Decisions, decisions...

[Stuart C.]

Ok, one last time. I still can't decide, and the list is getting longer not shorter.

For home defense, occasional scouting/camping carry, FUN at the range, etc. I like utility and reliability. I don't want to get into customizing or needing things like springs replaced ever 2 yrs. I want ONE pistol (yeah, sure) that I will become completely comfortable and proficient with.

Please, which would you choose and why?
- Ruger Blackhawk .357 4 5/8"
- S&W 586 .357 4"
- S&W .38
- Ruger Vaquero .357
- Ruger Vaquero .45
- Basic Smith & Wesson 1911

I also wondered if, long term, more people 'progress' from revolvers to semis, or vice versa??? Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

 

[DevilDog0402]

How about a 4" GP100?

 

[glockman19]

I would get a S&W 586/686 4"
or
Ruger SP101 or GP100 4"

Why a revolver?

always one in the pipe, pull the trigger go bang.

I have and would recommed the 686 as it has 7 round capability and I prefer the trigger on the S&W to the Ruger but all guns age great and will be around longer that you and I.

 

[john1911]

Any of the guns you listed will work fine for what you want.

I keep a 1911 locked next to the bed for home defense. Out in the woods, I usually carry a revolver, either SA or DA.

If I was limited to one handgun, I would probably choose a DA revolver in .357mag or .44mag.

 

[10-Ring]

Of the ones on your list, I'd go w/ the 586 because I'm not a SA wheelgun fan or a S&W 1911 fan plus the 586 is a very nice wheelgun

Oh, and welcome to THR!

 

[kurk]

Not sure any of those guns is small enough to carry concealed comfortably....9 mm micro pocket model best.

 

[rdaines]

I'd say either the Blackhawk of 4" GP-100 in .357 Mag. Both are great for anything but concealed carry, though even that could be done. Lots of great commercial ammo with the bonus of being able to shoot 38 Special for a fun day at the range. You can hunt up to and including deer if you choose. For target shoot get adjustable sights, if you don't you'll just get frustrated.

 

[HM2PAC]

I would say that any of the guns listed could be pressed into service for the jobs you have in mind.

As you'll find, there is no perfect all-around gun that does everything. It's a world of compromises.

Spend some time with people who have multiple types. Try everything.
Find the one you enjoy and are comfortable with. Shoot it alot. Then shoot it some more.

 

[magsnubby]

Choosing from your list, and seeing as how you listed "home defense" as a one of the duties, i would recommend the S&W 586. The .357 is one of the most versatile wheelguns around. Use light .38's for plinking, .357's for defense and with the right load, hunting small game. And a wheelgun is great for teaching new shooters.

While S/A wheelguns are great for hunting and range toys, they are not a good choice for a self defense gun. Would you really want to hold someone at gun point with a, as the D/A will call it, a "hair trigger". Then you have to decock the thing while the adrenalin is still pumping. Sounds like a real great way to put a hole in something that you don't really want to.

You mentioned scouting. Would you be using the gun to teach others how to shoot? If yes, than the wheelgun would be a much better choice. Athough i've taught people how to shoot using a simi auto, i've always found that with the average non gun person, a revolver is much easier for them to master.

All in all, going from your listed uses, i think you would be much better served with a good wheelgun.

 

[JoeHatley]

I either currently own, or have owned, every gun on your list. If I had to sell off all but one, I'd keep the SW1911.

However... your statement about not wanting to change springs every 2 years, makes me think you may not be a good candidate for a 1911.

I'd suggest the Blackhawk.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Vern Humphrey]

For the uses you listed, the Blackhawk in .357 is probably the best choice.

For all our concerns about self-defense, most of us will never point a gun at someone in our lives, let alone fire one in anger. If you have to use it, the Blackhawk will do the job.

 

[vynx]

First off I'll answer this question "I also wondered if, long term, more people 'progress' from revolvers to semis, or vice versa??? Any thoughts?"

If you live long enough yes. I have gone from revolver fan to pistols (semi's) and back to revolvers - although I must profess to liking both. My last purchase was a S&W 325PD (.45 acp 6 shot revolver) with the 2 3/4" barrel.

For what you describe how about the S&W 8 shot scandium .357? I can't check the model number right now my work has recently blocked firearms websites thankfully they missed THR! I think it comes in 2 barrel lengths. The lightweight would be great for packing and you can mostly shoot .38's but keep some .357's for special occasions.

 

[lee n. field]

- Ruger Blackhawk .357 4 5/8"
- S&W 586 .357 4"
- S&W .38
- Ruger Vaquero .357
- Ruger Vaquero .45
- Basic Smith & Wesson 1911

One of you uses is home defense, but half the guns you've listed are single action revolvers. Not that it couldn't be done, but you just hope you don't need more than a cylinder's worth of ammo.

On those listed, the 586 or the 1911. Replace the recoil spring on the 1911 as needed and stop your bellyaching.

 

[Crunker1337]

Me thinks the 1911... but then I'm not a big revolver fan.

 

[zeroskillz]

Here's the thing: in a years time, you're probably going to be the owner of everything on that list, and a few more. I bought my one gun awhile back, it got friends, and now I'm a licensed dealer. This sport is just to much dang fun.


-Ted

 

[pinetree64]

Ok, I don't have any of the above guns but I have several very similar.

I thought I was done with revolvers, only keeping my Taurus M38UL (ultralight 38 snubby) for woods carry, often with snake shot. I do most of my scouting in So. AL. It is also my wives HD gun.

Well, last week I picked up a used Taurus 66, 4" 7shot 357. It was $320 and looks brand new. My previous big revolver was a S&W 629. I took my 1911's and the T66 to the range yesterday, and it was awesome. The trigger was much better than my S&W and I went through the plate range several times with 38 +p.

My vote, the S&W 586, if you can look at several check out their DA trigger and choose the best. Nice thing about a 357 is a huge selection of ammo. Not to mention, no need for magazines. I love mine. Can't wait to train the wife, it is much more shootable than the snubby, which can go back in my CCW rotation.