Pistol Versus Revolver: Which One Is Right for You?

This is one of the age-old questions among gun enthusiasts. The revolver evokes images of the Wild West, while pistols sum up slick action films. There are pros and cons to each that you should consider.

Handguns in General

Most people look to these smaller firearms for self-defense, especially when they are on the go. Concealed carry is very popular for that reason. If you are considering this route, you may think about using a concealed thigh holster. Always check with local and federal guidelines before purchasing any gun. One notable law forbids citizens from mailing them through the United States Postal Service.

Pistols

These weapons operate a bit differently than revolvers. The action of the slide loads new rounds into the chamber.

There are four unique sizes:

• Full
• Compact
• Sub-compact
• Pocket

One advantage of pistols is their higher capacity magazines, which typically hold between 6 and 18 rounds. Another edge is that they reload faster and generally weigh less. Conversely, they have a reputation for jamming. Although they are much more reliable these days, they have more moving parts that can complicate the process. They also tend to be less powerful.

Revolvers

Samuel Colt patented this variety in 1835. This type of gun contrasts mechanically from the pistol in that it uses a rotating cylinder to fill the chamber by cocking the hammer.

As far as assets are concerned, revolvers are considered to be very reliable and resistant to dirty elements such as grime. They have higher stopping power because of the large-caliber bullets that they use.

One con is that they normally only hold 5 or 6 cartridges at a time. The lack of a linear magazine means that there is also a slower loading time. The drawback of being heavy-duty is that it requires more strength to carry the weight.

When it comes to picking between the two, no one can make the decision but you. The good thing is that both can provide the protection you want and need.