Welcome back to another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday. Last week, we took a look at the Manuhin MR88's return, so if you missed that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to look at why we love revolvers despite their limitations in capacity and overall size. There are certainly benefits to carrying a revolver, but these types of handguns trigger an emotional response for a lot of us. Let's take a closer look at why we love revolvers. Outdated But Not ObsoleteWhen it comes to shooting and carrying revolvers, “outdated but not obsolete” perfectly sums up what it's like to live with a revolver. Sure, the capacity is nearly as good as something like a micro semi-automatic handgun, but everything about a revolver feels mechanical and deliberate. Revolvers are the equivalent of horses when automobiles first came onto the market. While horses were used as the main mode of transportation and hauling, they eventually could be enjoyed for their strength and beauty as an animal. I look at revolvers the same way. Of course, they can absolutely be used as a self-defense tool, but they are also tools that we can look at and take to the range just for the complete joy of shooting. Shooting a revolver at the range is something you do for love of the sport. Shooting Bill Drills as fast as possible isn't necessary and you can slow down and enjoy the process of shooting with revolvers. Slowly acquiring your target, pulling the hammer back and squeezing the trigger until you feel the recoil and ride the wave of power until it's time to reset and do it all over again. With many of the younger generations getting into high-speed shooting and drill times, having a revolver can bring you back to the essence of shooting, which I feel like a lot of shooters need to experience as a reminder of why we put so much effort and money into this way of life. Revolvers Have Benefits Revolvers are just more than antiquated firearms, though, despite what some of the younger firearm instructors say. So many younger shooters will say there are no added benefits, but that's simply not true. One of the major downsides to semi-automatic handguns is the fact that if you put any pressure on the front of the firearm, the slide will be pushed out of battery, ultimately rendering the handgun inoperable. One of the strongest arguments is the ability for revolvers to fire with pressure being put on the front of the barrel. This means you can fire them while it's still concealed in a jacket pocket and it's a common self-defense technique that's taught even to this day. With modern machining and metallurgy, there are incredibly lightweight models like the Smith & Wesson 340 PD with a scandium frame and titanium cylinder, allowing for an incredibly lightweight handgun still capable of firing 357 Magnum rounds out of it. While it's unpleasant, that amount of firepower in a lightweight package is hard to ignore in terms of capabilities. So many people will say having a small 380 is easier, but having 5 rounds of 357 Magnum on a gun that weighs less than 15 ounces is what we like to call in the industry an absolute pocket rocket. It's a ton of firepower in a small package and that can't be ignored in its capabilities. Prestige and Heirloom QualitiesThe factor that shouldn't be ignored either is the fact that most revolvers are made from metal and wood with a special feeling to them. Unlike the polymer semi-autos on the market, most revolvers have a weight to them and feel significant, which does have an impact when handing them down through generations. Some learn how to shoot on their grandfather's revolver, which is what led them to more in the shooting world. It can be an incredibly impactful moment to shoot a family revolver that's been with them for generations. A modern Glock variant or polymer equivalent just doesn't hold the same emotional weight as something classic like most revolvers. There's an emotional or nostalgic meaning that we can't simply write off. One of the first revolvers I received from my grandfather when he passed away was a 6” Colt King Cobra and even though I don't shoot it often, I still think it's incredibly special since it was his gun. He may not be with us today, but that revolver he left me will always make me think of him. So while some think revolvers are outdated and not worth much, they can hold an incredible amount of sentimental value as well as an emotional connection. Overall Thoughts While I understand why some say revolvers aren't relevant in today's market, I don't agree with them. Revolvers still are a valid option for concealed carry as well as pure joy to shoot at the range. They may not be the same experience as semi-automatic handguns, but they certainly have a place in the market and I encourage people to go pick up some classic wheelguns to try out and add to their collection. If you have questions about revolvers or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday.