ENG 121, English Composition I
Instructor Lisa Tietler
June 04, 2012
Semi-Automatic Pistol or Revolver With more states issuing “right to carry” weapons permits and the expansion of the firearms market; people are looking at semi-automatic pistols or revolvers in order to fill their concealed carry defensive needs. Both firearm platforms are made for protection purposes, but each one has their limitations and advantages. Citizens consider many aspects when choosing a handgun for defensive purposes such as ammunition capacity, ease of operation, reliability, and conceal ability. Many factors affect people when choosing a handgun for defensive use, but in the end it comes down to personal preference, the mission intended for the firearm, and skill level of the person when deciding on whether to pick a semi-automatic pistol or revolver for concealed carry. Semi-automatic pistols tend to hold more ammunition than a revolver. Most semi-automatic pistols carry anywhere from six rounds to eighteen rounds, whereas, a revolver usually carries anywhere from five rounds to eight rounds depending on the model. Semi-automatic pistols have replaced most revolvers in the inventories of police departments and military units due to issues concerning magazine capacity. Most individuals tend to go towards a semi-automatic pistol due to the amount of firepower that can be brought to a gun fight versus a revolver. However, revolvers are regarded to be used in a more defensive role versus an offensive role. In this type of scenario a revolver would be used in a role for someone needing protection from being robbed from one or two subjects instead of going up against a room full of Mexican drug cartel criminals. Ammo capacity is a factor that comes down to personal preference, training, and the mission intended for each respective weapon. Depending on the skill level of person and the ease of operation of getting a firearm