Which revolver/pistol?

[knucklehead]

How many time have I read other threads and had interesting side discussions result. Love this board! Let's see how this one does.......

Single Action vs Double, Revolver vs Self Loader, Brands, finishes, etc.

I like Smiths & Rugers. The Ruger DA's are a little chunky, but that doesn't matter when you get up around .44 & beyond (ain't it neat we're continuing to go beyond?). They aslo seem to be working on slimming down the smaller calibers, i.e., the "SP101" series. Ruger's technical thrust continues to impress me, especially since we still have Mr. Ruger with us. What a strong history of innovation he has given us.

But for pure beauty, for Artistry in steel, you have to look at the old blued Smiths.

Anyone want to continue?

 

[toddwulf]

This is good as I'm looking to add a pistol to my Ruger 10/22 now that I'm in the middle of nowhere and I can actually shoot on my own property (in CA. no less!). My little 10/22 has been a great little rifle that I'll teach my kid's to shoot with but I know I'll want a pistol that can shoot buckshot for the Rattler's we've got. Got a neighbor who's killed over 200 in the last ten years on his property.

 

[gws]

For what purpose? CCW carry, target practice, varment hunting? protection?

 

[knucklehead]

That's just it, Gary - it's up to you to lay down your desires. I guess I'm interested in talking about straight firearms as opposed to carry law, constitutional issues, or other legal aspects, but I'm up for anything - this could get long, and maybe we could split it into categories over a couple different posts. I am concerned about using up valuable site storage, but if our hosts will indulge us, we could see how things go.

For fun and hunting (which I haven't done yet with a handgun), I like the bigger calibers, and blued stuff for it's appearance, whether we're talking handguns or rifles. I also like lever guns & revolvers, as they are more nostalgic for me. But I can get interested in just about anything, technically.

I wouldn't try to lug a model 29 around - the model 681 4" stainless 357 at 41 oz empty is enough of a brick. And of course, it ain't empty when it goes out. I've been struggling to the point of simply leaving it behind and pocketing a small .22 auto when I carry. I'm good sized, and I find the SW 681 pretty clunky. I don't wear a lot of heavy clothing, even in Winter, because for some reason I'm a furnace. I've been using behind-the-back, inside the pants holsters, and I have to wear suspenders to keep from mimicking the current preferred style of pants wear among some of our youth (or plumbers). A complicated shoulder rig seems too restrictive, so I'm now looking at lesser calibers, and the Taurus lightweights. I like being able to pluck the waistband rig out and leave it behind (yes, unloaded and properly secured) in certain situations away from the house, like visiting relatives.

So head us in a direction, and let's see what happens.

 

[knucklehead]

Todd - I was going to recommend the Ruger Mark II, but I don't know much about how it would cycle .22 shot capsules. The feed ramps (usually and extension or machined area at the bottom of the barrel chamber) on self-loaders can be finnicky about what bullet shape they will accept. I can say that you'd have no problems with a revolver that way. I can also say that the longer barrels, because they place the front/rear sights farther apart (sight radius), will help you shoot more accurately. As much as a 2-1/2" barrel would ease carry concerns, I stick to the 4". There are some nice smaller ones out there, made by Ruger, S&W, and Taurus, among others. There's a lot of good tech advice in the magazines, although some have a definite preference for certain things, and they also need to sell ads, so none of them are going to say, "this is junk" (some have gotten close). There are shot capsules available for just about any caliber through 44 mag, and I have seen reloading components for them, too (but I'd have to search). Although I have said I like larger calibers, I think the .22 is about the most useful in all situations, given proficient use.

I must, at risk of sounding too tree-huggy, ask why all those rattlers need to be shot - it would be my first reaction, too, if they were around the house and prevented us from carrying on our lives. Isn't there another way?

 

[RobertN]

I prefer double action revolver over single action. While I like the style of the single action, they generally do not "fit" my hand; I get great accuracy off the bench, but not from an unsupported position. I prefer a large calibre, because you can do anything with it. I would take a Smith 29/629 6", and maybe Magna Port it. Previous expierience with a 8-3/8 Smith proved it to be a great pistol(a friends pistol). I have had Rugers, but found they typically had to go to the gunsmith for a little tuning to smooth the trigger out before they really shot well.

