The problem is time. Why do you think there will opportunity to transition to a long gun once your revolver runs dry or any other gun in general when multiple intruders are charging down your hallway? The op has children as do I, so having multiple guns lying around that are immediately accessible isn't an option.
Downsized to just 2 handguns. Good choices?
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The problem is time. Why do you think there will opportunity to transition to a long gun once your revolver runs dry or any other gun in general when multiple intruders are charging down your hallway? The op has children as do I, so having multiple guns lying around that are immediately accessible isn't an option.
TAC
Member
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.
Good practical choices! And you don't have your retirement income tied up in a bunch of safe-queens.
I'm in agreement generally. The M4 would have to be utilized outdoors only, or shooting from inside to outside (through the door, window, etc). I don't anticipate I'd ever hear again after that. Same for the 870 really. That's the loudest of them all.
The handgun is indeed the way to go if the clown(s) that woke me up is/are actually inside my house. Hence my statement about being "surprised."
Hopefully the dogs would alert me well before it became a threat.
The best cartridge would certainly be a .38+p for that indoors situation, rather than .357. If I had an auto...9mm, .40 or .45 would all do just fine.
well, I understand and respect your point. And I have a couple young ones too. But I keep said 12 HANDY. Very handy. Certainly not more than a few feet further away. And I wouldn't QUITE call a pistol grip pump a 'long gun' either. In a scenario where my house is getting bum rushed, unless it's some para-military group or swat team lol., I think emptying a .357 is going to succeed in at least 'slowing the advance' as it were. I think that however aggressive these 'invaders' are, some attempt at cover is going to be taken. That = time and enough of it. And I'd rather use those spare moments to break out the howitzer than keep plinking away a 14 round clip of 9mm that won't go through the couch.
TheHobbyist
Member
This is my opinion and you get what you paid for... 
I have always felt that the 4" or 3" 686 is the best, "One gun", for a responsible adult. Someone who isn't a collector and just wants one handgun. If the person can reload, I would say the same barrel length except change to a 44 mag.
For EDC, it is hard to beat a j-frame snubby.
Think you're doing just fine.
I have always felt that the 4" or 3" 686 is the best, "One gun", for a responsible adult. Someone who isn't a collector and just wants one handgun. If the person can reload, I would say the same barrel length except change to a 44 mag.
For EDC, it is hard to beat a j-frame snubby.
Think you're doing just fine.
lhump1961
US Veteran
Couldn't make better choices. The only thing I would add, and it's just me, is a 9mm of some kind. If times get tough it is a common round.
If I had to choose only two of my revolvers to keep it would be.....
My almost B-day gun Model 19-2
...and my Model 36-7
My almost B-day gun Model 19-2
...and my Model 36-7
ContinentalOp
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I think your choices make sense. If your financial situation would allow it, I'd suggest getting duplicates in the event of mechanical problems down the road. I only have one gun, a 642, and when it broke last year (hammer stud) I was without a gun for a couple of months before S&W replaced it under warranty. And then I had to wait until I could get it to the range to make sure it worked reliably before I could carry it. At the very least, another 442/642 would be a good idea since your 686 wouldn't experience the same wear-and-tear that your 442 would given equal treatment.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
justakyguy
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I love revolvers too. Just can't stay away from them, they're what I naturally gravitate to for weapons for whatever purpose mainly self defense/home defense. And they're just more fun to shoot. Although semi autos are highly practical for defensive situations so I don't knock them! For me right now, since I have little to no knowledge or comfort level with semi autos, I keep revolvers. As of now I only own one, a Smith 19. I love it, but for smaller defensive purposes, I plan on getting either a Smith Model 60 or Model 69 (maybe). Also, the Ruger sp101 is a very good gun for defense and to shoot all you want. Any of those are good. I've had good luck with the .357 and would trust that round anytime anywhere. However I love big bores too. Any 44 special round is a pleasure to shoot and would be perfect for close quarter defense. I'd trust my life to it as well. Can't go wrong with any of those.
gman51
Member
Good choices.
