Are 9mm Revolvers Practical and Useful?

Yes, there are 9mm revolvers, but their practicality is debatable. A 9mm is a rimless cartridge, which requires the use of half or full moon clips to ensure the cartridges stay securely in the cylinder and don't fall out. Additionally, the 9mm's ballistics, particularly in a revolver, are considerably less effective due to the larger gap between the cylinder and barrel. These factors make a 9mm revolver less practical compared to alternatives like the .38 special.

Smith Wesson 929: A Competitive Revolver

The Smith Wesson 929 is an 8-shot, long-barrel 9mm revolver that, while requiring full moon clips for each cartridge, significantly speeds up the reloading process. This makes it an excellent choice for competition shooting, as the recoil, which is quite mild, is nearly negligible when shooting in small quantities. Many find this revolver pleasant to shoot and appreciates that 9mm ammunition is generally cheaper than big bore pistol ammo.

Adapting 9mm Cartridges in Revolvers

Some feel that revolvers should be chambered in 9mm, an autoloader cartridge, as it is often less expensive and more readily available. Although 9mm revolvers are available, they often require the use of special moon clips, which can be inconvenient. However, there are rare instances where a 9mm revolver chamber can accommodate 9mm without the need for moon clips, though I have never encountered one of those.

New Designs: The Chiappa Rhino

While traditional 9mm revolvers are not common, there are innovative designs that push the boundaries. For instance, the Chiappa Rhino is a relatively new model that chambered in both 357 and 9mm. What sets the Chiappa Rhino apart is its unique barrel positioning, which is located low on the frame and fires from the lowest chamber on the cylinder. This design adds a touch of novelty and excitement to the revolver market. Whether you love this gun or hate it, it's rare to see such an out-of-the-box design.

For those interested in 9mm revolvers, keep in mind that while the 9mm cartridge is a popular choice, its use in a revolver is not without its challenges. However, for those who enjoy shooting revolvers, the 9mm can offer a pleasant and cost-effective option compared to big-bore pistol ammunition.