Revolvers Are For Gun Fighters & Semi-Autos Are For Shooters...Which One Are You?!!

[@39MercFlathead]

I grew up in the 1940s and 50s as the son and grandson of cops. Obviously their service weapons were revolvers, although when my grandfather became the chief of police he carried a J frame in a boot holster, a 4 inch K frame on his belt and a Browning P35 in a shoulder holster. I spent 7 years in the late 70s and early 80s shooting 1911s in a combat league. But when I was working in a bad part of a big city for several years, I chose to carry an S&W Model 19 with a 2.5 inch barrel...pull the trigger and they go bang every time. When I was shooting in the combat league, we had a 21 year old who used a 4 inch Python and he was very good with it. He seldom won competitions, but he was always in the top 2 or 3. His father had died and his mother continued to operate the family gun store. One day he came out of the back room to see a fellow 7 or 8 feet away with a 1911 pointed at his mother's head. The hammer was down on the 1911, so training kicked in and my friend didn't hesitate. He drew his Python and put two rounds into the center of mass. Less than 3 seconds, less than 3 rounds, less than 3 yards and a dead armed robber.

[@DrTac]

Wow!! Thank you for sharing.

[@Sanguivore]

I’m so glad he was able to save his mother!

[@starwarsroo2448]

" yo homie, that my mother"

[@bryantint1339]

My!

[@JadyGrudd]

3+3+3= -1

[@Idahoguy10157]

Most people will do well with a 5 or 6 shot revolver. The point is too carry a gun

[@DrTac]

100% agree!!

[@douglasmcneil8413]

I carried professionally in the early 80's. Maybe it's just because I'm older, but I've always gravitated toward revolvers. I do find semi-autos more comfortable to carry. Logically, the best gun to carry is the one you, 1st- shoot the best (read "most") and 2nd- will actually carry. You're absolutely right that revolvers are easier to learn how to use. And, in a stress situation there's fewer mechanical bits to fumble with. As much as I enjoy semi-autos, there is more of a learning curve involved with their operation. As such, I've always preferred to start new handgun shooters off with revolvers. My usual recommendation for a new gun owner is a 3" 357. Staring with mild 38 special loads. And as they build their comfort base, they can move up to 357's. It's been my observation that people usually transition from a revolver to a semi- auto more easily than they do transitioning from a semi-auto to a revolver. I like the 3" steel frame revolvers because they are easier for a new shooter to control. And the 3" barrel gives them better versatility of use. Reasonably concealable. But with a 50% longer sight radios than most snubbies. Once they understand shooting more, then I'll put a compact semi-auto in their hands. By that time, they've usually gotten to the point where they can make that decision based knowledge and experience rather than commercial hype. Thanks for the refreshingly practical view of self defense. You've now got a new subscriber.

[@DrTac]

Welcome aboard!! I am so glad that you are enjoying the channel. I could not agree more with your approach to easing newbies into the rabbit hole that is the wonderful world of guns.

[@Wastelandman7000]

Assuming they want to transition to an auto. They might just buy more .357s LOL

[@douglasmcneil8413]

@@Wastelandman7000 Nailed It.

[@pauljenkins6877]

I believe that, in the “rule of threes”, it is three yards, not three feet.

[@DrTac]

Yup, you are correct. I appreciate the correction.

[@stanthebamafan]

The rule of 3s is fake. There’s precisely zero data to back it up. It doesn’t come from the FBI or any other source, basically just fudd lore that’s been repeated so many times that no one questions it. The FBI doesn’t keep any statistics on the logistics of civilian gun fights. Lucky gunner did a great video on the topic when he tried to track down the origin of the “rule of 3s” myth and if there is any good data on what to expect for the average civilian gunfight.

[@richardkluesek4301]

The Rule of 3 for average folks predicates defense from a criminal assault where they want you, their victim, to hand over watch, wallet, keys, phone, cash, vehicle and any Ladies you are escorting. Within 10 feet or less. And it is not a polite social encounter as depicted by actor Ryan O'Neill in the movie "Barry Lyndon," when highwayman Captain Feeney demands that he "stand & deliver."

[@travelingspartan2035]

Bear in mind that when you have an average, that means roughly half of your data is greater than that. People train to the supposed statistical average distance, but you should be training at a variety of distances to include the furthest you and your gun can manage. Farther targets appear smaller, if you can make hits at 50 yards you'll have no problem making well-placed ones at 3, and if the fight happens further out, you'll know what to do.

[@pauljenkins6877]

@@travelingspartan2035 I don’t think that the Rule of Threes is supposed to be an average. My recollection is that it is purported to refer to a sizable majority of self-defense shootings.

[@TheRobman139]

Eli Dicken was carrying a Glock 43X, I’m pretty sure, not a Glock 19. He had ten rounds available and he used them all. He did not stand off at 40 yards and lob them all in. He started at 40 yards and got a non lethal hit at that range. He then proceeded to close the distance, firing at a succession of shorter ranges, delivering the killing shots at around 15 yards, I think, perhaps even closer. I saw a video on this from someone else and I wish I could dig up the link for you but I can’t. Point being, Eli’s marksmanship was not as impressive as popularly believed, but it was still good. However, his courage was greater than people realize. He pressed his attack against an AR-15-armed maniac with his little pocket 9mm…that took real guts. Everyone hopes that they will have Eli’s bravery and presence of mind if they are ever in such a situation.

[@DrTac]

So every source I have come across verifies that he utilized a Glock 19. I would really appreciate it if you could direct me to your source, as I try to be as accurate as possible. It appears that he took 4 shots from the 40 yard distance with 2 hits, prior to moving in.

[@TheRobman139]

@@DrTac Okay, here’s the link to the video which I watched some months ago that I was trying to recall. Yes, four shots at 42 yards, two non lethal hits, four more from 20 yards, all hits that stopped the assailant from shooting, then closed to about 7 yards when the assailant raised his rifle again and then Eli delivered two more fatal shots. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGO7lJikqbuBfdUsi=MxMlIdqkiQVQNC3g I stand corrected on the firearm. I could have sworn that I heard it reported at the time that Eli had a Glock 43X but now that I’ve looked again I too see everywhere that it was a Glock 19. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@b-rye5094]

Everything is circumstantial, different circumstances, different outcomes. You cant prepare for everything. Your putting too much thought into it. Most of us gun guys always put too much thought into "what ifs" and over complicate a very simple concept. 9 vs 45, revolver vs auto, AK vs AR, glock vs m&p, striker vs hammer, red dot vs irons, single stack or double stack, HST vs Gold Dots, lpvo's or dot and magnifier, and on and on and on and on and on. Countless forumn arguments countless youtube videos and countless debates with friends. All in good fun most times, but it gets soo tiring. Just carry what you have, stop spending money on stuff you dont need. And just train. %99.99 of people watching this video or reading this comment will never find themselves on the loosing end of a gun fight because they chose an auto over a revolver or vise versa.

[@DrTac]

I agree with almost everything you said. However, not everything is circumstantial. This may sound frivolous, but the one thing that keeps driving me to buy more and more “stuff,” is COMFORT. I’m not only talking about smoother edges that won’t poke or hurt me, but also the psychological comfort that comes with a set up that carries well aesthetically, alleviating my concerns with printing. The bottom line is the more comfortable my EDC setup is, the more likely it’s going to actually be with me when I need it… and that my friend is the driving force behind 99% of my purchases… Although, I do seem to have a lot of 1 percenters in my collection that I just couldn’t stop myself from buying because they were just so damn pretty. Thank you for your comment.

[@markanthonypar-wise1499]

Agree. We can only be so prepared. All the arguing about what's better really doesn't matter THAT much. Just train and get good .

[@clarkcartwright3431]

Well said !!!

[@Wastelandman7000]

My joke on that is you can have body armor, a plate carrier, two autos with 6 mags each, and an AR10 with 12 mags.....and fall into a river and drown from all the metal you have strapped on. My point being that you can't be prepared for everything no matter how hard you try. Just be good with what you have and you'll most likely come through just fine.

[@007Chancellor]

BRAVO! Train, train, then train some more with whatever you carry and however you carry it. The number one investment for effective defense is not the weapon, the holster, the holster placement, the sights or optics, etc. It is the amount of purposeful rounds downrange. INVEST IN AMMO!