I did the downsize and sold off mostly semi autos. That downsize didn't last long and I replaced with mostly revolvers.
IMO a downsize only lasts as long as you don't watch gun videos, attend gun shows, read gun reviews, and last of all quit visiting your LGS just to kill some time. Of course this is probably why downsizing doesn't last. It didn't for me anyway.
I did the downsize and sold off mostly semi autos. That downsize didn't last long and I replaced with mostly revolvers.
IMO a downsize only lasts as long as you don't watch gun videos, attend gun shows, read gun reviews, and last of all quit visiting your LGS just to kill some time. Of course this is probably why downsizing doesn't last. It didn't for me anyway.
I remember reading an article in some gun rag several years ago written by a guy who lived in the desert southwest. He spent about as much time in the desert as he did in town. He had downsized to two handguns - a 4" M29 S&W for his "country gun," and a lightweight Colt Commander 45ACP as his "town gun." The article was fairly lengthy and his explanations made sense in his environment. My own situation is much the same as his was, and I've often thought I might go the same way if I ever downsized like he did. I think your choices are fine, depending on your situation. I might choose differently, but my situation might be different than yours. You know your own needs best and only you can make the best choices.
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SLT223
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Going to the lgs to kill time is the number one way to burn cash and add to an accumulation problem. You can go in there with the best intensions of self control and what do you HAVE to do on principle when you find some desirable S&W marked 3/4 fair market? I just stay out now unless I have something Im looking for specifically.
I think your choices are excellent. You did mention the word 'augment', however and that being the case I would recommend an augmentation of a 22lr revolver to your two gun collection since it is always great fun and good practice to have a 22 around. Either a 63 or 17/18 would be a great add.
Penquin
Member
OP those are two great choices that I could work with also. Like you I have basically trimmed down to the (4) shown below. If I had to go to (2) it would be the top two in the Pic (M66-ND 4" & M66-1 2-1/2"). Same ammo/same speed loaders. Although the 3rd gun in the picture (M60-9), is such sweet performer J-frame in .38/.357. the only blue gun I kept was a pre-30 5-screw snubbie, cause it's just plane "Purdy." PEN.
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SeamasterSig
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For reloaders large enough to carry an N-frame concealed or for people who live in brown bear country, a 44spl/44mag combo might serve them better. But a J-frame and K/L-frame 38/357 combo ought to cover all the bases for the vast majority of gun owners. So I will join the chorus and agree that you've made an excellent choice of revolvers that should be well-suited to your foreseeable needs. The tricky part will be holding yourself to just two handguns. Good luck with that
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Arik
Member
Actually I think that LEO/Military are more generalized and civilian is more specific. LEO/Mil are give a gun for a job. Typically it's the same gun or same style. They don't have to hide it or dress around it or feel comfortable wearing it. On the other hand we dress different Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. What I can carry to the store may not work for work. Also wearing a suit and tie to work may require a different gun from wearing a suit and tie (or tux) to a social gathering. Of course you can take one small gun and use it in a wide range of social situations but there is a fine line between comfort and comforting. I can feel comfortable carrying a small gun but I'm not comfortable drawing and shooting it. Too small, to hard to grab fast and get a good and proper grip. So you weight what's more important
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Those are great choices, no validation required. Your bases are covered.
I'm in agreement with you- if I were in your shoes, my next choice would be a hi-cap 9mm, in whatever flavor you prefer. If I were starting over, and didn't have a bunch of Smith 3rd Gens, it would be a Glock 17 or 19.
I'm in agreement with you- if I were in your shoes, my next choice would be a hi-cap 9mm, in whatever flavor you prefer. If I were starting over, and didn't have a bunch of Smith 3rd Gens, it would be a Glock 17 or 19.
cowboy4evr
Member
I recently had the opportunity for some tactical training . I had 2 revolvers and a 45 auto . My first trips through various training involved using the 45 auto . Then I switched to my 357 , model 681 S&W .
