Downsized to just 2 handguns. Good choices?

[0311INF]

I've run the gamut of handguns, from Glock to Sig to CZ, S&W classics like a 19, 15 and a 586. Missing those old blued revolvers, I decided to just get rid of a bunch of guns and go with a simpler, practical personal/home defense setup. I wonder if I need to augment these with anything else. What would be next, if anything? What's the forums opinion on these two as my only handguns?

I like the wheelguns because...I just do. I like some semi autos but I can't stand buying a bunch of magazines. Anyway, here they are.

 

[ronnie gore]

only two

well those are great choices, but if we only had what we needed we would all live in a mud hut.

 

[Arik]

I like the option of night sights and more ammo for the weight so I prefer semi autos. Also I don't like the grips or sights on snubby revolvers. Otherwise 38/357 not a bad option.

I've done what you did before..... downsize to 2 but eventually ended up buying again and in some cases the same thing. Knowing myself if I do that shill just spend more money eventually re buying everything or similar. I occasionally sell off or trade something I know I have no interest in but no more massive downsizing

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[federali]

Good Choice

While autoloaders are all the rage, I still use and enjoy revolvers and you should not feel the need to apologize to anyone for preferring the wheel gun.

You made two wise choices and you're keeping it simple. I have a basket full of guns and I sometimes fear that should I find myself in a bad situation, I hope not to get the guns confused regarding their individual features.

 

[0311INF]

well those are great choices, but if we only had what we needed we would all live in a mud hut.

True enough! I've even thought about building one!

Another consideration for me is that I have 2 little boys (3 & 1) and they take up about 99% of my firearm/ammo budget. That is to say, it's pretty poor.

One day I'll get what I want, but right now it's a need only basis. Hence the loss of the 4" 15, 4" 19 and 6" 586. While great, they were too nice to carry and I could not put them to hard use. As revolvers go, I tried to pick the best utilitarian options that would see a lot of carry time and range time.

 

[Aircrewman]

Not too bad....not bad at all. Revolvers are simple (for the most part) with no need to worry about a magazine to lose which would render an autoloader less effective. Stainless and a coated finish are good for ease of maintenance. A large holster/shoulder or belt type and a back-up/hideout..... pretty much good to go. In my estimation good choices if limiting to two guns. 357 would be my choice also because of the ubiquitous nature of the ammo, along with 38 special. Interesting post.

 

[6518John]

"What would be next, if anything?"

Model 29/629 with four inch barell. I applaud your choices, mine would have been along the same lines but my 629 Mountian Gun and my Cheif's Special.

 

[DocB]

Yup, got to have a Smith 357 Magnum with a longer barrel. Big enough to kill about anything, and ammo is everywhere.

 

[0311INF]

Thanks for all the replies. I am guilty of taking to the forum; looking for some validation. I've only been into handguns for about 4 years. Most of that time I've spent searching for the right ones. So hence the many different brands and types.
For whatever reason, I've always gone back to revolvers. Granted they are obsolete from a military/LE perspective, but those occupations have a mission in mind when choosing firearms. My perspective is more general and involves a bit (a lot) less situational training. As a truly general purpose handgun, these fit the bill.

 

[6518John]

Forgot picture

 

[0311INF]

Model 29/629 with four inch barell. I applaud your choices, mine would have been along the same lines but my 629 Mountian Gun and my Cheif's Special.

I have considered a .44 but for a home defense kind of setup, where my wife may be the one using the weapon, it didn't seem to be the right fit. Plus I can shoot .38 spcl from either.

 

[153]

If you really have an affection for firearms then I doubt you can live with just those two handguns.

Two .38/357 revolvers seems repetitive. I'd ditch the 2" and get a 9mm.

 

[0311INF]

If you really have an affection for firearms then I doubt you can live with just those two handguns.

Two .38/357 revolvers seems repetitive. I'd ditch the 2" and get a 9mm.

You're right, I won't. Eventually I'll get a Glock 19 again, or something like it. But a main reason for the pair is to buy one cartridge in bulk. Plus, I felt as a dedicated CCW piece, the 442 is a heck of a lot easier to hide than an auto, given equal reliability. What I mean is that I have doubts about a semi working every time if it's that small. An exception might be the G26, but the grip is so difficult for me to grab quickly.