[@cdlund2840]

Started carrying a small revolver in 1994. Carried just about everything in all those years and now I only carry that same small revolver I started with. Why? I was attacked twice in my life and both times it went to the ground quickly so appendix carried concealed hammer revolver is what I carry due to that experience I feel a close quarters fight is most likely over a long distance shot requirement for most of us anyway.

[@gotshpilkes]

Exactly. The 2 times I used a handgun in self defense, the respective perps disengaged and turned away, without a word, at the sight of the piece. If I ever have to fire a gun in self defense, it will most likely be up into some gorilla who's got me on the ground.

[@BirdDogey1]

I think you are spot on. I'm a senior citizen now and was accosted by someone larger and half my age in an aisle at the grocery store. I was able to deescalate the situation. But I had my hand on my pocket carry anticipating the scenario you just set up.

[@janmale7767]

I agree the close quater engagement is by far the more likely scenario Jo average will find himself in,the idiot proof intuitive nature and simple reliability of the wheelgun is a great asset in that high stress situation!

[@JJ-dc7tt]

@@BirdDogey1 And that's the other thing. You can fire an internal hammer revolver from your pocket. Can't always do that with semi-auto, nor all the time if you have an external hamme.

[@louvin44]

I'm a retired NYPD officer. Still live in NYC. Speaking only for myself and based on my personal experience; I'll share a few random thoughts on the subject. First, beautiful shoulder rig. There's no way I'm walking around wearing that rig unless I'm working a security gig. I worked half my police career carrying either a S&W .38 Model 10 or a Glock 19, as my service gun. I like both of them. I never felt "under gunned" with a six shot .38. I always carried a 2" back up gun while on duty. For years I carried a S&W Model 36, 5 shot .38, without a holster in my pants pocket as an off duty carry. My Glock is fitted with an aftermarket belt clip and Kydex trigger guard. I carry the Glock in my waistband without a holster. Tactical awareness and training are more important than the weapon. If an encounter does happen, it's probably going to be up close and personal and any large caliber round will suffice. I know that the firearms instructors out there are screaming at this and i don't necessarily recommend anything but this has worked for me.

[@DrTac]

Thank you for sharing from your personal experience.

[@marcusmarrs]

One of the privileged few that are able to protect oneself and their family. Glad I live in Texas where the second amendment actually means something.

[@Wastelandman7000]

You lived long enough to retire. That gives your view more weight than the firearms instructors in my book.

[@johnelder4273]

Hey Doc, I'm a retired LEO. I've been carrying a J-frame .38 Special or .357 magnum (loaded with .38 Specials unless I'm in the woods) off duty and now into retirement for over 35 years now. I've got a bit of arthritis in my hands and an all steel .357 absorbs the recoil a bit better now. It's enough gun for 99% of potential situations. I'm just taking care of me and my family in my 60s, not saving the world. I keep "more gun" locked up in my car if I am in need but I can't really drag around a Glock 22 and spare mags as a routine these days it's just not practical. BTW, most old ex-cops are packing a j-frame or a "mouse gun" of some type.

[@DrTac]

It's one thing when you're wearing kit or a utility belt, but as a civilian, trying to blend in and wear normal appropriate attire, you want to carry something that is comfortable, doesn't print, and can get the job done...and it looks like that's exactly what you've done. A J-frame is a great choice.

[@oldcop18]

Retired LEO here and I pocket carry a J Frame or LCP as a get-off-me gun. During my 30 yr career I survived three deadly encounters w/my issued revolver but I don’t have to go after bad guys anymore.

[@MAWA2024]

Everyone quotes the Elijah Dickens situation as "8 out of 10 shots at 40 yds". Only the first few shots were at that distance, he rapidly closed the distance while making the remaining shots. The primary lesson is 1) he HAD a gun and 2) he knew how to use it.

[@BryantWalker-m6e]

If you drive ANYWHERE you are WAY more likely to be confronted by an enraged driver than you realize, there is something about traffic that LITERALLY drives people insane, I remember seeing a Disney cartoon as a child where Goofy got into a car and became a raving lunatic when as soon as he hit traffic.

[@tremjar1305]

yes, it is other peoples constant bullshit that causes that, stopping at yellow lights, going 35 in a 45, driving like they are trying to catch the next red light not the green light they can obviously make it thru, cutting in front of you JUST to slow down, head up their ass rubber necking looking at everything but the road, on and on. and then those people get pissed off when you blow past them like its YOUR fault they lost their spot in traffic line.

[@NotAffiliated]

LOL, I remember that!

[@foreverknight1109]

@@tremjar1305 Its obvious we run it the same Jurk offs. and i though I was alone. .

[@tremjar1305]

@@foreverknight1109 heh I get behind some like us, I don't try to pass them, no need, just follow their lead.

[@davidortiz173]

I pulled up to a light and I thought the driver next to me was trying to say hello, boy was I wrong! He started raging on me and for the life of me I didn't know what did to this guy! If anything, it wasn't intended!

[@Saintbow]

When people spout off with the "Why do you need a gun?" Debate challenge, i always ask them if they carry a spare tire/donut? It's there for if and when it happens. You never want it to happen, but you sure will wish you had that spare if it happens. Then I tell them Triple A are like calling 911. You can call for help, but then you are at the mercy of time, and time is not your friend in a emergency. You can only count on yourself with the tools you equip yourself with.

[@DrTac]

That's an excellent analogy. Thank you for sharing.

[@iflyflir1846]

I have over 250 firearms and in my nightstand is a flashlight and a Taurus 856 Ultralight loaded with +P hallow points.

[@DrTac]

That kinda speaks volumes, doesn't it.

[@dsc3275]

Best of both worlds. Pistol on my right hip under a shirt, revolver in my left pocket. It pays to know you can shoot from either hand too.

[@DrTac]

Great combo...can't be too prepared 😉.

[@Sleepindragon2]

​@DrTac as long as your state allows you to carry 2nd or back up handgun.

[@UsDiYoNa]

@@Sleepindragon2”allows”

[@Anon54387]

@@DrTac I'd say that while it is wise to practice with a two hand grip, one should also practice with a one hand grip. In the moment of an attack it might not be possible to use a two handed grip.

[@gedocowboy8484]

Revolvers can get it done with practice and speed loaders.

[@gotshpilkes]

As a civilian, I mainly need a get-off-me gun. I'm not a cop who's required to cruise around looking for trouble and inserting myself into it. A pawn shop special, .32 cal. H&R snubbie will probably do me as much good as the CZ race gun. It'll hurt a lot less to lose a $200 tackle box gun if you ever have to use it in self defense. Whichever one you use will probably spend a couple of years in a police evidence locker, in an open plastic bin, with 20 other guns. Under a leaking pipe.

[@scaatylobo]

My life is the most valuable thing I have. A guns price is worth MY LIFE. How much would you pay for a gun,as a deadly force scenario started ?.

[@gotshpilkes]

@@scaatylobo Just pointing out a cost consideration. If your piece is being held for evidence or at the gunsmith, you should have a replacement suitable to your use case. I can afford the loss of an expensive firearm--you should some of the beauties I've lost in boating accidents--but not everyone can. Better is always better but good enough can be good enough.

[@HighStrangeDrifter]

@@gotshpilkes if you’re pointing out cost consideration, then why go .32 H&R? You have to order ammo online + shipping, and then practice with it. Taurus makes a 6-shot .38sp that around $300. Cheaper ammo plus a replaceable gun.

[@theunknownatheist3815]

My gun spent a little over 7 months in the evidence vault. How long it takes I’m sure is dependent on the department holding it. YMMV

[@xtreme4stringbass]

Cops are civilians. They are not military. They are just regular citizens like anyone else.

[@BlairClifford]

Oh! I forgot to add you must carry a backup gun, preferably a good high quality snubbie. Also make sure you got some speedloaders.

[@masteringyou4917]

Snub nose guns are dumb and useless.You're more likely to have it go off accidently.

[@BlairClifford]

I like S&W Model 13, 19, 27, .357 Magnums with 3" or 4" barrels that have target triggers, good sights, target hammers, combat grips and have had professional gunsmithing action jobs. Also Colt Pythons with all the above. You can keep the semi-autos.

[@larryshulman8845]

Great video, 45 years I carried a J frame, still do. Biggest issue was lack of really training with it due to pain in recoil. Now I am will trained in semi, and carry p365 but still carry j frame most of the time, training with 130 grain with J frame makes it easy and grip selection makes it perfect. You are correct that it is a fighting gun.

