Most versatile defensive handgun?

[MikeJ]

What handgun (and why) do you believe is the most versatile for concealed carry and home defense? This is strictly limited to use on two legged adversaries and really boils down to the one gun that you feel could fill every niche that you have.

As much as I would hate being limited to only one gun for defense I would choose the S&W 642. My reasoning is that since I need a gun I can pocket carry a good part of the time it has to be small and very light. The 642 meets this criteria, draws easily without snagging and with .38+P ammo would be suitable (barely) for home defense. I don't currently own a 642 and may never will because I can be more specific and selective in my choice of guns for various applications but I have to admit that overall the 642 seems to fit the bill the best as far as my needs are concerned.

I'm just curious how others feel about this and their rationale given this limitation.

[Josey]

I would go with the 4" stainless GP-100 in 357 Magnum. Adjustable sights. Double action. It can wear different grips. The use of multiple function 38 Special and 357 Magnum allows target to hunting purposes. The concealability is no problem. The finish is durable. The action is strong. I have yet to hear of a worn out GP-100. There are options in sights and laser assistance available. The GP-100 is simple and powerful. If I could only have one, the GP-100 would be my choice.

[Gillster]

Josey's reasons are pretty much the same reasons I would say my 4"686. The only thing I would add is it's also the gun my wife is most familiar with so it's what she prefers to have around as well.

[sm]

3" RB K frames

[Rabbi]

A 3-4" .357 is probably the most versatile and surely would perform all handgun chores except for big game hunting or long range shooting.

While the revolver mentioned above is the most versatile, I would still choose a .45 auto for myself.

Regards,

Rabbi

[WESHOOT2]

KGP-141.

[ruger357]

A 4 inch S&W 66 or 686.

[La Pistoletta]

.357SIG? :)

[shooter58]

My vote would go for a model 65, 3" barrel, round butt, with bobbed hammer. Best carry gun I ever owned....could kick myself for ever selling it.

[eyz]

your on the right track with the snubbie. a large pistol can be too much on those hot summer days or hanging out by the pool.

my list would be (in smartcarry or pocket)

Keltec P3AT with extra mag
Kahr PM\MK 9,40
S&W 2" snubbie

[jc2]

Three to five inch K, L, or N-frame .357 Magnum (or Ruger/Colt equivalent).

If you just HAVE to have a bottom feeder, the S&W 1006, 1026, 1066, and 1076 earn an Honorable Mention.

[Vern Humphrey]

M1911A1 -- my current carry gun is the Kimber Custom Classic. No one denies the M1911A1 is a fine fighting pistol, and in the end, that's what we carry for -- to fight our way out of a life-threatening situation.

It's flat and carries well in an IWB. You can add a conversion kit for practice, and it also has very effective shot shells for carry afield, or when fishing in snake territory.

[Smaug]

I would have to say the Glock 19. Higher capacity than a 38, thinner and lighter than a 357, accurate, reliable, and you can still get all your fingers on it.

[sm]

*ahem* for those that me a email kidding me...

Yes I do carry a 1911. I do feel the platform and 45ACP are very versatile for defense.
Yes I voted 3" RB K frame.

My two favorite platforms are in fact the 1911 and K frame Smith.

I hate "most", "best", "one"...type stuff. CRSam made a comment "semi for offense, wheelgun for defence". Sam is a wise gentleman.

In choosing "most" I have to consider the folks that cannot operate a slide, manipulate a safety. NOT because of a Lack of training...Some folks have handicaps, limited hand strengths, be it from natural deformity, injuries, or age related problems.

Now ya know...rib away...

[MikeJ]

My reason for using the term "most" was that I was curious as to how many people would place a high priority on the size of the gun for concealed carry vs. caliber, platform etc.. For myself that would be a major consideration and I definitley need a gun that I can pocket carry. IWB and other methods just don't cut it for me on a regular basis. Like any thread, get involved if interested disregard if not interested.

[Gary H]

I would go for 3" - 4" K, L Frame, or Ruger equivalent.

The reason I don't pick a semiauto is that as much as I love my Valtro, or my P7's, they have had a few problems. Revolver problems have been of my own making.. ie bad ammo, or overly lightened hammer. Also, my wife can handle a revolver better than a semi-auto. I prefer N-Frames, but they are a bit much for carry.

[W Turner]

While I don't own one yet, I would go with the 3"bbl. RB Kframe. O'course there is one at a local shop that I've been trying to resist.


Mino

[sm]

MikeJ -
My reason for using the term "most" was that I was curious as to how many people would place a high priority on the size of the gun for concealed carry vs. caliber, platform etc.. For myself that would be a major consideration and I definitley need a gun that I can pocket carry. IWB and other methods just don't cut it for me on a regular basis. Like any thread, get involved if interested disregard if not interested.

