Is There a 9mm Revolver? The Surprisingly Complex Answer
The short answer is: yes and no. While there isn't a widely available, mass-produced 9mm revolver in the same way there are 9mm semi-automatic pistols, the reality is more nuanced. Let's delve into the specifics.
The Challenges of a 9mm Revolver
The primary reason you don't see many 9mm revolvers on the market is due to engineering challenges. 9mm Luger (Parabellum) cartridges are rimless, meaning they lack the rim that helps center the cartridge in the cylinder of a revolver. This rimless design, which works perfectly in semi-automatic pistols, presents difficulties for reliable revolver operation.
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Reliable Cartridge Alignment: Revolvers rely on the rim of the cartridge to ensure proper alignment and consistent ignition. Without a rim, the 9mm cartridge requires a more sophisticated mechanism to prevent misalignment and potential misfires or dangerous malfunctions.
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Cylinder Strength: The relatively high pressure generated by 9mm rounds necessitates a robust cylinder design capable of withstanding the forces involved. This adds complexity and often increases the revolver's size and weight.
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Ejection: Ejecting spent 9mm cartridges from a revolver cylinder can also be more complicated than with rimmed cartridges, necessitating a more robust and sophisticated ejection system.
Existing and Historical Examples
Despite these challenges, some 9mm revolvers do exist, although they are often rare, custom-built, or produced in limited quantities. These include:
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Custom-Made Revolvers: Experienced gunsmiths can create custom 9mm revolvers, often modifying existing frames and mechanisms to accommodate the rimless cartridges. These are usually expensive and unique pieces.
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Historically Produced Models: There were a few limited production runs and experimental models in the past attempting to address the engineering challenges of 9mm revolvers. However, they did not gain widespread popularity due to issues with reliability and manufacturing costs.
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Contender-Style Firearms: Certain single-shot or multiple-shot firearms like the Thompson/Center Contender can be chambered in 9mm using interchangeable barrels, but these are not strictly revolvers in the traditional sense.
Why the Lack of Popularity?
Even with advancements in firearms technology, the inherent design challenges and the established dominance of 9mm semi-automatic pistols have limited the market demand for 9mm revolvers. Semi-automatic pistols offer several advantages: higher magazine capacity, faster reload times, and generally less recoil. These factors largely outweigh any perceived benefits of a 9mm revolver for most shooters.
The Bottom Line
While technically feasible, a widely available and commercially successful 9mm revolver remains a rarity due to complex engineering considerations and the strong preference for semi-automatic pistols in the 9mm caliber. While you may encounter a custom-made or historical example, don't expect to easily find a readily available mass-produced 9mm revolver on the market.