[@DrTac]

The P365 with a J-frame backup is a perfect combo!!

[@NYRM1974]

I study the teachings of Jeff Cooper as well as Masad ayoob. As well as my late father who served in special forces between Korea and Vietnam. Hailing from a military family who have been in service to the United States since the Spanish-American war all the way up to the Gulf war. That's what is 50 years behind the gun I think I know a thing or two about revolvers and semi-automatic handguns affectionately referred to as the pistol. The revolver has always proven to be reliable and less prone to jamming. Some semi-automatic pistols have been known to stove pipe due to poor ejection ports or something else causing issues

[@anttyzale5455]

Pistols jam due to pocket lint. The revolver is more reliable due to less sliding meshing parts.

[@radamson1]

I thought the same way as you and carried only revolvers. I wrote that on a prepper form once and had a range officer at a very large police training facility eat my lunch. The revolvers had a much higher failure rate than the pistols after a few rounds were fired. The revolvers shot much dirtier than the pistols, the fouling between the barrel and the cylinder was the big problem with revolvers. He spent quite a while going into the details sighting much more information than I can here.

[@Wastelandman7000]

@@radamson1 The problem is that argument is misleading. Because we're talking about two different kinds of reliability. The point is there are more things to go wrong in the firing sequence of an auto than there is a revolver because the user is providing the motive force to index the next round from a rotating cylinder that is mostly stable. The auto relies on energy from being fired to eject the empty, strip a round off the magazine, and move it to the chamber. There are more points of failure in that process than in the revolver's process. A bent feed lip or any one of a hundred other things can cause a failure to feed. And of course preventing scheduled maintenance of any machine will heighten the likelihood of said machine failing. Guns included. So what we're balancing is the reliability of autos knowing what can go wrong against what can go wrong with a well maintained wheel gun and are coming down on the risk of glitches in the auto being unacceptable when our lives are at stake. If you feel differently, that's fine. You make your own decisions.

[@Saintbow]

That is valuable wisdom that has been learned either through the hard way or passed down. My dad served in Vietnam (three combat tours) and he preferred hits Ruger single action in .357 when he had to tunnel work. His auto loader got fouled up once when he was in the mud. So my mom went bought him his Ruger Blackhawk (she lived in the same town as where Ruger was manufactured) and shipped it to him. It was a "this gun will get you back home to me" type move. When he passed in 2011 the Ruger went to me. My mom has bought all her son's a Ruger. Don't get me wrong I think auto loaders are great, but I just have more peace of mind in my wheel gun.

[@BeldarTheBrave42]

This is a great video and it's a concept that I've been trying to explain to people. As a civilian, I'm not carrying a gun to be a great marksman. I'm carrying a gun to blast someone with one hand while I hold their knife away from my throat with the other. I love both revolvers and semi-autos, but I am not carrying to be prepared for a drawn out long range engagement. The gun on my hip is a survival tool that needs to be able to withstand my sweat and the possibility of being used as a club.

[@DrTac]

I appreciate your well thought out approach to self defense and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@rickhand8228]

My personal opinion is that I most likely will have more of an opportunity to escape the fight if the assailant is farther away; if he is very close I might not. That makes the revolver a better choice but I don't have one! I need to go shopping!

[@DrTac]

Smart move, let me know what you end up getting.😎

[@Ed-ig7fj]

I am on a walker, so I can't run from trouble, I have to turn and face it. (I had cancer and blah blah blah.) I recently picked up a Colt Detective ("Dick") Special made in the 1970s. These six shot revolvers go back to 1927. Their advantage is that sixth round; S&W J frames only carry five. I also prefer the 686+ for that extra round; out at the farm, who knows? --Old Guy

[@foreverknight1109]

@@Ed-ig7fj Good choice; can't go wrong with old detective spl. like a rock dependable, the thing is keeping it handy at all times; being on a walker keeping you balance; and chance of being knocked down; you kind of have to plan it out. 17 1/2 yrs. law enforcement; 7 1/2 deep cover; Shot 3 times stabbed 3 times; arm in a sling; other times cast on leg; borne ribs; not all at once of course. But plan it out; ahead of time; my preference is S6W model 38 air weight with hammer shroud; no snagging on cloth 14 oz; only 5 shot, but worked on every time. Good luck; stay safe. old goat myself.

[@MichaelJohnson-mz8bs]

I have to tell you, as a new carrier (NJ) this absolutely makes sense to me and is making me think differently. Thank you!!

[@DrTac]

You are quite welcome. Thank you so much for the kind words!! I'm glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

Excellent logo! Upside of revolvers is it keeps brass littering to a minimum. I keep a few stashed around the house for emergencies. I Did have to us my fire extinguisher when my car caught on fire. I had that extinguisher for over 20 years. It saved my car.

[@DrTac]

I always love the fire extinguisher/revolver comparisons…they’re just so spot on!!

[@leonardpouches7306]

Thank you for articulating both sides of the isle and not throwing one under the bus just to be cool. Great vid.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I hated wheel guns for years and I sported a semi auto ironically now I'm in my 40s I love wheel guns. I love carrying both now opened and concealed even when i worked as a nurse and phlebotomist at clinics haha.

[@PocketBeemRocket]

The only thing I learned from this video is that I want more than one gun😅

[@DrTac]

Then the video was a success, because you just summed up the main point of the video😎

[@oldcop18]

I carried a revolver for the first 20 yrs of my career & used it in a ‘74 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects, reloading under fire to end the threats. In retirement my EDC is a light weight J Frame b/c of my street experiences. I’m in my late 70s, have back & hip problems that make carrying a very light weight gun necessary.

[@snowdogthewolf]

Revolvers vs autos. Subcompacts vs compacts. Compacts vs full-size. Cartridge vs cartridge. It's a never ending loop for some, as it was for me for quite some time. After decades of indecision and cycling through dozens of handguns, I've stuck the landing on the Gen4 G19 for CCW. Until the phased plasma pistols in the 40-watt range debut, I'm sticking with the G19 and 124gr HSTs. This doesn't mean it's the only handguns I own as I collect and never sell, but for carry... it's the one for me.

[@elihu217qd5150]

the phased plasma pistols in the 40-watt range brought to you by skynet

[@Bumper776]

I am a retired LEO and during my 27-year career I carried a S&W Model 39 (departmental issue) when I moved to a larger department, I carried a S&W Model 686. Briefly I carried a Colt Combat Commander '70s series in .45acp but retired it due to the close proximity to sea air. I finished off my last few years with a Glock 17. Now I concealed carry a S&W Model 60, easy to conceal and reliable.

[@DrTac]

Great choice. Thank you for your law enforcement service. Did you decide on a revolver as your personal protection gun because of the decades of experience you have with it and the comfort and muscle memory that come along with it, or do you feel there are inherent advantages to it over a semiautomatic?

[@Bumper776]

@@DrTac I bought my S&W Model 60 as an off-duty weapon back in 1979 then carried it when I was assigned to Narcotics 1983-1985 because it was easy to conceal. Now I am retired to a rural area where there hasn't been a half dozen homicides in the last 25 years, so I don't really feel the need for a really high-capacity weapon as a personal defense weapon plus it is extremely reliable. I trust my little companion completely and it is fun to shoot. I carry very light loads in it so even my wife can fire it without worry of hurting her dainty hands.

[@silverhammer7779]

The problem with a civilian carrying a high-capacity semiauto (especially one like yours, tricked out with a red dot) and using it in a gunfight is the high probability of going into "spray and pray" mode in the heat of the moment. I guarantee you, when the cops come to investigate, you had better be able to justify every shot fired and know where every bullet went. The cops will assume that you were looking for trouble. If you were carrying a revolver and six or twelve reloads, they'll cut you a lot more slack in a self-defense scenario. Carrying a semi with a fifteen-round magazine and two extra mags is NOT a good look for a civilian in the eyes of most cops and definitely not in the eyes of D.A.s in blue cities.

