Reinventing the Wheel [Gun]: An Interview With the Revolver Guy

Full show notes at: www.everydaymarksman.co/revolver You know, I’ve never thought about it much but I know very little about revolvers. As someone who is a confirmed ballistics and firearms nerd, I’ve never actually learned anything about an entire class of firearms that dominated the personal defense scene for most of modern history. My guest on the podcast today, Justin Carroll, is here to help with that. Justin is a former a US Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance member turned personal digital security expert. He’s also the Editor and Chief of Revolver Guy. Justin has published articles for GUNS Magazine, American Handgunner, and currently writes for Lucky Gunner Lounge. During this episode, we covered three main areas of conversation including how Justin came to the world of revolvers over the “traditional” semi-automatic pistols he was accustomed to carrying, some common myths surrounding revolvers, and what to look for when purchasing one for yourself. Picking Up the Revolver (5:30) Even though Justin served in a specialized military unit, he had the same experience that I and many other military members had when it came to small arms training: nothing formal. For most of us, pistol training consisted of a short safety introduction, weapon disassembly and inspection, and a quick qualification on the range. The Ideal Revolver Audience (14:10) Justin mentioned Caleb Gettings, of Gun Nuts Media, who talked about a sort of “bell curve” for revolvers shooters. In this depiction, revolvers are a good option for people at the very far left of the curve and the very far right of the curve, but for different reasons. On the left end of the curve, the rank beginner, the simplified manual of arms for bringing the revolver into action is a benefit. There are no safeties to be concerned with and fewer concerns over proper grip so as to avoid malfunctions. Checking if the weapon is loaded is very simple, only requiring a look across the rear of the cylinder. Revolver Mythbusting (24:36) In this portion, we spent some time going over common misconceptions about revolvers. Due to pop culture, or just bad information passed down from our fathers, revolvers have a mystique about them. So what are some of these myths? Dry Fire (36:36) In this portion, Justin talks about his mission to dry fire 10 minutes per day for an entire year. I thought this was an extremely good part of the conversation and jives with what many experts have told me. There is no escaping the work, and you have to work towards proficiency. Buying a Revolver and associated gear (42:35) There’s a lot of compromises that go into the selection and use of gear. Unlike common semi-auto pistols, there isn’t a huge list of manufacturers lining up to make accessories and holsters. Even more, you have to really think about considerations like your reload technique. Justin highlights that there are several different revolver reloading techniques, and which one you subscribe to determines things like which side you carry your spare ammunition on. Questions & Answers In this last little bit, we covered some questions you guys submitted ahead of time. Things like maintenance schedules and practices, and common parts breakage come up. Also do not do the Hollywood spin-cylinder-and-slap-it-closed move. You’re not demonstrating that you know what you’re doing, and you might damage the gun.