[B yond]

I've been thinking about getting a new handgun and I'm not sure what I want as it will need to serve several purposes. I'd like a good home defense weapon that won't overpenetrate (points me towards a small caliber auto or a revolver with snake shot for the first round or two). I'd also like something I can carry concealed when I get around to getting a CCW (small, thin, and safe to keep chambered). I'd like a good range gun (long-barrelled revolver or auto with .22 conversion to save $). And I'd like a good snake gun for hiking/camping (only get one shot with an auto). It also needs to be something I can load fast (since i don't have a CCW yet I have to keep it unloaded in the car).

Any Ideas? I've been leaning towards a Wesson .357 wheelgun with interchangeable barrels, but the frame seems kinda thick.

[Cosmose]

i say revolver (everybody needs a good revolver:) ) i sure like my model 19 smith and wesson 357.got it used for $275 :cool:

[MMMike]

You mentioned snake shot, snake gun. Only answer is revolver. Don't run snake shot through a semi-auto, most will not cycle.

[Hazzard]

if you want to shoot snake shot, I'd have to agree with MMMike. Revolver is the way to go. I would't count on a semi to cycle it.

[Lonestar.45]

The snake shot requirement means you need a revolver. But wanting something "thin" to ccw means auto. You also want a good range gun, which kinda leaves out the 2" snubbies in my opinion.

You may need to decide which is more important, what you'll be doing most with it. If it's mostly CCW and range, then probably an auto. If it's mostly shooting snakes and hiking, then probably a revoler. I can tell you this, if you're thinking an auto and a .22 conversion, just go ahead and get a cheap Rossi .38, which will be the same price as a conversion kit ($200 or so). Use that for your snake/hiking gun. Then pick up a Glock/Beretta/Kahr, whatever, for your CCW/range gun. You'll be coming out the same as buying an auto and a .22 conversion on top of that. It'll be hard to satisfy all your requirements with only one gun. Good luck.

[usp9]

Auto, for small compact size and more rounds.

[JCF]

because I don't like chasing brass.

[10-Ring]

Wheelgun baby! :cool:

[dracphelan]

I agree with the others. If you insist on snakeshot, get a revolver. Otherwise, I would recommend a 1911 or CZ75. Both have readily available 22 conversion kits.

[cnyankee]

ive asked similar questions and the anwser i liked best and did follow it was GET BOTH:D

[Jim PHL]

I voted revo, too. A nice, K-frame S+W .38 with a skinny 4" or bull 3" barrel works nicely for all your intended purposes. A good Taurus, Ruger or older Colt will also fit the same bill. No snake shot for self-defense, though. Even indoors, a standard power, lead hollowpoint (non-+P; non-magnum) round will normally not overpenetrate and snakeshot will not be very effective against a determined human attacker. Another good thing about the revolver; keep a speed loader stocked with the rounds you want for specific purposes and you can quickly and easily make the change you need. (Same with auto magazines but, as mentioned, some autos will not cycle reliably with the shot loads.)

[JLaw]

Revolver. A K-frame with anywhere from a 2 1/2" to 4" barrell is a good all around gun. For household protection I use a 4", for CCW I carry a 2 1/2". Revolvers do conceal very well with a descent holster. Notice I didn't say expensive, but descent. Shado's clamshell (under $40.00) does a great job for OWB carry.

JLaw

[Majic]

You are going to have trouble finding something small and thin for CCW while also having a long barrel for range shooting. You are going to have to compromise.

[mattw]

I voted automatic because that is what I have the most familiarity with. I also think it requires less skill to make speedy reloads with an auto.

Do no use snake shot or rat shot for self defense. Use JHP or FMJ. You're just asking for trouble if you expect reliable stopping power from snake shot or rat shot.

[makarovnik]

I vote autoloader. Revolvers might be more reliable with different kinds of ammo, but I just shoot better with an autoloader. A good 1911 type pistol in .45acp should work fine with hollowpoints and FMJ. I hear that CCI snakeshot won't hurt the barrel and "usually" cycles an autoloader. You may want to use a lighter recoil spring when shooting snakeshot. Just don't forget to switch back when you're done.

The single-stack 1911 is slim enough to conceal and is known for its accuracy. A good all-around gun.

[azredhawk44]

You just can't satisfy all your requirements with one gun.

Otherwise I would own it.

You can accomodate all your needs with minimal sacrifice by means of an automatic, however.

A small-ish 9mm/40/45acp auto will be rapidly loadable in the car. It will be slim and concealable. It will accept a snake capsule, but will not cycle the action after shooting without manual intervention.

