Author Topic: what handgun or two that will do it all ?  (Read 10308 times)

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Offline Scibaer

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what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« on: June 14, 2012, 04:58:42 AM »
to round out my collection, i need some help/suggestions on handguns.
i have several handguns now, but what I'm wanting to get help with is what handgun or two of them, that will do all my handgun firearm duties, hunting and self protection ?
 the criteria should include caliber, action type and classic, quintessential make and/or model.

 

Offline simplicity

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2012, 05:05:31 AM »
Glock 20 in 10mm, potent enough to take deer, hogs and such, semi auto and reliable for defense.

Offline ShootnStr8

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2012, 02:11:10 PM »
My vote is for a .357 mag in a double action Smith, Dan Wesson or Ruger.   Ammo readily available. Less expensive 38 special rounds for target practice.  Full house loads offer good penetration for deer size game.  Excellent for concealed carry (depending on the model) and home defense.  Pull the trigger and it will always go "bang!"

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Offline Swampman

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2012, 02:43:14 PM »
S&W Model 629 with a 4" barrel if you want to hunt too.
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Offline Brett

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2012, 02:51:09 PM »
My vote is for a .357 mag in a double action Smith, Dan Wesson or Ruger.   Ammo readily available. Less expensive 38 special rounds for target practice.  Full house loads offer good penetration for deer size game.  Excellent for concealed carry (depending on the model) and home defense.  Pull the trigger and it will always go "bang!"

Blessings!

Shootnstr8

Definitely on the top of my list as well, especially in a medium frame with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights.  Excellent for pllinking, target shooting, small to medium game, and personal/home defense.  About as close to the perfect do everything handgun as you can get IMO.
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Offline Scibaer

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2012, 02:56:57 PM »
i know the 10mm is a powerful cartridge , but its not really common.

i agree with the .357 mag, very universal and available, and i have one but i have ruger new vaquero, the sights do not lend themselves to hunting.

yeah the model 629 sure is a classic..

maybe i need to trade in my vaquero  for a diff model ?

Offline tacklebury

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2012, 03:36:27 PM »
Sorry, I'd state that it takes at least two for me.  I like the .357 for varmints, small game (downloaded) and even protection.  I don't it for many big game applications, so I'd say that a 3" barreled Ruger SP-101 in .357 Magnum would be perfect for the first one and a .45 LC or .44 Magnum for the latter.in the New Model Blackhawk in 5.5" or the Convertible with ACP would be even better.  ;)
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

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Offline quasne.inc

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2012, 03:45:26 PM »
A .357 and .22 would do it.  I went with a .44 spl and going to get a .22.  Dont know what to tell you if you prefer autoloaders.  I converted to revolvers and dont plan on going back. 

Offline m-g Willy

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2012, 03:46:49 PM »
what handgun or two of them, that will do all my handgun firearm duties, hunting and self protection ?
 

Easy!
S&W  model 17 for small game and cheap shooting of 22 rim fire ammo.
Then a gun with the same grip and action,, a S&W 586 or model 19 in 357 for self defence and hunting up to deer size game.

Offline Scibaer

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2012, 03:47:28 PM »
i guess i was wondering about that, if a .357 would be enough for michigan deer and hogs.
or should i step up and get a 44mag too.
yeah i should trade out my new vaquero for a black or red hawk ..

Offline Swampman

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2012, 10:05:14 PM »
The Redhawk is too heavy.  The Blackhawk is a great gun but for personal protection I believe a double action is better.  The .357 is to light for deer and hogs.
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Offline Couger

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2012, 10:29:02 PM »
 
A handgun (or two!)?
 
Of course a .22LR (whether SA or revolver), at least 4 or 6 inch minimum.
 
 
 
And depending where you live ............................??
 
Either a .357 or .44Mag wheelgun,  a Glock  10mm,  or a SA if 2-legged preditors are more likely than a 4-legged!