[@DrTac]

I'm not really sure what you mean when you say "tricked out with a red dot." The red dot has one job and one job only and that is to make your shot(s) more accurate...that is to say it results in the opposite of "spray and pray." "Spray and pray" means to aim in a general direction and just start pulling the trigger...and don't stop 'til you're out of bullets. A red dot allows you to focus on your target while acquiring it...something iron sites, if properly used, do not, as your focus should be primarily on the front site, not the target. As for your assertion that more rounds in the magazine results in more rounds down range...well, statistically that is simply not the case. More rounds in the magazine means more opportunities if needed. I cannot think of a situation in which I would prefer to have less rounds available to me. I understand your very real fear about dealing with the aftermath of a self-defense shooting...but our primary goal should be first and foremost to survive the event...then you can worry about the aftermath. If the legal aftermath is your primary concern, I certainly understand that, but my recommendation would be to not carry a firearm at all.

[@silverhammer7779]

@@DrTac There is always going to be a legal aftermath. The idea is to make sure that you don't do anything, before or after the event, to make yourself look bad in the eyes of the cops and a judge or jury, should it come to that. Most people unfamiliar with firearms and raised on CNN soundbites and propaganda about "assault weapons" and "high-capacity magazines" and such would look at your semiauto and think, "assault weapon" (they'd be wrong, but that wouldn't matter). A civilian with a J-frame .38 Spl would be looked upon much better in comparison. No, it isn't fair, but it is what happens sometimes, especially in deep blue cities. Which is ironic, since deep blue cities are where you'd be most likely to need a high-capacity semiauto.

[@d.b.hemlock]

I carry my 3" Colt Python as my primary CCW. It's definitely a "fighter" 6 shots of .357 magnum on hand at any moment. A main reason I swapped from a striker to a revolver was absolute reliability no matter the situation. However you're exactly correct about the shooter aspect. I had planned on getting a CZ Shadow 2 compact later this year as my shooter. Love seeing you carry yours. I'd love to see a whole video about Shadow 2 CCW options. However I see taking a shooter CCW for the location you're expecting more hostile threats. For example, you're headed to a large crowded place like a mall etc. I can see the need for a shooter. However for most other typical outings my fighter is more than adequate. Can't go wrong with either. Or both!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

Bet yea that 357 of yours is a purdy gun for sure.

[@d.b.hemlock]

@@elsuperpollo2273 Thank you! I absolutely love it.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

If I would have started over knowing what I know now, I would have gotten a 357 first then a semi auto second.

[@homiesenatep]

Strangely, my bb revolver went out before my false Glock. The Glock still shoots

[@mightymutt1]

I have a 8 shot Smith 357

[@lukedemello2077]

Yeah but that's cheating though!

[@Ed-ig7fj]

@@lukedemello2077 Back in the 1970s I used to see bumper stickers saying, "Happiness is a belt-fed weapon." My 686+ holds seven rounds. I always say, Six for sure, seven for damned sure." --Old (almost cheating) Guy

[@Wastelandman7000]

@@lukedemello2077 Cheating is fun LOL

[@mikeborrelli193]

You conceal carry a 45oz N frame S&W ?

[@mightymutt1]

@@mikeborrelli193 performance center 25oz n frame

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

A weapon mounted light makes a good standoff device to keep your gun in battery. I also want to state that a gun fight is still a fight, regardless of what you’re carrying. At any moment, the a$$hole in Indiana could’ve turned towards Elijah, and that would’ve been a fight. It’s a very different kind of fight than having 2 guys jump on you, but still a fight nonetheless.

[@vlogfriendsutopia]

Don't need a standoff device with a revolver.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

@@vlogfriendsutopia No, but good luck reloading in a fight.

[@OldManMontgomery]

I'm a retired lawman. I worked twenty-eight years for the U. S. Govmint (my quirky sense of humor is acting up). Six years U. S. Border Patrol and twenty-two year with U. S. Customs which turned into U. S. Customs and Border Protection (merged with Border Patrol, TSA and I can't remember what else). I daily carried a sidearm, never fired a shot in fear of my life. I retired and now have "218" carry as well as state carry qualifications. Honestly, I have no expectation of needed to shoot anyone. But like you I carry a sidearm. Not planning on using it, but I don't plan on having a flat, but I have a spare anyway. Not planning on crashing my car, but wear my seatbelt religiously. Always wear clean underwear. Mom taught me well. Rule of threes. Seems more applicable to person attack such as robbery, thrill assault, rape or such. The other form of attack as demonstrated in the Eli Dickens matter is the terrorist attack category. Eli Dickens. No idea of his religious or spiritual stance or belief, but God put him there for the occasion and he was doing God's business. However, I am mentally and emotionally ready for such an event, and prepared implement-wise for such. Put me in the gunfighter column. I stay alert when awake (like I saw your video ran horizontally reversed) and constantly review my surroundings. Which has the pleasant side effect of keeping me out of way when a sloppy or negligent driver is on the street. I am also the sort of guy who get's overlooked. I'm small and not real impressive physically. I carried a Colt lightweight Commander in .45 ACP while I was off duty and for about ten years after retirement. I now carry a three inch S&W Model 10, suited and loaded with +p loads. I am most familiar with the legal requirements for such an action. Shooting background. From my early twenties I shot NRA 2700. Then in my middle twenties I fell amongst a group of mostly active and retired Marines who ran a periodic pistol 'match' directed toward impromptu self defense more than thirty round bursts. Then I did the lawman stint above. Now I'm old and can no longer run very fast. So I have to stick around.

[@DrTac]

I for one, am glad to know that people like you are quietly in the background in case things go sideways. Thank you for your law service and your comment.

[@OldManMontgomery]

@@DrTac Still my job.

[@127AFS]

Good things to consider when choosing a CCW. I personally use semi-autos, but I can definitely see the benefits of revolvers in certain scenarios. Either type has its own sets of strengths and limitations. As with the debates about firearm size and caliber, everything is about trade-offs. There is never one tool that can check ALL the boxes, so you just have to choose which "boxes" are most important to you. For me personally, lack of capacity isn't so much the issue for me with revolvers. To me the issue is comfort. Revolvers on the whole tend to be heavier than semi-autos of a similar size. The lack of a reciprocating slide means your hand takes almost all the recoil. The double action triggers require a ton of practice to get good with. If I'm going to both carry and practice with my firearm on a regular basis, a lighter, softer recoiling semi-auto with a lighter trigger seems to be the better fit for me personally. If I WERE to get a revolver, it would probably have to be a lightweight snubby in either 22mag or 32 H&R, with a hammer that lets me shoot single action if I want. That would at least alleviate my three revolver concerns, though I would do so at the cost of sacrificing caliber power. Everyone else's mileage will vary with this debate of course. Yes, I can recognize that I MIGHT be at a disadvantage in a close quarters fight with my semi-auto. Knowing that limitation, I try to stay extra vigilant of my surroundings. If someone gets too close and I'm not paying attention, the fight could all too easily be over for me before it even started.

[@John_Malloy]

Very logical explanation. Many others agree that the best caliber for a small revolver is the 32.

[@MrDhen88]

Full size Usp 45- primary Sig 230 380 - boot gun Glock 30s 45- backup kept on non dominant side next to flashlight and spare mags for Usp SW 19 357- NY reload, SOB IWB out of the way of everything else SW 38 38spl in a pocket holster in my coat, hammerless for cqc and inside the pocket shooting I have access to a weapon on both sides with both hands if I’m hit, a backup chambered in the same caliber to make use of the extra mags with compatible ammo, if the primary has malfunction, and the NY reload is right next to my primary in case I don’t have enough time to reload , my boot gun is basically last resort if everything else fails and I’m not super worried about getting to it quickly cause if I’m having to pull that out I’m already having a bad day. But I’d rather have it and never use it then need it and not have it

[@DrTac]

I would say that you are adequately prepared, sir.😎

[@rjkbytes1]

As my dear sainted Grandmother always said, "Boy if you can't get it done with six, you ain't going to get done."

[@Jason32Bourne]

I've seen plenty of examples of dudes getting shot 10-20+ times. They were semiauto rounds, but still. Adrenaline and mindset and incredible things. You could argue shot placement, but even highly trained professionals don't always get one to two shot stops. Shot placement, target opportunity, light, movement, adrenaline, injury, surprise and more are just a few factors.

[@DrTac]

Yes, but call me a glutton because whenever possible, when it comes to good things, I always want more😎

[@rjkbytes1]

@@Jason32Bourne So the best carry weapon is a 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger. ok, bit bulky but ok, as you will get a guaranteed 3 hit take down.

[@ericolsen5592]

Nobody ever walked away from a fight saying "man, I wish I brought less ammo". And people who wished they brought more ammo, didn't get to walk away.