Well sir , Priority is to have a gun, we agree. Reliabilty is another - of gun and ammo.
If no other method "on a regular basis" works other than Pocket carry for a person.

The J frame would be first choice as "most versatile" defensive handgun.

[shep854]

Medusa. Will shoot anything in 9mm/.38/.357. If you happen to have $700-$800 laying around.

Otherwise, I'd say an SP-101 in.357 or a 3" bbl K-frame.

Autos, no, much as I like them. They are limited in the power range of the ammo.

[jercamp45]

Twenty-five years ago, I lived in Alaska and I was smitten with the .357 mag. vs. 45 acp bug. That all ended with 2 158 gr JSP's from the .357 failed to stop a charging dog. The third one in the head worked, but soon after I traded the Smith for a Combat Commader to compliment my Government Model 45 auto and have not really looked back. I experimented with various calibers and platforms since, but found nothing I can shoot as well, or performs as many missions for me.
The Government platform can be concealed, but my fave for CCW at the time was the Commander(LW, the steel Commander was lost in a fire)...then the Officer's. I carried one of these 1911's all over the country from Alaska, to extended mountain living in Oregon, southern California, to New York, Florida and the desert southwest. I have hiked, hunted, worked security, canoed, rock-climbed, camped, done inner city social work, and explored 'bout every climate in North America with a 1911 .45 somewhere about my person.
The Colt CCO rather splits the difference for me. Gives me the Officer's grip for better CCW and the Commander barrel for better velocity, sight radius, reliability and simplicity. In fact, I carry the CCO all the time now, at night doing a security gig at a hotel that has its share of interesting moments. And daily on my CCW, in a Milt Sparks Versa Max IWB.
I have shot SWC's, JHP(of all weights), and even the Speer Shotshells(which work pretty good for their intended purpose) through the various .45's. I keep a few mags of 45 Plus P around for emergency use too. I also have a .22 conversion unit that fits my Commander, Officer's and CCO. It is fun, cheap and useful as a training aid and kit gun. I will eventually add a Marvel unit to my 1911 range bag.
If I was returning to a lifestyle in the brush, or deep woods; I'd get a .460 Rowland kit for one of my Government models turning the .45 into a 8-10 shot .44 magnum without all the recoil and muzzle flip. I suppose I could get the kit in the Commander length for my CCO, but I would not want to beat up the alloy frame.
My shooting bag has several sizes in the 1911 platform in it, all .45 ACP(like the man said...the bullet never shrinks), lotsa mags, holsters, spare parts and nearly 30 years of shooting the 1911 in many far fling places; so to me...it is the most versatile and useful all around handgun for me.
Jercamp45

[Ben Shepherd]

Ditto Joseys' post.

[SpikeEVO]

http://pictures.auctionarms.com/2123123512/ACFCACE.jpg
A two-and-a-half inch S&W M66 .357mag is probably at the top of my list for a DO EVERYTHING pistol... a little big and heavy for CCW, but about ideal for home defense. Would even be fun at the range, and maybe be capable of some short ranged hunting too... That 3 inch custom shop ported S&W M66 .357mag would be about ideal too, as would a fixed sight 3 inch S&W M65 .357mag

http://webpages.charter.net/bozar/ttgb/cmc.jpg
other than the snubbie magnum k-frames, I'd have to vote for the somewhat rare Colt Magnum Carry ... lighter and smaller than the M66, but still a 6 shooter, and big and heavy enough for decent comfort firing magnum rounds by all members of the family.

http://pictures.auctionarms.com/521578/rugsp101-2.JPG
If 5 shots is enough for you the chunky little 2.25 inch Ruger SP101 in .357mag would work as well.

[Majic]

A mid frame .357mag revolver in 3 to 4 inch barrel. A large power range with a large range of bullet weights spanning 2 different calibers with no modification necessary to the revolver can be utilized in a portable package.

[magsnubby]

While there is some very good suggestions for a general purpose gun yall gotta remember it has to be small enough for pocket carry. The S&W 642 would fill that bill very nicely.

[Majic]

The original question didn't make the pocket carry a requirement. MikeJ just sometimes prefer the pocket carry. He asked for personal opinions on the most versatile CCW and HD handgun.

[Jim March]

Jercamp45: 357 ammo has come a LONG way in 25 years.

The 158grain ultra-modern JHPs like the Speer Gold Dot and Hornady XTP offer good expansion at around 1,150fps or more. A bit more for the XTP; it's a "deeper punch" solution for hunting. But either would have done that dog a much harder hit than JSPs. Heck, the very best 38+Ps available can probably beat 357 JSPs, esp. from a 4" tube.

Any three or four inch midframe (K/L/GP/etc) 357 can handle a huge array of power levels with utter reliability and can be fed very inexpensively.

