to wheelgun or not to wheelgun (9mm vs .357)

craig_o · #1

I love revolvers. I love everything about revolvers except their capacity, but even that can be mitigated.

I'm very, very torn. I'm a young guy and getting ready to buy the first gun all over again (first was a Kahr Arms PM9 that was stolen). A big part of me wants the 3" GP100, a big part of me wants the 3" Springfield XD9 Subcompact. I know I will own a .357 and a 9mm in some order at some point in my life because I love both rounds, but the question is which comes first...

My thinking is that I'll either own a full size .357 (4" GP100 or maybe a 686+) and a compact 9mm (XD9SC), or a full size 9mm (think BHP) and a compact .357 (the 3" GP100 in question).

The idea is to carry either weapon in every day here in Texas.

Your advice and opinions are VERY welcome.

Venus Pax · #2

I prefer the semi-auto b/c it's so much easier to reload quickly.

Also, if you're looking at the XD, your magazine holds a lot more rounds.

BrassMonkey · #3

Go SA. All the way... Unless you wanna be Wyatt Earp :-D

HighVelocity · #4

There's a big difference in weight between a 3" GP100 and an XD Sub. I can think of a bunch of reasons to carry the semi over the wheelgun but speed of reloads in NOT one of them.
A revolver can be reloaded just as fast as a Semi. Just look at Jerry Miculek.

iflyabeech · #5

Why not try out an XD 357? I love mine!

Thane · #6

What, no 1911?

I'd carry the BHP as a primary, with a revolver as backup.

lrb111 · #7

I wanna be Jerry Miculek when I grow up.

Fosforos · #8

I would go with a compact semi auto if I had to choose just ONE weapon.
I have a Glock 19, Bersa 380CC and a S&W 686. Concealing the S&W will take some doing, I think I will only be able to carry it during the winter, or in my Maxpedition man-purse.

quidni · #9

I have the best of both worlds.... a 3" Ruger SP101 in 9mm. And yes, while I do prefer to pack a .45, the SP101 does get a decent share of holster time.

WarHawk-AVG · #10

Man those were massive light loads on that revolver...lets see him try it with full power hollowpoints like everyone else will using

Its different when you cowboy action shoot, and shoot trying to save your life

dws1117 · #11

Jerry Miculek just isn't human.

Go with what you shoot best, enjoy shooting, and will practice with enough to become proficient.

In my short amount of time carrying a gun I've carried SA and am currently carrying a S&W Model 19. While I love the 1911 probably more than any other platform, I've found the smaller wheel gun slightly easier to conceal and carry and although I give up capacity, as has been mentioned, I don't feel that I give up much in the power department. Heck I still carry a full sized 1911 from time to time. That's what works for me, but we are all different.

Jeremae · #12

Molon_labe wrote:Man those were massive light loads on that revolver...lets see him try it with full power hollowpoints like everyone else will using

Its different when you cowboy action shoot, and shoot trying to save your life

I watched Jerry shoot 3 different Stages at last years Texas IDPA State match and he was just as fast as shown in video and he was shooting factory 45 acp. I doubt those were "light Loads". Another fact is he actually uses a Heavy double action trigger pull (I think in the 12lb range but can't be sure) as it allows quicker trigger reset. After a couple 100 thousand rounds, you develop incredible wrist and forearm strength that makes it look easy.

hoss4570 · #13

I love to shoot my "six guns", but in my humble opinion a good auto is what you need to carry, unless your an old geezer like my Dad and carry a SP101 .357 loaded with .38s. I have tried and tried to get him to carry an auto, but he still packs around that little, dinky five shooter. What ever blows your skirt up, I reckon.

RPBrown · #14

Although I have a S&W625, I don't carry it as often. Capacity is my main reason but speed of reload is also an issue with me. Just not as fast as others here.

jbirds1210 · #15

Molon_labe wrote:Man those were massive light loads on that revolver...lets see him try it with full power hollowpoints like everyone else will using

Its different when you cowboy action shoot, and shoot trying to save your life

Are you talking about Miculek? That is funny! I promise you would not want Jerry Miculek shooting at you with a revolver...no matter what your weapon choice is. His revolver using IDPA power factor loads sound a lot like a machine gun

and he is not missing.