[@rico989]

Another couple facts you can look up about Dickens is he had stock Glock sights with a chip on them and blazer brass ammo.

[@travelingspartan2035]

Whatever training Eli Dickens is doing, I think most of us could stand to try some of it.

[@rico989]

@@travelingspartan2035 whatever he's doing he's doing better than cops. 8 hits out of 10 rounds 40yds. Cops at 7yds will mag dump and hit the suspect and injure them with most their rounds missing. Granted most cops aren't gun people and probably just qualify when they have to. I've had to qualify and if people don't pass you would think their jobs would be at risk but nope they just keep letting them go through the course till they meet the minimum requirement.

[@gregoryjewell5875]

A revolver can do both, well. A j-frame type can still do the 40 yd shot with more power, and not need the other rounds. The key is training. My brother and I both carry revolvers alot. I'd rather face most people with a Glock, than him with a 75 year old S&W Model 10. He has proven the he can fire the initial shots faster, and more accurately than the Glock competitors in his club. Whichever gun you choose to carry, TRAIN until its second nature and instinct.

[@DrTac]

Good points!!

[@MAWA2024]

In 68 years I've used a fire extinguisher 4 times, once to stop a house fire and 3 times for a vehicle fire. None of these were my property. It was nice to be prepared - I've carried an extinguisher in my car since I could drive. I think the same applies to carrying. The most important thing is TO carry; what YOU decide to carry is what works for you, and I find it to be an evolving choice over the years. For me it's hard to argue 6 rounds over 15 rounds, but I'd rather have 6 than none. As a civilian the odds of needing more than that are vanishingly small, although the other comment here about multiple shooters (eg, looting gangs) does make a good argument for both more capacity and spare magazines.

[@cyrusfreeman9972]

I switched from a J frame to a Glock 43 and have not looked back. About the only thing I feel like I really need to be cognizant of is over pressing the gun into something.The guide rod stops a lot of of trouble. When the 43X came out, I got one of those two. Each has its place. I find them far easier to conceal and much easier to shoot than the J frame, but the J frame was definitely a good little gun.

[@DrTac]

“Easier to conceal and much easier to shoot,” two excellent reasons to switch. Thank you for commenting.

[@WayniacKT]

I believe that for the average citizen a revolver is a great choice. It has the best chance of going bang when you need it no matter the position or hand hold. Like you, I love my semis and I carry a Sig P238 in my pocket as a backup. But my main carry is a revolver aiwb with 6 rounds of 38+p. Im good with a wheel gun and I train with it regularly. Is it a "go-to-war" gun, heck no, but it is a perfect "go to the store" gun. Also it is a good gun when you travel from state to state. Revolvers are legal in all states.

[@DrTac]

All excellent points and I love the "Go to Store" line. I will definitely use that one!!

[@kylewood8327]

Great video! I’ve owned my S&W 66-2 snub since 1985 and been my CC pistol for 20yrs, it’s been an excellent pistol for me.

[@michaelford2517]

3 inch barrel?

[@kylewood8327]

@@michaelford2517 2.75

[@DrTac]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@johnellis4129]

I carry a S&W 66-8 with a 2.75" barrel and a full length guide rod. Love it.

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

I think the J-frame (or similar sized) revolver is the best firepower to weight/size CCW that you can just about get out there while being something that's capable of being carried at the ready safely. There are very few pistols out there that I think are equivalent. A Kahr K40 with hot loads. Some of the old S&W stuff like a CS40 would be ok. I don't like striker fired with few exceptions (the Kahr being one since its DAO). At the end of the day, .357 J-frame comes out on top for me. It's never gonna jam. If I felt like I needed more firepower, I would carry a second J-frame and some moon clips. More than that, carry both the jframes AND a 1911double stack in .38 super. So 30 rounds of 357 level power on tap without reloading anything. That seems extreme but it could all be carried comfortably. I don't carry anything now, but I used to carry that years ago. Two S&W 649s in a special pocketed vest covered by a light jacket. Caspian 1911 .38 super upside down in the small of my back holster. I could draw that 649 in about half a second.

[@LennyBoy-px3og]

Why stop at 3? I carry 9 guns total. 2 J-frames in each sock and pocket and a full size 1911 on my hip. Anything but those pesky modern handguns designed this century

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

@@LennyBoy-px3og cry the rest of your life about it. Maybe you should get your T checked

[@LennyBoy-px3og]

@@The_Conspiracy_Analyst test levels have skyrocketed once I started carrying 48 rounds of .357 mag every day thank you

[@roberthahn3710]

I’ve been shooting since 1968. I carried both professionally. Now in my later years I carry a Kimber K6s that replaced my SP101 and my autos mostly stay in the safe.

[@thomasarmstrong9327]

While not totally new to firearms, it had been some years since I owned any. Then came 2020. Of course, per-round costs for "common" ammo was exorbitant, and "food for wheel guns" even more so. I followed the crowd and bought semi-auto 9mm stuff. As my curiosity took me down an assortment of metaphorical rabbit holes, I got to thinking about concealable wheel guns. I tried a .38 Airweight, and while I might feel differently now, I found the felt recoil would deter me from shooting enough to gain proficiency. Yeah, I know, it's not *that* much more than my auto-loading P10C or my P07, but my hands were not enjoying it that day. KZbin eventually showed me a couple videos from Chris Baker at Lucky Gunner about the family of .32 caliber ammo, and I got to thinking about the whole "contact" issue again. With minor trepidation (buying yet another caliber without being able to shoot some of it first, but also thinking that I hadn't shot 9mm before 2020), I bought a Charter Arms snubby in .32 H&R Magnum. I've fired a couple hundred rounds through this thing, and I see the validity of the platform as a close-quarters self-defense piece. Will I abandon my semi-auto pistols? Nope. The higher capacity remains a siren song. The longer sight radius for more precise shooting is still nice to have. The ammo is also cheaper than .32 S&W Long or .32 H&R Magnum. I also agree that the odds of me needing to defend myself with a firearm are pretty darned small. I consider the wisdom that the best fight is one I don't get in to begin with, and de-escalation is my first impulse. It's nice to have a small gun that I can shoot reasonably well (I have a Shield 9, and I only keep it because it's more concealable than my P07 in some clothing options, but I don't shoot it well because I have big hands and it's a tiny gun).

[@maxotoole8766]

I If I may ask, is your rig left handed, as your watch and ring appear to be on your right wrist/ring finger and you left hand is clean…or is the video inverted? In any case, it was a worthy presentation and I hope you continue your channel. Stay frosty.

[@DrTac]

Nice catch…I didn’t realize the video was mirrored until post production…lesson learned for future videos. Thank you for the kind words!!

[@thomasrape4616]

I carry revolvers mostly because I'm much more familiar with them, they were the service side arm for the prison system where I worked for 25 years. They used the SW model 65 .357. I have several simi-auto hand guns but my revolvers are my go to. The gun I carry the most is actually a 2 shot darenger chambered in. 38 sp. Because its small and easy to conceal. I live in a constitutional carry state with open and concealed carry, but I don't like to advertise that I'm armed. Ive been practicing with my 1911 more lately but I still like my revolvers better.

[@DrTac]

I’m with you, carry what you find comfortable enough that you will always have it on you. While I live in a very NOT free state, Maryland, I find myself super-concerned with printing. I think if I lived in a constitutional carry state I would still carry concealed,to maintain the element of surprise, but I would carry something a bit larger and probably owb with garments hanging over it, since I would have less fear of printing and it would be considerably more comfortable. Thank you for sharing your perspective, it makes perfect sense.

[@kirkboswell2575]

Excellent topic. Excellent discussion. Good video. Revolver vs. semi is always going to keep going because there are valid considerations for both. True story - a man hunting antlered game in Wyoming was attacked by a huge brown bear. Not a grizzly, but his brother. He didn't have ANY time before the bear had him pinned. He pulled his revolver and fired three times. Bear quit mauling, wandered off, and died. The hunter later said his survival was strictly because he carried a revolver. He said it took three shots to stop the bear's attack, but only one would have been possible with an auto due to the litteral contact distance he was in. Concealment? A semiautomatic will always be king. Sustainable fire? Again, the semiautomatic UNLESS you are talking about "all day." A single shot rifle will fire more rounds AT THE END OF THE DAY than any lever, pump, or auto (but short term the semiautomatics have it). Therefore, your conclusion that "it depends" is 100% correct. Personally? I prefer revolvers while acknowledging the advantages of semiautomatics.

