[PoorMuttly]

Well brother Squantos, I carry a Hi-Power loaded with Cor-Bon 124 JHPs, followed by Ball, and a .357 snub. If I still had a 1911, which I intend to replace, I would certainly know I was well-armed. I would also be carrying lighter bullets, for more reach and penetration, then Ball, of course. I HAVE the Browning, and it is a 1911 type mechanism, which I have confidence in. After penetration tests, we found that the "European Policewoman's Round" 9mm would zip right into the "bullet resistant" steel we were using for a particular municipal project, and the .45 would barely make a dent. Add to that the flatter-shooting quality, and the accuracy of our even fixed-sighted Brownings, along with capacity, and ammo insensitivity...we carried them on-the-job in warehouses, and when anticipating vehicular situations, so now it is my SOP. I just do not consider it a "stopper" without jazzy JHPs, which are inconsistent from reports I've read...but I consider it a penetrator, and a sniping-from-cover tool, like a carbine. I would really like to find 124gr. +P Ball, however, and if anyone has any leads, I'd appreciate it. I do NOT use 110gr. heads, at all. I hate even thinking about our troops being so undergunned in real harm's way. Cringe.

There is a 7-shot S&W L-Frame .357 I am very interested in, and would like in 3 1/2 to 4" barrel. Since I often carry a 4 5/8" .357 SAA for coyotes etc. on our rural property, I guess you'd say I am a fan or the little round...although the .44s still rule, and I find it hard to fault the .44 Special for any reason except bullet drop, but then, my .44 revolvers are .44 Magnums, so the longer-range potential is there. I favor the L-Frame on advice from our pal Paco Kelly, which he says has a longer cylinder than the N, so can be loaded with heavier, longer bullets...where the .357 really shines. It's kind of a squirt in the fightin' woods with 158grs.

My point is, our popular pistols are largely underpowered, close-range affairs...and in one-gun survival scenarios, or real stoppin' nightmares...they don't usually come anywhere NEAR a rifle or shotgun. When one desires a handgun to do a rifle's job, we'd better leave our comfortable to carry .45-9mm autos at home, and grab a longer-barreled magnum (or .45 Colt) revolver, and too much ammunition, as we bug out. Practice to be fast and accurate with a powerful handgun, and you have a fight-stopper, and also crowd the carbine's space. This could prove useful. If I could not hit a pie-plate at 100 yards with my Browning, kneeling (although I don't think it has much remaining power there), I would only carry .357/.44 revolvers. May even consider a Desert Eagle, for firepower...until it jammed !

[PoorMuttly]

Do you know anything about the .45 Rowland ? Did it work, or fizzle out ?

What a handy cannon it would make, and also cycle Ball.

Too bad the 10mm is something of a hen's tooth. It's probably what I'm looking for. I am investigating conversion kits, and would really like to get a 1911 that could be converted to other ctgs., depending on availability, and need.

[Squantos]

Agree 101% PM......

You'll never hear me talk bad about the BHP (P-35). I have 2 of em. One is a Morgan UT version and the other is a FN that got a workover from Cylinder and Slide for carry. I still pick it up today for road trips for all the reasons you stated. It'll punch vehicle glass and door panels nicely when need be. I have had 45ACP slide off a raked windshield vs going thru it. DPS here in Texas dropped the 45ACP for just such a reason and went 357SIG.

I love my Hi Powers and carry the 115gr Cor-Bon JHP.........(Catalog # COR09115.... CORBON 9MM+P 115GR JHP) .

I am firm believer that hits count vs caliber and the Browning designs of the 1911 and P35 make those hits faster and easier than any other handgun made if the shooters are properly skilled in their use and up keep. Mine has the novak low mounts with the H3 bar dots and the cylinder and slide "wide" trigger that removed the mag safety also. Uncle mikes checkered rubber slabs and some key placed skateboard tape vs stippling rounds out my BHP carry.

But your key statement is valid .....if ya know your gonna have to fight then bring a long gun vs a handgun everytime. My daily run to the store or mailbox is in vehicles that have either my "new" bone stock M1A from SA, a old Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 that is cut down and wears a cheap 6-18X tasco chunk of glass but will punch 50 cent pieces at three hundred yards all day long. or my old Remington 700 poor boy copy of the M40 sniper rifle.

Always have a rifle and a handgun when traveling. If I can't take such then I don't go there....:o)

Stay Safe PoorMuttly..........Hope your holiday is easy and kind to you and yours and Santa brings ya some of the 115gr Cor-bon to test.......