Advantages of semi-automatics

• Larger ammunition capacity: semi-automatics typically carry around 7 to 20 rounds; whilst most revolvers carry between 5 and 8 rounds. Magazines are limited to 10 round capacity in some jurisdictions, such as California and all of Canada, largely negating this advantage in those jurisdictions.
• Compact ammo storage: The flat shape of most magazines make them more convenient to carry than the speedloaders needed for revolvers.
• Slimmer profile: Semi-automatics often have a significantly slimmer and easier to conceal frame as they do not suffer from the bulge produced by cylinder of a revolver.
• Lighter: Some modern semi-automatics have frames made of polymers, making them lighter and more comfortable to carry for long periods. Recent advancements in technology and design major manufacturers are producing polymer frame revolvers like the Ruger LCR, Smith & WessonTaurus Protector Polymer that rivals the weight of polymer semi-automatics.
• Safety: Some semi-automatics incorporate an external safety switch, which prevents the gun from firing. Most revolvers do not have such a feature, though the same is true of many semi-automatics. There is debate over whether external safety switches are necessary, particularly in models with trigger-activated firing pin blocks, though many users prefer them for peace of mind regardless of whether or not they are safer.
• Quieter: With similar ammunition, a semi-automatic is typically slightly quieter. Flash and noise can be suppressed. Noise and flash suppressors are ineffective in most revolvers due to noise and flash escaping the gap between the cylinder and the barrel. Suppressors are illegal in many jurisdictions.
• Less expensive ammunition: semi-automatics often fire standard military ammunition, which is more readily available and cheaper thanks to extensive mass production. However, some revolver cartridges such as .38 Special are comparable in their cost and availability to popular autoloading cartridges such as 9mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.