[@charlesdudek7713]

I was a police officer for 36 years. For my first ten years on the job I was issued a revolver and then the following twenty six I carried autos. I think it was good that I started with revolvers but I welcomed the higher capacity of the autos. For home defense I prefer a revolver but for concealed carry personally I prefer an auto even though there are advantages either way. Shoulder holsters I would only wear under a jacket and they aren't the best for weapon retention.

[@DrTac]

Thank you for sharing your well thought out choices…and thank you for your law enforcement service.

[@charlesdudek7713]

​@@DrTacYou're right about the shooter or fighter conundrum. I guess everyone has to figure out what they feel best about carrying and go with it. Train, stay calm should a situation should arise and most likely you'll come out okay. Very interesting video btw. 👍

[@thomasbrandon5111]

Ive been carrying daily since 1967. Did my full LE career carrying a revolver and still trust them more then any of the semiautos that i own and occasionally carry. For me revolvers rule.

[@DrTac]

You are clearly confident and competent with your revolver, so it is definitely the right choice for you. Thank you for your Law Enforcement service and thank you for taking the time to coment.

[@Renaldo135]

You have to be both and you are right. Small snubbie excellent for close combat or actually engaged fighting and grabbing that is why I always carried one as a back up weapon as a Patrol Officer for almost thirty years but over-all the pistol is the way to go and the real solution is to go with what Clint says with regard to MURPHYS LAW. One is none and two is one....how about carrying both? That would be a great solution to any situation other than need for a rifle .

[@DrTac]

Could not agree more!!

[@robertwatkins7691]

I prefer revolvers over semi's, always have. They are simple, durable, very dependable, low maintenance and rarely fail. I have one semi, it's a basic 1911 clone it also is simple, durable, dependable and low maintenance.

[@DrTac]

So interestingly, revolvers are not quite as durable as they get credit for. They are extremely durable to when it comes to neglect…they can sit loaded for years, you can put crappy ammo in them, they will function regardless of weather or temperature,etc.. However, they are more sensitive to abuse than many of us realize. Durability tests have shown repeatedly that revolvers do not respond well to falling in mud or sand, or getting banged up or even roughly handled (eg swinging the cylinder back into place, like they do in the movies, routinely). All that said, I totally agree with you. The reliability of a revolver is unmatched by semiautos.

[@Progen77]

Shooter or fighter is often range based. Tight urban spaces are for the fighter gun. While rural or suburban spaces are more wide open for the shooter.

[@DrTac]

Absolutely agree!! Thank you for commenting.

[@MarkSmith-st5nr]

Carry both

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

Yeah I would say do the reverse of conventional wisdom. Carry the snub nosed revolver as the primary, and the hi-cap auto as the "backup"

[@Mowkade]

I'm a country boy from Indiana and I have always trained at a Minium of 25 yards and I end all of my ranging time at 50 yards. I have no problem hitting with a S&W 640 in 357 mag at 50 yards. Now I'm not patting myself on the back but if you only train at close range shooting a 40 yard shot might sound hard. And the simple fact in the matter is it's not if you always train to miss you're going to miss. Now I happen to have the land where I can shoot at long range all the time and there are lots of open outdoor ranges that you can go to where you can shoot at 50 or 100 yards with your handgun. Aim small miss small. aim large hit large. Shoot at long range. Always connect at short range

[@DrTac]

The point of the video isn’t really about accuracy. Technically, a revolver is a more accurate choice than a semiautomatic because it has a fixed barrel vs a tilting or rotating barrel. The point is speed and capacity. That is where the semiautomatic shines. Of course you should be able to be accurate at 40 yards with your 357…but how many rounds can you get off accurately in 14 seconds…unless of course you’re Jerry Miculek 😎

[@Mowkade]

@@DrTac having 20 years of police experience and knowing the nationwide statistics of 1 / 2 shot stops. I don’t work with the mentality of how many bullets I can spray towards the target in panic. Shot placement is king. Been there done that numerous times.

[@edregener7018]

Personal protection revolver every time plus it don’t throw casings (evidence) everywhere. You don’t have to clear a jam with a revolver just pull the trigger again

[@DrTac]

Yup and yup!!

[@dannybarton940]

Speaking to the fire extinguisher analogy... If I was to find myself in the middle of a raging forest fire, I'd wish I had carried a firetruck. If I had something smaller to deal with, I have to unshoulder my firetruck and just piss on it. I guess If a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass when he jumps.

[@DrTac]

LOL!! Definitely the comment of the day!!

[@janmale7767]

You have made a very good point about the shooter , fighter comparison, to me the revolver is by far the more simple and reliable choice, if revolvers had the ammo capacity of semi auto's there would be no contest!

[@DrTac]

I totally agree, capacity is the revolver's Achilles' heel .

[@Patrick-xd8jv]

I have carried both. My air weight is 5 rounds not 6. I prefer the P365 with 12 +1 than 5+5. I also shoot the sig much better

[@DrTac]

Sounds like a pretty reasonable decision. Both will probably get the job done, but always go with what you are most comfortable with and works best in your hands. Thanks for sharing.

[@anthonyspaltro3643]

My answer is to carry 2. Probably can't reload, but I can access 2 different locations. Newer CC 9MMS, .380S, .22S. .38 for revolver. Expensive, yes, but cheaper than a hospital stay or a funeral.

[@pmf2994]

I have a S&W model 36, 5 shot revolver and a Glock 17. I have had a NYPD CCW for 47 years. I carry my revolver 95% of time. If my life depended on one shot, it will be my trusty revolver.

[@DrTac]

I cannot disagree with you.

[@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop]

There I was writing the script for my own video on this subject and you put this out! very good video, thanks for addressing. Regardless of whether you're all-in on revolvers or pack a semiauto, we need to take a good hard look at our strengths as well as have the occasional reality check.

[@DrTac]

I am so glad that you enjoyed the video. I'm a firm believer in the more the merrier...that goes for guns and videos. I just subbed and I'm looking forward to seeing yours!! Thanks for the comment.

[@alancranford3398]

Here we go again, reinventing the wheel. Good luck. The issues raised are real. Making police carry two guns (revolver and semiautomatic), plus ECD, OC spray, baton, multitool, rifle-proof vest, IFAK, commo gear--the list never ends.

[@mikeborrelli193]

IMO the biggest advantage to a revolver in a life or death encounter is there are no failure to feed, no failure to eject, no failure to go into battery, no unseated or dropped magazine, and the failure to fire drill for a DA revolver is to simply pull the trigger again.. Six pre-loaded chambers vs one chamber on a semi auto. My EDC is no dash model 342 J frame without the keyhole.. It weghs 13oz fully loaded. I also sometimes carry a.Ruger LCP Max 380acp when i want the smallest footprint.. I live in the deep south and like you ive found experimenting with maximum comfort wearing my everyday light clothing is the most challenging obstacle.. Im not convinced all these KZbinrs stuffing G19s in appendix holsters drive cars, sit down, go food shopping, or do much of anything physical in their everday lives..

[@mikeborrelli193]

PS,looking forward to your thoughts on holsters and carry positions.

[@DrTac]

Totally agree with your assessment of the revolver pros, and I get why mall goers want to carry more rounds…and my preference is to carry both, but that is at the high cost of discomfort, which can translate into not carrying. It sounds like you arrived at what works best for you and quite frankly that’s what this is all about. A holster and carry position video is in the works 😎

[@theunknownatheist3815]

I guess I’m a Shighter. 😂 Been shooting since the early 80’s. Been doing various martial arts almost as long. Started Jiu Jitsu in 1990- had my last full contact match at age 41 in 2010. I EDC a G27 in either .40 or .357 Sig, with a .22Mag revolver for backup, along with edged items (trained FMA for this) Have done various training with some of the best around- my ex GF managed and lived at an outdoor range and we practiced regularly doing all the fun stuff you couldn’t normally do. Have dealt with several defensive scenarios over the years, had attempted home invasion about 9 months ago. One person KIA, second wounded and apprehended. Not a scratch on me or mine. Can’t say the same for my patio door. 😂 One thing I wasn’t expecting is how gross the aftermath of a shooting is. We had to have a special cleaning crew come and clean up. Yuck. The goo left from a body with multiple GSW on the ground is 🤮. And even though the guy had it coming- I still sometimes feel bad about it. I’m not a bleeding heart, but not a robot either. The guy is now 💀, and I saw the holes I put in him. If you haven’t seen a headshot up close, let me tell you. It’s something else. 🤢 That is something only experience can prepare you for. But training does help.

