"Last Ditch" Revolver

[Dakota Iron]

I realize that an automatic pistol with high capacity magazines
is the derigueur weapon in combat zones world wide, but what
revolver would you trust as a last ditch weapon.

 

[panamajack310]

I personally would carry a revolver over a semiauto.
I currenty carry 2 revolvers on duty, a S&W model 19 w/ 2.5" barrel and a model 625 with 3" barrel

 

[snowman.45]

SHTF Revolver

That's easy; 681 PC - no adjustable sight to damage, no magazines to rely upon, 7 shot cylinder in a frame that will survive full-house .357 rounds, accurate, concealable and capable of shooting a wide range of .357/.38 ammunition. Add a .357 Marlin or Winchester lever action carbine to the mix, and you're pretty well set to cover most needs in a long-term situation.

 

[michael thornton]

625-3 with 100 or so loaded moon clips?

 

[Walker45]

I like the the 357 Magnum round, so it would definitely be a S&W .357 Magnum. Which model, well the 686 is as good as it gets. But I am sure you should get a wealth of answers to this because the question is based on personal opinion.

I simply like that round because of its use in both handguns and long guns. Also because if I were in a survival situation I know I could find the .357 Magnum round almost anywhere due to its popularity.

 

[Smith357]

The one I keep on my nightstand. A model 14 loaded with the venerable FBI load. It fits my hand perfectly, it points naturally for me, it is dead nutz accurate and I happen to have 2k round of ammo loaded. Nuff said.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

My every day carry weapons are indeed last ditch weapons. They are both "de-locked" new era Smith and Wesson revolvers. My 642-2 which has had an action job and chamfering of the charge holes (all it needed to be perfect) is great as a defensive revolver. I doubt I could take any reasonable game with it, but it works for people.

The second is my Smith and Wesson 386 Mountain Lite. It is a seven shot, titanium cylinder, scandium alloy framed revolver with a 3.1 (or so) inch barrel. I replaced the rear sight with a Cylinder and Slide Extreme Duty rear sight and an XS standard dot tritium sight up front. The action has been slicked up, charge holes chamfered and the hammer bobbed. The 386 is not so tough to conceal, even in the summer time (printing or even open carry is no problem in Pennsylvania, unless it is socially inappropriate) and she weighs about 19 ounces unloaded!!!

Now if you are talking Zombie Apocalypse SHTF, then my Smith 327 M&P R8 would be on my hip. The only modification I have made to that fine revolver is the addition of "Miculek" grips, which are smooth for my pleasure. Here is a picture...

 

[crofoot629]

I like your 625 with 3" tube myself.
Big bore and moon clips, what's not to love.

This is my best fighting revolver (629 no dash), it's relatively compact and a big bore. I mostly load it with Specials.

A 4" M&P in 38 special is a fine fighting gun too.

I have to admitt I'm rather Glock heavy and revolver light for shtf though.
However, the 629 is the gun on my desk right now as I type this if trouble should arise.

Emory

 

[Joe American]

I agree with each one of you. Just remeber to keep adequate supply of ammunition. Last year when there was a run on guns and ammo nationwide. 357 ammoc could not be bought in stores around me as it was sold out for weeks

 

[RussellD]

When the temps get in the 90's and its hard to carry anything larger, I feel quite comfortable with a j frame in my pocket.

 

[daa9mm]

An Airlite J frame of some type stoked with 38 Sp 125 gr +Ps with both a waistband holster and pocket holster, supplemented with two to three speed loaders with the same ammo is my choice for a last ditch revolver.

 

[snowman.45]

Ammo

Agreed, Joe. I took up reloading again and have built up a bit of .357/.38 Special, .45 ACP, .44 Mag/Special, .223, and .308. I won't get caught short again. I have been collecting wheel weights and casting bullets for the handguns, as well. I buy brass from the local range and what I collect from my own shooting and what we leave behind from department shoots. All in all, most of my reloading costs are in new molds, powder and primers, and I've been buying powder and primers in quantity as well. I prefer to have at least 1000 rounds of each of the above calibers on hand. What I load in those calibers beyond that I divide in half between additional stores and range use.

I agree with each one of you. Just remeber to keep adequate supply of ammunition. Last year when there was a run on guns and ammo nationwide. 357 ammoc could not be bought in stores around me as it was sold out for weeks

 

[Brian41]

I'd have my 686 plus in 2 1/2 inch in a belt holster with a long gun in my hands. Since a handgun is a fall back, last ditch weapon I doubt the extra capacity of an autoloader would mean very much.

 

[redlevel]

Four inch skinny barrel Model-10 loaded with Buffalo Bore 158 grain gas check +p and a pocket full of speed strips.

 

[crofoot629]

I'd have my 686 plus in 2 1/2 inch in a belt holster with a long gun in my hands. Since a handgun is a fall back, last ditch weapon I doubt the extra capacity of an autoloader would mean very much.

One never knows.

I've never been in a gunfight but several of my friends and coworkers have.

In one shootout two of them emptied their 9mm Glocks as fast as they could and the 350 lbs homicidal knife welded man finally fell at their feet as they ran out of room to retreat in the small house.

It's the unusual gunfight survivor who though his gun was too big or had too much capacity. Just saying.

One of same coppers recently killed a man with two shots from his AR. Yes long guns are better, but that was not the OP's question.

Emory

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have used both as service weapons. I like the dependable of the revolver and the high capacity of the auto. However the few instances where my butt was on the "Line" I wished for something belt fed.( Plus a extra clean pair of shorts)
Jimmy

 

[Cocked & Locked]

.357 X 8

I suppose that would have to be my eight shot .357 627-PC

eight to go...count'em

 

[Nframe357]

686 no question followed by a my 6" 629 no dash which is the most accurate Smith that I own. 357's are loaded with Federal 125's which I carried on duty in my ealy LE years, and the 44 has CorBon DPX.

 

[Dave_n]

625 with multiple moon clips. Extremely accurate, ammo relatively easy to find and I just like the slow heavy bullet. Dave_n

 

[sjmjax]

As for a last ditch revolver, I prefer the Hotchkiss over the S&W!