The best all around handgun?

[T-MAIN]

I'm a new member and am looking to purchase a new handgun. I don't know much about handguns and am looking for a little guidance on what would be the best gun for me. I am looking for something good for conceal and cary but that would also serve as a decent handgun out in the feild for hunting. Two handguns I am looking at are a Ruger GP100 357 revolver and a Glock G20 10mm auto. I would like to here some opinions on these two handguns and idea's on others that might fit the bill better. Huge thanks for any input?

 

[Brian Williams]

Welcome to THR, My love of Revolvers puts my vote for the Ruger, But I would rather have a S&W 19 or 586

 

[SoCalShooter]

I'm with the mod the .357mag is an awesome weapon caliber and the Ruger an excellent weapon for field.

 

[SniperStraz]

IMO

If you're just starting out I wouldn't go with either. You need to start with a smaller caliber to be able to practice more for less $ (if thats an issue for you) and in order to ward off that ugly habit of flinching. Both the 10mm and the .357 are great for SD, but as far as a first gun, they can ruin your entire shooting experience. If I were to choose for myself for SD I'd go with the 10mm, but that's just me. They're expensive as far as ammo goes, but they pack quite a punch. My .02 and welcome to THR.

 

[1 old 0311]

Go with the Ruger. You can shoot mild .38's to HOT .357's. Also goes BANG with every trigger pull.

 

[P0832177]

There are many things to consider here.

First off getting proficent with any firearm requires practice. So, now if you look at the rising costs of ammo these days and over the past year it has gone up 25 percent or so. My heartfelt suggestion for anyone new to handguns is get a 22LR, and I have two suggestions A Ruger MKIII or Browning Buckmark. Why? Because you can get a brick (about 500rds) of 22LR for 10 bucks! That is a lot of trigger time. Now, the next thing is to take an introductory Handgun class to learn the basics. A good solid foundation will aid you down the road. Then practice, practice, and practice. The range time will transcend any handgun in the future.

Then look at your choices. The GP100 would be a good gun due to the verstatility of the 38/357 platform. Now, Ruger's are a stout gun, but I do not think that it would be a comfortable concealed carry gun for the long term. The other upside is that you can value packs of 38 Special ammo at Wally World. Now, your next choice while a potent round the 10mm is just not mainstream. I mean that it is expensive to shoot, and this will probably mean less trigger time, unless you reload your ammo. AGain, the Glock 20 is a large frame, and it might not be a cost effective round to shoot very much. Just observations.

 

[Kaylee]

and awaaaay we go to General Handguns.

For what it's worth, my advice pretty much mirrors that of Mr. Williams, though as you will soon see we all have our favorites. (That, and Glocks feel like pieces of 1x2 in my hand - don't fit at all. But obviously they work for plenty of folks).

Best advice really is to find a range you can rent the models you're interested in and go from there.

 

[10-Ring]

To me, the epitome of 357 magnum wheelguns is the Colt Python....

 

[lee n. field]

am looking for something good for conceal and cary but that would also serve as a decent handgun out in the feild for hunting.

Hunting what? Your state may limit what you can use for handgun hunting, which would make your two expressed purposes potentially at odds.

Hunting --> physically large revolver in .44 Magnum or .45 Colt.

CCW --> small enough to conceal (the first C in CCW).

I would like to here some opinions on these two handguns and idea's on others that might fit the bill better.

No first hand experience with either.

Question 1) -- what's your budget?

Question 2) -- what's your level of experience? Had any formal instruction?

 

[RyanM]

Unless you're a very large person, a GP-100 would be pretty difficult to conceal. I'd probably recommend a Ruger SP-101 with the 3" barrel instead. That is, assuming you want to carry a handgun while hunting primarily in case of ninja mutant zombie bears, aggressive snakes, and delivering a coup de grace on wounded and stationary game, not as your primary weapon. Any handgun ideal for actually hunting with would make a lousy CCW.

If you want more than 5 shots, a Glock 20 or 29 wouldn't be a bad choice, but you should go to your local gun store and try one on, first. You need very large hands to comfortably use the large frame Glocks. Alternately, a Glock 17, 19, 22, or 23 wouldn't be a bad choice. Keep a round of snakeshot in the chamber, and a magazine full of heavy, flatnose FMJ.

