Here's my current situation. I love pinned barrel S&W's. I'm faced with either buying a NIB K-frame with pinned barrel and selling my SIG P229, or keeping my SIG P229 and forgoing a vintage S&W.

All my guns are carry / defensive guns, and I have limited room and funds for firearm purchases. Which is the rational choice here to make? (Note: I have other pistols to carry: 9mm, .45, .357 mag, .380).

From a purely defensive point of view, my SIG P229 (.357 SIG) is about the most effective handgun one can purchase. Compared to a 6-shot .38 K-frame, the defensive capabilities are night and day. The SIG holds more than twice the capacity, is easier to shoot fast, and chambers a round that second to none.

However, a blued K-frame, pinned barrel, and MINT condition, is a beautiful gun, which *can* get the job done, but certainly not better than a .357 SIG 229.

Is there any *rational* reason, with respect to defense of self and family, to carry a .38 K-frame over the SIG?

Opinions welcomed.

I think it's gonna come down to what YOU can shoot better with...I carry revolvers and have them as my home defense guns as well.

I'd probably be better off with a high capacity auto in a real fight but, I just don't have near the time behind them as I do revolvers.

If you can run an auto well and have a lot of range time with them they are hard to beat as defense tools.

I guess my short answer is NO, I see no "rational" reason to give up all that firepower for 6 rnds of .38.........but revolvers are way cooler

You have several other carry guns, so it depends on whether you want to dip your toe into the world of collectible S & W revolvers. If you can't break out of the practical/defensive gun mindset best to leave this one alone (and let us irrational revolver guys buy it ).

In regard to your thread title, "Are our 'firearms' choices irrational?", replace the "firearms" with just about any other noun (food, housing, significant other, car, truck, pet...) and you have what is called "humanity" . Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Why seĺl your most effective SD gun?

Kèep the Sig and sell one of your less effective guns that you don't carry often to fund the revolver purchase.

Carry whatever you feel comfortable with, if it is legal to do so.

Yea, but revolvers have soul.

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Dave

Although I like revolvers more than autos; I almost always wind up regretting selling/trading any of my guns. I suggest keeping the sig and looking for another way to fund the new revolver or waiting until you can get the money to purchase it.

Your question essentially boils down to revolver vs autoloader which has been debated endlessly. There is no right or wrong answer. You just have to decide for yourself.

I myself have no use for any wheelguns other than small snub-nose revolvers in the context of defensive firearms.

Let me ask the OP a question. How many times have you had to draw and fire your weapon in self defense situations? I suspect, much like, (most of), the rest of us, never. There are several real time shooting incidents on You Tube. In every case, once the shooting starts, the bad guys head for the hills. They never press the attack. Is this a hard & fast rule? Of course not, but those videos are a yardstick. If it gives you comfort to carry a hi-cap full size auto pistol, go for it. Bottom line is, the handgun's only a tool, J Frame or Sig, it's only as good as the guy behind it.

I for one would commend you for taking a NIB collectible and being able to carry and use it. I couldn't do it. To me it would be like buying a low mileage original muscle car and using it for a daily driver.

Question: Why did you select the Sig as the sacrificial lamb? Does another fit that role better? And, as mentioned, you already have SD guns. How many do you need? Not more than one for each hand, I suspect. Go for the the quality revolver!!

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Well I love revolvers but I don't think I would trade a sig 226 for any .38 k frame pinned barrel or no. This statement may get me banished from the forum but a sig 226 is a superior firearm to any model 10 or 15 or the various variants thereof.

Now if you're talking about a .357 revolver then I feel differently. Especially if it's a model 19 or a 66 then I would gladly throw my sig in the nearest river if it meant I could snag a .357 k frame. Good luck in your decision.

Same old debate, odds are does it really matter? 5 or 6 shot 38 with +P ammo or a bottom feeder with more rounds.
Me? well I CC a revolver J frame most of the time and I'm a 1911 guy.
Plastic handguns & strike fire are something I do not feel safe with.
Hey, every one has there thing.
My 380 is a FEG PPK clone and like it alot, but not as much as my S&W M640 357 magnum!

