHL course, everyone that listed guns available for use, offered Glocks.

[Maxpower]

Originally Posted by DCortez

Ask away, just don't ask me cause I'll say KIMBER!

if you don't mind overpaying.......I agree

[M. Sage]

Originally Posted by TXSUT

Revolver = open cylinder, load, close cylinder, pull trigger. Simple as that. It's not about mastering the firearm in the manner in which we think about mastery; it's about being able to operate it at an acceptable level.

Which is harder than "insert magazine, pull slide to rear and release"? I realize that some people lack the physical strength to pull that off, but I've taught non-mechanically inclined beginners on autoloaders and haven't ever had any trouble. IMO, it's easier with something like a Glock or 1911 because trigger control is a lot simpler on those than a DA firearm.

The only advantage I've found in a revolver over an autoloader for some shooters (and this doesn't apply only to new shooters!) is the trust factor. They can understand how it works; they can see how it works. They see the cylinder, they see it rotate, they see the hammer come back and slam forward. They can see the rims of the cartridges without even cracking the thing open. This is very reassuring to some (like my wife), who have trouble understanding how an autoloader works, but still have a deep-seated need to do so for some reason.

[Texas42]

Most modern handguns are all pretty simple to operate. A car is more complicated to run then either revolver or automatic.

Neither takes much training to mechanically opporate safely and effectively ( this doesn't go into shooting, training, and carrying).

I don't like it when people tell someone to buy a revolver because it is their first gun or because they are a woman. It is stupid and limits a person's opoortunity to buy a gun that works for them. Most woman can rack a slide and load a magazine. It is technique that takes 20 minutes of training.

There are pro's and con's to both, but it really comes down to caliber desired, ammo capacity minnimums, and simple personal preference.

I don't know why anyone would want to carry a revolver, but I'm not everyone. You want to carry a revolver, then carry a revolver.

Freedom is a wonderful thing.

[M. Sage]

There are a few decent reasons to carry a revolver. But it's not for everyone; neither is carrying an auto, though.

[txinvestigator]

Originally Posted by M. Sage

Which is harder than "insert magazine, pull slide to rear and release"?

NO, its, "place bullets into magazine, or cram them in as with some mags, then insert magazine, figure out which little button releases the slide, or which part of the thing do I pull on? Then de-c0ck, engage safety, etc........[/quote]

A revolver is more mechanically simple than a semi-auto. It does not seem so to those of us who have mastered the semi-auto, but we do not serve our students if we cannot imagine at their level.