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What is it that makes the revolver that much scarier than a handgun?? Clearly there is something, because that\’s the approach the city is taking in the wake of Heller vs DC. Since their \”anything sharp or scary is banned\” approach didn\’t work they\’ve decided to be more selective and just ban semi-auto handguns, but revolvers are okay. And you can still have rifles/shotguns but they have to be unloaded but I digress.

Handguns are okay, but revolvers not?? Now amongst firearms enthusiasts the handgun vs revolvers debate is a heated one. Everyone has their preference and damned if you can tell them different. It\’s comparable to PC vs Mac, or Ford vs Chevy, or Dale Earnhardt vs anyone, or Vikings vs Packers, or whatever. Personally I come down on the handgun side of the equation, but I understand and agree with many of the pros/cons of revolver fans. I just like the look and feel of handguns better, it\’s more a personal aesthetics thing.

But I don\’t understand how the city can claim a handgun is any more dangerous than a revolver?

Firing speed?? Well despite revolvers are functionally semi-autos anyway. Yeah, the physics and mechanics are different but end result is each pull of the trigger results in a big bad bullet coming out the dangerous end.

Amount of ammo? Well semi-autos likely carry anywhere from 8 to 14 rounds….largely dependent on caliber and size of the weapon, and chances are there are exceptions on both ends of that range. Revolvers carry six. Not an overwhelming difference. At least not enough to make the weapon \”scary\”.

Size/Concealability? This gets into an extention of the handgun vs revolver debate, as it applies to conceal carry. Generally revolvers have been easier to conceal due to their compactness. However, semi-autos are generally slimmer making them even more concealable in certain situations. And certainly there are some damned compact handguns out there.

But let\’s face it, many of these bans aren\’t based upon facts or anything objective like that. It\’s all about emotions and feelings. If you doubt me just take a look at the sunsetted assualt weapons ban. Weapons that looked scary like the AK were banned, while weapons that were functionally the same in all respects but looked more like a standard hunting rifle were legal.

My guess is this comes down to what is shown in the movies. In the movies, what are the bad guys carrying? I mean when they aren\’t carrying automatic weapons, bazookas, howitzers, etc. Usually handguns…and held in such a way that they\’ve tilted the weapon 90 degrees to either side, so they are shooting it on the side. What weapon are the good guys (cops, cowboys, etc) carrying, other than their disarming charm and wisecracks?? Usually their trusty revolver.

In my opinion this ban is based more upon how it makes people feel than any objective fact, which really when it comes down to it, isn\’t that how our government should be run?? Wait….