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A Gun for all purposes

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I would agree that a 4" 357 is probably just about the most practical and versatile handgun around. One of the best for self defense with a long proven ability to stop the bad guy reasonably quick, usually dead reliable, easy to operate and can be used for hunting in most states. But I don't prefer to carry a revolver so it could never be my carry gun.

Currently I like the CZ PCR. It is a 9mm and I wouldn't call that round legendarily versatile... It is basically good at two things... Low recoil for recoil intolerant folks and putting the hurts on bad guys.

1911s are pretty neat and with 45 Super loads, are more versatile esp if you have a 22 conversion slide for it.

I know this is a handgun forum, but I think the most versatile gun is a 12 gauge pump shotgun... Very respectable terminal effect ;), can end most confrontations with just a rack of the slide, can hunt many things in many states, reliable, cheap...

Actually, knowing that a 12 gauge is handy, many handguns become more... uh... able to be relied upon. :p
 
Guess I was a bit confusing. Not in search of the one "super" pistol was wondering if anybody was carrying 2 different calibers for the different advantages and uses of the caliber. Maybe one strong side and one weak side or one IWB and one in an ankle.

I do feel better about the SP101 and 45 I'm wanting.

Thanks
 
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If you are carrying for the purpose of self-defense and think that a backup weapon is warranted, or if you want some control over load intensity, you might want to consider a 44 mag/44 special or 357 mag/38 special combination of some sort with both relvolvers chambered for mags. If it becomes necessary to reload in a panic, you don't have to worry too much about which pocket the proper cartridges are in; if over-penetration is a problem, carry only specials as spares.
 
I love my semi's, but I have absolute faith in my S&W revolvers. If I had to limit myself to only one gun, it would be my Model 19 S&W. The feel and weight are just right, the 4 inch barrel gives me reasonably good accuracy abut is short enough so that I could carry it if needed. If I carried all the time, I'd probably keep my S&W 640 as my only gun. Its probably only accurate (in my hands) to 10 feet or closer, but that is likely the distance at which I would be defending myself. But most importantly, I have 100% confidence that it will go Bang when I pull the trigger whereas my confidence in my Ruger or Kimber semi's is a bit less than 100%.
 
I carry a Sig Sauer 220 or 245 on my belt. I carry a Colt DS in an ankle holster as my backup. These two weapons do it for me. They're reliable, simple to operate and I have confidence in both rounds and weapons. Especially at the range I'm likely to operate at. At home in addition to the previously mentioned models I have a 4" S&W 686 and a 4" S&W Model 28. I believe these weapons are about as "general purpose" as you can get. I also like them.
 
The Glock 30 has it all: reliability, durability, ammo capacity, stopping
power, accuracy (possibly the most accurate Glock out of the box), easy to
conceal, pretty good double action trigger, and it does not cost a fortune.
 
I think I have a different choice. I see a possibility of two guns. Two large caliber guns might be good,,,,,, but,,,,,,, the second should be either a quick reload, or a "gun for all seasons". All of the larger caliber service guns will fulfill the main purpose, but IMHO the second should be a deep concealment piece. As in a Keltec p32, or Beretta tomcat.

After all, the first rule of gunfighting is to ALWAYS have a gun, and the fastest draw is to already have the gun in your hand.
 
If I could have only one.....

It would be my Colt CCO, for general purpose and defensive duties. I have a .22 conversion unit for it that is part of the package.
If I could have two, the second would be a Government model in .45 ACP, maybe I would get a .460 Rowland barrel for big stuff, but I am quite happy with the .45 ACP for an all arounder. Then I'd get lots of parts, ammo and spare mags.
No, it is not the ultimate hunting handgun, but I have dropped deer and a few other critter's with it over the last 28 years. Hunting is a secondary consideration for me, and though it is fun and challenging to hunt with a handgun...the rifle is the more reliable method of getting meat.
I have carried two 1911 .45 auto's seceral times on the road of life. Normally a Government model and an Officer's(all spare's where Government mags of the Wilson variety) and was happy with the combo.
I know the weapon well and can shoot it good, it fit's and its operation is second nature.
Last think I want to think about when TSHTF is what weapon I have on me this week, what kind of ammo is stashed where. Simplicity when involved in highly stressful life and death circumstances is very desirable cause 'no plan of action survives contact' and Mr Murphy WILL show up.
Jercamp45
 
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MY votr goes for the .357 Magnum. Gives you the opion of shooting 38 special along with the many 357 loads out there. As for the specific gun go with the Smith and Wesson 686 with a $ inch barrel. Durable corrosion resistant stainless steel, adjustable sights, several grips out there for it so you can find what fits you well, and the 686 plus can give you seven shots. On top of this if you buy new the Smith has a lifetime warranty.
 
I love all this stuff about carrying different guns, or loads to meet changing combat conditions. Face reality, if "it" happens, you will just have to run with what ya got, and hope its up to snuff. With almost all confrontations over in seconds, you won't have time to analyze things and change up.
 
