Purchasing a gun is a difficult decision. You have to factor in all the characteristics of each type of gun and afterward see which one would work best for you. Let’s say that you want to purchase a gun for home defense purposes. Which one would best fit you: a revolver or a rifle? Of course, this isn’t the only reason why you would want to purchase a gun. At the end of the day, what should matter most in the decision-making process is how you intend to use the gun.
The truth is that many people use gun terms such as revolver or pistols interchangeably, when in fact there are some differences worth noting. Although both are handguns, a revolver features a revolving cylinder where you can load the bullets. Typically, a revolver can hold six shots. The revolving cylinder rotates to fire the shot through a single barrel. On the other hand, pistols are lighter, easier and faster to use.
Assess the Intended Use
This is the very first thing you should do before purchasing a gun. As mentioned above, most people purchase their first gun for self-defense purposes. In fact, more and more people are considering investing in a gun in order to protect themselves. In the US alone, every year, there are between 2.1 and 2.5 million gun uses.
With that in mind, you might as well get a rifle or a revolver. Both types of firearms offer an excellent level of protection. And the price is also right. Of course, you should focus on training, in order to enhance your experience in handling a gun safely.
The good part is that there are plenty of acquirable tools on the market to choose from – air rifles, pistols, etc. So, you can definitely invest in something that meets your individual specifications.
Factor in the Disadvantages and Advantages of Revolvers
When it comes to the advantages of using a revolver, one of the most important ones would be that it is easy to operate. This is critical when it comes to home defense. At the same time, when compared to a rifle, if you are a beginner, a revolver might be more accessible to you. There’s not a lot of science when it comes to shooting a revolver. What you have to do is simply open the cylinder and insert the bullets. Afterward, you close the cylinder and at last, you pull the trigger.
This can make the world of a difference in stressful situations. However, as there are pros and cons linked with each scenario, revolvers are limited to only a number of bullets. As pointed out above, they can contain roughly six bullets. This might put a lot of pressure on the shooter, especially in stressful scenarios. On a different note, revolvers can also take more time to reload. Once again, in a stressful scenario, you might feel overwhelmed.
At the same time, it’s worth outlining that a revolver can be used with only one hand. This can be lifesaving in home-defense scenarios.
The Disadvantages and Advantages of Rifles
What are the pros and cons when using a rifle for self-defense? Contrary to popular belief, a rifle can be an excellent alternative, although most people dismiss it from the very beginning. For one thing, a rifle is powerful, while the recoil is low enough allowing you to accomplish fast accurate follow up shots.
On top of that, since we’re talking about a long gun, aiming is easier. On top of that, the likelihood of running empty is minimal. Let’s say that there’s a shootout in your home and you might require 30 rounds of ammo. This might be ultra-stressful if you were to shoot with a revolver. It’s better to have more ammo than you need as opposed to requiring more ammo and not have it: don’t you agree?
When compared to revolvers, rifles have the double of their capacity, and the accuracy is notably better. A rifle can accommodate up to 4-5 times more ammo. On these grounds, many people prefer rifles, not only for self-defense purposes but also because they have a high level of efficacy in all sorts of combat situations.
On the other hand, we should also assess the disadvantages. The size of the rifle might be an impediment in a close-quarter situation. A rifle is too long and unwieldy. At the same time, if necessary, you won’t be able to use a rifle with only one hand. This is why when it comes to ease of use and maneuverability, revolvers are the better choice. Not to mention that you may conceal them. It is nearly impossible to conceal a rifle.
Concluding Remarks
Purchasing a gun is never easy. But by closely analyzing your intended use and the characteristics you’re looking for, you may narrow down your choices and make a sensible purchase. The bottom line is that each option is worth considering – you may also attempt to use a revolver and a rifle for home defense purposes.
But it’s also important to note how you feel when you use the gun, how confident you feel about shooting with it, and whether you are comfortable with it. The thing is that this is a choice you shouldn’t take too lightly as you might end up regretting it. It’s also important to test the type of gun you’re considering prior to purchasing it, as the way in which a gun feels matters more than you might think. If you consider these simple guidelines, you’ll most likely make a sensible purchase you won’t regret afterward.
The gun you purchase should sit comfortably in your hand. At the same time, when you’re aiming prior to shooting, you should feel confident and natural. Try to maneuver the gun, and you’ll know when it’s the right one. Note that there’s no such thing as the right or wrong answer to this – this means that you should make this decision based on what you think and feel.