[@DrTac]

I am sorry you had to go through that, but remember that you were actually the victim, even though it went significantly worse for the other guy. We carry and train to make ourselves feel safe, but we hope to never use those skills and/or tools. I’m glad you’re around to share that story.

[@denniswinton4485]

I've struggled between the wheel gun and semi too. There is no perfect answer. You could carry both I suppose. I know that the optics platforms on semi's compensate for lack of practice, but if you carry a revolver you better be really good or really, really close. I tend to carry a snubby during the day when bad stuff is less likely to happen, and a G19 w/tack light/lazer combo at night or if going into a questionable environment.

[@DrTac]

Sounds like a perfectly reasonable plan 😎

[@Jason32Bourne]

I feel better terminology would be: Gunfighter. One who get's in a gunfight. And a fighter. One who get's in a close/physical fight/entanglement.

[@washingtoncommandcenter5541]

I carry a S&W M&P Spec/TLR-8AG/RCR(replaced my basic M&P FS) AIWB that I know I can cover some distance with, but I weakside carry a S&W 340PD slimmed down with Altamont legacy grips(and a slick Iver-johnson/Bourne-style knuckleduster a buddy made me for it) in a jacket or vest pocket, + 2 defensive knives( WPS Splinter weakside front scout/Stroup SD1 4 O'clock) All to be able to fight to my M&P if someone gets the drop on me up close. Or in the 340's case, because a pocket dump beats an AIWB draw about 10/10 times and is likely accessible in a mugging situation if they ask for my wallet. I also have a "Low-Vis Get Home/SHTF" Kit in my truck with a suppressed 6.75in 300blk in case something REALLY bad happens and I gotta get home or to a loved one.

[@LAG3]

This is the first video of yours that I have watched. You earned a subscriber today. Your down to earth presentation without any annoying catchphrase is a breath of fresh air. You present as humble. I am forever a student myself. I own both semiautomatics and revolvers. I agree with your assessment that the revolver is a fighter's weapon. There are enough examples of real world, trained warriors advocating the small revolver for the same reasons. And several are advocating smaller caliber weapons for ECQB, including.32H&R, 22WMR, and 22LR. The two revolvers I regret selling are the Ruger LCR in 22WMR and 22LR. It is no coincidence that they are hard to find and expensive. Thanks.

[@h3HUg7Sp]

Are you a shooter or are you a fighter? Is there also a difference in the actual shooting techniques that you should *emphasize*? Is there a different way of shooting a handgun based on whether you're shooting for accuracy, where sight picture and trigger control is more important, or whether you're shooting for speed, in a close up situation, where grip and recoil control would be more important? Eli would likely have had to be more focused on sight picture and trigger control, whereas the cop on the ground would likely be more focused on grip and recoil control while rapidly slapping the trigger.

[@Southernsled68]

Revolvers always go bang.Simple is better and steel better than plastic but I'm an old fudd. .Your mileage may vary.To each his own.Best to all.

[@johnochicago8457]

Excellent video. I ask myself that question all the time. I have been carrying a Kimber K6sx as a daily carry or a Shield 9mm when in bad spots in Chicago. Usually, I just carry a J frame, Kimber daily. What ammo do you use in that Kimber?? Thank you!!

[@DrTac]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video. In the K6XS I use Hornady Critical Defense 38 SPL +P 110 gr FTX.

[@johnochicago8457]

@@DrTac Thank you very much. I have those and had trouble deciding. I will use them now!!!

[@rbm6184]

Revolvers Are For Gun Fighters & Semi-Autos Are For Shooters...Which One Are You?!! Both. I have been carrying since the late 1980s. Both autos and revolvers. First started with a 1911A1 .45ACP thin and easy to conceal for a big pistol with a snub nose .38Spl. as a backup. Then a whole lot of different wonder nine autos. I prefer the revolver though because I shoot autos well but I shoot revolvers better. If I can get away with hiding a revolver on my body then I will carry one over an auto. But they both take practice. For most of us who don't live in gangland or high crime areas we are not going to get through a mag or cylinder let alone have time to reload in a five second gunfight. Capacity does not matter in a five second gunfight. Its over before you can get more than two or three shots off and we are responsible for every round we shoot. But we do carry reloads just in case that less than one percent chance of multiple threats and a longer 15 to 30 second gunfight because we don't stake our lives on averages.

[@DrTac]

Totally agree....BOTH has to be the answer because the truth is, you don't get to decide the scenario you find yourself in, your assailant(s) do(es). Therefore the best thing you can do is be prepared for both. Thank you for sharing.

[@utubeu8129]

When I was much younger, I used to get Guns magazine. The ny taxi cab drivers were having a hard time. the descriptions of their gunfights inside their cabs always made my knees weak.

[@davefletch3063]

Most shootings are resolved in less than six rounds, excluding police engagements. The police tend to use excessive rounds per target, and personally i think they need to go back to revolvers so they can relearn marksmanship and ammo reservation skills

[@peternorton5648]

I Couldn’t agree more. Seems as though they rely more on mag dumps than marksmanship now. Saw a video the recently where two female officers knocked on a door at like 1AM. When the home owner lady came to the door with a handgun they saw her through the window, one yelled “gun!” and they went through 3 mags each without her even opening the door. Fortunately she was only injured and even worse was it was the wrong address. I know it’s an extreme example but what are us citizens supposed to feel when then organization who is supposed to protect us can’t be trusted not to try and kill us at the smallest perceived provocation? If someone knocked on my door at 1 AM I’d answer with a gun in Mary hand too.

[@davefletch3063]

@@peternorton5648 100% there are way too many instances like this. My favorite is the acorn one

[@Ruby_Sterling]

Most of us traded leather holsters for kydex because leather warps over time and can possibly get into the trigger guard. Re: your shoulder rig. It’s also important to clear guns before handling them.

[@ranhat2]

Thanks for the true life story--with lucky snapshots too! (Took you awhile to get there, but you/we got there.

[@DrTac]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for your patience 😉

[@seancastle5971]

Both revolver and auto loader. Capacity and reliability. And if you need to elicit the help of a stranger, most people can figure out a double action revolver.

[@DrTac]

Your "Stranger" poing is an excellent one. I had actually thought about that too.

[@zorgath420]

I believe Mr.dickens fired 4 shots from 40 yards hitting twice missing twice from there he ran up to about 25 yards fired 4 more shots all hits then moved up to around 7-8 yards took 2 more shots hitting both and stopping the threat all within 15 seconds.

[@henrygervais8744]

I carry both a nna mini and a glock 19 or 42 depending on the season.And I hope I never have to use them.

[@DrTac]

Sounds like you, my friend, are covered.

[@JJ-dc7tt]

Somewhere I read: Look out for an old guy who pulls out a revolver.

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the video. I don't quite agree with your shooter versus fighter perspective, but the video was interesting. The problem with the way you've presented things is that each of these are one-time events. One can argue that every self-defense firearm use is unique in some way and therefore a one-time event. On the other hand, repeating patterns are worth considering. I don't dismiss all of the statistics. I recognize that details about how situations were evaluated for statistics can be important. For instance, one bit of internet lore is that the FBI analysis of how many shots are fired includes suicides. For most suicides, only one shot is fired, so those will tend to drive down the average number of shots fired. On the other hand, I don't know whether that claim is true. Maybe one study included suicides and others haven't. I believe John Lott's research found that most self-defense incidents end with no shots fired once the aggressors realize that the intended victim is armed. When intruders broke into my home in 2018, they fled when I howled at them. They were coming through the front and back, and the one in the back may have seen me. I wasn't properly armed at the time, but I had a curved knife. The intruder may have mistaken that knife for a gun and fled. If someone were using that incident for self-defense statistics, maybe that person would consider that a self-defense with zero shots fired. Again, that would reduce the average if one were calculating averages. I've heard that the average distance is seven yards and not three yards. I don't know what the real number is. The average is less important than the spread. If there is a perfect, narrow, bell curve around three yards or seven yards, that tells us one thing about preparation. If the distribution of distances is widely spread between contact distance and twenty yards and the average just happens to be three yards or seven yards, that tells us something else about preparation. I'm not absolutely certain that firing a Glock 19 from that odd angle will always result in a limp-wrist failure. Different factors could result in the shooter being able to make that shot while providing enough support for the gun to cycle correctly. If the improper cycling is something that will happen rarely and having to fire from that angle will happen rarely, I don't think that example by itself really makes a case that a Glock 19 isn't a fighting gun. I understand that semi-automatic pistols going out of battery when in contact with someone or something is a problem. I just don't know how often that problem would really arise in real-life self-defense scenarios. I mostly lean towards the belief that if one is proficient with a particular gun, that gun will be adequate in a self-defense scenario. Our society seems to teeter between times where mass violence is likely and times when most self-defense will be the more traditional situation of one person defending against one attacker most of the time or maybe two or three attackers occasionally. When someone must face a crowd, a gun with fifteen rounds is the better "fighter." Against only one attacker, a revolver can be equally effective.

