[PhilG]

I don't want to start a war here but I have a friend thinking of buying his first firearm for defense. When he asked me what to buy I told him semi-auto as that is what I carry. He asked me why not a revolver and I had no answer as I never owned anything but semi-auto. I need to get some help so I can advise him without being predigest. So can I get feedback from both sides of the fence on this without getting into a flame war? Remember we are talking about bringing a new member into the gun community not scare him off.
I thank you all in advance for your help with this project.
Phil

 

[PhilG]

Thanks for your reply's guys now I have some info to start the hunt.

 

[PhilG]

Can we close this thread I have the info I need, thanks guys.

 

[PhilG]

No...we are gonna drag this out, at least until I get my two cents in. :lol:

Each has their merits, it's a matter of the shooter deciding for themselves. As stated above, the biggest thing is to make sure a person is comfortable with the gun they buy, and that they are proficient with it.

The big argument for revolvers is that they are more reliable. There are fewer things to go wrong (no feed or ejection problems) and if the round doesn't light, all you do is pull the trigger again. No jams to clear to get the gun running again at the worst possible moment.

Having said that, I have come to accept that with a properly maintained quality semi-auto there is a very low probability that you will have a jam. I fired over 25K rounds through my P95 Ruger and the only malfunctions I ever had were due to faulty ammo. So far I have about 1500 rounds through the SR9c and it's been a rock-solid performer.

I still carry either a .357 Mag SP101 Ruger, or an SR9c, depending on my mood (and it gives me an excuse to own more firearms).

Thanks for your input.

 

[PhilG]

Yep....love my SP101....with 130gr Federal Hydra-shoks.

There is just something to be said when a caliber has more energy at 100 yards than a 9mm has at the muzzle.

To be fair, I really do like my carry 9mm also:

Hi 45K20E4;

Very nice guns!

Those grips on the SP101 look great for taming recoil, but as an EDC do you use IWB or a belt rig and loose shirt? Are there any printing issues with the 'full' grip rather than the 2-finger specials I've been using?

I've been sticking with the J-Smith since I like front pocket carry in this climate. But with the right holster an SP101 may be in my future at some point....really want something just a little bigger and badder in case I ever do end up as the sheepdog on the scene someday. I keep bouncing between a Glock 26, which is logistic with what I've already got and another wheelgun, just one that's a bit...well a bit more gun if you catch my drift.

Guess the main question is how easy is it to conceal the extra weight of that steel frame and the slightly longer grips? I'd feel way better going up against a badguy if I had an SP101 like yours instead of my little J-frame Smith. Thing is that the best gun is the gun that's there when you need it.

Best,
Grumpy

Great info guys thanks for the post's, nice guns. I don't know how to quote both posts.
Phil