We were now getting to the end of the day , I had one more " run " to make to complete the day . I asked my instructor if I could use my final revolver , a S&W 29 (44 mag) w/6" barrel . He kind of laughed but agreed. I had 3 bg's( bad guys ) targets , staggered and supposedly coming at me . OH, yes I had to determine which had the " gun " and which were just coming along to help him . He had silently chosen the one with the ' gun " .
I was told I had to empty the cylinder , all 6 rounds in 7 sec's . I managed 4 hits on the 3 targets, one on each bg and a 2nd hit on the 3rd bg . AND , I was on the move , dodging an obstacle while firing . But I failed as I took 8 sec's instead of the max 7 . All 3 bg's got a " kill " shot and one had a shoulder wound beside . It was using full 44 mag ammo .
The point I'm getting at is when the adrenaline is starting to rush and it can even in training when being pushed with limits , which hand gun is going to serve you best , going to feel the best in training . I couldn't of made that decision w/o going through training .
I will let you guess which one really surprised me and how I loved using it in training and will definitely again .
We were now getting to the end of the day , I had one more " run " to make to complete the day . I asked my instructor if I could use my final revolver , a S&W 29 (44 mag) w/6" barrel . He kind of laughed but agreed. I had 3 bg's( bad guys ) targets , staggered and supposedly coming at me . OH, yes I had to determine which had the " gun " and which were just coming along to help him . He had silently chosen the one with the ' gun " .
I was told I had to empty the cylinder , all 6 rounds in 7 sec's . I managed 4 hits on the 3 targets, one on each bg and a 2nd hit on the 3rd bg . AND , I was on the move , dodging an obstacle while firing . But I failed as I took 8 sec's instead of the max 7 . All 3 bg's got a " kill " shot and one had a shoulder wound beside . It was using full 44 mag ammo .
The point I'm getting at is when the adrenaline is starting to rush and it can even in training when being pushed with limits , which hand gun is going to serve you best , going to feel the best in training . I couldn't of made that decision w/o going through training .
I will let you guess which one really surprised me and how I loved using it in training and will definitely again .
Getting down to two handguns, a small .38 Spec/.357 Magnum and a large .38 Spec/.357 Magnum make a great pair. They work in a variety of situations where a handgun is useful.
.38 Spec and .357 Magnum are two easy rounds to reload for. A single stage press or an inexpensive turret press, and one set of dies, is all you need for equipment -- they are in fact the same caliber. You can save a lot of money reloading, too, and become independent of retail ammo sales.
.38 Spec and .357 Magnum are two easy rounds to reload for. A single stage press or an inexpensive turret press, and one set of dies, is all you need for equipment -- they are in fact the same caliber. You can save a lot of money reloading, too, and become independent of retail ammo sales.
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My two would be M-17 & M-29 . I believe that would cover the
scale. I almost went with two M-17s, one would cover small stuff
and using both would add up to 44. My 8 yr old grandson tells
me it don't work that way.
scale. I almost went with two M-17s, one would cover small stuff
and using both would add up to 44. My 8 yr old grandson tells
me it don't work that way.
ColbyBruce
Member
I admire the OP for his decision and the fact that he actually did this.
I am personally not "mud hut" material. I like variety.
I am personally not "mud hut" material. I like variety.
filthyj24
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I'm picking up what the op is putting down. As much as I would love to have my own armory I currently only have my 360 m&p and it has to cover all bases from cc to home defense. I'm kicking myself for selling my 4 inch 686+ plus last year. I was between jobs and money got tight.
I'm currently saving up with my eyes set on a 586 for HD and possibly open carry. The practical side of me says it would be better and cheaper to buy a shotgun (looking at the Mossberg 500) for home defense but I like the idea of having guns that can share ammo and I already have quite a bit of 38 and 357 ammo stockpiled.