[@atoadigi]

New subscriber, great video!!! I work from home and I am home or out in the neighborhood probably 75 - 80% of the week so I have the Kimber K6xs on me most of the time, it's a safe area and I don't think I'm going to get jumped by 10 ninjas when I'm out with the dog or fishing at the neighborhood pond. When I go out in public, to a restaurant, a movie, shopping etc., I'm carrying my Shield Plus with a 13+1 capacity plus spare mag. Both are comfortable to carry and easy to conceal, most of the time in a pocket holster. I would maybe consider carrying a compact size for winter carry when wearing sweat shirts & flannels so they would not print but I am in the southeast and the majority of the year I'm wearing cargo shorts and t-shirts so those two guns work best for my edc.

[@DrTac]

Welcome aboard!! I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. I completely agree with your situational gun selection. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@andrewdelaix]

Interestingly, I made a similar comment on an ASP video about the potential superiority of a revolver at close quarters. It was a video where John was discussing the pros and cons (mostly cons) of a snub nosed revolver. For context I have taken Craig Douglas's ECQC class which is all about fighting at 'bad breath' distance. For the scenarios targeted by that class, a revolver may well be the superior choice. John was kind enough to reply to my comment where he pointed out that at least for the videos he's analyzed that the need to shoot while grappling (for civilians anyhow) is pretty low. Your milage may vary I guess.

[@-whiskey-4134]

I carry a P320 in 40 with a compact slide and Icarus precision ace compact (sub compact) grip module/frame and a mini 500 lumen mounted light and gas pedal. I use the standard metal Sig day/night white dot with tritium insert iron sights. Carries 13+1 and usually have 2-3 spare mags on me. Looking to get a custom Norso slide so I can add a red dot and not have to change to 9mm. To be fair though, I have to worry about a lot of wild dogs, bear, hogs, mountain lions…they’re more of a threat than people where I am. I’ve almost been mauled a few times. I like walking through the woods, and I live in the woods. Bear come sniffing around at night a lot. Sadly, I dont have a rifle yet, but I’d feel better with one. I dont live in the city, so things like home invasions are far less likely, so is getting robbed or something. Im out in the middle of nowhere lol I guess it depends in your situation and location. And I moved from a major urban city, it’s very different.

[@prestonnewcomb5991]

I kinda remember a guy with an eyepatch, and a couple Smith and Wesson 44s with aimpoints. I think he called himself a gun fighter too.

[@DrTac]

Yes, but don't forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!!

[@adviceman5211]

I LIVE IN AZ, WHERE WE HAVE NO RESTRICTION ON THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF WEAPONS WE CAN CARRY. I WOULD SAY CARRY BOTH, A SNUBBY REVOLVER AND A LIGHT WEIGHT MED. CAPACITY SEMI-AUTO, IF YOU CAN LEGALLY DO SO. AND A KNIFE. THEN TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN, BOTH MECHANICS AND THE LAW. THE LEGAL SYSTEM CAN BE AND OFTEN IS, QUITE TREACHEROUS. SOME SORT OF ATTY. SELF PROTECTION PROGRAM SEEMS TO ME LIKE A GOOD IDEA. GREAT VIDEO.

[@DrTac]

Now, that sounds like a great, well thought out plan!! Thank you for your kind words and G-d bless AZ!!

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I am not a gunfighter and I am indeed a shooter if a zillion or so rounds over half a century makes me one. on the other hand I have not been in a gunfight as such. Been shooting revolvers for decades many decades.. Semi autos were for 22 lr for me. The 1911's of the day were not very accurate (compared to revolvers) and had crappy triggers believe it or not. The only other semi autos we ran into were P38's say or some spanish thing or some little 25's I started handloading very early on in the mid 70's with an old tong tool for my Smith K38 masterpiece and later for my first 44 Mag .. a Ruger SBH in 74 So semi autos were just not up to the things these guns could do. Now I have a lot of revolvers and a few semi autos (mostly 1911's) For concealed carry my choice is the Smith 340 PD in .357 but I will carry my PPK once in a great while. Have even carried a 1911 or my 629 when wearing a leather coat but the weather here is pretty mild. Gunfighter? naa but I have had my tense moments with a rabid fox... some feral dogs.. many many rattlers and even a gut shot wild boar (buddy hit it with an ought six and then freaked) That one I shot head on with a 250 grain cast slug at around 1400 fps right above the head and broke the spine and went most of the way down the hogs back berfore it stopped... big cast slugs will penetrate All those things are about all the gunfighting I want to be involved in but I am thinking all of em are harder to do than shooting a 6' tall person at 10' or so. Could be wrong... don't care.

[@DrTac]

That was a fun read. Thanks for commenting.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@DrTac Kudos to you for reading the whole thing... I know I tend to pontificate a bit LOL

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I've carried a 92fs for years in private security before I got into working in medical as a nurse, phlebotomist even when I was studying at night to apply to med school I ways always loving the second ammendment. After the pikachu sniffles from Asia. I hate medical now.

[@stevecastro1325]

Great comparisons of the pluses and minuses of each platform; thanks! Unfortunately, I won’t know which choice was correct until the feces have already impacted the rotating ventilation unit. Even having both….

[@DrTac]

The hope is to never find out😎

[@raymuccianti9438]

Been around guns all my life. Got into them the past 2 years. Feel like I went straight to fighter. So many tell me how they don't like revolvers. Even my father in his 70s. I went for the 340 PD and had a Lipsey 38 spot held for when they arrived. Got the Kimber K6xs instead and think it was a better deal overall. I just like the old school feel, reliability, can shoot against somone, can shoot from a pocket... I have it to get me/my family out of a situation. Not looking for a gun fight and if I was, I could be mistaken for the bad guy.

[@anotherbluecollarchristian2341]

It only takes 2 seconds to cycle the slide and get back in the fight against multiple assailants. Revolvers are nice but capacity tips the scales for me. Nice video sir.

[@neonjoe6180]

Ever hear of speed loaders???

[@donaldlivingston970]

When I saw the name of your channel I almost scrolled on by since it had the word tactical in it. I feel that's one of those words that gets way over used. Also, when I saw the title, I figured here we go again with another person's completely biased opinion that's going to say one handgun is the only way to go and the other handgun is completely useless. Was I ever wrong and happily so. I found this to be a good, unbiased, enjoyable video. So now you have a new subscriber. Thanks.

[@DrTac]

I am glad you made it past the name 😎. Thank you for the kind words and welcome aboard.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you.

[@DrTac]

You are most welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Niteshift36]

Those stats you use to get your 3-3-3 are based on law enforcement shootings, not civilian shootings. The nature of LE encounters makes those distances closer than the avg civilian encounter. And remember, to get the average, there were a bunch that exceeded that eventual average number.

[@PeterErikson-rd5tj]

Really good explanation. - Beautiful CZ. and Nice Rear site . There Both Excelent for what they are - Carry Both when possible.

[@DrTac]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@mooktemas6800]

Hey Doc, hope you are doing well. I just got the DWX compact optic ready; it looks and fits my hands so good, the C2 and S2C can’t even compare in my opinion.

[@DrTac]

Very nice choice!!

[@RandomWrongDeletion]

For me, it really discredits what you’re saying when you go for the “tactical” title but you’ve got the southern gym teacher physique.

[@DrTac]

LOL!! I’m working on that…my wife didn’t put you up to that comment, did she?!!