[john l]

For me, the only answer is a Glock 20 10mm. Nothing else is as versatile.
You can load the round light, or you can load it to the point that all other calibers look away in self-loathing. You can conceal it fairly well, if that is a requirement, and it is relatively light.
so nah-nah-nah.
John l.

[gunslinger387]

Ruger SP101 in 357. It is a little heavy for pocket carry but is very concealable. I have a spurless 2 1/4" barrel but all things being equal I think I would go for the three inch. I had it by the bed for a few years and never felt lacking.

[Berg01]

I have to admit that overall the 642 seems to fit the bill the best as far as my needs are concerned.

I think you have answered your own question...you might want to try the 125 gr. .38 Spl. +P GDHPs which were designed for .38 Spl +P snub-nose revolvers like the 642; the version with the Crimson Trace Laser Grips is an interesting piece!

[Smoke]

I had to go check to make sure this wasn't posted in the Revovler forum!

I am somewhat surprised at the number of wheelgun replies.

For me it will remain the 1911 varient. In the even that a bad guy is in my house and I'm so geeked up that I miss.. I have 8 rounds (minimum, 17 max.) and can perform a reload much faster than I can with a revovler.

Plus the 1911 is the gun I shoot most often, am most familier with. A good feeling when in need.

Smoke

[Ala Dan]

My vote goes too my Smith & Wesson 6" 686-5

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[gulogulo1970]

How about the Glock 36.

[Rob62]

A third generation G23 should fit the bill nicely. But there's nothing wrong with the other guns mentioned.

Rob

[jercamp45]

The .357 mag has come along way in the last quarter of a century!! BUT so has the .45 ammo selection!!
In the meantime, I have accumluated 25 years of shooting experience with the .45 auto, feel very comfortable with it, trust it, and carry one every day...this old dog likes his choice in armaments and plans to stick with it.
The subject was a defensive gun for concealment and home defense against two legged critters....hunting with a handgun was not mentioned by the original poster(and a rifle is the best tool there anyway), nor was a restriction on pocket carry.
Each person can carry whatever he wants...that is the beauty of choice. The 1911 is the 'most versatile'platform for MY defensive needs.
May our choices never be needed and if they are, may they never fail!
Jercamp45

[RON in PA]

Three inch .357 revolver, either a Ruger GP100 or a Smith 65/13.

[litework]

I would take the Glock 20, as well. You can get any weight from 135 up to 200 + grains. Ammo can be loaded "lite", which will give you .40 S&W performance in a much stronger platform, or "heavy." The Glock 20 has an accessory rail, a high magazine capacity, a good selection of quality aftermarket sights (and you'll want to replace the factory ones), and a lot of other non-essentials that are extremely essential, depending on who you ask. It is a large auto, but it can be concealed if you get a large enough backpack. Actually, it isn't that hard to conceal.

[357wheelgunner]

My 3 inch S&W model 65 .357 goes everywhere with me, except for class. It carries easily, even in hot weather, and I can shoot it very well. Backed up with a couple of speedloaders, I am very confident in myself and my weapon.

[Dienekes]

4" medium frame .357 DA revolver (125 gr JHP) . Everything you need and nothing you don't.

When things get tense and all you have in your hand is a J frame you really, really wish you had brought along the big gun. The old saw, "a good big man can beat the hell out of a good small man" is mostly true.

That said my always gun is a 442; however it is a rare day when that is my sole armament.

[Black Majik]

Since I dont CCW all I really need a gun for is home defense.

That's why I use my Colt Government 1911 as my defense gun. I think I'd feel prett comfortable carrying this gun if need be, its flat and manageable.


The 1911 platform is what I'm most accurate with. It uses .45 ACP, my preferred round. and c'mon... its a pretty defense gun. :D

[Michael Zeleny]

A SIG P210 in 9x19mm with conversion kits for 7.65x21mm and 22LR:
http://www.simpsonltd.com/LugerRoom/EarlyandMiscAutomaticPistols/C2768%20MP-62/C2768%20BOX2.JPG
http://www.simpsonltd.com/LugerRoom/EarlyandMiscAutomaticPistols/C2768%20MP-62/C2768.htm

An Artillery Luger, whilst wearing loose-fitting clothes:
http://imperialarms.home.att.net/Images/Lugers/PersianArtillery.jpg

[Rob96]

Even though I carry a Glock 19 or a Colt 1911, if I could only have one, it would be a 3"-4" barreled 357 magnum revolver. Offers a lot of versatility.

[valnar]

2.5-3" Smith model 66.

-Robert

[ChiefPilot]

It's kind of like church, where the answer to every question starts with "Jesus, because...". Except in this case, it is "1911, because..." :)

[Marshall]

CCW........2-3" J-frame or, Sp-101 if you're a Ruger fan.

Home Defense.......4" N-frame Mountain Gun in .45 Colt