Another vote for a .357 with a 4" barrel. Nothing could be more practical, versitle, and economical. I have a GP100 myself.
 
Were you asking about a back-up gun?

If I understand your question about dual guns, it sounds like you might be talking about a 'back-up' gun.

I remember reading somewhere a bunch of years ago where Jeff Cooper said that a back-up gun was akin to using a row boat to back up a Destroyer. Mr Cooper has never been one to mince his words, but. given a choice between drowning or climbing into the rowboat, that rowboat would look mighty good.

What you carry depends on your clothing, climate, physical build, etc.. My most carried gun is a NAA Guardian .32. Yeah, its a 'mouse gun'. I carry it in my off-side hip pocket. That carry option works here in Texas in hot weather. I usually wear jeans, Red Wing work boots, and a two pocket half sleeve shirt. Also, usually, there's either a J Frame Smith or Kahr plastic frame 9X19 on my strong side.

If I can get away with it in cooler weather, the Smith Mdl 13, 3" ,Round Butt 357 is about the most effective compromise that I am personally aware of. A couple of Bianchi Speed Strips with .38 CorBons is easier for me to carry than spare mags for the Kahr. The 38's work for the J Frame also.

If you're talking about something that might be considered versatile, adequate power, shootability, handy size (face it,if it ain't handy, you aren't likely to have it when you might need it), the S&W M13 might be a good option. I like it. Then again, I like Ford trucks and GM autos. Your mileage may differ.

The abbreviated version of this rant is that, is that it's what works for you. Not me or anyone else. The little Guardian is my 'always' gun. Its there when I take out the trash to the alley, or pick up the paper scattered over the front yard.

It certainly isn't my first choice in a defensive tool, but its a dang sight closer than a shotgun or rifle in the closet.

For me, its pretty much the NAA Guardian and either:
J frame 38
Kahr 9X19
Mdl 13 357

For what its worth, there's also a 'Tunerized' Colt Officers Model rapidly moving up on the outside lane thats lookin' pretty good.

salty.
 
Posted this on another similar thread:

Another vote for the 4" stainless GP100.

-This is coming from a guy that's shot and owns alot of different handguns. The gp100 I have has a super smooth DA pull on par with an older S&W, and glass-rod SA and way more accuracy than I'd ever expect for the price I paid. If I was to be dropped off anywhere in the world not knowing if I had to clear a tunnel system, fight off rabid grizzlies, hunt squirrels, hunt deer, kill giant ants, navigate through Jurrasic park, go to war, pistol whip someone, survive in the wild for a year, etc. : my hand gun of choice would be the GP100.

-PS: I happen to shoot the heck outta this particular gun both in slow aimed fire and speed drills.

Close 2nd: my Kimber Series II 1911 .45ACP or my G17

-paco
 
I vote for the most versitle handgun ever made: a 4" .357.

My EAA Bounty Hunter is a fun range gun but i wouldn't pick an S/A for my only gun.

The S&W M28 is a little bulky to pack around all day. Although with the Herrets grips it eats the heavy loads like they're candy.

I really like the blued 4" Security Six, it's as accurate as any wheelgun i own, it's a great shooter, but for a hard working gun i prefer stainless steel.

The GP100 would be a great choice for an only gun or a first .357. I put a pair of Hogue grips on it and it's a great shooter. It handles the heavy stuff great, it's built like a tank, just polish the action, change the mainspring and the action feels pretty good.

But if i could only have one it would be my 4" stainless steel Security Six. It just feels good in my hand and it's easy to pack around while hunting or fishing. With a good holster you could use it for ccw.
 
I'd suggest either a Smith & Wesson 686 in .357 or a Sig Sauer 220 in either .45 or 9 mm depending on the availability of the ammunition where you live (over here in Switzerland I am sure to always find 9 mm Luger even in the case of civil unrest or war but not so sure about .45: that, in my opinion, overrules any ballistical advantages of .45)
 
Saltydog : I was asking about carrying a specific backup that offered something different than your primary in performance. So not really a backup but a second primary. However that seems a little impractical when put to more thought.

I have however learned the 357 wheel-gub is the most versital pistol in many's opinion.
 
My vote goes to the S & W 625. It looks the way guns are supposed to look, shoots the way guns are supposed to shoot and puts just the right size hole where it is pointed. Happiness is a warm 625.
Steve
 
My vote if I could only carry one handgun,would be a single action Ruger Super Blackhawk .44. If I needed a back-up it would be my 4inch Smith or a cut down SBH to 4 and 5/8ths.

These guns will do anything a little .357 can and all the others as well. If you reload,you'll have the best of both worlds.


Brady
 
My first thought was the SP101 in .357-----cause you can conceal it too------since we are talking one gun for everything.

My 686P 2.5in comes close---but its still a BIG gun-----even with the shorter barrel.
 
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