In regards to Revoler vs auto loader, it really depends. For medium power rounds, you just simply can not beat a Glock-30, Glock-21, or a 1911-a1. After all these years, it is simply hard to beat the .45ACP. All three pistols mentioned are accurate and shoot very well. The 1911-A1 is still the standard for most competitive stuff, and is the easiest to customize. The other auot calibres are ok, but it is just hard to say one is just the greatest thing since sliced bread. This will get a few peoples goat, but I discount anything smaller than .40; having a 9mm is like having a .22..... imho...

For big power stuff, either a Smith 29/629 or a Desert Eagle is the way to go. Before UPS stole my .44 Desert Eagle, anything within 100 metres was toast! That pistol was so incredibly accurate out of the box! Off hand, steel chickens at 100 metres were no problem. I later had it ported, which made things even smoother. I will forever be amazed at how well those pistols shoot. I have shot .357, my .44, and a .50ae; they were all very smooth.

The thing I did not like though, is the DE always has to have hot loads to cycle the action. It simply will not work with light loads. I like the 629 for that. My buddy loads a 240gr hp that is very accurate at 100 yards. Then, he worked up a .44sp 240gr lead "Keith" bullet that is a plinker; at 50 yards it is right on, without having to change the sights. Awesome! Hot load for long range, light load for shorter range plinking! It is really sweet to shoot with either load.

Ruger has come up with some nice stuff over the years. Everything I have had has required gunsmith work before it was smooth. Ya, they shot ok out of the box, but not as well as the couple of smiths's, the Desert Eagle, and Glocks.

Best all around pistol? A stainless 629, 6" barrel, Magna ported. It will do absolutely anything you want, from plinking to self defense to hunting. Vary the load for the application.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I'm only interested in a CCW so weight is a major consideration. I hope I never have to use it but because of the situations in which I would I want simplicity and reliability. For those reasons I prefer a revolver. One of the nicknames for revolvers is "sure shot" and with good reason. Autoloaders, either full or semi, just aren't as reliable.

For accuracy a double action is preferable because you can cock the gun manually before you fire. Less motion translates into great accuracy, plain and simple.

The decision as to which to buy isn't quite so simple, however. With a double action you typically have an exposed hammer, which can catch on something when you're attempting to pull the weapon out (not a good thing). There are hammer shrouds which can be added but in reality I doubt I'll ever go that way. I prefer the double action because I doubt I'll ever be in a situation where I'll need to use a gun where I'd be in a position to actually sight and aim it. I'd more likely anticipate any need I might have for this to be within a range of 0-10 feet so getting it out and pointing it is more crucial than leveling and aiming.

As to weight, I want something as light as possible so I'll be more likely to carry it all the time. Smith & Wesson has .38 five shot revolvers under 12 oz. and .357's coming in at 15 oz. I prefer the stopping power of a .357 and am willing to trade the 3 oz. for that.

 

[Wingnut]

double-action
.357 mag
Dan Wesson

works for me !

 

[Ozarker]

For just plain fun shooting it is a toss up between three, a Ruger Mark11, a Ruger Blackhawk SA ,45 Colt, or my .44 Cap & Ball.

The "gun in the dresser" that can be grabbed by me or the wife when something goes bump in the night is a Ruger Speed Six .357 DA revolver. Stainless, 2 1/2 barrel.

My hidey/carry gun is (now don't laugh) a Makarov9x18.

My favorite of all times full sized auto is my Para-Ordnance P-14 .45ACP.

At my last job I had to carry an issue Beretta Mod 92. Not one of my favorites but adequate for the job.....maybe.

 

[TresCrows]

Todd, try the Ruger Mark2 auto psitol. I have the 5.5 inch bull barrel with some custom work. It is very accurate and not to heavy to carry for plinking. I also have a Single Six--single action revolver. It has both magnum and standard cylinders and itself is quite accurate but not as much so as the Mark2. Ruger makes a good gun and especially for the price they are hard to beat. I have a 10/22 also, fun shooter, mine is scoped. My favorite Ruger now is a 22Hornet in the varmint barrel. Too many guns to list but my Glock in 40S&W is my "home" defense weapon of choice. Course, the other day I was considering what it would take for me to shoot someone, well, I figure they can have the stereo and the computer, steal the cars and money cuz I can get more but I cannot replace a life--even a crimminals life--- but mess with my dogs or wife and they would meet Mr. Glock. J