Have we gotten ourselves in the typical old vs new debate? Because sometimes, it seems that’s how a lot of people tend to frame the revolver vs. pistol comparison.
Revolver: Old-school, simple, reliable.
Pistol: Modern, fast, customizable.
It’s a familiar take, but it doesn’t really do either one justice. You have probably heard things like, “revolvers are always more reliable,” or “pistols are just better because of the upgrades.” But it’s not that simple.
So what are you missing in the revolver vs pistol comparison?
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between revolvers and pistols, from how they work to what they are best at. We’ll go beyond surface-level features and get into the real stuff —like reloading, trigger feel, grip, and even accessories—so you can decide what works better for you in different scenarios.
What is a Revolver?
Let’s start with the classics. A revolver is a type of handgun that uses a rotating cylinder to hold and fire rounds. Most models carry six shots, that’s why we call them “six-shooters.”
Revolvers are known for being simple and reliable. Many shooters swear by them for this exact reason. You load the cylinder, lock it in place, and you are good to go. No magazine, no slide, no fuss.
Why is it called a revolver? Because the ammo chambers revolve. Each time you pull the trigger—or cock the hammer, depending on the action—the cylinder rotates, lining up the next round with the barrel at the 12 o’clock position.
Revolvers are where American gun culture meets history. They go way back—first invented in the 16th century—but it was the Wild West of the 1800s that made them legendary. Think about the Colt Single Action Army from 1872, also known as the “Peacemaker.” That revolver helped define the frontier!
Also, some of the most iconic heavy-grain calibers were made for revolvers: .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and .44 Magnum, just to name a few.
There are three main types of revolvers: single action, double action, and double action only (DAO). Let’s take a closer look at what each one means.
Types of Revolvers
Single Action Revolvers
Single action revolvers are the ones you have seen in every classic Western. With this type of revolver, the shooter needs to manually cock the hammer before each shot. Pulling the trigger just releases the hammer, but it won’t cock it again.
That’s exactly what gives single action revolvers their signature feel. Since the trigger only releases the hammer, you get a lighter, crisp trigger pull, but slower follow-up shots.
Single action revolvers are not the most common option today, but they are still a classic. The Colt Single Action Army we mentioned earlier. But if you are looking for something more accessible, check out the .45 LC Taylor’s Cattleman 3.5".
Double Action Revolvers
Next up, we have got the style you are most likely to see today: the double action revolver. With this type, one trigger pull does it all: it cocks the hammer, rotates the cylinder, and fires the round.
That makes double action revolvers faster and more practical for self-defense. The trade-off? A heavier trigger pull, often around 8 pounds or more.
The Colt Anaconda is a great example of a double action revolver. First released in 1990 and reintroduced in 2021, this .44 Magnum beast delivers smooth mechanics, serious power, and looks totally awesome.
Double Action Only
Then there’s double action only (DAO) revolvers. These are often used for concealed carry or backup guns. They don’t have an exposed hammer, so there’s no manual cocking, and less chance of snagging on clothes during a draw.
No printing under your summer shirt? That’s a big win. You sacrifice a bit of trigger control, but gain ease of use and carry convenience.
What is a Pistol?
This one’s easy, especially for the 45 Blast community. We know you already love your top-tier pistols (Canik shooters, we hear you!). But let’s break it down.
A semi-automatic pistol uses the energy from the fired round to cycle the action. That means after each shot, it automatically ejects the spent casing, chambers the next round, and resets the trigger, ready to fire again.
So, compared to a revolver, you have got a more complex mechanism at work. But that added complexity brings benefits. The slide helps with recoil management, and the trigger pull is usually lighter (around 4 pounds on average, depending on the model).
The 9mm semi-automatic pistol is the most popular handgun in the U.S. It’s been steadily dominating the market for the last decade, especially with polymer-frame pistols offering endless customization: red dots, optics, threaded barrels, and of course, compensators.
One of the biggest pros? Variety. You have got everything available today: compact, subcompact, full-size. Want to shoot 9mm, .45 ACP, or .22? No problem, there are plenty of options.
Pistols can be either striker-fired or hammer-fired. Also, many models include extra safety features like trigger safeties, cocking indicators, and loaded chamber indicators.
Most pistols hold around 10 to 15 rounds, depending on the model. With extended magazines, that number can jump to 18 or more.
Now it’s time to see how pistols stack up against revolvers, so let's break it down side by side.
Revolver vs Pistol – Pros and Cons
The key differences in the revolver vs pistol comparison come down to how they are built: their loading and cycling mechanism, as well as their round capacity. And also, how all that impacts reliability, trigger feel, accuracy, and maintenance.
