With so many firearms on the market, it can be difficult to select the one that's right for you. However, many first-time gun buyers turn to revolvers or pistols for their compact size and relative simplicity. If you're not sure which design is best, use the following guide to help you make an informed decision. 

A Guide to Revolvers & Pistols

Revolvers

The revolver is named after the cylinder that sits in the middle of the gun. This component has several chambers that the bullets fit into. The barrel rotates after each shot, bringing new ammunition in alignment with the firing mechanism for the next round. There are both single- and double-action revolvers, though the latter is more popular. This style can be cocked and fired with a single trigger pull, whereas a single-action requires that the hammer be pulled back to rotate the cylinder.

This firearm provides unique aesthetic qualities, and it is often instantly recognized as the classic, old-fashioned gun of the Wild West film era. The simple design is well-suited to beginners interested in self-defense. They are also less likely to malfunction and extremely easy to troubleshoot if something goes wrong. 

Pistols

While most revolvers can hold five to seven rounds, pistols can hold anywhere from 10 to 21 or more. This allows the shooter to go longer between reloads. When you first load a semiautomatic gun, you need to rack the slide to prepare the first round. This requires the handler to manually pull the slide back. As it moves back into position, it picks up a bullet and aligns it in the barrel. Each subsequent round will fire with one trigger pull. 

Pistols are also faster to reload. The bullets in a revolver need to be placed in the chambers one at a time. However, all the rounds can be loaded into a pistol at once with the use of a magazine. These also give off a more modern appearance than revolvers, and they are also considered more ergonomic and customizable. They are perfect if you’re looking for a lightweight firearm with a higher capacity.

If you want to test out these two popular styles before making a decision, visit Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. This facility offers a broad selection of new and used guns from top-quality brands, and they specialize in vintage Smith & Wesson® revolvers. They also provide a safe space to practice within their two six-lane indoor ranges. Visit them online to learn more about their inventory and concealed carry permit classes, and call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a friendly team member about specific firearms questions.