Pistols(whats a good one to buy ?) *DELETED*
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BillyP
Veteran Member
BillyP
Veteran Member
Re: Pistols(whats a good one to buy ?)
You are so right.
You are so right.
Re: Pistols(whats a good one to buy ?)
Views: /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif (long) /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Revolver vs. Pistol
While some people may "like" a newcomer to handguns to go with a revolver, there is no need to go this route. Perhaps the reasoning these folks have is that revolvers are "simpler," but practice creates proficiency. As long as you take your time and follow the rules, you'd do fine with either.
That being said, there is certainly nothing wrong with a revolver. They do offer some benefits (no safeties to flip or rack to slide in a panic situation) but have obvious drawbacks (capacity, typical load time, etc.)
If you DO decide to go with a revolver, since you are considering it for defensive purposes (priority) and hunting/fun, I'd say something with a 4-5" barrel and double action would fit pretty well. Single actions are nice, but in a defensive position, you don't wanna be having to cock the hammer manually for every shot. I'd also stay away from either extreme of barrel length (2" snub nose or 10" silhouette). They both have benefits (i.e. 2" snub is easier to conceal, 10" gives you more velocity/energy and longer sight radius) but drawbacks too (i.e. 2" typically not accurate enough for hunting and 10" would be rather ungainly in a defensive position.) Look to the police for typical length - they use something in the 4"-5" range for a reason. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I'd also look for something that was a heavier frame to reduce felt recoil and to "stand up" to lots of use. Light guns are nice - until you shoot them - then the "fun" leaves pretty quickly. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
One other thing - since you are going to be carrying it around your place, a revolver generally stands up quite a bit better to dirt/dust getting in the works. Obviously neither type of handgun like these things, but they are a fact of life.
If you are set on a semi-auto, you can get some that would fit your requirements with regards to defense and hunting as well. Semi's have a high "fun" factor and are used in lots of competitions, so accuracy is there too. But, "the more plumbing, the easier to create a clog" applies in that since there are more parts moving, there is a greater chance of something not moving correctly. This doesn't mean semis are unreliable by any means, just that they generally speaking can screw up on you more easily. They take a little while to "learn" in comparison to the revolver, but again, no big deal.
Cartridges:
There are several options with regards to cartridges that could work for your uses, although most of them are found only (or virtually only) in revolvers.
As others have said, the .357 Mag has potential for your uses. It is well known as a defensive cartridge and has been used for hunting as well. Personally, for deer and up, I believe it is on the "small" side, although it has certainly been done. The other drawback with the .357 Mag is that there have only been a few Semi-Autos chambered for it - and those that are available aren't very cheap.
Another cartridge that would be pretty good would be the 10mm. It has more energy/velocity than the .357, but is more easily found in a semi. Recoil is substantial (practice here), but people also complain initially about the standard .45 ACP's recoil at first. Once you get used to it, it isn't that bad, although you'll need to practice your follow-up shot shooting. (A friend of mine uses his for target and hunting, and loves it for both.)
Other cartridges I can think of for you to consider would be something in a flavor of .41, .44, or .45 caliber. Lots of stuff here - some hard to find, some not. 'Course if this is a defensive gun, you'd have to consider the consequences of going with something like a .44 mag when sitting on the stand -- "So, Mr. Hickory - do you feel like Dirty Harry with that big weapon ready to gun down any innocent person walking by?? OBJECTION! OVER-RULED! Continue.... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif)
All I'm saying is that even though a cartridge may be good for multiple uses (i.e. defense/hunting) you gotta consider what may happen down the road if the law becomes involved.
Brands:
For the "typical" price of between $400-$900, there are no manufacturers that jump out at me as ones to avoid. Some of the Eastern European manufacturers can actually produce a pretty nice product, so don't discount anyone mfg. right off the bat. Oh, and ignore all that propaganda that "Gun Tests" magazine spews. It's worthless. (I personally think they are a bunch of idiots who don't have a clue of what they speak.)
One other thing to say - if you get a semi-auto and it "jams" or "stovepipes" on you initially, don't "freak out." It may need breaking in or some minor adjustment or simply different flavored ammo. Although a lot of guns shoot just fine straight out of the box, handguns tend to be a little more finicky. Just comes with the territory.
Conclusion /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Based on your desire to get a single use gun, and assuming you would not be hunting deer, my personal belief is that a good .357 in a double-action, 4" revolver would work well for you. (preferably in stainless since you would be using it while you work around your place - i.e. more resistant) It won't be the easiest to carry while doing the chores (i.e. weight/size), it isn't really suitable for deer (i.e. not enough "oomph" for my taste), but it is a great defensive gun, fun to shoot (can shoot .38's as well) and a good hunting gun for less-than-deer-sized game. It's more aligned with the fun/defense portion of your equation, but can perform in the other capacities with some caveats.
If deer are indeed on the menu, I'd consider the 10mm in an semi. You could go with a revolver in .44 mag and use .44 SPL in it to make the recoil manageable for defensive situations. (Using .44 SPL for defense would also make the gun more "Jury friendly")
'Coures there is no "right" answer here although there are certainly some wrong ones. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Views: /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif (long) /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Revolver vs. Pistol
While some people may "like" a newcomer to handguns to go with a revolver, there is no need to go this route. Perhaps the reasoning these folks have is that revolvers are "simpler," but practice creates proficiency. As long as you take your time and follow the rules, you'd do fine with either.
