Which One

I would go with a 4" 357 Magnum because you can also use 38 Special ammo. However with the availability of parts, accessories, and ammo a Colt 1911 style 45 would also be appealing.

You can do just about anything with a 4" 357. Ammo options from wadcutters to heavy magnum loads for whatever you need. Not too big to conceal but big enough to shoot easy. K frame size guns are nice but if you're looking for longevity get a L frame or a GP100.

Now that is a tough question. Granted the .357 is extremely versatile, but I have a strong emotional attachment to my 1911. Sorry, no Sophie's choice for me. I'm keeping 'em both.

Probably the 45acp. The 357 has very significant muzzle flash and the recoil makes second shots much slower. The other side is the speed of reload. 45acp hands down.

While the 357 packs more pi-zaz, if I think I'll need that much more, I'd go with a .41 Mag. or the 10mm for a semi-auto.

i would take the .45acp and in a 1911 format. why? because i prefer autos to revolvers. plus sa is better for me than a da revolver. as well capacity, 1911 i can use my 10rd chip mags.

Keep my 1911 autoloader...thanks!I would prefer to have 'both' but the .45 wins out if only one choice!

I have always said a 357 Mag would be the one handgun to own but I seldom shoot them. I do shoot a lot of 1911 45acps and therefore the 45acp now gets my nod. Regards, Richard

.45ACP

The higher capacity of most .45ACP handguns gives it an edge over most .357Magnum revolvers.

Quote:

If you had to pick between a 357mag and a 45acp and this would be your only weapon, which caliber would you pick and why.

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You asked for only those 2 choices and not 45Colt aka long colt so here goes.

I would pick the 357Magnum in a S&W or in a Ruger REVOLVER. (You can buy a Ruger in D/A or in a sweet S/A Revolver too.)

I do have a S&W Model 686 with a 6 inch barrel. Ruger is sweet too. I use 38Special Plus P, 357Magnums - hollow points, all kinds of ammunition including wadcutters. I buy ammunition and my husband reloads too. She is a straight shooter and others who have shot mine are very impressed!

I have trouble racking the slide in some semi automatic pistols so that would limit me due to my weaker left arm/hand. I have owned semi automatic pistols and could RACK the slide in what I owned. I would not pick a 45ACP because the ones that I have tried are difficult for me to rack the slide on due to my old injury.

If I wanted to use anything in a 45Caliber... I would stick to my Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt aka long colt not 45ACP. You did not mention that in your question though. I like Freedom Arms but I don't own one... my husband does though! Ruger suits me fine for what I own and in that caliber!

If I had to pick ONLY 1 firearm and in ONLY 1 caliber for self defense and for the woods, which I frequent, I would choose a good/strong REVOLVER and it would be in 45Colt aka long colt. You did not list that choice though and only listed 45ACP. My second firearm caliber would be in 22LR. I shoot more 45Colt and 22LR now too. Sorry about adding MORE to my post! Grin.

Best wishes. Do you have a special brand that you are looking at in 357Magnum and in 45ACP? My husband loves his Kimber in 45ACP. Glocks are nice too. There are many nice 45ACPs out there... I don't own one though.

I own and shoot what suits me due to some physical limitations and because of the areas that I frequent. I shoot well with my choices but I am NO expert. I factor in my costs too. His reloading saves a lot and 22LR ammunition saves too. My western style, leather, Triple K belt and 2 holsters hold a 45Colt and a 22LR.

Best wishes.

Catherine

For accuracy and versatility I'd choose a S&W Model 66.

For real life I'd choose a 1911 in .45.

To take advantage of the .357 I'd have to have access to reloading equipment and a variety of bullets.

Then I'd have a half-dozen loads for different purposes.

To take advantage of a .45 all I need is one load that always works.

I poke a big hole where I aim. If I can find one off-the-shelf load that works I'm done.

I know more about 38/357 and 45 acp than I do any other calibers. I give the 357 a huge edge in versatility. But, I can live with one load in 45. In 357 I can have a lot of versatility but I have to carry six loadings.

BOOM-BOOM

Instead of caliber, I would make my choice based on the platform. While I have no problem using a .357 revolver, I feel that the M1911 in .45ACP offers a more versatile and effective platform if I were limited to only these two choices for a handgun.

My first gun was a S&W 686 4" 357, since that time I have bought 2 Kimber .45s, although I only have 1 now. I loved the S&W and wouldn't mind having one in my collection, but at this point, I would prefer the 45.

Now that is a tough question

Click to expand...

That is asked here about twice each month....

I have both but IF I could only take one it would be the 357. It is strong enough to take deer and I like the simple reliability of a revolver. My son has an 8 shot that is extremely accurate(6" barrel). Hard choice but the versatility of the 357/38 is hard to beat. Am looking for a 357 lever action. It will be an addition to the "grey man" approach, wc

It would depend on the use you intend.

If it is solely for personal defense, I would most likely, given the options, go with a good 1911.

If you intend to also pack this weapon for hiking, or biking. I would then go with a more versatile pistol like the .357.

As it has been stated, you have more ammo options with the .357. In the woods you can carry full magnum loads for defense against wildlife, and in the urban jungle you can lighten the load and carry .38 +Ps.

Of course now we'll get about fifteen people who just have to come back and rant about why I'm nuts for advocating using the lighter loads for personal defense.

This is my opinion, YMMV.