 

[possum]

The best all around handgun?

is what you shoot best and what feels best for you. but with the two you stated i would say the glock. they are great weapons, and it will serve you well for many many years to come. you cant go wrong with a .357 and some 125gr jhp's. but i just prefer autos especially for my first gun.

the best all around handgun for me is a sa xd all day long!

Welcome to THR, My love of Revolvers puts my vote for the Ruger, But I would rather have a S&W 19 or 586

i believe that the model 19 offering from s&w is the greatest revolver ever made. i absolutly love them! i have been trying to get my dad to part with his for many years! to bad they don't make them anymore.

 

[roscoe]

Hard to go wrong with a .357, since you can practice with light .38 special loads to get comfortable and accurate with the thing, then switch to the heavier stuff for stopping dumptrucks and cement mixers.

 

[SJshooter]

For "best all around handgun", you really can't beat the Ruger GP-100 you mentioned or it's cousin - the nearly identical, but a little more expensive, a little bit better trigger pull, and a little more finished Smith & Wesson 686. Has anyone ever shot one of these and not liked it?

 

[30 cal slob]

If you're just starting out I wouldn't go with either. You need to start with a smaller caliber to be able to practice more for less $ (if thats an issue for you) and in order to ward off that ugly habit of flinching. Both the 10mm and the .357 are great for SD, but as far as a first gun, they can ruin your entire shooting experience. If I were to choose for myself for SD I'd go with the 10mm, but that's just me. They're expensive as far as ammo goes, but they pack quite a punch. My .02 and welcome to THR.

+1

Don't buy when starting out. Go to a range that rents ... and try every flavor you can get your hands on (revolver, pistol, .22 LR all the way up to .44 magnum). Get some basic instruction too. Over the course of time you'll develop your own preferences and abilities ... avoid taking the plunge into something you might regret later dollarwise.

 

[TOADMAN]

Glock 19 and S&W Model 10

 

[beaucoup ammo]

Go with S&W .357 / Model 65-3 / "K" Frame. Look at gun shows and on line, you'll find a good one. Or, a S&W Model 60. Which would be easier to conceal if you are of small frame.

Both are revolvers which, IMO, are a good way to start, and you can go with .38 / .38 +P (more powerful .38 load) and slowly get comfortable with the great stopping power of .357.

Others will argue this, as they should..but, there's my 2 cents.

Enjoy and be safe!

 

[1858remington]

Try old school

I personnally like the 1858 style remington.

It points well, is well balanced, and has a solid frame construction.

Not to mention, unlike modern style guns, it shoots black powder, and can be converted to shoot modern smokeless.

This makes it much more adaptable, and gives you more choices for loadings.

Say your sports store is out of 45colt.... you still can shoot cap & ball. Just try to do that with a S&W 686 or Colt Python.

 

[Snagglepuss]

Get both. But get a S&W 686 4" instead of the Ruger. Better also get some reloading equipment as both use pricey ammo, especially the 10mm.

 

[ronto]

IMHO there is no "all around" handgun for hunting AND CCW. Each requires different criteria. CCW should be easily concealable and hopefully lightweight. For a hunting gun, it depends on what you're hunting...rabbits or bear? I can't think of a hunting gun that would be a good CCW and visa versa...someone else may.

 

[B.D. Turner]

Your shooting in the field will be a million times more likely than in any SD situation. Check with your local game laws on what is allowed for hunting. Most states have regulations about hunting with a pistol. Most regulate a minimum caliber and barrel length for hunting. For white tail deer the .357 magnum is a minimum caliber of choice. Given good shot placement within a handguns range and it works well. If you wish to hunt black bear or white tail deer you will want to step up to a .44 magnum.

Your question is a good one. Just because a handgun can be used for SD does not mean that it has to be micro mini CCW all the time. I used to carry a S&W .357 with a six inch barrel in a nylon pancake holster over my right hip pocket. The end of the barrrel went down into the back pocket of my Levis. It could be covered with a t-shirt in summer. I could also make center of mass hits everytime on a man size target out to 100 yds. This was something I could never do with a .380 or other pocket gun. Why did I carry such a big revolver? It was all I had at the time so it did a dual role.
If I were in your situation today I would take a look at the Taurus Tracker in .44 magnum or .357 magnum. If you like hunting Marlin makes some fine lever action rifles in .357 and .44 magnum so you only have to buy ammo in one caliber.

