Unless you’ve been on a distant planet for the past several decades, it should come as no surprise that semi-auto handguns have dominated the self-defense (and law enforcement) market for a long time now. I have seen recent estimates that show anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of handguns sold are semi-autos.
This is interesting to me for several reasons. Having been a handgun instructor for a very long time, I often find myself in conversations with folks who recently purchased a new gun and want to ask some questions or show off their newest prize, especially with all the current interest in concealed carry weapons. At some point in the conversation I like to ask why they chose that particular weapon.
Many times, it may have to do with what the military or law enforcement has adopted. Sometimes, it may just feel right and “fit” the shooter’s hand. Often, the purchase is a result of a recommendation from a friend or gun shop employee. Seeing the myriad of ads in the gun magazines for a seemingly endless parade of semi-auto models probably has an effect on consumers as well.
There’s nothing wrong with any of these reasons for choosing a handgun and my overall experience talking to gun owners seems to basically reflect the quoted estimates of auto vs revolver sales. However, at this point, I can’t help but mention that people have all different levels of mechanical ability. Just as some folks shouldn’t try to operate a chainsaw, I know several people who have a hard time with some semi-auto handguns. In these discussions, I usually manage to ask for the information that really interests me the most in the context of personal protection. Why did you choose that caliber? What ammo did you buy? Have you shot the gun with all the magazines to be sure of perfect functioning?
Some responses have worried me. I talked to an acquaintance a few months ago who had just purchased a compact .380 auto to carry daily. Without being asked, he complained about the amount he had to pay for a box of good hollow point ammo for his “carry” ammo. He was now looking for a box of “cheap practice ammo” so he could do some shooting. I gently suggested that he should shoot enough to be totally confident in the gun; to include some shooting with his “carry” ammo. After seeing the quizzical look on his face, I told him about several semi-autos that were very particular about the ammo they would feed and/or cycle the action properly. He mumbled something about not wasting expensive ammunition on paper targets, thanked me and said goodbye.
Before proceeding, I should point out that I’ve been a fan of good quality semi-auto pistols for a long time and have carried several reliable .45 pistols on duty for many of my years in law enforcement with complete confidence after their dependability was proven to my satisfaction. Having said that, I hasten to add that I have also carried good revolvers into some dark, scary places and never felt unarmed.
The semi-auto concept is nothing new. Regardless of all the current hype, I believe the first successful semi-auto rifles were developed around 1885, with semi-auto pistols following about 1893 (the Borchardt C-93) and many more in the early 1900s. Examples could include Colt’s models 1900, 1903 and of course, the 1911.
In spite of the constant publicity and the popularity of the auto pistol, I’ve been pleasantly surprised lately to hear from friends and fellow shooters who are not embarrassed to express their affection for revolvers. Most impressive to me is that all these folks own a number of handguns and are well-versed in their use. They have all carried handguns either in their professions or for personal protection. There are some simple, but valid reasons for their preference. It seems that a small revolver with a frame made of aluminum or other lightweight material, coupled with total reliability and simplicity of operation, has been rediscovered. Apparently, these people are not alone; a quick look at Smith and Wesson’s website shows about 140 variations of revolvers, with over 50 models being short barreled, easily concealable versions. Not to be outdone, Kimber, Charter Arms, Taurus, Ruger and others also offer a variety of revolvers.
For anyone considering a handgun for self-defense, whether the weapon is kept in the home or on your person, this should be looked at as a life insurance policy that should be chosen with care. If the gun is kept in a safe or drawer for months at a time, keep in mind that under the stress of needing the weapon, simplicity of operation may be your best friend. If you are completely confident in the reliability of your auto and your knowledge of it, that’s fine. If you are one of the many who would rather have a revolver, you are in good company.
As one friend confided, either he or his wife could pick up a revolver without seeing it for months and know instantly if it was loaded; they then knew it would fire with a simple pull of the trigger. Keep in mind that firearm safety and guarding against unauthorized access is the primary consideration in keeping any gun for protection and remember, it’s OK to like your revolver.