A 3" .357 would be almost as good with a quality speedloader handy. GP100 3", sp101 3", or a smith offering comes to mind. Speedloaders depend on having grips that accomodate the needed space, though, so if you change grips you have to accept that your speedloader might not work properly.

First gun? Want all these duties covered? G30, G36, or paraordnance LDA commander sized 1911 pattern would be my recommendations.

Honestly, if my first gun were a G36, I would probably have 3 fewer guns today and $2000 more in the bank account. Not saying I wouldn't have bought another gun ever, but the sp101, the XD9 and the 1911 were all attempts to find a slimmer and more concealable gun than my Glock21.

[kevin387]

It sounds like you need an SP101 with a 3"barrell.

[atlctyslkr]

I would trust a revolver more than an auto for that in-a-jam situation. Just because I don't practice as much as I should but I know my revolver has never let me down. However I do think autos are more fun and if you are willing to practice and become proficient you can overcome and of the traditional disadvantages of an auto.

[up_onus]

i mean, for what??? dont we all know by now that every gun has its use? Im not going to shoot a squirrel with a 50 cal....(well i might!:evil: ) but for reliability?
revolver

for capacity and all round fun?
well, u know...

[Snake Eyes]

Revolver: The original point-n-click interface.

[Juna]

For your purposes I recommend a CZ 75D PCR or P-01 (it's a 9mm) for home defense & CCW. It's a compact, pretty slim, high capacity DA semi-auto with a lightweight alloy frame. Plus you can get a .22LR Kadet conversion kit for really cheap range practice with the same frame & trigger. The P-01 version has a picatinny rail if you want to mount a light for your home defense/night stand purposes.

Advantages of a revolver include simplicity. Plus, they're fun to shoot. But semi-autos allow for higher capacity, easier & faster reloading, and SA trigger w/o having to pull back the hammer. Much more range friendly, IMO. I do love a good S&W Model 10 or one of the .38spl/.357mag revolvers, but I like semi-auto for the above mentioned reasons. I'd use revolvers as backup guns, IMO.

[MCgunner]

For a do all, outdoor carry, concealed carry, small game maybe, gun, consider a 3" .357 mag, something like a Ruger SP101. I don't like the fact it has fixed sights, but could be worked around. Or, my second thought is a titanium Taurus Tracker 4" in .357 magnum, easy to carry and conceal IWB, better outdoor gun with adjustable sights, could even use it to hunt deer sized game at close range.

You definitely want a revolver, though, for its function with a wide range of loads.

[Phil DeGraves]

1911, the best handgun ever!

[ozwyn]

get one of each, you'll feel better. Mind you, that's also my standard response to most "should I get xxxx or xxxxx instead " type of question :evil:

[ugaarguy]

I've been thinking about getting a new handgun and I'm not sure what I want as it will need to serve several purposes. I'd like a good home defense weapon that won't overpenetrate (points me towards a small caliber auto or a revolver with snake shot for the first round or two).
Anything that's good for defense against humans - i.e. delivers a large enough round that penetrates deeply enough to stop them is going to penetrate sheet rock walls. That's a reality we've got to live with. Two rounds may be all you have time to get off as you wake in the wee hours of the morning as you hear someone breaking in. Forget the snake shot idea for serious defensive use. I tend to lean toward rounds like the 38 special and 45 ACP for home defense because they're low pressure and have much lower flash and blast than rounds like 357 Mag and 9mm. If you want more info on pentration test take a look at www.brassfetcher.com, and www.theboxoftruth.com.
I'd also like something I can carry concealed when I get around to getting a CCW (small, thin, and safe to keep chambered).
Any good auto will do the trick here. See what thin autos fit you.
I'd like a good range gun (long-barrelled revolver or auto with .22 conversion to save $). I don't know of any 22 LR revolver conversions so this says conversion kit for the auto. However, most auto conversion kits don't have long bbls.
And I'd like a good snake gun for hiking/camping (only get one shot with an auto). Using snake shot for snakes is a good idea, and this says revolver since autos won't reliably cycle snake shot.
It also needs to be something I can load fast (since i don't have a CCW yet I have to keep it unloaded in the car).
What state are you in? Many states allow you to transport a loaded weapon in the glove box; check your local laws. Fast loading is easier with an auto, but can be done with practice with revolver speedloaders. You've got to decide how much training time you want to put in.

