Best self-defense revolver?

[Bandersnatch]

I certainly wouldn't feel underarmed with any of the choices here for a sidearm. my personal choice is the 681 4" bbl. It is the perfect balance of size, power and durability for me. the 357 is a good compromise between the 45 and the 44 as far as power and recoil for follow up shots.

 

[safearm]

In keeping with the intent of this thread, I'd say the best self-defense revolver is one of the 8 shot .357 Magnums, such as the Model 327 M&P R8. Although a fairly large gun, it could be reasonably concealed depending on your wardrobe. If carrying openly, the weight and size would not be a factor with proper holster and belt. The moonclips make for very fast reloading, just as fast as a semi-auto pistol. The rail option for additional accessories is also useful.

However, I don't own one of these revolvers. The revolver I carry every day for self-defense is a J-frame with 2 inch barrel. Mine happens to be a 9mm conversion, but I would feel comfortable with either a .38 Special or .357 Magnum model.

 

[Allen-frame]

The best self defense revolver?

The one that's in your hand when you need it.

5 or 6 or 7 shot, small frame or medium. Whatever you practice with, and feel comfortable
with.

Shot placement is most important, ammunition choice is secondary.

I practice with all my defense revolvers, so I've become comfortable carrying all of them.

Allen F.

 

[cmort666]

I don't see a "best". There are just some better than others for particular situations.

I don't open carry, so the 3" Model 65 I'm carrying right now is a better self-defense gun out of the house for me than my 6" Model 25-2. Inside, I'd use either one or any of my other S&W revolvers over .22 caliber.

 

[oneforall]

I like the PC327, 2 inch barrel with 8 shoots of 357Mag.

 

[rangeruger]

For me it would be my S&W 66PC. Can't make the argument that it's the best but it is my personal preference.

 

[batmann]

Well Frogger, you seem to have most of the bases covered! I agree with some other posters, caliber and handgun are less important than preparation.
I will admit, there are some mighty pretty Smith's on this topic, but my caliber of choice is a .44M, sorry Smith guys, Alaskan stroked with Cor-Bon 165 gr SD loads either in Special or magnum depending on the time of year. I have 4" Smiths, but the Alaskan is easier for me to shoot and it is the one I practice with.

 

[velomax101]

LH PC 640-1 Quadraport

A Very nice balance of reliability, exclusivity, Conceal ability, save your life ability & optional ability of .357 Power.

Lew Horton PC 640-1 Quadport:
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p301/velomax101/IMG_0069zx.jpg
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p301/velomax101/IMG_0093.jpg

Kramer Horse Hide
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p301/velomax101/IMG_0010.jpg

 

[cowboy117]

640-1.Either .38+P or .357.

Or 37-2,.38+P.[No lock] Holster,cut down DeSantis Nemesis,in case anybody's interested.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Only my opinion but it can't really get any better than this Model 10 Heavy Barrel, stoked with +P 158 grain SWCs.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

Already said several time here, I think the one you feel most comfortable carring and can shot best with.

I think of the old saying " a 25 cal in the pocket is better than a 44 mag under the bed at home if you need a weapon"

 

[special44]

The best self defense revolver

There may be NO "Best" self defense revolver, in that, what works for one, may not work for another. It is likely, however, that the revolver best suited to the individual is the one that they practice with regularly, have confidence in, and are the most comfortable with using.
I learned many years ago not to "send no boy to th' mill". Therefore, for me, I use a M-24-3 in 3" .44 Special, with something like an RCBS 44-250K ahead of 6.5 grs. of Unique, ignited by CCI primer. While I hope I will never have to use this combination on anyone,
should I have to, I want the person receiving it to KNOW they have been hit.

 

[bubbajoe45]

+1 Paladin, panamaJ, and Mr. Sinko. A .45ACP revolver is (arguably) the fastest to reload, a proven stopper, and accurate in spades. The problem is finding a 4" Mtn gun or any of the Models of 1989 (I like the 3"). There are a few around, but folks are pretty proud of 'em.

Of course AllenFrame is correct - the one in your hand is the best one.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

+1 Paladin, panamaJ, and Mr. Sinko. A .45ACP revolver is (arguably) the fastest to reload, a proven stopper, and accurate in spades.

Then I'd go with this one. At least the sight is S&W.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Cocked and Locked:

Very interesting gun! Is it a worked-over U.S. Model of 1917 Colt? And who did the work on it?

 

[luis]

The best defensive revolver is the one that you feel comfortable handling. I cannot tell you how many like new guns have been traided back at my local dealers because the buyer purchased the gun writer's flavor of the month. Mistakes can be expensive. I saw a guy purchase a $900 Smith fire only 5 rounds and traded it toward another gun and only got $400 for the trade. Do a lot of research and try some guns before you buy.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Cocked and Locked:

Very interesting gun! Is it a worked-over U.S. Model of 1917 Colt? And who did the work on it?

Thanks! This gun is a 1917 Colt New Service (US Property) and appeared in two of Dean Grennell's books from the 1970's, Book of the .45 and Pistol & Revolver Digest. The 1917 was owned by Dean's brother Ralph. There are pictures of the gun and pictures of "Ralph" shooting it in the books.

The books state the work was done by John B. Williams @ Williams Gunsmithing, 704 East Commonwealth, Fullerton California. I remember that name from the era, but can find no info now on Williams Gunsmithing in CA.

According to the articles, the barrel was cut to 2.5", the frame was satin hard chromed, and the trigger/hammer/thumb latch were nickled. A S&W rear sight was fitted and a S&W type front sight with red-orange insert was installed.

The action of the gun is super smooth and rivals any S&W I own...cylinder fitting and timing is like a Swiss watch...cylinder lockup is tighter than any revolver I own.

Shoots good too!

 

[j38]

Cocked & Locked,

What a sweetheart, ... Now that's a snubby with some punch!

Great pics, by the way,

Jerry

 

[NE450No2]

I just cannot carry ANY 38/257 as a Primary...

I am a big bore kind of guy.

I have not had my 325NG very long, but it is the smallest, lightest, revolver I would carry as a Primary....

With a pocket full fo full moon clips of course.

 

[luangtom]

Best Self-defense Revolver

Model 65 with 3-inch barrel.....Speer GDHP 135-gr in .38-SPL+P or .357MAG