Get yourself a 357 mag revolver (4 to 6 in barrel) instead. Can shoot 38 spec as well as 357 magnum bullets. You can also get a lever action rifle that can shoot the same ammo. Rifle and pistol with no logistics of mags. That would be my poor man’s rifle/pistol for SHTF scenario. Taurus sells low cost/reliable revolvers and Marlin sells reliable lever action rifles.
Thanks, Fee. What (how much) do I budget for that?
I’ve been calling the lever action rifle “the original assault rifle” for years. Not a bad plan, especially in the East in built up or wooded areas where you really don’t need much range. If you might need to make shots at 100 yards or more, you really want a true rifle caliber, and a not a pistol caliber carbine.