Posted on 03/23/2021 5:48:01 AM PDT by COBOL2Java
It may even be enlightening. Heaven forbid we had to get by with only one gun. But the fact is, we do get by with one gun most of the time.
I carry one gun — sometimes a backup goes along. When going on a road trip or hiking, I carefully consider which piece to pack.
By extension, it is obvious these handguns might be at the top of the list if I were limited to only one gun.
In the coming series, we are looking at the one rifle, shotgun, pistol and revolver that might be the best choice for most scenarios.
This isn’t just a fun game, but a question that must be answered as we choose the best handgun for many uses.
For many shooters just beginning or on a budget, this is a tough question that must be answered.
You should have already made the decision and not be gazing into the safe wondering which handgun to deploy.
When it comes to revolvers, I have a few that I find trustworthy and well-suited to several tasks.
A six-inch barrel magnum is a joy to use and a fine hunting revolver. A two-inch barrel magnum fits handily into the back pocket.
Neither is ideal for every use. Just the same, if the SHTF, I think a .357 Magnum revolver might be the best choice.
Things hit with the Magnum stay down for the count. Practice loads in .38 Special offer low recoil and great accuracy.
They are good for small-game hunting. Magnum loads are well-suited to personal defense.
The different power levels available and the versatility of loads is appealing.
Taurus has designed a set of grips that separate the steel frame from the shooter’s hand, making for a comfortable shooting experience.
The best one gun should not be a fantasy gun you don’t own, but the best gun you own and the one you use the best.
I often carry a .45 caliber 1911 because it is flat, easy to conceal and offers good control.
But I carry the Smith and Wesson 640 Pro revolver because it is easily concealed, simple to use and has plenty of power.
Those who are familiar with small-frame revolver accuracy understand that a Smith and Wesson with a short barrel may be very accurate given good sights.
Magnum recoil may be controlled with hand-filling stocks that limit contact between the frame and the hand.
I believe that the shot that you are making is the important one, not a flurry of shots. The 640 is sometimes carried in the pocket when hiking.
Then there is the six-inch barrel Python. This revolver will chase a one-inch group all day. It is accurate to 100 yards with 180-grain bullets.
While I often carry it in the Galco shoulder holster, which distributes weight well, a 46-ounce revolver isn’t a daily carry.
So, while the short-barrel and long-barrel magnums are good guns, an in-between revolver with the four-inch barrel is the best choice for the one-gun person.
With the four-inch revolver, I may carry shotshells from CCI for snakes and small pests, and then the heavy-loaded Hornady XTP for maximum penetration.
The Tracker is accurate with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition.
I get into places where feral dogs and big cats may compete for my territory. The magnum offers an edge in power.
If bowled over by an attacking animal, the revolver may be placed into their body and fired time after time without any danger of a jam.
The best gun to have when you have only one gun is the one that you shoot best and have the greatest confidence in.
After some thought and difficult decision-making, I decided that the revolver I own that most qualifies as a one-gun revolver is the Taurus Tracker .357 Magnum with four-inch barrel.
First, the piece features fully-adjustable sights. This makes it a hunting, target and recreational gun I enjoy a great deal.
Even though the Tracker isn’t a heavy-frame revolver, the cylinder holds seven cartridges.
The lockwork is smooth and easy to use well in double-action fire. The barrel features ports on each side to help control recoil.
This is one mild-shooting magnum. Another advantage is that the grips totally insulate the hand from the steel frame. Recoil is never painful.
The barrel underlug is strong and adds balance. This revolver is very accurate. I have fired several five-shot two-inch groups at a long 25 yards.
Overall, when it comes to the one-gun theory, I do not feel limited at all with the Taurus Tracker.
SP101, 2.5” - my main carry.
Mine?
New in Box Pre 1980 Colt Python ,38/.357 Magnum 4 inch bbl., left side bianci fast break Bianic belt holster with 3 speed loader pouched.
in .357...
My Smith and Wesson 586 works fine for me.
Weapons are specific to the mission. There is really not an all-around weapon but if limited to a revolver, I’d go with one chambered in .357 Magnum.......4” barrel.....
I conceal-carry a Ruger LC9s, but if I wanted to carry a revolver, I'd go for a 3-inch GP 100. I've got a 6", but that'd probably be a bit too big. ;-)
Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 357 Magnum Stainless 7-Shot/2.5-inch
These days?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOjHior0RfU
Bruce Cockburn Live ...If I Had A Rocket Launcher
My only firearm, is a Taurus 850CIA that I bought new over 10 years ago. It is pre-+P chambered in .38 Special. That means ‘standard load only’. No hollowpoints, to include ‘Buffalo Bore’, or ‘Treasury loads’. It works well with ‘wadcutters’ and ‘semiwadcutters’.
Since being deemed ‘hoiusebound/disabled’ by my ‘team doctor’ years ago, I cannot ‘bug out’ so I have this to ‘hunker down with’.
I own one of those. A 4” model in Electroless nickel. Have the original box and sales receipt along with a couple of speed loaders. Had it appraised a free months ago at just a hair under $5,000.
Wonderful gun. It’s a dream to shoot.
L
1-7/8” S&W Model 60 in 357 has been my quick carry going back to the late 70’s. The action is smooth as glass.
On your SP101, have you modified the springs for a lighter trigger pull?
Good looking gun...
If your could have only one wheel gun no question it should .357
Or in a dystopian reality maybe a 9mm just because of ammo availability
If big bear are present as you have to go to the outhouse I’d have the .357
Don’t laugh a Bush pilot friend of mine from near Palmer Alaska had an outhouse and kept big guns around just for that....always within reach
I’d go with a full frame weapon for bug out because at that point open carry might be beneficial. My Ruger P89.
There’s a good show on Insp channel, “Mountain Men”. One of the fellows living off the grid has a cabin near Mt. McKinley (now called Denali). His outhouse is a bit of a walk from the cabin. He tells his friend he always packs a .357 whenever he goes out to it.
Mine has the original checkered walnut grips.
Have the same gun in .357. Great shooter, but it is a handful with 357 loads. Bites a bit. .38’s are much more comfortable.
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