I'm an advocate for revolvers for civilian CCW use....for the following reasons:
Simplicity of design:
With a revolver when you pull the trigger, double or single action, and you get a new cartridge for each pull should the primer fail to fire. With an auto, you need to cycle the slide. Too, generally, revolvers of quality make (S&W, Ruger, and Colt) in the CCW sizes, have better triggers, both single and double action than run of the mill autos. Since you're on a gun forum, I'd make a guess that you're fairly familiar with handguns and will train to perfect your response to a CCW situation. But if you're buying with the thought that other family members may need to use the weapon, (who may not share your enthusiasm for firearms), complexity and the training and practice to deal with it become a factor. The revolver shines here...very simple...pull the trigger. With an auto, you've got safeties, magazines, and the racking of slides to contend with.
Ammunition:
Better choices, here for revolvers, generally, than autos. You can pick lead alloy SWC's for practice and switch to the more potent +P fodder for carry use. And too, revolver ammunition, generally, is less expensive. In the past, autos have relied on clean, quality ammunition with limited choices as to bullet nose profile to feed properly; though this is becoming less of an issue. And I'd say that the often maligned .38 Spl, in its +P ammunition, is no slouch for a defense choice. The .357 needs no disclaimer and even at snub nose barrel lengths, offers plenty of penetration with good expansion. While no realistic defensive CCW hand gun round is a fight stopper with one shot to the thoracic region, the .357 probably comes closest, at least in smaller sized weapons easily carried concealed.
Customization to fit your hand:
I'd say that it's easier to find a set of grips that will make virtually any revolver fit your hand. With autos, what you get from the factories is about it...either it fits or not. The incredibly small, very easy to conceal autos can be a chore to hold on to and do good work at defense distances...In my hands, (medium size adult male), even the diminutive S&W J frames are easy to shoot well, even with +P defense ammo. I've not had that experience with the Ruger LCP's, Kel-Tec's and others. BTW, if you're looking for good after market grips that fit well, conceal well, and are a definite advantage in night encounters, you might try the Crimson Trace offerings...they're on my wife's S&W M-637 as I write this...expensive...but very good.
Drawbacks for a revolver choice:
Bulkier through the cylinder area for carry, tho, with the S&W J frames, you'll hardly notice.
Slower to reload in a CCW situation...unless you're a LEO, I don't give this drawback as much weight as any of the others. It's possible you'd be confronted by a slew of attackers or a protracted gunfight, but it's about the same likelihood as being struck by lightning...and like lightning strikes, it's better to stay away from those areas where it's prevalent.
JMHO, Rodfac