From your current requirements you need more than one gun. Find a good auto for CCW and vehicle carry. Decide if a conversion kit with shorter bbl will work for your 22 LR range purposes. For a hiking gun a good revolver will fit your needs best. I'm an S&W fan, and I like stainless for durability in field use. The 357 Mag chambering will provide lots of versatility, so I'd look for a nice used S&W Model 66 or Pre-Lock (personal preference) 686. I also really like the Ruger GP-100 in the all purpose outdoor revolver role. If the conversion kit for the auto gets ruled out and you want a dedicated target gun in 22 LR there are plenty of options out there in both autos and revolvers. On that note though, I am rather partial to the S&W K-22 Target Masterpiece and it's later versions the M17 and 617. Keep asking questions and let us know how we can further help you.

[Jamie C.]

I'd forget all about the snakeshot requirement.
Hell, if you're close enough for the shot charge to actually hold together and do any damage ( about 6-10 feet, max. ), you're close enough to hit the snake with a regular old bullet.

As for the rest... it sounds like you need more than one gun. ( Don't we all? ;) )


J.C.

[ronto]

If you decide to move in the direction of a quality reliable revolver...Ruger is the way to go.

[P97]

I voted Revolver for Snake Shot. I have carried an Auto for years and killed lots of poisoneous snakes with it. IMHO if you can't shoot a snakes head off with an Auto and bullets, you don't need to be carrying one. You need a gun that you will be carrying all the time where there's snakes, or you won't have it when you need it. :)

[Anna's Dad]

Depends on whether you want to look like Jack Bauer or John Wayne :D

[MCgunner]

I'd forget all about the snakeshot requirement.
Hell, if you're close enough for the shot charge to actually hold together and do any damage ( about 6-10 feet, max. ), you're close enough to hit the snake with a regular old bullet.

As for the rest... it sounds like you need more than one gun. ( Don't we all? )


J.C.

I agree. I've never used no stinkin' shot loads and I've taken LOTS of snakes with handguns.

[Jimmy Newman]

Have you ever used snake shot to shoot a snake, or seen it used? It's not even very effective against snakes, like people have been saying. PLEASE do not load a defensive handgun with snakeshot. If someone is attacking you and has a gun, they'll most likely have a really good chance to shoot you before you get to something that has serious potential to stop them.

[Arcticfox]

Ever heard of a Smith 696? Medium frame, super accurate, and plenty of power (.44 special). Expect to pay $700. But it truely is a competent firearm. Accuracy at distance is surprising! Kick is invigorating, but not harsh.

JMHO.

[Jkwas]

Revolver. A K-frame with anywhere from a 2 1/2" to 4" barrell is a good all around gun.
Ditto. I have autos and revolvers, and my favorite is still the 3' k frame. Fun at the range and a good home defense weapon.

[B yond]

After reading some of the posts here I decided to check out how much damage a decent size snake shot shell would do (only played around with snake shot in .22LR before). I went out to the beach and shot some driftwood and wet sand with some snakeshot out of a friend's .357. I was disappointed with the patterning beyond 10 feet. Also bounced off sand and wood at anything beyond about 10 feet. I would feel kinda silly shooting a snake and having the pellets just bounce off. :eek:

The reason I was considering it for the first round in a home defense revolver was for the "shock and awe," the same reason I keep a round of birdshot in my shotgun before the 00 buckshot. I figure a loud bang and peppering of pellets would discourage most would-be attackers, and it wouldn't take much time to get off a real shot if it didn't. That and I'm very concerned about a missed shot going through a wall and endangering my daughter or neighbors. :uhoh:

One more thing I didn't mention in my original post that's a determining factor in this decision: less-lethal ammunition. I like the idea of being able to shoot rubber or wooden bullets. Plus there'd be less to clean up.

I'm really leaning towards a small-frame revolver with interchangeable barrels in .357 magnum/.38 special to cover all my needs. I live in CA so the capacity benefit of an auto is only an extra 4 rounds.:mad:

Here's something to think about: in a close-quarters struggle with an autoloader, if the slide is pushed back 1/4" (like when pressed up against someone wearing baggy clothing) it will not fire. With a revolver, the hammer must be stopped to prevent firing, and with a hammerless revolver, they're pretty much going to go off when the trigger is pulled. Wouldn't this make a revolver a better home defense weapon?

[MCgunner]

Here's something to think about: in a close-quarters struggle with an autoloader, if the slide is pushed back 1/4" (like when pressed up against someone wearing baggy clothing) it will not fire. With a revolver, the hammer must be stopped to prevent firing, and with a hammerless revolver, they're pretty much going to go off when the trigger is pulled. Wouldn't this make a revolver a better home defense weapon?

True, but you can tie up a revolver by just slipping a finger in front of the hammer or grabbin' the cylinder. I do like a short barrel revolver for this reason, though, because my house is small. The likelihood of wrestling over the gun is pretty high and a 2" gun ain't got much to grab hold of. But, I can say the same about my little Kel Tec 9mm, too.

