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......

 

[BAM-BAM]

Haha, thanks for the complete validation! You pretty much nailed my train of thought.

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.

Well; adding the AR and Shotgun........you and the family are GTG as cast members of the Walking Dead!

Your combo of revolvers was a lot like mine in the 80s when I was moving around a good bit and limited my "accumulating" of "stuff".....my two to go were a customized round butt 4" 686 and a Colt Detective Special...... later a 3" 65..........................later I added a smith 640 and then a Beretta 92 Compact (13+1)

I recently picked up a RAR compact in .22magnum (as a utility gun at the cabin)..... an OK gun..... but not one I'd trade one of my CZs for.....the CZs are old time old world quality with mini-mauser actions........for about a $100 more than the Ruger American and $200 less than a 77/22

 

[Mister X]

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.

An M4 will work well providing you don't have other family members elsewhere in the home. Otherwise a handgun is more practical IMO. Taking up a fixed position vs having to move through the home.

I'm curious why you kept the M4 considering it's an auto, has magazines and is more expensive as well as more difficult to store and maintain than something like a Glock.

 

[dr. K]

You're a stronger person than me, being able to cut down that way. On the other hand, you made GREAT choices. Also, kudos for justifying your choice to keep revolvers "just because." So much goes into "what's the best possible" this or that... if you do decide to augment, a shtf long gun of just about any kind on top of those two would serve you well. I find Mini-14's and Maverick 88's work beautifully as standby long guns.

 

[Harvey T.]

Overall, a good choice. I have essentially the same. Question to everybody:

What is the opinion of having a governor and a 442? Obviously, the ammo question, but the governor seems to offer a possible better defense weapon with the 410s and/or the 45.

 

[lrrifleman]

Hi. Considering your situation, I think that you have made a wise choice. While focusing on the 357/38 combination, you have negated the need for multiple calibers of ammunition. You have selected reasonably controllable chamberings, so you and your gun shy wife can use either, if the need arises. As you said in the beginning, your focus was on defensive choices (which no one can fault).

Since you are putting your children first, I understand and applaud where you are coming from. Not knowing when you will have the opportunity to expand your collection, or if there might be an unexpected stork sighting in your future, you are making the right choices. The only change or addition that I would suggest, is the inclusion of a Dillon Square Deal B, to further stretch your shooting dollar!

 

[0311INF]

An M4 will work well providing you don't have other family members elsewhere in the home. Otherwise a handgun is more practical IMO. Taking up a fixed position vs having to move through the home.

I'm curious why you kept the M4 considering it's an auto, has magazines and is more expensive as well as more difficult to store and maintain than something like a Glock.

Certain ammo will work better for short range and minimal penetration. And the kids are upstairs, my bedroom is on the bottom floor.

The rifle is the exception as far as magazines. I don't like them a bunch but I have the most training on the AR platform, thanks to Uncle Sam, so it made sense. It's not so much the idea of magazines for me, rather the added expense and my tendency to "require" more than a just a few quality mags for each auto-loader.

That said I do like Glocks. I've owned a couple of each model of 9mm (well, the 17, 19 and 26). It's just that they don't fit me as well as I'd like.

But back to the rifle... if it's a defensive tool, yeah a semi is the way to go. The Colt 6920 is a fabulous weapon that deserves owning despite having to stockpile mags, spare parts, etc.

 

[lrrifleman]

Overall, a good choice. I have essentially the same. Question to everybody:

What is the opinion of having a governor and a 442? Obviously, the ammo question, but the governor seems to offer a possible better defense weapon with the 410s and/or the 45.

Harvey,

Not to hijack the thread, I have never fired either a Governor nor a Judge. Having seen a Governor, I can say that (for me, it looks grossly distorted) it's physical size would be a deterrent to my carrying one. I can only imagine what it would be like to drop the hammer on a 410 handgun. Conceptually, something about the Governor/Judge just doesn't sit well for me.

 

[Mr.Harry]

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.

i think a 686 is pretty much the perfect revolver for home defense. And in a scenario such as mentioned above, where emptying 6 chambers isn't enough to deter the attack or invasion, I'm done with handguns altogether and going up the ladder to a pistol grip pump 12 gauge with a huge tube full of staggered double ought and slugs.

 

[Mister X]

Certain ammo will work better for short range and minimal penetration. And the kids are upstairs, my bedroom is on the bottom floor.

The rifle is the exception as far as magazines. I don't like them a bunch but I have the most training on the AR platform, thanks to Uncle Sam, so it made sense. It's not so much the idea of magazines for me, rather the added expense and my tendency to "require" more than a just a few quality mags for each auto-loader.

That said I do like Glocks. I've owned a couple of each model of 9mm (well, the 17, 19 and 26). It's just that they don't fit me as well as I'd like.

But back to the rifle... if it's a defensive tool, yeah a semi is the way to go. The Colt 6920 is a fabulous weapon that deserves owning despite having to stockpile mags, spare parts, etc.

Being so far away from the kids, you would want to move to them at the first indication of trouble. You can move much quicker and easier with a handgun. With the handgun, you have the ability to effectively fire it while in dynamic movement not to mention it frees up a hand for opening/closing/locking doors, operating light switches, using a phone or carrying one of the children.

http://wilsondefense.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-role-of-handgun-by-david-kenik.html

A long gun actually has relatively limited use as a civilian home defense weapon despite it being commonly recommended. Several Force on Force simulations conducted in my own home with some of my LEO students convinced me that the M4 and 7 round 870 I kept in the safe weren't likely ever to be useful, so I sold them.

Even Chris Costa of magpul fame, whom many people assume would choose an M4 or 870 actually defaults to a handgun for home defense.

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxxvHF_pTY[/ame]

 

[BAM-BAM]

IMHO a 4" 686 is the "Apex predator" in the revolver world...... the best features of both the N-frame (strength) and K-frame (grip size and trigger reach) combined with the S&W action and a decent sight radius...... with the ability to use the best general purpose/utility ammo going ...... the .357/38 ..........

ya..... everything from .22lr to 44mag has their proponents and uses......but IMHO all are specialty rounds.......... the .22 is better for hunting small game and the .44 is better for "lions and tigers and Bears ....Oh my!"


but if I could have only one........make mine a 4" 686...............