[Jeff Higgins]

Yes, modern semi automatics are extremely reliable. Even my Kimber Ultra Carry, one of the smallest 1911's made, has never failed in any way. Reliability of the firearm, however, is not the issue.

To me, the biggest issue is the complexity of the "user interface", to use a modern term. Revolvers are dead simple. Even the most basic and simple of autos are more complicated to load and get into action, then to unload and reload. At the range, granted, who cares? In a very high stress situation, we have seen it makes a difference even for trained professionals, much less new, inexperienced gun owners.

I will also go as far as to tout the "esoteric" side of the equation. Revolver shooting gets one much more "involved" in the process. It makes one slow down and put a greater effort into making every shot count. There are fewer of them in the gun, and it's more work to unload and reload for the next gun full. I believe revolvers get one more "in touch" with the mechanics of it all, and get one to play closer attention. I see this difference in revolver vs. auto shooters every time I am at my range. The revolver guys are much more deliberate about what they are doing. That, of course, may be somewhat of a "chicken or the egg" kind of a question, but I certainly do see it.