On the "non-lethal" thing, why? If I have to resort to a gun, I wanna kill or at least stop the attacker ASAP. If I've drawn my weapon, things have really gone to s***. By that time, lethal is better, you are in jeopardy of your life. Better his life than mine. I have carried CS or pepper gas in the past along with my firearm. If the guy is just picking a fight and I don't feel the urge to strain myself physically, a shot in the face with pepper gas beats a shot in the face with a fist. I figure it'd be handy in a lot of incidents I can think of, unarmed drunks, irate hot heads behind the wheel AKA "road rage", etc. No need to draw your weapon if you can stop the argument another way and both can go home safe and alive from it.

[Axman]

Here's something to consider! Two home invaders, many criminals work alone but "What if?" I have a 9mm Helwan "beretta" copy (Flame me if you will but it is a very reliable gun that I've owned for 10+ years.) that I keep a fully loaded with regular FMJ target ammo. If there ever is an occasion to use it against one, or even two invaders, the target ammo will do just fine.

[Clean97GTI]

get both if you can. I've got my eye on an old S&W Model 19 that I'd like to acquire from my mother.

Failing that, go for an auto. Capacity is king and there are plenty of autochucker rounds that hold their own against a .357 mag.
I believe you can get moon clips for 9mm and run it through a .357 revolver though. Makes for cheap shooting and a revolver that can stomach .357 will have no complaints when shooting even the hotter 9mm rounds.

[warmrain]

Both good for different reasons. I choose the pistol for firepower (number fo rounds) and reloading speed. My wife prefers a revolver for simple operation and reliability. We each carry our "non-preference" occ. when dictated my clothing or...

[DRMMR02]

This may sound dumb, but what is snakeshot?

[S&Wfan]

For CCW, I'd vote "Both" if there was an option in the poll.

It may be said that no gun is perfect for every situation. I'd surely agree!

I've got several guns that I use as CCW guns (listed from lightest/most concealable on up):

1. My little Kel-Tec .32 auto is super-thin and less than 10 oz. It beats "nuthin" any day of the week and I can literally toss it in a pocket and it won't be noticed. Great in shorts . . . and in the tiny bike bag on my road bike (bicycle) when on rides in the country.

2. When lightweight is a must, but I can get away with a little more size and weight, my 2nd gun is a REVOLVER . . . a first generation Colt Agent w/aluminum frame. This light little .38SPL. snubbie carries SIX rounds vs. the S&W J-frame capacity of five.

3. My favorite "most times" gun is also an automatic . . . a "Lightweight Officer's-sized" .45ACP by Kimber, the original version of the Ultra CDP. Three inch barrel with .45 attitude at a light weight (for a .45). It also has nightsights . . . and shucks everything I've tossed in it to shoot . . . INCLUDING snake shot!

4. A little bigger . . . is my wonderful S&W Model 65 w/3" barrell. It is wonderfully accurate in .357mag.

5. MY FAVORITE HANDGUN . . . Nope, not the easiest to conceal, but MAN WHAT A GUN! In the winter, when I can wear layers of clothes, I'll break out the S&W 25-2 .45ACP revolver w/a chopped barrell down to a scant 3 1/4." Lots of custom action work on this one and the slickest double action pull on the planet. If the S.H.T.F. one day, I'm hoping this revolver is in my hands! I've actually won a steel match against about 30 auto shooters with this gun in a match with EIGHTEEN steel targets and only ONE manditory reload! Yep, I had to reload twice IF I didn't miss!

These are my favorite five. Tonight, while taking our little dog on a walk, it was the Kimber Ultra CDP. Quite a little gun with a wonderful bark that is light and conceals really flat.

Over time you'll pick up extra handguns, if you love to shoot and hunt like a lot of us do! Of my handguns, here's a photo of my favorite five CCW guns, along with a couple I use in matches and hunting with Holosight red dot sights on them. Obviously, they aren't intended for CCW work!!!

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/246/246167/folders/189270/1666962clockwise.jpg

[Panthera Tigris]

I recently talked to an owner of a local gun store. A few years ago he shot and killed two men who tried to rob his store at gunpoint. He sells 1911s, Glocks, all sorts of autos, but he told me the weapons he relies on for absolute reliability are revolvers, which he used to kill one of the bad guys when the b.g. pulled the trigger on his auto at the shop owner and the auto jammed. The owner was able to retrieve a revolver and shot the b.g. dead.

Furthermore, he said most of the guns they have in the store for defense are S%W model 10 38 Specials.

[Jamie B]

Snake shot is for snakes, not self defense.

