686+ vs 1911 in SHTF scenario

[DeadWhiteGoose]

I would like to hear everyone's input on which firearm platform they would prefer in a SHTF scenario. Currently, my 686+ Pro Series and my SA loaded 1911 are my only full size handguns. The decision of which one would be my choice of sidearm if faced with the option for one or the other is always going through my head. I'm very accurate with both keeping 4" groups at 25yds on a regular basis. .357mag is more powerful and only 2/3 the weight of a .45acp but the 1911 is faster to reload and has higher capacity. But would the 686 end up being more reliable in the long run? All these ideas are what keep me up at night. What say you!

 

[Yurko]

Both certainly have their appeal.
And placement of shot is more important than number of rounds.

I'm old school - I'd use the 686.
Less can go wrong with a revolver.

 

[kbm6893]

Define SHTF scenario. Walking through the apocolypse isn't very likely although we all like to fantasize about it. Capacity is pretty much a wash and the 357 has the 45 beat on power. Speed of reload? A bit faster with a semi auto but not much of a difference with some moderate skills with a revolver speed loader. Revolvers require less maintenance to reliably function.

I'd take the revolver.

 

[Lonegle57]

If we are talking serious fan hit I would take both.

 

[629shooter]

Like stated above, it depends on what your definition of SHTF is.

 

[petepeterson]

"Both" is a great answer. IMHO, You should lose sleep over what's causing the S to HTF, not which pistol the hordes will be removing from your corpse.

 

[imakmst]

I'd probably have my 1911 AND all three of my 686's.

 

[Rick_A]

Either would do, but if trouble was eminent, it'd be a long gun at my side as well.

 

[ankona]

Another vote for both.

 

[inspcalahan]

You're in Kalifornia......you won't be "allowed" to own either pretty soon. That said, I'd go for the wheel gun.....

 

[wolverine]

Morning DeadWhiteGoose;

My personal choice would be neither as neither will put up much of a fight against a long gun with a scope & both are too bulky for a hideaway gun.

But given a choice between the two it would have to be the one that could take the most ammo choices so that would be the .357 as it will take .38 as well as work with very light & quiet mouse fart loads for quiet hunting & stealthy work to keep my positions hidden.

 

[BAM-BAM]

It's really what "S" is Hing TF" dependent..........

also how many extra magazines and speed-loaders you have.

concealed vs. open carry.

home, vehicle or on foot.

What if any long gun(s) you have.

 

[66snub]

A SHTF scenario also begs the question of ammunition availability when your's has been depleted. I would definitely opt for the 686 due to 38's and 357's being arguably more prolific on the shelves of abandoned hardware/general stores, as well as perhaps in homes that may now also be unoccupied.

 

[tbgunner88]

Both, now turn off the walking dead and get some sleep

 

[Laketime]

Against two legged predators the 1911 in .45 acp will always be the superior fighting gun.You may shoot a .357 faster then I can shoot a 1911,but you cannot shoot a .357 faster then you can shoot a 1911.The .45 acp has proven stopping power,even in FMJ.The .357 needs to expand to be effective.Follow up shots with a .45 acp will be faster.The .45 acp will also not leave you deaf without hearing protection like the .357 will.Night shooting will also favor the low muzzel blast of the .45acp.Really can't think of one advantage the .357 would have over the .45 acp,except with a hard cast bullet for hunting deer sized game at close range.

 

[Tadeus67]

Ill take both along with a rifle or a 12 gauge shotgun.

 

[bbqbob51]

I have never been in a SHTF situation so I really have no idea how well I would perform with either gun. Unlike a law enforcement officer who trains extensively with a semi-auto, I really don't. I wouldn't want to worry about whether or not the safety is on or stovepiping and how to clear it when being attacked. For the sheer simplicity I would go with the 686+, just point and shoot.
This choice is based on a realistic SHTF situation such as a home invasion and not a zombie apocalypse a teotwawki situation. I those situation I would want a trunk full of different types of firearms, short and long guns and in a variety of calibers.

 

[Elkins45]

Speed of reload and capacity are the two categories where the 1911 wins. The revolver wins:

Tolerance of neglect
Tolerance of ammo quality/bullet profile/power
Muzzle energy
Shot to shot reliability
Retention of fired cases (if you need to reload ammo while the S is HTF)
Ability/versatility as an emergency hunting weapon

The correct answer is both, but I would choose the revolver if limited to one.

 

[DeadWhiteGoose]

On a side note, the 686 is cut for moon clips so reload time is still quicker than a speed loader. Great input though everyone. Still exactly what I expected. Neither one is a definite better choice. And don't worry, I've got the long arm department covered.

 

[Four T5]

You can argue all day long about how much the 357 will "expand" but at the end of the day, the 45 will NEVER contract.