Which Revolver Should I use for HD?

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Tallball said:
Usually my HD handgun was just whichever carry piece I used last. However, due to surgical stuff I will be on enforced bed rest for most of the summer. I can walk around the house enough to meet basic needs (light cooking, laundry, bathroom etc), but I that's it.

It seems sensible to choose a specific HD piece for the summer, instead of just whatever I happened to be leave sitting out. My wife has two large rescue dogs (pitbull mixes) as house pets, so my choice of firearms is probably moot. I like to have a loaded firearm near me when I sleep, though, especially if it's a deep daytime nap and I might not hear a doorbell or knocking.

A long gun seems clumsy. There are a lot of corners and doorways inside. My bedroom door has a bookshelf next to it. Getting out of it with a Remington 870 or whatever would take a little longer.

I have a bunch of semiautomatic service pistols. They're great. But I'm a revolver guy. My Glocks and CZ's and 1911's and Sigs and Berettas and so forth will stay in the safe. Feel free to recommend them. They will still stay in the safe. :)

What would you choose as your all-around HD revolver, and why?

(I'm leaving out the single actions, super long barrels, rimfires, antiques, etc.)


32 magnum - small frame 2" or medium framed 4"

38/9mm/357 - small frame 2", medium frame 2", 3", 4", 6", large frame 6"

44/45 - medium frame 2.5", large frame 5" or 6"


Feel free to pick something I don't have (such as a 3" j-frame!). I always appreciate enablers who help me buy more revolvers. :)

Pics are always appreciated.

I can also order grips and/or ammo online, if you have suggestions for those. :)

This one got left sitting out when I unpacked my range bag a couple of weeks ago. It's a good shooter, but it's not easy to draw quickly from under my bedside table.

Smith And Wesson Model 28

Smith And Wesson Model 28

Click to expand...

I recommend the one that you like best.

Prayers up for your speedy recovery.
 
I've been going with the 3". No sights or hammer to hang up on anything. Fits in the back pocket of my overalls if there's someone sketchy at the door or a ruckus (the dogs and some critter) in the backyard.
 
For me it has to be double action, love my single actions but not for HD/SD use, so I would go with anything from a 3-6" barrel .357 Mag (specifically GP100 or 686) or 4-6" .44 Mag (like a 629). The 357 Mag is going to be a bit easier to deal with and has quite the track record, the 44 is more powerful but can be a monster from shorter barrels. I keep a 6" 686 loaded up around the house, mostly as a tertiary option to either a Glock or AR15/12ga, sometimes I swap it out for a 5" 629 44 Mag.
 
Tallball said:
Usually my HD handgun was just whichever carry piece I used last. However, due to surgical stuff I will be on enforced bed rest for most of the summer. I can walk around the house enough to meet basic needs (light cooking, laundry, bathroom etc), but I that's it.

It seems sensible to choose a specific HD piece for the summer, instead of just whatever I happened to be leave sitting out. My wife has two large rescue dogs (pitbull mixes) as house pets, so my choice of firearms is probably moot. I like to have a loaded firearm near me when I sleep, though, especially if it's a deep daytime nap and I might not hear a doorbell or knocking.

A long gun seems clumsy. There are a lot of corners and doorways inside. My bedroom door has a bookshelf next to it. Getting out of it with a Remington 870 or whatever would take a little longer.

I have a bunch of semiautomatic service pistols. They're great. But I'm a revolver guy. My Glocks and CZ's and 1911's and Sigs and Berettas and so forth will stay in the safe. Feel free to recommend them. They will still stay in the safe. :)

What would you choose as your all-around HD revolver, and why?

(I'm leaving out the single actions, super long barrels, rimfires, antiques, etc.)


32 magnum - small frame 2" or medium framed 4"

38/9mm/357 - small frame 2", medium frame 2", 3", 4", 6", large frame 6"

44/45 - medium frame 2.5", large frame 5" or 6"


Feel free to pick something I don't have (such as a 3" j-frame!). I always appreciate enablers who help me buy more revolvers. :)

Pics are always appreciated.

I can also order grips and/or ammo online, if you have suggestions for those. :)

This one got left sitting out when I unpacked my range bag a couple of weeks ago. It's a good shooter, but it's not easy to draw quickly from under my bedside table.

Smith And Wesson Model 28

Smith And Wesson Model 28

Click to expand...
Tallball said:
Well, I should have expected that. I already want a 3" j-frame. Now that 8-shot N-frame is looking so extremely awesome that it's on the list as well. Doubtless they are expensive and it will take me six months to find one that needs TLC so I can afford it. That's good. It gives me something to do. :)
Click to expand...
While we're on the subject, since you're choosing a revolver, remember your fastest reload is to have two guns. One in your left hand and one in your right.:D
 
For a simple bedside gun, I'd go with a Mdl 10, or perhaps a Mdl 21 if you wanted a larger cartridge while still keeping low pressure.

