Long gun/ hand gun pair for SD and Fun?

[CoRoMo]

I really like the idea of a .357 lever gun for HD because that is just a brutally effective response IMO. But I voted for the shot gun and pistol because it is similar to my setup. Between the wife and I, our setup is an M4 carbine, 12ga. pump, XD45 and XDm9.

 

[DMK]

I voted for the 357 carbine/revolver. If you get a good lever action, like a Marlin you can shoot 38s as well as 357s. That gives you a relatively low cost ammo to plink with. Throw a set of XS Gost ring sights on it and you'll have loads of fun.

Same for the revolver. I shoot 38 specials through my 357s about 90% of the time. Maybe get a nice SP101 so you can use it as a CCW too. I love my SP101. Fun to shoot, but a real good "anytime" gun.

Well I will say this, and probably make enemies. The shotgun is a very popular defensive weapon but it's the least practiced. Many ranges limit or completely forbid that kind of practice with a shotgun. And, regardless of TV and movies, you DO have to aim them and you CAN miss with a shotgun.

Excellent point!

Maybe it's just me, but I just can't get into plinking or target shooting with a shotgun. Maybe if I had a place to shoot skeet, I'd shoot mine more. As it is, I test it out once in a while, but it just collects dust in the safe most of the time.

 

[Col. Plink]

Good first post! I was in the same boat just a few months ago, though I had become proficient shooting .22's (pistol & carbine).

Now, I voted 'neither' really cuz I'm just a stickler for details

I say go with the pistol/shotgun combo to satisfy your most immediate HD concerns. Nothing better in this world than a 12guage with the right lods for the job! That's partially because you cam get darn near ANY kind of load for it: birdshot & buckshot in any size you can imagine, slugs, flares, whatever. I can recommend a Mossberg 88 for HD or hunting (can get 'em for $150 at WalMart around here w/ the long barrel, accessories and barrels are plentiful because they're identical to the 500 model in almost every respect; I dig it in 18.5" barrel for HD).

That said, go with a .45 for the pistol. You want to be sure you've got enough oomph if you're talkin HD. Springfield XD's go for $500 around here at Academy and hold 14 rounds! YEEHAW! So far the combo's running $650-$700.

Not bad for having $300 left to play with for ammo!

ALL THE ABOVE SAID WITH THE ASSUMPTION YOU'RE WILLING TO PUT IN THE PRACTICE TO BECOME PROFICIENT WITH YOUR NEW ARMS. Have fun!

Now, if you really want to see some fur fly, post your next one on "what's the best HD ammo for shotguns?"! (I say 3" T-shot; just trying to poke the hornets' nest!)

 

[GunnerShotz]

It's funny how the poll is pretty close to how I'm thinking right now. I'm 20% undecided. About 45% leaning toward the SG/auto combo (probably an 870 w/ 2 barrels and an XD sub-compact).

I love rifle plinkin though! So, I'd just add something later anyway, but here's the thing. I found out yesterday at the local shop that they got a Marlin 1894c and immediately sent it out for repair to have the loading gate fixed cause it was sticking. Assuming it comes back in good working order, should I try to work out a deal for it? I mean, these don't show up around here very often.

 

[BossHaug]

I was lucky to score my Marlin 1894C in Washington last year while on vacation. Since then I have been using it in combination with my CCW piece, a S&W model 36 (snubby 38 special, with Crimson Trace grips). Both are much fun to shoot, from low power Trail Boss loads (in the 38),to full power 357 loads (in the Marlin). Working with cast bullets to plated to jacketed, you can have a full spectrum of fun!

If I wanted to up the ante, my other combo would be my Remington 03-A3 and 1911 in 38 Super, heh

 

[TUBBY1]

If your a bird hunter get a 12ga. If not, .357 sp101 and a rossi m92 both will plink .38 and roar 357. You can conceal the ruger and the 16"carbine swings easy. I like stocking more ammo in less calibers.both will work and be alot of fun and that's what it really is all about.if you have a big paw, go with the big loop trapper. You won,t be disappointed.

 

[Col. Plink]

Plinkin' eh? Well, I hold some rank there (a legend in my own mind)!

I recommend a Ruger 10/22 just for sheer capacity's sake, and ease of reload (have had good luck with Butler Creek steel & hot lips). Better yet stock up on factory 10-rounders & make a cartridge sleeve that fits 'em.

Browning Buckmark is an excellent .22 pistol. Can't say enough good about them.

 

[Mags]

the banger and the 9, brah

What are you talking about? Use english please.

 

[thorazine]

Very tough choice!


However after careful consideration (and a coin toss) -- I voted for the pump and auto.

 

[Low Budget Shooter]

GS,

I'll echo one of the guys above and advise you to keep well under budget on the two firearms, then spend the rest on gear to cast bullets and reload. It will pay for itself over and over.

LBS

 

[JWJacobVT]

I voted Lever and revolver, as that is what I had for my first HD set up. Ex has the marlin now ,I have the 686. With that stated if you can find the 38/357 ammo go for it. I know the the local stores have NO handgun ammo, but do have pallets of shotgun ammo for cheap. I currently have my 870 and my 1066 for HD.

 

[Zach S]

Well I will say this, and probably make enemies. The shotgun is a very popular defensive weapon but it's the least practiced. Many ranges limit or completely forbid that kind of practice with a shotgun. And, regardless of TV and movies, you DO have to aim them and you CAN miss with a shotgun.

So the shotgun to me is the least attractive unless you are sure you have a place where you can keep up your skills. I just don't see people practicing with them in a manner such as you would see in a self defense encounter.

Agreed.

However, if there is a place available to train with a shotgun, I vote for the shotgun/9 combo. Of course, the shotgun should have both a defense and sporting bbl, so it is more versitle.

Personally, I use a 1911 and AR15. But OTOH, I dont hunt.