In the current poll, I see the numbers are about what I expected, split between defensive and service revolvers "still in evidence" and "diminished", with a couple of "obsolescent" opinions thrown in.  I voted "still in evidence".  Here's why:

My basic reason is that there are so darn many of them still out there!  Guns are very durable.  Among folks who can't afford the latest and greatest semi-auto, a well-used .38 is extremely common.  Someone once said the world would end, not from war, but from the simultaneous collapse of attics full of old National Geographic magazines.  I think not - it will collapse from the combined weight of all the .38s stashed in nightstand drawers "just in case"!

My second reason is that revolvers are perceived by many as simpler, more reliable defense guns for those not able or willing to make a serious pursuit of self-defense.  Whether or not that is a valid perception is beside the point - it is there. 

.38 and .357 snubbies are still very popular guns for defense among two kinds of folks.  One might be classified as "those who know no better" although I won't say that a revolver is definitely the wrong gun in every case.  The other is old-timers - especially old-time cops - who cut their teeth on wheelguns and regard them as iconic.  I am friends with more than a few in this category!

There is validity in every answer expressed in the poll so far, but I think the revolver is still very much in evidence as a defensive firearm and will be for some time to come.

Stu