 

[MCgunner]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I personnally like the 1858 style remington.

Well, I enjoy cap and ball shooting, but that's a bit too ol' school for me. LOL!

My vote would be for a K frame 4" .357 magnum revolver IF you want to actually CARRY the gun. The GP100 is a hefty piece and you'll notice it early on IWB. A K frame 4" gun will carry much better. The trade off is durability, but my medium framed guns, a Security Six, a M19 S&W, a Rossi M971, and the two Taurus M66s I own now, have held up well with a mild diet of HOT loads and a normal diet of +P and wadcutter .38s. For me, the trade off in totability (is that a word?) is worth it 'cause the K frames are a lot more durable than some seem to think. Their rep for wearing early came from constant use with magnum loads by police departments. I doubt I'd ever wear one out in my lifetime (probably not that many years left, I'll admit) the way I use one.

Anyway, whatever the GP100 could do afield, my Taurus 4" M66 can do or a Smith and Wesson M19 or a Ruger Security Six could do. I would go with adjustable sights for the hunting and field use even though they're not that desirable for carry. That's another trade off that's worth it to me.

I've killed 3 Texas whitetails with the .357, okay, 2 were with a 6.5" Blackhawk and 1 was with a carbine (don't count here). But, the .357 is adequate for deer hunting. With a 4", I'd limit my shots to 50 yards max. I have a Contender I prefer for hunting. I cheat. I own more'n one gun, but I think for a knock about outdoor gun/self defense combo. the 4" K frame can't be beat. I'll always own at least one. I hope I can find another affordable used Smith M19 or maybe another Ruger Security Six sometime. I traded both of 'em off. Actually, I really liked that little Rossi, too, and traded it off. :banghead: I'm going to quit doing that, dangit. That M19 was a classic with a smooth Smith trigger and that Ruger was a rugged, reliable stainless firearm with a trigger job to die for. I liked the Rossi for its smaller, lighter frame size, sort of half K, half J frame. It was only 30 ounces, great carry gun. I did limit the hot stuff in it, though. It was deadly accurate with a 140 grain JHP Speer handload. Took a javelina with it, once.

 

[Jeff Timm]

If you must go with one gun and use it for all purposes the Ruger is the better of your choices.

There are smaller revolvers of equal quality.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...d=10001&productId=14804&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...d=10001&productId=50978&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=265&category=Revolver

Geoff
Who has an old 4" Ruger Security Six Heavy Barrel, but I don't carry it concealed.

 

[Jkwas]

Glock 19 and S&W Model 10

I second that emotion. If you're gonna go glock, go g19. I don't have one, but if I did get a glock, that's what I'd get. And I still may.

I do enjoy my Model 10 however. What a gun!

 

[461]

The GP-100's picture should be in the dictionary under perfect all around handgun as far as I'm concerned. After owning a gun for the first time, most folks buy more specialized guns for different roles. The GP can handle all roles well until you choose your areas of specialization and it'll still be there filling the other roles well into your grandchildrens golden years.

 

[Baba Louie]

All around handgun for both CCW and Hunting COULD be a Dan Wesson 15-2 pistol pack (or at least a 2" with an extra 6" or 8" barrell/shroud), but they're no longer made (new) and when you CAN find the pistol pack, they ain't as cheap as they once were...
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976734832.htm

The 10mm intrigues me greatly. Plenty of Glock 20 and 29 owners seem to love them and I have no problems shooting my 21 or 30 in .45acp (size comparison only)... but why introduce another cartridge into my ammunition equation... so it'll just have to simmer on the back burner and let my .44 magnum do any handgun hunting (my son took over the G30 for carry anyway) and a S&W 60 handle CCW.

But newbies to the world of handgunning COULD (and should?) use a good .22 for training, plinking and some small game hunting... and while I don't think anyone in their right mind would want to be shot with 10 rds of .22, most people who need to be shot are not in their right mind at the time (or maybe they are and just don't care/think about such things). Ammo is cheap. It IS fun! Good practice too.

But, like golf, where I have different clubs for different lies, I feel handguns (and long guns) are somewhat similar. This way I can easily justify 30 or 40 if need be.

So I say... get both. If you can afford to shoot a lot of .357 or 10mm you
can certainly afford to buy both a GP-100-6" AND a G29.

Problem solved.