Dead snakes do not testify, bad guys wounded with snake shot do.

Self defense calibers should start with the number 4.

Autos are flat, better to carry, and can be reloaded quickly.
Unless you are Jerry Miculek, revolvers are very slow to reload.
They are also bulky to carry, as a general rule.

Good quality autos are a requirement for self defense.

Jamie

[dean790]

Revolver

no magazine to insert

no chambering to load

never jam

ususally no safety

no shells to eject

load - pull trigger - fire

[Nail Shooter]

I'd never waste space in ANY gun to load snake shot. A Kahr MK9 or K9, Sig 239, or a small Glock would work fine.

NS

[Rokman]

I'm just used to autos. But, both have pluses and minuses. The get both answer works for this.

[S&Wfan]

Most dependable?

There's absolutely no debate! Revolvers!

Most power (bang) for your buck. There's absolutely no debate! Revolvers!

Most accurate at a REASONABLE price? Revolvers!

Most effective self-defense loads? Revolvers! (,357 & .45ACP)

Most powerful rounds? Revolvers!

Most foolproof under stress? Hands down . . . Revolvers!

Safest to carry without fear of an accidental discharge? Revolvers!

Easiest for a neophyte to load and unload? Revolvers!

Less likely to get jammed up with pocket debris? Revolvers!

Less likely to fail you if you don't keep 'em well oiled and clean? Revolvers!

Best gun to carry if you can't run away, can't shoot worth a crap, and need more than six rounds to get the job done? Well . . . that's another story.;)

IN DEFENSE OF THE AUTOS MOST USED FOR SELF-DEFENSE . . .

They are flatter!

They carry more ammo!

They have "OK" accuracy!

In .45ACP (and probably .40 S&W) they have potent-enough ammo.

If they jam under stress, they can be employed as a hammer.


Seriously, I just got in from walking our little dog, and my .45ACP Kimber CDP Ultra is on my belt, and it does a great job.

My favorite gun is also a .45ACP . . . my short-barrelled Model 25-2 revolver. No matter what . . . you get SIX FER SHORE . . . and the accuracy, and trigger on this gun is incredible! It is what I'd want in my hands if the SHTF!

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/246/246167/folders/183771/19266441.JPG

[larry starling]

Go with the automatic if you have some experience handling guns.And revolvers if your not....:uhoh:

[DRMMR02]

Is that you in the pic S&Wfan?

[Ala Dan]

Based on your requirement of snake shot, I have too vote for a revolver
also; maybe a good used but not abused S&W model 19/66/586/686 in
.357 magnum caliber with at least a 4" barrel.:cool: :D

[DWARREN123]

I just like revolvers more, I have 4 but I have 3 semi auto pistols.

[Juna]

Get a CZ 75D PCR with a Kadet conversion kit. The 9mm barrel will do your HD & CCW duty, and the .22 LR barrel will cover range time. You can't do better then that for one firearm, IMO.

But, man, do I love a S&W Model 10 with a 4" heavy barrel!

[GungHo]

This may sound dumb, but what is snakeshot?
"Snake Shot" and "Rat Shot" are shot shells, kinda like converting your revolver into a little shotgun. They're for use on little pests, and the size of the shot can differ from little pebble-like things to bird shot, but I've never been a fan. In a rifled barrel, shot doesn't form the right kind of pattern (more like an O than a @, much less a *), and the shot is usually so low powered it won't penetrate much. It can work on small pests from close range, but at the range it's effective, it's about like a bullet. However, it won't penetrate very far, so that's a slight advantage.

[S&Wfan]

Is that you in the pic S&Wfan?

Yep. With a mug like mine it is usually enough to scare 'em off without the big bore.

Then again, I guess I'm just a big bore kind of a guy anyway!;)

[SWMAN]

The BG will be carrying an auto. You can reload an auto faster than a revolver and with more rounds per load. You can carry an auto much easier concaled than an auto of comparable firepower.:)

[defiant73a]

The BG will be carrying an auto.
Mighty big assumption.
You can reload an auto faster than a revolver
Mighty big assumption to begin with then:
1) You assume the BG is carrying second mag
2) You assume the BG has practiced enough to be able to change a mag smoothly and rapidly (and you might be surprised how fast a revolver can be reloaded with a practice).
3) You assume a reload will be necessary
You can carry an auto much easier concaled than an auto of comparable firepower.
Just plain not true (having carried both concealed).

[.38 Special]

There also seems to be an assumption that your living room is going to turn into a Hollywood-style free-for-all. May I be the first to suggest an M-60?

BTW, according to the ATF the most common crime gun is a S&W .38 revolver.

:neener: