Posted on 03/17/2006 3:02:58 PM PST by diverteach
Given that it looks like many Freepers are also gun enthusiasts, I thought I'd ask for some help in making a decision as to what to buy in the way of a handgun.
I pretty much have it narrowed down to a few choices.
.357 or a 44m Taurus or Smith & Wesson
and
With a 4" or 6" barrel
Thanks in advance freepers!
BTW, if you know of any other alternatives along the same lines, please let me know what.
This advice is worth every cent you paid for it.
Boy, ya had to do it didn't ya? ;>)
Excuse me. I gotta get some popcorn and beer.
/jasper
Might help if you told us what you plan to do with it
This would be for personal protection at home.
You rang?!
*ping*
I see from your profile that you're in Florida. We have some of the least restrictive CCW laws and I would recommend you get your license if you haven't already.
My wife and I both did, and she how has a S&W .38 airweight and I have a Clock 19. We also have a 12 gauge pump for those special occasions. After Katrina, and given how many storms FL mostly dodged, we felt some personal security was in order.
I carry a Keltec .380 all the time now. Easily fits in my jeans or shorts pocket.
You'll probably get a lot of shotgun recommendations here too.
Make that Glock 19... ;-}
As a matter of fact, I did just get a Mossberg 500 12g pump and so far I like it, LOT'S.
I've had a Beretta U22 Neos .22 but I wouldn't rely on it for protection unless it hit the right spots, otherwise it'd be liable just to get somebody p.o'ed
BTW, what does it take in Florida to get a CCW? Only course I ever had was a hunter safety course years back in Ohio.
Best advice? Go to the gun shop and ask to see the owner's manuals for each you are looking. There have been various brands over the years that did NOT recommend using magnum loads on a regular basis.
I have over 12K full house rounds through my Redhawk.
It's really pretty easy. There are gun shows every month in FL where they give a course and help you with the paperwork. As long as you have a clean record, you should get the permit in a few weeks. We did.
Contact me via freepmail if you want more info
I have the Mossberg 500 also.
My wife also loves her S&W .38 airweight and my primary is a 1911 .45.
Ahem.
4" is the minimum length to get proper performance out the .357 cartridge, I think. You'll want that. 6" is excellent, and the sighting radius and balance is even better than 4", for use in the field. It doesn't carry or conceal as easily, but believe me, it can be done, and then you'll have a real "using" handgun with you. 6" doesn't clear leather on the draw as quickly, but as the handgunners in the old West knew, if you want to reliably hit something the first time (they found this important, for some reason), longer barrels are the wise choice. Doc Holiday was famous for expending a lot of lead with his little "silver" revolver, and not hitting his target, even at bar room distances, but his 7 1/2" .45 Colt spoke with finality the first time, at the O.K. Corral. Lawman Commodore Perry Owens carried and USED a 10". These men weren't stupid, they chose to use what worked. Fast draw was not as important as scoring a solid hit with the least amount of shooting. Bill Hickock used his 8" barreled .36 Navy revolvers all his adult life. He carried a knife for closer situations.
Now, one should find his own way. There are good reasons for carrying smaller handguns, but I think your choice comes down to learning good shooting skills, and having a rewarding experience in the field. If you want to carry for defense, I'd say 4" is great, the standard "duty" length. For general shooting effectiveness, 6" is wonderful. A friend has a single action 6" Ruger which the owner of a famous hunting lodge in Alaska traded to him. She had collected her moose or caribou every year with it, with no problem at all. Remember, it was a 6", not a 4".
Although I am a major fan of the .44 Magnum, I think you will be better served by a .357 to begin with, especially a 6", if you won't feel cheated by not having something shorter, for concealed carry. One thing I am sure of, you will not go wrong with a premium .357 4 or 6, and probably never sell it, unless to replace it with another one. Before the .44 Magnum, people did everything with the .357. Especially with 6" or 8" barrels. There is hunting ammunition available too. It's great. I advise a Model 686. It has a long cylinder for hunting bullets, and is perhaps a bit more durable than a K frame. It is also available with a 7 shot cylinder. Pretty handy, although standard speed loaders do not work with it. No free lunch, as they say.
My advice would be to buy both of them.
They made 'em in .44 Mag too!
Save money, get the Taurus.
Save your hand, get the .357
Click the link below. It will take you to the applicable Florida state website for obtaining your Florida CCW license. You can request a Florida CCW application package online.
Regards,
/jasper
Thanks for finding that link. I had to leave for a bit before I could search for it.
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