.357 or smaller CCW?

[txgolfer45]

I currently carry my G19. Thinking about a second handgun. Should I go smaller for easier carry like a G26 or Kahr PM9 or go for something like a .357 revolver as an upgrade for home defense?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[braindead0]

Depends on what you want... ;-)... If you don't have a .357, I'd say get one just to have one. They are too darned versatile to not have.

Any other uses it would be put to? Handgun hunting?

 

[txgolfer45]

Never been handgun hunting. But, sounds interesting!

 

[cmsgt]

model 19

I have a S&W model 19 4inch barrel, and it has been described as the "keeper" in many an arsenal. It would be a toss up for me between my model 19 and about ten others. I looked for several yrs to find a snub model 19; finally settled for the longer tube. For ccw, I still would like the model 19 snub; Colt DS, S&W j frame; or Ruger SP101. You have to find one that you shoot well, carry well, and that you just like the appearance of. For me, it's my Colt DS cause I don't mind shooting 38+ even for self defense.

 

[Ala Dan]

For Handgun Hunting and Home Defense

its hard to beat a .357 magnum! My current .357
magnum of choice is a 6" barrel Smith & Wesson 686-5.

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

 

[Rob96]

357 magnum is my favorite revolver cartridge. My always gun is a Ruger SP-101. On occasion I do carry my Ruger KGP-141.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Are you asking if you should switch to a smaller carrying type of weapon or just another type of weapon so you can have a variety of carry options?

Maybe a back up type of weapon?

The G19 is a great conceal carry weapon.

A .357 is a great home defense weapon.

 

[Kahr carrier]

What about a Kahr K-9

 

[txgolfer45]

That is the dilemma. Which to get next? I'll end up with both, but can only get one at a time. So, should it be the .357 for home defense or a smaller backup as my next purchase. I definitely like my G19 for carry. So, the .357 is not going to be a carry replacement.

Hope this clarifies my situation.

Scott

 

[10-Ring]

No matter what I try as an alternative, there is nothing like having a small revolver for a CCW. I like the S&W mod 60 or 640, but there are many alternatives. Simple, reliable and in some ways, almost elegant.

 

[txgolfer45]

Picked up a G26 this morning!

Scott

 

[tbeb]

First, I've never owned a Glock or Kahr... In my way of thinking the only way a G26 would conceal better, than your 19, is in an ankle holster or jacket/coat pocket. The PM9 is small enough to carry in a pants pocket. Sounds like some of the PM9's are having teething problems so I'd wait and see if they get better. Why not a snub .38 if you want something smaller to carry. Best choice would be an airweight Smith and Wesson J frame with either a shrouded hammer or internal hammer. Finally, your Glock 19 is a fine pistol for home defense.

 

[txgolfer45]

I put off buying the .357 for now. Went with the G26. It conceals a little better than my G19. I can use the same holster for both. I'm using the Comp-Tac Ghurka with slide.

The G19 or the G26 work for home defense. Both hold 10 rounds plus one in the pipe unless I buy some pre-ban mags.

I browsed for about 2 hrs this morning at the gun show. After talking to several people, keeping it simple for now by sticking with 9mm and a trigger system I'm used to along with a holster that works for either gun made the most sense.

I'll still get a .357 revolver some day. Just gives me more time to research and try a few before buying.

Scott

 

[sonoranjack]

Ya should have gotten a second Glock 19. The best thing ya can do is pick a carry gun. Then get an exact copy. Now ya got 2 pistols they both take the same mags, ammo, & holster. They both work the same. Well in your case both a Glock 19/26 work the same. You seem to use the same holster. But the Glock 26 mags wont work in the 19.

 

[txgolfer45]

But the G19 mags will work in the G26!! And don't have to store different types of ammo.

Scott

 

[44Caliber]

Home defense

txgolfer:
I keep both an unloaded shotgun and a S&W 686 or 627PC in 357 caliber (loaded) but within a readily accessible lockbox in a bedroom closet for home defense. I am very security minded having lost my father-in-law ( for whom I had great affection) to two Perps wielding knives in the middle of the night. The police never caught the bast---s. As a consequence we have two highly trained German Shepards, night lights, a burglar system, and firearms!! I have always felt secure with S&W 357 revolvers as my backup (35 years)
44 Caliber

 

[txgolfer45]

44Caliber,

I'm with you on the security. Have dogs and a loaded G19 in the gun box. Dogs are the early warning system!

 

[44Caliber]

home security

txgolfer45:
As mentioned I have had the personal experience of loosing a loved one to a f---g criminal. I generally respect the Police but in this instance the Police effort truely sucked. Their effort to solve this crime was ludicrous.
If a Perp entered my home without invitation and threatened the lives of my family I would without hesitation shoot and continue to shoot to "stop the threat". I might add that I target practice every week on the range with fullhouse 44 magnums for the past 15 years!
44 Caliber

 

[WonderNine]

Your backup gun should be the same caliber as your primary.

 

[44Caliber]

home security

txgolfer45:
As mentioned I have had the personal experience of loosing a loved one to a f---g criminal. I generally respect the Police but in this instance the Police effort truely sucked. Their effort to solve this crime was 'non-existant'.
If a Perp entered my home without invitation and threatened the lives of my family I would without hesitation shoot and continue to shoot to "stop the threat". I might add that I target practice every week on the range with fullhouse 44 magnums for the past 15 years!
44 Caliber

 

[sixgun_symphony]

I recommend a shotgun for home defense.

I also recommend a Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver with six inch barrel.

 

[sidearm]

I'll second the Ruger SP101 in .357- I just picked mine up this week and it's a keeper. It's designated to be my off duty carry. But... for home defense, it's hard to beat a shotgun loaded for bear.

 

[cz4me]

txgolfer45, are we talking about a tactical offense or defense weapon, or maybe BUG? For defense CCW, or even BUG, I recommend the RUGER SP-101 .357MAG STAINLESS W/ 3 IN. BARREL. For offense CCW, Try to test fire a CZ75B IN 9MM. It comes w/ 1 10rd. and 1 15 rd. HI-CAP magazine. These are very well made, IMHO, as is the RUGER. Also would recommend GEORGIA ARMS 125GR GOLD DOT .357 MAG JHP. FPS:1400. In 9MM their GOLD DOT 124GR +P JHP. FPS:1200. BOTH VERY ACCURATE WEAPONS AT 15 YARDS! Do some research at these sites: RUGERFORUM.COM CZFORUM.COM GEORGIA-ARMS.COM I have been shooting GA arms ammo for years and I will continue to buy from them.

 

[TallPine]

Never been handgun hunting. But, sounds interesting!

Yep, handgun hunting is quite a bit of fun.

For best results, I recommend a full tank of gas, a wallet full of C-notes, and several credit cards.

In this state, you don't need a license and there is NO LIMIT!