First things first, we’re not here to say wheelguns are better than autos. That’s a war we don’t want to start, so we’re definitely not trying to fire the first shot! Both firearms bring different advantages to different scenarios. This is simply an examination of the advantages revolvers bring to shooters, to perhaps help law-abiding citizens make an informed decision about what firearm to carry and when, as well as give them confidence that they’ve made the right choice.

So how many advantages are there with a revolver in your hand? More than you can count on one hand.

Here’s six of the biggest reasons you can count on your wheelgun as your primary Conceal-Carry Weapon or back-up gun for personal defense:

1. Fewer Malfunctions

Is there a better example in this world of power combined with reliability than your standard 5- or 6-shot revolver? Unlike what is unfortunately possible with semi-automatic handguns, revolvers aren’t ever going to become non-operational when it comes in contact with something like a belt buckle. Autos are more prone to failures, as clothing can get stuck in the slide or a casing can get stuck in an ejection port.

2. Safer, Simpler to Operate

Because wheelguns require a more intentional trigger pull, you’re not going to see nearly as many accidental discharges as you do with autos. And if for some reason a failure to fire does occur, with a revolver there’s no need to perform any type of tap-rack-bang action. Unlike with an auto, with revolvers it’s as simple as just pressing the trigger again to fire the next round waiting in the chamber.

3. Less Fumbling

It’s when you need your firearm most that seconds and even milliseconds mean the most. It’s the natural design of the revolver that makes it less likely that you’ll be fumbling around when trying to pick it up. Because of the cylinder’s slightly protruding design, it naturally positions the grip higher off of flat surfaces, such as a countertop or nightstand. So the grip is in a better position to grab with your hand than the much flatter profile of an auto. When carried on your person, it’s that same slight cylinder protrusion that provides just enough clearance from the body to quickly grab the grip. Fewer mishandlings also means fewer mishaps.

4. Better Practice

When it comes to improving your skills with your firearm while dry firing, practice makes prepared, and you simply get more out of your practice time with your revolver. When practicing without ammunition, with your revolver you don’t have to waste time racking a slide or resetting a hammer, and you can perform a complete trigger sequence quickly and purposefully. Fewer interruptions practicing makes more productive practice, better muscle memory and more permanent recall.

5. Easier to Conceal

At first glance it may seem like the revolver’s protruding cylinder makes it more conspicuous that the flatter auto. But it’s how it hides behind clothing that makes your wheelgun ideal for concealment purposes. Yes, the rounded cylinder sticks out a bit from the frame, but it’s just a fact that rounded shapes blend with clothing much better than square shapes. With a revolver, there’s also no squared off butt of the frame to conceal, or unnatural-looking right angle shapes visible behind your shirt. Compared to an auto, the revolver’s rounded, shorter grip also creates a much smoother profile under garments.

6. Lower Costs

Many times, the initial cost of a revolver is at least slightly less than that of a semi-automatic pistol, but it’s the follow-up cost differences that really stand out. First, there’s the additional cost of magazines that make your auto more expensive. Not only is it recommended that you purchase several of them, you also should replace them periodically as they wear out over time. Then there’s the cost of what you’ll spend most of your time doing with your firearm—practicing. With revolvers, dry-firing is more beneficial, so there’s less need to purchase ammo. And when you are using real rounds, there’s less of a need for expensive quality ammo with a revolver. With an auto, it’s recommended that you break it in with at least 200 rounds of quality ammo, but with a revolver, you’re ready to use the cheaper practice ammo after firing off just a cylinder or two of the real stuff.

Ready for another advantage with your revolver?