I used to own a .357. Haven’t owned a gun for awhile. I’m about to buy another. I was thinking of a .357. Obviously you recommend a .45 ACP. It’s been awhile and I forget the arguments pro and con between those two weapons. And in my life, there’s a new wrinkle. Now I’m married. Before I wasn’t. So I’m buying this gun for 2 people, not just one. Any thoughts?
I also can use the ammo in my lever action rifle.
Try out whatever gun fits you, and you can consistantly and accurately shoot (and the Ms.).
My wife has a Model 640, but uses .38SPL from Gold dot as her carry ammo. She also has a Glock 10mm for her "heavy days".
Get the revolver. It's much simpler to operate and packs more than enough power to take a goblin down.
Find a good quality (S&W, Colt, Taurs) used one chambered in .357 magnum.
I own a .357 that I bought 5 or 6 years ago and its never been fired. It's not for sale though. 7 shot and I like the heft of it.
Here's a good synopsis, about a third of the way down the page under: Best Caliber Handgun for Self-Defense
I'm no fan of the .357mag myself, but it is an excellent choice as you can also use .38 specials in it.
If you buy a revolver in .357, you and your bride can practice with .38 caliber loads. Revolvers are “point and click”. Keep the gun loaded with full power .357 for “social work”. In a stressful situation, you will never notice recoil anyhow.
Remember. “Officer, I was so scared, I thought I was gonna die. I need to talk to a lawyer”...
*** Now I’m married. Before I wasn’t. So I’m buying this gun for 2 people, not just one. Any thoughts?***
Years ago backin the 1970s, Skeeter Skelton, writer for Shooting Times, extolled the virtues of the .44 Special while also giving good word to the .45 ACP, long Colt and .44 mag.
Then one day in an article about owning only ONE handgun, he said his choice would be...a S&W .357 mag with a 5 inch barrel.
You might see if your family members can operate a double action trigger of a revolver, then see if they can pull the slide of an automatic back.
Try out both the 357 and the 45 at the range.
Things to look for:
1. Revolvers will fit most any one’s hands. I have had difficulty finding semis to fit my hand but I have never handled a revolver that did not fit me exactly. This is very important particularly if you and your wife are going to be using the same pistol.
2. A .45 has a much slower recoil and you will find it easier to get the barrel down for the second shot. I don’t shoot the 357 for that reason. 45 is my choice.
3. You can shoot wax bullets with a revolver but not with a semi auto. You can but it is way too much trouble. The wax bullets are accurate out to 30 feet.
4. Training with 38 special is fine in the beginning, but you and your wife need to train with the bullet you will be using in a real situation.
Good luck and have fun with you new pistol.
I had a Ruger GP100 that served me well, but I regretted not getting one in stainless. Shooting 38s in it produced almost no recoil, and women shot it with no problem.
I would also recommend the S&W 686 exactly like the one pictured a few posts above. Great gun.
buy 2 guns ???
seriously, ya breakdown on the highway and have to separate, ya want both to be capable...
.357 vs .45 is a tradeoff of speed vs mass, no more no less...shot placement will git-r-done with both...
Go with the .357 and load it with .38 specials for your wife. You might like the Ruger SP101.