How Do You Define "Utility" In A Handgun?

[481]

"When it is no longer subject to the discipline of ordinary life, language breaks out of its restraints and leads us into awkward and puzzling idioms which we mistake for metaphysical difficulties."
--Abraham Kaplan

Indeed.

Never conflate nuance for substance.

 

[tarosean]

Can it do the job I have it for, when I need it to. If it can’t, it’s less than useful.

this.

If it doesnt work, I dont need another paperweight.

 

[nettlle]

A good example of a utility gun for me is my Mark ll trap line pistol. Has to be stainless because I trap creeks and ponds and trap when it's raining or snowing. Has to be semi auto because it works easier with cold fingers than a revolver.

 

[Tallball]

The 3" Model 82 in my avatar is a utility handgun. It goes on hikes and fishing trips. It sits on my nightstand when I'm sleeping. It's a fun range toy that I shoot often. It goes into my back pocket if I'm about to answer the door and it's a man I don't know. I haven't had it long, but it will occasionally dispatch snakes and dying critters when I'm more active this summer. Its value is minimal, and I won't get upset when it gets scratched or falls in the creek.

I'm apparently using utility as an adjective that means "I do a lot of stuff with it." I think I'm describing a useful everyday tool.

 

[bearcreek]

So based on the responses that I'm getting from this discussion I think the question that was asked in the original discussion was very poorly worded and that's why I had such a hard time getting a handle on it

I would agree. It's a false dichotomy. Imagine asking if "utility" or "capacity" is more important when shopping for a new pickup. It doesn't make any sense. People use incorrect definitions for words regularly these days, particularly online. Asking them to define their terms before even trying to respond to the question can save a lot of futile typing.

 

[bearcreek]

"When it is no longer subject to the discipline of ordinary life, language breaks out of its restraints and leads us into awkward and puzzling idioms which we mistake for metaphysical difficulties."
--Abraham Kaplan

That's officially my favorite quote of the month.

 

[Jim Watson]

I apply Jeff Cooper's Embarrassing Question: What is it to be FOR?
In my case, the answer must be CCW, home defense, or competition, for the pistol to have reasonable utility.
I have a number of leftovers relegated to occasional casual shooting or none at all; no utility.

 

[chicharrones]

My first handgun was the closest I've ever had to a utility handgun. But, I've become a committed city slicker since that time and my carry guns are all for concealed carry against possible human threats only.

I have guns that could be utility handguns, but I don't live or work in an environment where they would actually be carried as a utility gun.

 

[jstert]

oops double post, sorry.

 

[jstert]

I'm apparently using utility as an adjective that means "I do a lot of stuff with it." I think I'm describing a useful everyday tool.

good definition tallball. of what i have my utility handgun is a taurus 85, 38sp, steel, j-frame, 2” snubbie revolver. i added pachmayr grips and a couple of speedloaders. in fact it had to be my only firearm for 25 years. concealed or open carry, home & car defense, walking in hills & fields, it was a solid comfort, given my likely threats. not so much a plinker as ammo was nearly impossible to come-by then, but plinking really means 22lr to me anyway. a 3” barreled revolver would likely offer more utility but these were harder to find.

a utility revolver is like a utility bench axe, i.e. it can serve many roles and anyone with half a brain can pick it up and use it with good enough results if need be. most non-gunner, “normal” civilians would be admirably served by a 38sp revolver.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I think this is a word salad. We start with a word, then try to define it. That's bass-ackwards. Anyone with any sense would start with a characteristic or definition, and find a word for it/

 

[Tallball]

jstert - My Taurus 85's have been good, also. I agree 100% about a 38 special revolver being the best SD handgun for people who aren't "gun people". A semiautomatic doesn't have as much utility for someone who doesn't really remember what all of the levers do.