Semi-auto vs. revolver; you were allowed only a single handgun...what would you pick and why?

Question

You were allowed only a single handgun for everything; home security, self defence, sport etc etc (basically whatever you use a handgun for at the moment).

Money is no issue. Would you pick a semi-auto or a revolver, in what calibre, and why?

Answer 1

While I am a fan of the semi-auto pistol and own several,my personal choice for your scenerio would be a revolver chambered for the .44 mag. I would want an approximately 5 inch barrel and I would want it to be stainless.

A revolver because it is less likely to give any misfiring problems and because I am a reloader and want to save all of my empty shells. A semi-auto throws the spent rounds far away enough that you often loose several every time you take it out.

A 5 inch barrel because any shorter and it would not be a decent hunting gun and any longer and it would not be easily concealed.

I would want it chambered for the .44 mag. round because that is the minimum chambering that I feel confident with when deer hunting. It is overkill for personal defense but it is one of the compromises that I would have to make.

Lastly, I would choose stainless steel because it is resistant to corrosion and rust. When hunting with it, I would put some camo tape over everything except the cylinder. I would spray the cylinder with some sight black to keep down the reflection.

Answer 2

It would be a .357 Magnum revolver with a six inch barrel. Reasons: 1. Availability of ammunition which would be universal since the .357 also fires the .38 family of bullets; 2. Less moving parts to wear out; 3. A revolver with a six inch barrel also doubles for hunting up to deer size game at short range; 4. The .357 Magnum 125 grain semi-jacketed hollowpoint is still the best manstopper around.

Finally, since money is no issue it would probably be a stainless steel Colt Python.

Best.

H

Answer 3

If I could only have one handgun for all uses, I'd opt for a Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk .44 RemMag with a 4.75" barrel. I'd also have a second cylinder fitted and chambered for .44 S&W SPL.

With a .44 RemMag, I can load top end ammo that will kill an elephant, or powderpuff loads that won't break 700 fps.

With the compact barrel, which used to be known as a gunfighter length, the Super Blackhawk is easily concealable and easy to carry. Loaded with .44 SPL ammo, or light .44 RemMag loads, it is more than adequate as a defensive weapon, and loaded with heavy hunting loads, it will take almost any North American game with ease.

Doc

Answer 4

The Smith & Wesson 629 in .44 magnum. My reason is the versatility of the caliber. You can load it with hot magnum rounds that will take down any game in North America, or you can load it with .44 special rounds for milder, but more than suffiecient self-defense rounds. Sure, there are more powerfull rounds like the S&W .500 and .460, but these are diffacult to shoot well with most users, and not practical for self-defense. Most modern auto loaders are very realiable, and I carry an auto for concealed carry, but revolvers have even fewer malfunctions than even the best autos. Also, there are not many auto rounds that can match the .44 in performance. It's for these reasons that I would chose the 629 if I could have only one choice.

Answer 5

A 6" Revolver in 357 Magnum caliber.(S&W 686 Stainless) Dependable,accurate, and will allow the flexability to shoot .38 Special ammunition as an alternative, a great hunting handgun, good self defence & home security handgun,and a good target handgun...Not to mention the 357 has a effecive range that exceeds pretty much any semi-automatic handgun out there.....The BEST of all worlds....
After all you said (ONE) handgun.......

Answer 6

I'd choose a revolver every time. It is more reliable and simpler to operate than a semi-auto. Assuming you are including conceal carry, I'd pick a .38 snubnose in .38 special as my one single gun. I'd prefer a S&W model 10 with a 4 inch barrel but that is too big for conceal carry. So if you want one gun to do it all get a S&W model 637 .38 special revolver. Power, accuracy, and reliability in 1 gun, with "less stuff" that can go wrong.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

A S&W 6" .44 mag. Here's why:
It can be used for hunting ( I have taken lot's of deer and a few black bears with one). So, food on the table in a pinch. Loaded with 44 specials, it makes a decent self defense gun for home, or CCW use, being aware of possible over penetration issues, of course. With .44 mag loads, it makes a very good all around outdoors firearm, hunting, self defense etc. It is utterly reliable, and parts are readily available. Although I personally use a .45acp for CCW and home defense ( in conjunction with a 12 gauge shotgun) I would want more than a .45 for hunting, so for a "one gun choice" I'd go with the S&W .44 mag.

Answer 9

I'd recommend a Glock 22 in .40 S&W. Ammunition is available in 3 energy levels between 350-550 ft/lbs. Its 15+1 shots should be enough for bedside defense. The G22 has plenty of sight radius for accurate distance shooting, and is small enough for carry under a sport coat. With an Advantage Arms .22 rimfire conversion unit it can be an inexpensive trainer. There are also aftermarket barrels which can convert it to 9mm.

The Glock 35 is similar but has a lighter target trigger, extended magazine and slide releases, and a longer sight radius. If you're thinking of hunting and need more power, the G-20 is available in 10mm--effectively equivalent to a .41 magnum but with 15 shots!

Answer 10

I am fortunate enough to have plenty of both, and my choice is and likely always will be my Browning Hi Power.

A single action automatic in a trained hand is simply the most effective and deadly hand weapon ever developed.

Second is my Sig P229, probably the best handgun made today.

This does not discount revolvers, I carried one for years and still do. I think that every pistol owner should spend a few years with a revolver before graduating to an automatic.