Firearms Talk banner

9mm revolvers

2947 Views 27 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  95sniper
I am wondering if purchasing a revolver in 9mm is worth it. Ammo cost is less, and they usually hold more cartridges than a 38/357. What are your opinions?
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
.38/.357 doesn't have as big of a capacity, but the stopping power is much greater than a 9mm so it's worth the smaller capacity.
The 357 is more powerful than the 9mm. The 38 is not. The IDPA just lowered the minumum requirement for stock service pistol ammunition. It is dificult to find 38 special that would meet the mimimum. 9mm was fine.

For those that do not know the IDPA is the International Defensive Pistol Association. They are a club for shooting hangun competitions.
Good luck finding a 9mm revolver right now. My advice is get a 357 if you want to own a revolver. In a 9mm your money would be better spent on a semi - auto, especially if you ever want to trade or sell the gun.
I already have a 357, I just wanted the 9mm for the range.
I am wondering if purchasing a revolver in 9mm is worth it. Ammo cost is less, and they usually hold more cartridges than a 38/357. What are your opinions?
It's been my observation that 9 mm, (essentially the same diameter as .38/.357 give or take a couple thousandths) comes in 5 & 6 shot revolvers, typically compact frames for concealed carry. Not really a step forward in capacity by any means.
In a 9 mm revolver you have pretty much .38 special performance coupled with .357 Mag pressures. Nothing to brag about.
Builders.
Last I looked, the 2 makers of 9 mm revolvers were Taurus and Charter Arms. There may be others that I've not been made aware of. (S&W apparently made one, but it appears to no longer be listed.) Many a thread has been locked & many feelings have been hurt over Taurus quality discussions. I will simply say that I own one Taurus and that's plenty.
Charter Arms. I have an 20 yo CA Undercover. It's not particularly good looking. Neither is it a marvel of refinement, but it does the job. It's never had any issues. I know, not a ringing endorsement, but I'd probably pick a Charter over a Taurus if push comes to shove. Charter Arms guns are US made, if that sort of thing keeps you up at night.
IMHO, neither offering would be considered ideal unless all you want is a CC piece. In which case a compact semi-auto would be more suited to that cartridge.
If all you want is to save money on ammo, it may work. I'm not entirely sure it would be worth the trouble at the end of the day. YMMV.
See less See more
I was looking at the charter arms model.
I'm assuming moon clips? That just seems like a pain to deal with, unless your primary purpose is fun and competition. In that case anything goes.

For defense purposes I see no compelling reasons to go with a 9mm revolver.
9MM +p is at the lower end of .357 performance. But if I was looking for a revolver in 9MM, I'd try to find a used S&W or Ruger.
No moon clips, capacity 6 , yes I want One I have there 38 undercover lite and its squirrelly but fun and with five hundred rounds through it with out any problems
No moon clips, capacity 6 , yes I want One I have there 38 undercover lite and its squirrelly but fun and with five hundred rounds through it with out any problems
Charter arms
Charter arms
So the 9mm doesn't have moon clips?
So the 9mm doesn't have moon clips?
No moon clips on the Charter Pit Bull 9mm. The ejector of the Charter 9mm incorporates a spring loaded lip of steel that makes full contact with the rim of the rimless cartridge.

This new design allows for the quick ejection of empties as well.
Interesting, I'm going to check those out.
Paper ballistics don't always tell the whole story. Many years ago I carried a S&W Mdl 39. The primary use was to finish big game animals and not damage capes. The 9MM was a very poor choice with any number of loads.
The .38 S&W Specials loaded with 158 grs bullet was much more effective. The 4" S&W Combat Master Piece was more dependable then the 9MMs.:)
I have put Charter Arms 9mm Pitbull on order from local shop about 1 month and few days ago. No word either email or phone call.
They made a Ruger SP101 in 9mm. Great revolver with minimum sting.
They made a Ruger SP101 in 9mm. Great revolver with minimum sting.
I've never seen one of those..
You said you wanted a range gun. If it is not for carry, have you considered a Ruger Blackhawk Convertible? They have 2 cylinders. One is 38/357. The other is 9mm. But it is a single action. They are a lot of fun at the range.
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top