For a "recliner" gun, something to keep on hand ? Eh.... I'm gonna say that not much beats a Centennial on the draw from concealment... whether a .44, .38, .32, or .22; they all draw easier than an exposed hammered variant.
 
With your situation, I'd probably go with the 3" barreled J-frame in .38.
To my way of thinking, 2" is too short always. 4" you're concerned doesn't come out fast enough.
A J-frame is pretty light and easy to shoot, esp. in .38.

Also, if you're so sure you're a revolver guy, why not just sell the autos?
 
LoL! Picking up the 3" j-frame at my FFL tomorrow. My son said he'd drive me. It's my retirement gift to myself. :)

The 3" K frame is a good house gun for me. I can shoot it like a 4", but it's quicker to get out of its cubbyhole and is semi-concealable.

Right now I can see the 100-pound pit mix outside my bedroom door. The 80 pound one is lying on the floor next to my bed. I probably keep a house gun because I lived in some bad places when I was younger and needed it a couple of times. I don't feel comfortable without one now, even in a "safe" neighborhood and my two big dogs watching after me.

In the unlikely event that I would need a handgun, I grew up shooting revolvers as a teen and ever since. I shoot them more accurately and am more confident with them.

I shoot semiautos at the range for fun, and carry an LCP if I "have to". It annoys me to admit that I can't shoot any of my revolvers as well as I can shoot my nicest 22 autos.

Thanks again for all of the kind responses. :)

If this one had a nicer trigger I would have considered it. That gives me a project for when I'm feeling better soon.

Rossi720 44 Spcl

Rossi720 44 Spcl

 
Pat Riot said:
This is my primary home defense gun for things that go bump in the night. My wife shoots it very well, which is a big plus. She actually likes this revolver.

S&W 327 Night Guard
View attachment 1084302
Click to expand...
This if buying new, great S&W warranty !

It was pretty well established in real world shoot outs since late thirties that the optimum gunfighting barrel length of a .357 MAGNUM is 3-4" , there I said it. To PROVE why I am correct would take a book .
Anyway my little K frame Combat Magnum with made for me Fuzzy Farant shoes is a little jewel ,but only 2 1/2" . It'll do , we go along way back .
P1020214_zpsaf97e605.jpg
 
In home use .. ?? Something using subsonic ammo

If you ever shot a handgun indoors with no hearing protection… you know what I’m getting at ..

I shot a 357 mag in a barn at a rat .. zero hearing protection .. actually stunned me …

personally I have a SD9VE loaded with 147gr Subsonic ammo in the bed
I have a Charter 6 shot 357 loaded with 158gr JHP standard pressure.. on the nightstand

At this time watching TV .. a 856UL loaded with a 148gr LWC by my side

21EA2DD6-2F9F-4B6D-B40C-3219B8A077A3.jpeg
EA87F006-892A-4B2A-964A-079497104505.jpeg
 
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38spl or 44spl full size revolver of your choice, with a long-ish barrel. This gets you solid self-defense performance, would also do in a pinch for utility purposes (need to take care of a squirrel off the porch?) and does so with as little extra sound pressure as possible, ensuring that if you do have to shoot the thing in your bedroom, hearing damage would be a lot less than some other choices.

I’d load up my s&w model 10 with wadcutters and call it a day.
 
If I had to pick a revolver it would be a 4" gp100 with 158 xtps. second pick sw airweight with 124 +P+ short barrel defense loads they will be deaf and blind after 1 shot even if you miss.
 
Of your options I would select:
1st choice:
5" 44 Special, probably with gold dot JHP

2nd Choice:
4" 38Spl+P
 
BobWright said:
Why are you leaving out Single Actions? I happen to have a Ruger New Model Flat Top .44 Special, 4 5/8"er next to my bedside.

Bob Wright
Click to expand...
I would say because they are a lot slower to reload, although that need may be unlikely, why unnecessarily handicap yourself? Also, you are going to be at a disadvantage in getting off that crucial, quick first accurate shot. And how many manufacturers make night sights or lasers for single actions?
 
BruiseLee said:
I would say because they are a lot slower to reload, although that need may be unlikely, why unnecessarily handicap yourself? Also, you are going to be at a disadvantage in getting off that crucial, quick first accurate shot. And how many manufacturers make night sights or lasers for single actions?
Click to expand...
At a disadvantage in getting off that crucial, quick, first accurate shot? I think not. I've practiced enough, and with live ammunition at times, that I can get off my shot, with accuracy, faster than most folks. As to night sights and lasers, I don't use them. If its too dark to see my sights, its too dark to shoot.

One instance: Using a .22 Colt Scout Single Action, I drew and shot three cottonmouths in rapid order, severing, or nearly severing, their heads. The third was right between my feet!

Bob Wright
 
I never felt under-armed or at any sort of disadvantage using a ..45 LC Ruger Blackhawk for HD.
 
I have a lot of practice with SA revolvers. I grew up with a Single Six.

Still I prefer a DAO revolver for SD. Less to go wrong if I'm injured or wrestling or confused.
 
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