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Read the thread about all the price discounts due to hit April 1. Sell your Sig fast. Buy the vintage Smith you want. Buy the Sig back later this Summer for a big discount. Unless something happens, the "new" gun market is going to be hit hard. It's already taken a pretty big hit. Not going to happen with pre-1982 Smiths.

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Dr. B

If you guys had more imagination than "revolvers are not as good as automatics", then it's not a bad subject for casual debate. Caliber choice,frame size, trigger style, ammunition selection--most of it boils down to irrational thinking and disguised subjective choices.

Unfortunately, we got the wrong audience here.

Looking at this somewhat (hopefully) rationally.......the odds of you needing a self defense firearm are variable but more than zero.

In many cases, the fact that you're armed may solve the problem. However, people seem much less rational now than in times past.

If, however, you actually end up in a shooting situation, stats show you'll use 3.5-4.7 rounds to neutralize one bad person. If it's an actual gunfight (bullets going both ways) the round count goes up to 6+ to 8+ to neutralize one bad person. Reflect that multiple attackers are much more frequent.

About the only truly irrational choice is a carry gun that you're not willing to carry. I have a safe full of irrationality.

You said you have other carry guns.

Let me ask you two questions:

1. If you pass on the revolver now, how easily would you be able to get a NIB pinned K-frame in the future?

2. If you sell your Sig now, how easily would you be able to replace it in the future?

Excellent points.

I've owned plenty of old pinned S&W's in the past. The craftsmanship is why I like them so much.

The main reason the SIG 229 is the 'sacrificial lamb' is due to caliber. 357 SIG is costly, and I don't yet have a huge stockpile of ammo. It's the pistol/cartridge I'm least invested in. I do, on the other hand, have tons of .38 spl.

What stats are you referencing?

Step 1, Toss coin
Step 2, Call coin in air
Step 3, Best 2 outta 3 ?

From a defensive standpoint, the trade makes no sense and you already realize that

You have found a sweet revolver and you want it. Congratulations, you have now become a collector

Is there something stopping you from doing a Lay-A-Way deal with the owner?

When I was younger I was fortunate that a few folks allowed me to do Lay-A-Way or there are several pieces I would not own today. My Colt BiCentennial Set is one of those pieces.
Because of that kindness when I could not afford the purchase, I have done the same for young shooters/collectors that I have met.

If the K Frame is as nice as you say, I'd be loathe to carry it. But that's just me. The 357 Sig round has proven ballistics and lots of rounds on tap.

I understand wanting the really nice revolver. But, to me, the 2 guns serve different purposes.

All your choices are rational.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

If you prefer the revolver and have the ammo to get good with it. Go for it. I think it's better than a sig you will rarely shoot due to ammo cost.

I've done it (while kicking myself in the *** every day since). I bought what looked to be an unfired 1975 10-5, which turned into my EDC. The worst part is I let my ex take the first shot!

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an actual conservative

This right here is a concern. If you don't reload and don't or can't spend the money to shoot your carry gun a lot, you will not be as effective with it as one you practice with frequently.

I carry a revolver, even though I have a nice commander length alloy 1911. In an actual gunfight the 1911 is probably superior to any of my revolvers. But, I do almost all of my handgun shooting with revolvers. If the day ever comes where I need to use a gun in a hurry, I think it would be best to have one that I am very familiar with and have my brain and body doing what it knows best. The first few seconds are going to count the most.

Its kind of like driving the same car every day. Get in and drive, borrow or get a new one and you fumble for the right light switch, dimmer, windshield wipers etc.

I know how my 1911 works, but at this point with a S&W revolver operating it is second nature.

That's the BEST illustration I have ever heard of the importance of "familiarity" with your carry gun!

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Stay protected my friends.

None. Except you will have the pride of owning a vintage high quality revolver, instead of a modern high quality tool. You also need to ask yourself, if I will ever need to use more than six (6) rounds to defend yourself or family?

It can be a hard decision, but I know you will make the right decision.

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Always Stay Strong!

It would be easy for me as I really dislike the 22X series guns; however what any of us think does not really matter - it's up to you.

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K & N S&W revolvers

What do you actually carry now....... sure the Sig 229 in .357Sig is a great "combat" gun if you're deploying with SEAL Team 6 ( by the way how many magazines do you have?) ......... but not so much if it's at home in the safe.