 

[clang444]

I would always have to have a K frame .22LR (17, 18 or 617)

 

[BAM-BAM]

Lets see...................

4 inch 686.... good for home defense w/P+38s..... woods carry w/ .357.... open carry/but with the right holster can be concealed ......will handle any .357 load and also all .38s down to wad-cutters and shot shells.....Stainless L-frame will last your's and your sons lifetimes..............

442...alloy frame/good for concealed carry........GTG for pocket/IWB/OWB carry....... your wife will like it for purse or home defense .......perfect backup gun for the 686......gives you 11 rounds with a "New York reload"

With small/young kids in the house easy to load with a speedloader and more importantly........ easy to check/confirm they're "unloaded".....(no issue with bullet set-back if you load the same round in an auto more than once).......

Hi-cap 9mms are nice ...... but add a couple /three speedloader (Safariland Comp Is or IIs) for each and your good for anything but civil war and the Zombie Apocalypse!!!!!!!

All bases covered............................ check!!!!!

Next ......... gun

IMHO a good .22 rifle.......... check out the CZ line; great "bang for the buck"

 

[0311INF]

Lets see...................

4 inch 686.... good for home defense w/P+38s..... woods carry w/ .357.... open carry/but with the right holster can be concealed ......will handle any .357 load and also all .38s down to wad-cutters and shot shells.....Stainless L-frame will last your's and your sons lifetimes..............

442...alloy frame/good for concealed carry........GTG for pocket/IWB/OWB carry....... your wife will like it for purse or home defense .......perfect backup gun for the 686......gives you 11 rounds with a "New York reload"

With small/young kids in the house easy to load with a speedloader and more importantly........ easy to check/confirm they're "unloaded".....(no issue with bullet set-back if you load the same round in an auto more than once).......

Hi-cap 9mms are nice ...... but add a couple /three speedloader (Safariland Comp Is or IIs) for each and your good for anything but civil war and the Zombie Apocalypse!!!!!!!

All bases covered............................ check!!!!!

Next ......... gun

IMHO a good .22 rifle.......... check out the CZ line; great "bang for the buck"

Haha, thanks for the complete validation! You pretty much nailed my train of thought. Additionally my gun shy wife might like training with the 686 (using standard pressure .38s), so that's a nice potential advantage. She can't even rack the slide of a Glock.

The long gun situation is not bad, I have a Colt LE6920 and a Remington 870 with 2 barrels, an 18.5" bore and a 26" imp/c. The .22 is forthcoming. I really liked the Ruger American Rimfire in .22LR, that for some dumb reason I let go.

 

[SilentKnight]

Good choices for home defense and EDC. I am a wheel gun enthusiast. I just love them and carry a S&W 325 or a 642 for EDC depending on clothing; however, I do carry a 1911 with two extra mags on occasion. I do like choices. Good luck.

 

[Mister X]

I think two revolvers will most likely will suffice. I would probably be ok just having a couple of my snubs.

However, I would feel a whole lot better having my Glocks available also, particularly for certain home defense scenarios where you must essentially make a stand since avoiding/escaping is usually not a practical viable option and the probability of multiple intruders being relatively high. Most intruders flee after encountering armed resistance of any kind and pretty much any gun will suffice in such cases , but it's the scenarios where they don't flee that concern me the most and I like having the extra rounds for those potential circumstances.

 

[0311INF]

I think two revolvers will most likely will suffice. I would probably be ok just having a couple of my snubs.

However, I would feel a whole lot better having my Glocks available also, particularly for certain home defense scenarios where you must essentially make a stand since avoiding/escaping is usually not a practical viable option and the probability of multiple intruders being relatively high. Most intruders flee after encountering armed resistance of any kind and pretty much any gun will suffice in such cases , but it's the scenarios where they don't flee that concern me the most and I like having the extra rounds for those potential circumstances.

Sure, there is some peace of mind with a high cap semi for that sort of situation. If I had my wits about me in the middle of the night, I would just go grab the M4; with its illumunated optic I should do well for myself. However, if surprised, the 686 will just have to do. For now.

 

[paragain]

Great selection......