Offline jlwilliams

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #12 on: June 15, 2012, 01:50:37 AM »
If you really have to narrow it down to two, I'd say a magnum revolver (357 or 44, depending what you hunt) and a 22.  Again, if only two I'd say make both revolvers of similar model.  If you want to limit to two, the magnums give you the most versatility because of the magnum&special loadings and if you must hunt with a handgun you will apreciate the power of full boat magnums.  I think everybody ought to have a magnum hand cannon.  It makes sense to maybe add a third gun, a snubby in the same caliber (or the 'special') as the big one.  A 4" to 6" barreled magnum and a J frame or a 'detective special' in complimentary loadings, and a 22.   You just have to have a 22 for practice, fun and most importanly small game. A 22 will fill the stock pot and that's been proven time and again.
 
  Personally, I think it takes a few handguns to really cover all the bases.  I like the firepower of a full sized service type handgun.  Glock, Colt, Springfiled, CZ, whatever suits you in 9mm, 40 or 45.  With the exception of the hard to find 10mm, those types of handguns lack the punch you can get from a magnum wheelgun.  Still, there is a lot to be said for a lot of controllable rounds.  There are good reasons that all the police and militaries in the world have moved over to the high cap semi autos, and not just poor marksmanship or 'spray and pray'.  Lots and lots of aimed shots.  Still, all the 9mm in a double stack mag isn't going to stop a bear while you are still breathing and a Glock 17 is not a deer harvesting weapon, where a S&W 249 certainly can be.  All this and more is why there is a place in my heart and in my safe for the Glock, the 1911, the magnums, the snubbys and more.  They all have their place.
 
  Just to end with a curve ball, the TC Contender is a handgun with possabilities that few other handguns can claim.  22 to 45-70, if you want........

Offline fatercat

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #13 on: June 15, 2012, 02:27:21 AM »
the good old colt 1911 in 45 acp. yes, i have killed deer with it. one shot went threw both shoulders around 30 yards. 90 lb. doe

Offline Scibaer

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2012, 02:53:19 AM »
well i have a .22 handgun, so i got that covered.
i got a .357 but it needs adjustable sights.. so i need to trade up for a blackhawk or something

i need a 44 mag, 45 acp or something , bigbore.
i was planning on trading my two ruger ccw's for something. so maybe a remy r1 or some other 1911 ..

so if i have a .22 a .357mag and a 45acp ( or 44mag ) i should have it well covered then.


Offline mjh

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2012, 06:24:17 AM »
I like the choices offered but just to through out something.....I like to have at least two platforms for every caliber that I own.  Now that might mean a snub nose ccw and a longbarreled match for it, or a revlover and matching rifle, or a couple of .22 plinkers.  And ammo sensitivity to a particular gun aside if one no longer functions you still have another one to work with, just something to think about.....

Offline temmi

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #16 on: June 15, 2012, 06:34:20 AM »
to round out my collection, i need some help/suggestions on handguns.
i have several handguns now, but what I'm wanting to get help with is what handgun or two of them, that will do all my handgun firearm duties, hunting and self protection ?
 the criteria should include caliber, action type and classic, quintessential make and/or model.

Well
 
A sig P220 and a ruger BH in 45 Colt with a 7.5 tube
 
Snake

Offline Old Griz

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2012, 08:30:24 PM »
I guess if a .357 is not enough for deer, a bow and arrow aren't either. Amazing how once upon a time, before the .44 mag, every game animal in North America had been taken with a .357. Somehow today it isn't enough gun. Those deer must be wearing Kevlar these days. We've got one hunter here on GBO that uses a .38 Special. I can't remember his name, but I'm sure someone here can help me out with that. Maybe it isn't the caliber, it's today's hunters??!!??

Nonetheless, when hunting I like using a .41 or .44, but I started out with a .357. But the question wasn't what gun is the very best one for hunting, and what gun was the best for defense, etc. It was looking for a gun that could do them all. For a "do everything" gun, a 4" S&W L frame 686 would fit the bill for protection, hunting deer (just keep things within bow hunting ranges), and small game and varmints (with .38s). A Ruger GP100, or a S&W K frame would be my next two choices.