Your much more likely to need your gun;

1) on the "spur of the moment" when a bad situation happens...........to you, or around you.........than

2) having to gear up for ****/TEOTWAWKI......... and if the latter ever does happen..... grab a second revolver for a NY reload and a handfull, or two, of speedloaders......Oh ya...... and an AR/Mini-14/AK and 7-9 magazines to serve as your primary firearm......backed up by your handgun!!!!!!

Grab that revolver................


Footnote: I have a Sig 229 with 2 barrels (and a half dozen magazines) .357Sig and .40S&W both rounds use the same magazines..... it is the only gun I own in .357Sig and .40S&W............( got it used at a good price) I bought it too fill a gap as over the years in "Panics" there have been times the only ammo on the shelf was .357 Sig and .40S&W

If you're basing your purchase on feelings then it's irrational. If you want to collect that's totally cool. But I wouldn't go jumping from one to the next because of "love". Sometimes that love wears off....kinda like the new car smell....And your left wishing you hadn't made that purchase.

I also wouldn't switch from a semi auto to a revolver. Carry gun are tools to me and no matter how pretty they are they are not out on display for everyone to see. So I'm not impressing anyone. For me the thickness, weight and caliber don't justify the switch. You have a 357 already that can be carried with 38spl.

On the other had the 357 sig is something I wouldn't have bought to begin with. I dipped my feet in that water once and that was enough. Crazy expensive ammo.... even range ammo. If you've got the beens for it by all means enjoy but otherwise I'd stick with something more wallet friendly.

(Actually right now Target Sports USA has Speer Lawman 125gr for $15 or $289 shipped for a 1000. That's an excellent price. Everything else is $20/box)

Ultimately it's how you feel more comfortable.

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To a large degree you are probably right. Firearm decisions come with multiple choices and how we rank those choices may be somewhat irrational at best.

Caliber, self defense or other use or both, capacity, functionality, size, weight, features, price, shootability and of course styling..(ugly or purddy).....

If I was comfortable with open carry I would have a Glock 19 and be most happy, but since my priority is CC and self defense the Glock does not fit. Is that irrational ?? could be...... Thought I wanted a .380 and that was irrational as my Shield 45 is small enough that I don't need a .380 for any kind of dress situation.

So yes, we are irrational at times when choosing a firearm...
(Why else would we all have a Holster drawer at home??)!!!!

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Hipcocked45

My EDC has been a J frame for well over 40 years b/c when I had to use a gun during my LEO career it was a thirty-eight and it worked. Emotional vs rational, who knows. I do have the LCP for those times when I can't hide a J frame.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

What a great thread. It will be in the Ampersand today. Could have been "Thread of the Week", but it isn't. Why? Not one picture of an S&W or the Sig in question. "The more you know..."

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Dave

Glad you liked my quandary.

For everyone's viewing pleasure, here's my trusty SIG P229 357. It's very reliable, and is super well built.

Attached Images

sig357.jpg (81.6 KB, 85 views)

Nice looking sig! If it were me I would keep it, plus its fun to have something a little different in the collection.

Like the others suggested, I would try talking to the seller and see if he is open to a layaway option or payment plan.

Full disclosure, I'm biased to the DA/SA, Decocker, no-safety action, on your SIG, because it's the type I prefer for carry and the same action as my EDC.

You don't say what you EDC is, but I'm guessing it's not the SIG, and your ammo price comment makes me think the SIG's not your most used range gun either. So it seems to hold the runner-up position in your stable.

Our taste's in firearms evolve, our minds change, but only one of your choices comes with a do-over option. The SIG is current production, so if you use it to fund the purchase, and later wish you hadn't, another exactly like it is at your LGS. Or perhaps the 9mm version fits better within the ammo budget, and make it your "rational" choice for keeper.

Last year I was in a similar situation, I have been searching for a S&W 44 magnum in the 29/629 variety. One came up locally a 5" 629-4 ,here's the interesting part , he wanted to trade for a Glock 21 and some cash. Just so happened I had a Glock 21 and some cash. I happily made the trade. All was good. On my way home however, I realized I just traded my only hi-cap defensive pistol, I was left with a bunch of revolvers, and 8 shot 1911s. Well I went out and bought a Glock 19, serves the carry defensive role and at the end of the day, I have the 629-4 . So I say get the classics when they are available and come up for trade or sale. The plastic fantastics are being made by the boat load every day.