Reliability
Why do some shooters consider revolvers more reliable than pistols? It’s mainly due to the simple, mechanical design. Fewer moving parts. No magazines. The barrel is fixed to the frame. You pull the trigger, the cylinder rotates, it fires. That’s it.
Meanwhile, a pistol involves more parts in motion—slides, springs, feeding ramps, and magazines. And for revolver fans, more moving parts can mean more ways to fail.
But really, revolvers jam too. Dirty chambers. Locked cylinders. Timing issues. And when a revolver fails, it’s not as quick to clear as a pistol. As one 45 Blast crew member once put it, “If your pistol jams, you clear it and keep going. If your revolver jams, you throw it and start running.”
Maintenance
One common myth: “Revolvers don’t need cleaning.” Wrong.
All guns need cleaning. And revolvers, especially the cylinder chambers, deserve regular attention. Inside of them, revolvers have plenty of small moving parts that need occasional cleaning and lubrication.
The same rule applies to pistols. Sure they have more parts, but it's easier access in many models.
Bottom line: whatever you shoot, take care of it, and it’ll take care of you.
Accuracy
We have all heard it: “Single action revolvers are more accurate than pistols.”
There’s some truth here. A lighter trigger pull and a fixed barrel can help with precision. But that only applies to single action revolvers. Most revolvers in defensive use are double action, with heavier triggers and more recoil.
Modern pistols, on the other hand, are incredibly accurate and much faster to run. For target shooting, competition, or defensive drills, pistols give you precision and speed.
And let’s talk trigger control. With a revolver, you pull all the way back and let the trigger fully reset forward. With pistols, especially striker-fired models, you press to the wall, break the shot, and ride the reset for faster follow-ups.
Also, pistols manage recoil better. Why? The slide and recoil spring absorb some of that energy, while with revolvers, you need to handle the full force of the shot.
Capacity
Here’s the clear one. Revolvers usually carry 5 to 6 rounds. Some models go up to 8, but that’s it. Pistols typically carry 10 to 15 rounds in a standard mag. Extended magazines take that to 18, 20, or even more.
That means a revolver shooter has to reload two or three times to match the round count of a pistol shooter. Also, reloading a revolver is slower than dropping a mag and slamming in a fresh one.
Choosing the Right Firearm for You
Now that we have compared revolvers and pistols side by side, it’s time to talk about real world applications.
Concealed Carry & Self-Defense
Revolvers can be a solid choice for home defense or classic-minded shooters. They are simple to use and easy to carry. And yes—any gun is better than just a kitchen spoon.
But when it comes to concealed carry, pistols offer more firepower and faster reloads. Most self-defense incidents involve just 3 shots, but it’s better to have more if you need it. That’s why compact and subcompact 9mm pistols are the go-to choice today.
Competitive Shooting
Pistols dominate the competition world—thanks to higher capacity, faster reloads, and tons of upgrades.
But don’t count out revolvers just yet. You’ll find NRA and USPSA matches with revolver divisions. Want to go all in? Check out what the International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts has on schedule.
Hunting with Handguns
For hunting, both revolvers and pistols can work as a backup to your rifle. Revolvers in .357 Magnum are popular for their stopping power. Others prefer the efficiency of a .45 pistol. The bottom line here is that in tight cover, a handgun helps you make subtle moves without spooking game.
Enhance Your Firearm with Accessories
And finally—let’s talk accessories.
One of the biggest advantages of pistols is their endless customization options. From red dots to weapon lights, threaded barrels, and compensators, you can build out your pistol just the way you like it.
But revolvers aren’t completely left out. Some models, like the Colt Python, can be outfitted with a red dot or even a light. Just be ready to spend a bit more. Accessories for revolvers tend to be pricier and less common.
And since you are here at 45 Blast, you are probably wondering: what about comps? That tells us one thing: you know your gear.
For instance, our Canik TP9 Elite Combat compensator reduces recoil by up to 60%. This gives you a flat-shooting pistol that’s ready for fast follow-ups and tighter groups.
Are there compensator options for revolvers? Yes, we have seen some. But let’s be honest—the more you add, the less it looks like a classic wheelgun.
Why Own a Revolver? Why Own a Pistol?
We hope this guide gave you a fresh, real perspective on the revolver vs pistol debate. As you can tell, it goes way beyond the typical “old vs new” argument.
Truth is, it’s pretty cool to have both. And even cooler to know how each one works.
Prefer revolvers for concealed carry or home defense? Awesome. Just make sure you practice loading, trigger pull, and timing feel totally different.
More into pistols for faster shots and quicker reloads in competition? That’s great too. But don’t forget a skilled revolver shooter can still outshoot you at the range.
In the end, what matters most is mastering your weapon of choice. So whatever you shoot, train with intention. And if you are doing that with a pistol—make it even better with one of our top-tier 45 Blast compensators.
Until next mission, debrief complete!