My grab and go gun is a 4" S&W 65. It was a police trade in, and it is a tack driver. I have a Marlin lever action in .38/.357 that is amazingly accurate to go along with it.

I like simplicity's Glock 20, too. Hate to see what was left of that rabbit though!
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Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #18 on: June 15, 2012, 10:59:06 PM »
id need at least 3. A 22 for small game and plinkng, a short barreled 44 mag for hunting and a comander sized 1911 for self defense. I guess if push came to shove a glock 29 could take care of the self defense and hunting. My 20 is a bit large for consealed carry.
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Offline Ladobe

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #19 on: June 16, 2012, 06:18:14 AM »
"The .357 is to light for deer and hogs."
 
Pure catterstench!   Guess all the big western mule deer in the Rockies and a few coastal hogs just pretended they were dead when shot with my 357MAG's (although I will admit my 401 Power Mag was my go to for hogs, bear and anything bigger than deer in the 60's and early 70's).   Deer don't take much killing with a well placed shot (we killed lots of mule deer on the family ranch with rimfire rifles no problem at all when I was a kid).
 
A one handgun do all still shouts 357MAG to me, for personal protection and at least up to deer, plus shooting 38SPL or shot for small game.   A medium frame 4" with good adjustable sights would do it.   Because of the CCW I'd opt for a DA over a SA though - easier to carry/conseal, faster follow ups and speed loading if needed.   S&W would be my first choice, Colt second then Ruger, although I've owned many from all three in this cartridge and they were all very acceptable.   I haven't hunted game with 357MAG since the early 80's though.   Said all that and my last CCW wheel guns were Taurus 606 357MAG ported and 431 44SPL snubbie's.   LOL   My favorite's DA 357's way back were the S&W Model 19, Colt King Cobra, Ruger Security Six, but newer versions of the Smith or a Python would do.   I'm not a fan of the newer Ruger DA's, but they would do as well.
 
You could up the ante with a similar wheel gun in 44MAG and also shoot 44SPL, or even a 45 Colt.   Hard to beat a S&W 29/629, although mine were back far enough that they were all 29's and all had barrels way too long for CCW.   I only used them for target comp and hunting.   Had a hankering for a 29 Mountain Classic 5" when they came out 20 plus years ago, but never got around to buying one.   Starting in 1989 I was spending my summers hiking the backwoods of grizzly country in the Rockies for up to 3 months, and the SBH was a PITA to carry and climb steep mountains with.  I had killed a lot of deer, a few elk and black bear with both of my SBH's though.
 
I don't see going anything less than the 357MAG for CCW in a wheel gun, or for deer hunting either for that matter.   If I was going to buy two the other could be an auto, but it would be for CCW and target only.   A Colt New Agent Compact would be my first choice now days as my big 45 auto's were not as nice to carry.   My last CCW auto was a KelTec P-11 bought in the late 90's though, and I never felt under gunned with it.   It replaced my Glock 27.
 
Just my personal choices though and everybody will have their own for you to weed through.
 
 
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Offline Brett

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #20 on: June 16, 2012, 06:19:49 AM »
I guess if a .357 is not enough for deer, a bow and arrow aren't either. Amazing how once upon a time, before the .44 mag, every game animal in North America had been taken with a .357. Somehow today it isn't enough gun.

It's obvious that deer must be much tougher today.  Shoot, you used to be able to take them with the lowly 30-30 now we need to invest in a 300 Mag. or 7mm Mag. before we can head out to the woods .  At least according to the gun manufacturers and their diligent band of gun rag scribes.   ;D

Griz, You may have to trade up your peuwney .44 MAg for a .454 Cassull or .480 Ruger.   ;)
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Offline jlwilliams

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #21 on: June 16, 2012, 08:01:31 AM »
  Watching a gun show on the tube a while back, they were doing a segment on some new super revolver.  Looked like something out of a comic book.  Just a huge, huge hand gun.  IIRC it was a .460 Magnum.  They said it had three times the kinetic energy of a 44 magnum.  I don't know about any of you guys, but I've never found the 44 mag to be too light as a pistol round.  I figure that rather than buy one of those new guns, I could just slam my hand in a door a few times.
  If I ever want or need more power than a traditional magnum revolver round, I'm not reaching for a handgun.
 