I sold my Sig 229 and have carried a 19-4 snub for the last 10 or so years....

IMG_0151.jpg

I do not feel under gunned or at risk because of my choice. besides no semi auto has the soul of a fine revolver.....

Every "gun guy" should possess a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece in .38 Special. Like you, I am partial to semi-automatics, (1911 .45 for me), but a K-frame Smith is a thing of beauty. Mine was a legacy from my dad, who had bought it from a Marine Corps buddy, (who had carried it as HIS duty sidearm on the police force.) The revolver was manufactured in 1959, but still retains bluing and case colors on the hammer/trigger.
At some point, somebody worked on the action, and buggered it up; so I had the action rebuilt to match grade. This gun is now scary-accurate, and my challenge is to elevate my skills to match this gun. Oh, by the way, I sold my other revolver -- a Colt Diamondback.

The question here is:
Is there any *rational* reason, with respect to defense of self and family, to carry a .38 K-frame over the SIG?

My Answer:
Yes.
My 72yo wife cannot rack the slide on semi-autos.
But can shoot hell out of a .38 K-Frame.
Uses a purse with gun pocket for carry "everywhere".
Owns 2 - 1 night stand, 1 purse.
Army nurse, Vietnam vet, Major - dont mess with this Grandma.

I carry M&P9C and shoot competition with M&P9.
We are Armed, trained and ready as you can be.
Way things are going - Looks like we are going to need it.

If you a speaking of concealed carry, neither are that concealable. For around the house, if you expect one assailant the K frame is great. If more the Sig 229 is best. Since you can't anticipate the level of threat why not carry them both?

The answer to if there is a rational self defense reason is yes.
They say that the fastest reload is a second gun so carrying both guns is a good self defense reason. Another is for close quarters. I have read that if you jam your semi into your opponents stomach, it can push the slide out of battery and the gun will not function. With a revolver, this is not an issue. So you say that's ridiculous, how often is that going to happen? I saw, how often do you get into gunfights at all? If you are carrying to be prepared for something, why not prepare for everything?

I would take the K-frame, I prefer the simplicity of a revolver over a DA/SA pistol. Plus I'd enjoy shooting it more and would practice more often.

the thing is, my model 15 will put all 6 shots into a very small group
at 25 yards.
if a gun won't do that., it's worthless to me.
anyway, i don't like hard to move slides.

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susie

If you are looking for a "rational" reason, I would say as far as which load is best, the two 357 loads are a wash. As far as which gun is easier to carry, it depends on holster, clothing type and body type, so you'll have to figure that one out.
Obviously the Sig has the advantage in capacity (nearly double the capacity) but the revolver has the advantage in cost per shot in that 38 is a lot cheaper to practice with than Sig357 (you said money was an issue).
It really comes down to the age old question, revolver or semi-auto. The advantage of a revolver is it's going to fire when you pull the trigger, it doesn't matter if the gun is upside down, left hand or right hand, pressed against the bad guy or under water, you can be confident that it will fire when you pull the trigger, every time you pull the trigger, with no fumbling with controls or a slide. There's a reason serious gun owners practice clearing malfunctions in their semi-autos and not so much in their revolvers.
All of that being said, I choose to carry a Glock over my Model 66 because 11 rounds of 9mm+P and faster reloads trumps 6 rounds of 357. (and the 9mm is still cheaper to practice with).

No, it's not rational to swap a perfect for self-defense SIG 229 for a NIB K frame S&W. Mainly because if you carry that P&R NIB K frame it won't be new for very long and it's value will drop significantly. If you already have a .357 magnum revolver use that one for self defense if you wish.

Banished due to sacrilege.

True dilemma...

How often do you come across a NIB pinned K Frame.

The SIG is easily replaced.

I'll take the SIG.

Problem solved.

How easily replaced is irrelevant. CAN you replace it is what matters. I know I don't want to spend the same money twice.

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