That being said, there is certainly nothing wrong with a revolver. They do offer some benefits (no safeties to flip or rack to slide in a panic situation) but have obvious drawbacks (capacity, typical load time, etc.)
If you DO decide to go with a revolver, since you are considering it for defensive purposes (priority) and hunting/fun, I'd say something with a 4-5" barrel and double action would fit pretty well. Single actions are nice, but in a defensive position, you don't wanna be having to cock the hammer manually for every shot. I'd also stay away from either extreme of barrel length (2" snub nose or 10" silhouette). They both have benefits (i.e. 2" snub is easier to conceal, 10" gives you more velocity/energy and longer sight radius) but drawbacks too (i.e. 2" typically not accurate enough for hunting and 10" would be rather ungainly in a defensive position.) Look to the police for typical length - they use something in the 4"-5" range for a reason. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I'd also look for something that was a heavier frame to reduce felt recoil and to "stand up" to lots of use. Light guns are nice - until you shoot them - then the "fun" leaves pretty quickly. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
One other thing - since you are going to be carrying it around your place, a revolver generally stands up quite a bit better to dirt/dust getting in the works. Obviously neither type of handgun like these things, but they are a fact of life.
If you are set on a semi-auto, you can get some that would fit your requirements with regards to defense and hunting as well. Semi's have a high "fun" factor and are used in lots of competitions, so accuracy is there too. But, "the more plumbing, the easier to create a clog" applies in that since there are more parts moving, there is a greater chance of something not moving correctly. This doesn't mean semis are unreliable by any means, just that they generally speaking can screw up on you more easily. They take a little while to "learn" in comparison to the revolver, but again, no big deal.
Cartridges:
There are several options with regards to cartridges that could work for your uses, although most of them are found only (or virtually only) in revolvers.
As others have said, the .357 Mag has potential for your uses. It is well known as a defensive cartridge and has been used for hunting as well. Personally, for deer and up, I believe it is on the "small" side, although it has certainly been done. The other drawback with the .357 Mag is that there have only been a few Semi-Autos chambered for it - and those that are available aren't very cheap.
Another cartridge that would be pretty good would be the 10mm. It has more energy/velocity than the .357, but is more easily found in a semi. Recoil is substantial (practice here), but people also complain initially about the standard .45 ACP's recoil at first. Once you get used to it, it isn't that bad, although you'll need to practice your follow-up shot shooting. (A friend of mine uses his for target and hunting, and loves it for both.)
Other cartridges I can think of for you to consider would be something in a flavor of .41, .44, or .45 caliber. Lots of stuff here - some hard to find, some not. 'Course if this is a defensive gun, you'd have to consider the consequences of going with something like a .44 mag when sitting on the stand -- "So, Mr. Hickory - do you feel like Dirty Harry with that big weapon ready to gun down any innocent person walking by?? OBJECTION! OVER-RULED! Continue.... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif)
All I'm saying is that even though a cartridge may be good for multiple uses (i.e. defense/hunting) you gotta consider what may happen down the road if the law becomes involved.
Brands:
For the "typical" price of between $400-$900, there are no manufacturers that jump out at me as ones to avoid. Some of the Eastern European manufacturers can actually produce a pretty nice product, so don't discount anyone mfg. right off the bat. Oh, and ignore all that propaganda that "Gun Tests" magazine spews. It's worthless. (I personally think they are a bunch of idiots who don't have a clue of what they speak.)
One other thing to say - if you get a semi-auto and it "jams" or "stovepipes" on you initially, don't "freak out." It may need breaking in or some minor adjustment or simply different flavored ammo. Although a lot of guns shoot just fine straight out of the box, handguns tend to be a little more finicky. Just comes with the territory.
Conclusion /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Based on your desire to get a single use gun, and assuming you would not be hunting deer, my personal belief is that a good .357 in a double-action, 4" revolver would work well for you. (preferably in stainless since you would be using it while you work around your place - i.e. more resistant) It won't be the easiest to carry while doing the chores (i.e. weight/size), it isn't really suitable for deer (i.e. not enough "oomph" for my taste), but it is a great defensive gun, fun to shoot (can shoot .38's as well) and a good hunting gun for less-than-deer-sized game. It's more aligned with the fun/defense portion of your equation, but can perform in the other capacities with some caveats.
If deer are indeed on the menu, I'd consider the 10mm in an semi. You could go with a revolver in .44 mag and use .44 SPL in it to make the recoil manageable for defensive situations. (Using .44 SPL for defense would also make the gun more "Jury friendly")
'Coures there is no "right" answer here although there are certainly some wrong ones. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
OP
Old_Hickory
Platinum Member
Re: Pistols(whats a good one to buy ?)
Wow !!! What Ranchman a thesis. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Bob/Billy and Ranchman thanks for the info. I will have to ponder over the info as it comes in. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Wow !!! What Ranchman a thesis. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Bob/Billy and Ranchman thanks for the info. I will have to ponder over the info as it comes in. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
fishman
Veteran Member
Re: Pistols(whats a good one to buy ?)
As usual, Ranchman is right on the money when it comes to firearms.
And yes, that gun tests mag is really lame. I've read 2 or 3 of them and they really aren't what I would consider top-notch in their critical reviews to say the least.
BillyP, that's a way cool revolver. Wish they still made them.
As usual, Ranchman is right on the money when it comes to firearms.
And yes, that gun tests mag is really lame. I've read 2 or 3 of them and they really aren't what I would consider top-notch in their critical reviews to say the least.
BillyP, that's a way cool revolver. Wish they still made them.