  Just bigger for the sake of bigger, I imagine.....

Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #22 on: June 16, 2012, 09:16:37 AM »
IF  ONE
my 5 inch 44 smith...629...... compromise  in concealed carry...very accurate and powerful




IF TWO


ruger  LCR in 357 mag and ruger blackhawk in 357 mag


 LCR for concealed carry is the prime use of a had gun...its in my pocket right now
black hawk........ more power and adduracy..i gave up some power for ammo compatibility
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Offline Hooker

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #23 on: June 16, 2012, 01:24:37 PM »
I'm a big fan of the 357 it's versatile. But sticking with the one gun or 2 theme I'll take the 44 mag/ 44spl and gun number 2 will be a 22 semi auto

Pat
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Offline Empty Quiver

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #24 on: June 16, 2012, 03:06:46 PM »
Get a .357 mag and use it for a year. Reflect on what it is about it that comes up short then get a second to fill that defecit. It is much harder to project forward than to reflect on the past.  A year with a .357 should not be too much of a hardship.
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Offline Hooker

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #25 on: June 16, 2012, 03:44:31 PM »
Heck I've been 30 years with the 357 it's only short comings are not enough power at ranges past the 80 yard line and 180 gr cast bullets aren't locally available.

Pat
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #26 on: June 17, 2012, 01:46:53 AM »
Two guns would not do it for me.. I need 3 to cover all my needs. First off my defence gun would be a 1911 in 45 ACP. For hunting I would take a 44 Mag or 480 Ruger in a double action handgun for larger game, and a .22 LR in a semi-auto or double action for smaller game.
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Offline Scibaer

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #27 on: June 17, 2012, 06:44:49 AM »
so yeah i got a .22 and .357 mag, but its a vaquero, with a fixed blade sight, i think for hunting id be better off with adjustable sights.
and i guess my worries about the .357 being enough for deer is .. well.. over lol. i  got the message fella's it'll do the job if i do !
meaning i should trade the vaquero in for a redhawk or blackhawk..
 as for a big bore, i got alot of 44 ammo, but no .44 wheelgun. id like a .44 mag black or red hawk,  bu t do got my mind on a 1911, it will do double duty for personal protection and or hunting ...

so, i'm thinking that i'd be better off  with a ccw da, in the .357, smaller and more consealable then a larger big bore
and its still could be a hunter, being more versatile then the big bore ... maybe a 5 inch barrel redhawk in .357 mag ?

Offline Brett

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #28 on: June 17, 2012, 11:10:37 AM »
Sounds to me like your on the right track.   Got your small game and cheap plinking covered with the .22.   The 1911 .45 or 5" .357 DA revolver would both make good home/auto defensive weapons.  However neither would be what I consider a great choice for concealed carry or hunting, doable in a pinch but not the best choices.  Both would be a little large and heavy to be comfortable and truely concealable under all circumstances (light summer cloths for instance).  And neither has the sight radius needed for accurate shots beyond rock chucking distance at game animals so you would have to pass on a lot of shots.     

Since we have now opened up the door for multiple guns...

Provided your .22lr has at least a 5.5" barrel and adjustable sights your good there.

If you like the 1911 platform consider an Officers Model or other similarly sized version for CC.

Let's step the .357Mag. DA revolver up to a 6"+ barrel and adjustable sights or better yet a fixed power scope or red dot.   That would serve you much better for hunting and be a formidable weapon to defend the fort with.   

I love spending other peoples money.   ;)

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Offline Hooker

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Re: what handgun or two that will do it all ?
« Reply #29 on: June 17, 2012, 12:43:32 PM »
Quick question: Why is it one needs adjustable site when hunting but not when defending themselves?

Pat
" In the beginning of change, the patriot is a brave and scarce man,hated and scorned. when the cause succeeds however,the timid join him...for then it cost nothing to be a patriot. "
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