[Jesse17]

they determined that the double-action revolver took twice the training ammunition and three times the training time to gain a level of proficiency their street cops needed--and that the revolver shooter required more retraining to keep that skill level.

I don't know why I didn't think about this earlier, but the quote the OP posted seems to be talking about training cops for tactical shooting, not training a new shooter to shoot.

There's a deference. Teach a new shooter is about introducing them to firearms safety, aiming, breathing, stance, trigger control, muzzle control, how firearms function, etc.

I believe the quote used by the OP is talking more about getting them to a proficient level of combat readiness, not teaching them how to shoot for the first time. Yes, it is going to be easier to get someone to a certain tactical skill level if they have the advantage of higher capacity magazines, and the ease of changing magazines, but that hardly has to do with teaching someone how to shoot.

I hope that made sense, I know it was kind of a rambling.

[Jay]

A properly taught class should have a variety of handguns for beginners to shoot. Take a class...... try different handguns, THEN decide. Absent a physical handicap, virtually anyone can shoot any handgun, given proper training, and practice. If a physical disability, or inability presents itself, that's a different ball game. To generalize who should shoot what platform is simply guesswork, and cannot always, or even most of the time be accurately determined.

Just my two cents......

[Jesse17]

Another part of being a new shooter is building confidence with firearms. That obviously is going to happen quicker with a revolver because of the simplicity of the machine...less controls = less complicated = more self confidence handling/operating.

[ScottA]

I really don't think it makes a bit of difference. There are pros and cons to every gun, and it really comes down to the user.

[WDB]

First, a revolver and a semi auto are both pistols. I'm pondering how blood could make a revolver not operate, it's a fluid and unless it started to dry I can't imagine how.

A DA revolver is a fine chioce to start with as it has less moving parts and is truly simple to clean/maintain. They rarely fail to fire and reloading is basic. For the average person six shots in a hostile situation will likely be more than needed if they have practiced with the firearm. I like/shoot and CC both revolvers and semi auto pistols. Both have there place and when comes to a new shoter IMHO a revolver is a fine way to start. This guy is talking out his starfish, one of those that believe the more rounds the better and not too concerned with shot placement.

[Phelenwolf]

When I started training my 5 kids to shoot handguns I let them fire my Ruger 22/45 for a little while so they could have some fun at first, about 2 mags at the most.

When it actually came time to teaching them the basic's, I started them with the same handgun I was taught with, a old S&W K-frame .22LR. A semi is fine but they did not take their time and just sent rounds down range. With a revolver they had 6 shots to take out 6 targets. They learned to get a correct sight picture and hit what they shot at. In time there speed will increase as they get more experience. Then they will start with the semi's.

[Wambli]

Originally Posted by knfxda

I found this in a book review on amazon and I found the reviewer's position interesting. It seems to me that the convential wisdom is that pistols are the best choice for the untrained and many here have espoused this point of view. The reviewer provides reasoning for chosing the pistol over the revolver.



Not taking credit for anything above, just thought that it was an interesting take that I have heard put this clearly before.

(Not sure if linking to amazon or alternatively, not providing the link in bad form. So, sorry if I'm not following procedure for this type of thing. It's a review on a public site, so I don't think I'm showing bad form froma copywrite perspective.)

A long time ago in a galaxy far away from here I too used to espouse the ol' give them a revolver to start theory but the fact than many of the folks I've trained HATED working with a revolver (and the advice of many knowledgeable friends) made me re-evaluate that stance. My son, daughter and wife were picture perfect examples of this. All three discarded the revolvers for semi auto pistols early in their training and all are excellent shots today and all carry semi-autos for SD.

So I have learned to never make predetermined assessments and let the shooter decide.

[utf59]

Originally Posted by ScottA

I really don't think it makes a bit of difference. There are pros and cons to every gun, and it really comes down to the user.

And the teacher.

[Vincine]

!! WARNING !!
Thread digression

Originally Posted by Jay

A properly taught class should have a variety of handguns for beginners to shoot.

I have been looking for just such a 'properly taught class'. I haven't found any. Either you have to already have your gun, or you use/rent one of their SIGs, at least 'near me'. Where are there beginning classes where one can try different revolvers and autos in different calibers?

[Wambli]

Originally Posted by utf59

And the teacher.

BINGO!!!! If the teacher leaves his preconceived notions and prejudices at home it is amazing what the student can accomplish...