As with many aspects of life you have to keep your tools clean nd lubricated.
In my sports car, I prefer a manual over an automatic.
In my other cars, I much prefer an automatic.
I have to say that I seem to be more accurate with a revolver. The one exception is the Glock 17.
If you need more than 5 or 6 rounds you’re in over your head.
They are generally heavy, but can sit for 10 years and be ready to go.
Of course they “can” malfunction but they do so less frequently than semi automatics. My trail gun is a Ruger Redhawk .44 magnum. That hand cannon would stop a charging grizzly bear and I know it will work when I pull the trigger.
A wheel gun doesn’t jam and you don’t need to rack it. Ready when you need it. You don’t get fifteen shots but if you don’t hit what you need by the fifth or sixth, accuracy plummets after that anyway.
I make the basic assumption that everything will be over in a few seconds, two shots at the most, probably at a very close range.
It’s a cliche, but it’s also my operant presumption: if I need more than 5 or 6 rounds I’m dead meat.
I know there are people preparing for SHTF, the collapse of civilization as we know it, surviving off the land, and many other scenarios, but I train at 7 yards, with a 5 round 2” .38.
They usually only hold 6. Other than that, my experience is that they are slightly more reliable. Maybe they are a little easier to get the hang of? The best option is the one you have with you and are accurate with.
I know several older ladies who have a problem racking the slide on semi-autos.
Not too long ago (shortly before a terrible canoe accident) I surprised myself at the difficulty I was having racking the slide on a Glock which I miss immenseley. Old hands, what can I say? Some days it’s harder than others to grasp things.
For those without the time to learn and operate a semi-auto IN A STRESS SITUATION.
Here's an interesting bit of revolver arcana:
The cylinder cannot turn (and the gun can't fire) if the cylinder is gripped with the slightest amount of pressure; with just a thumb and forefinger.
This can be life or death in a weapon retention struggle.
I was in a retention struggle once with someone trying to commit suicide with a revolver, and did not know this.
Is it OK to like them both? Also like single shots.
Revolvers are easier to reload properly.
And revolvers shoot cast lead bullets with less issues than automatics.
A lady cop almost died the other day when her semiauto jammed at the worst possible moment. She managed to clear it just in time and take out an armed attacker who got way too close.
I’ll stay with my revolver in the car, though I keep a semi at my bedside.
5 or 6 shots is often too few.
I own a S &W Model 66 - .357 Magnum. It is accurate and easy to shoot. I was at the range last week and two guys shooting in the booths next to me were amazed at the fire power from a revolver.
Just so happens I had to run into town for a DR app, grabbed the little 44 Bulldog Pug and threw it in the console. I trust revolvers over semi’s.
Lee Harvey Oswald was unavailable for comment.
I believe an argument can be made they are (generally) inherently safer than a magazine fed firearm, especially with those unfamiliar with how an automatic pistol operates.
There are quite a few dead people, who thought that removing a magazine means the weapon is empty.
Hot hand loads might be a factor in raised primers, is my understanding. Commercially loaded ammunition, even at max SAAMI standards should not ever cause this.