I would say I'd give my 360 to my wife but I've grown pretty attached to the little guy.
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I'm currently saving up with my eyes set on a 586 for HD and possibly open carry. The practical side of me says it would be better and cheaper to buy a shotgun (looking at the Mossberg 500) for home defense but I like the idea of having guns that can share ammo and I already have quite a bit of 38 and 357 ammo stockpiled.
I would say I'd give my 360 to my wife but I've grown pretty attached to the little guy.
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Two great choices!
If it was me, I would add a third gun, a 3" in K or L frame, or possibly a GP100.
I have a GP100 3" Wiley Clapp on the way, and for me that would fill out my three revolver set-up.
If it was me, I would add a third gun, a 3" in K or L frame, or possibly a GP100.
I have a GP100 3" Wiley Clapp on the way, and for me that would fill out my three revolver set-up.
Blade37db
Member
Going thru similar consolidation thoughts as well. You're in good shape. My last purchase (probably for awhile) was a Rossi M92 lever to go with my Model 65, 681 & 38. Now I need to go buy more .38 & .357 ammo before all hell breaks loose next week. Might want to consider one yourself
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Going thru similar consolidation thoughts as well. You're in good shape. My last purchase (probably for awhile) was a Rossi M92 lever to go with my Model 65, 681 & 38. Now I need to go buy more .38 & .357 ammo before all hell breaks loose next week. Might want to consider one yourself
My Rossi goes on just about every range session anymore. I honestly didn't expect it to be as reliable (and fun!) as it is. Makes a great companion for HD along side the revolvers.
Yeah, those are great choices, but good luck with only having two guns. Sorta like the potato chip commercial, "Betcha can't eat just one!" Well, maybe I just have a low resistance to adding additional guns to my "accumulation".
Seriously, those are both great choices.
Edit: just saw Petes post above. I was lucky enough to find a Rossi M92 also, an older one with just the half cock safety. It makes a great companion to any .38 Special-.357 Magnum round. Would be a good companion to either of your revolvers.
Best Regards, Les
Seriously, those are both great choices.
Edit: just saw Petes post above. I was lucky enough to find a Rossi M92 also, an older one with just the half cock safety. It makes a great companion to any .38 Special-.357 Magnum round. Would be a good companion to either of your revolvers.
Best Regards, Les
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Going thru similar consolidation thoughts as well. You're in good shape. My last purchase (probably for awhile) was a Rossi M92 lever to go with my Model 65, 681 & 38. Now I need to go buy more .38 & .357 ammo before all hell breaks loose next week. Might want to consider one yourself
Blade, I've been doing the same thing as you with .38 and .357, and also .22 LR. Also stocking up on components for reloading .38 and .357. Going to make one more run before Tuesday. Also agree about the Rossi!!
Best Regards, Les
DevilDog72
US Veteran
Looks like sound choices...... I could not or would not go to only 2 revolvers...
I would have to keep the ones above.
I would have to keep the ones above.
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Blade37db
Member
Same here Les. Got .22 covered as well.
I was tempted to expand into some other calibers (12g, .308) and more guns before the election, but decided against it. Ended up selling off some other calibers. If i can't cover it with .22, .38/.357, 9mm or 5.56...oh well. I bought into the "one is none and 2 is one" philosophy when I first got into shooting, so I've got 2 guns for each caliber, some the same make/platform. Only so much room in the safe.
There's beauty in simplicity.
Blade37db
Member
I just got mine about 3 months ago. No issues on initial range trips but took it to a local gunsmith to have a few things smoothed out and bought a metal follower. The price of the gun plus the gunsmith work is still a few hundred dollars less than a used Marlin or new Winchester. I considered a Henry but really wanted a loading gate
I think they're a must have if you're a .38/.357 revolver shooter. Lots of fun and good versatility.
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