Let's pretend that..

[wheelyfun66]

One handgun only???
I will eliminate hunting as a need, and focus on self-defense needs.

S&W 686-4 with 2.5" barrel
or.......
this:

 

[captainjohnsofd]

without a doubt Model 13/65 4".....it does almost anything

 

[Engineer1911]

An easy answer

More than one handgun, in different calibers were purchased with green cash. Powder, primers, bullets, and lead are in adequate supply to last 8 years. I will pick something that is color co-ordinated with my wife's shoes or my baggy shirt.

Old guys have to be style conscious -- something between 9 mm and 45 acp should do nicely in whatever barrel length fits.

Just ONE, you 've got to be kidding .

 

[Mule88]

My 5" 629 DX either way.

 

[KFrameFan]

3" 629
Or
Model 66 F-comp

 

[TrueTexan]

My 686+ 3 inch

 

[Green Frog]

Just one? Something I don't currently own... a Model 66-1 or if I could go with a little more weight, a 686 no dash, either with 4" barrel and factory smooth combats with finger grips. Glad I don't have to, since I really would want at least a 22 LR, a 327 FM, and a 44 Spl/Mag, and a 1911 in 45 and a 22 Semi and ...

What were we talking about?

Froggie

 

[Parker357]

Model 19 and 66's

 

[rwsmith]

answers

#1 686 all the way.

#2 a .22


OK the real answer to #2 is my 686 again

 

[Xfuzz]

I would go with this old beater....pre 29 1957 vintage.
Wide range with ammo choice.

 

[chuck8388]

It would be this 28-2 4in.

 

[Rick_A]

I'm pretty fond of my 22-4. There's numerous .45ACP factory loads as well as some specialty loads out there to cover most any use. Auto Rim cases increase that versatility.

A Model 25 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt cut for .45ACP moon clips would be pretty versatile, as well.

 

[22hipower]

Sacrilege I suppose, but:

#1 4 inch Python

#2 pre-Model 18 with 22LR and 22WMR cylinders

 

[POPPER]

While I feel blessed to have some 66s', 686s' and a couple of 28-2 highway patrolman models in 4" and 6" I have to give the nod in both scenarios to my 28-2 4" H/P and my favorite carry gun.

 

[neubert500]

For #1 my Thunder Ranch 21-4
For #2 my 329PD

 

[MikeyB]

#1 would be my S&W 1950 4" .44
#2 backup is my 3" GP100

 

[Wheel Fan]

My 3-inch 686 7 shooter

 

[radar1972]

586 w/ 4" barrel

 

[Beach-Hunter]

My two

My 1st..MODEL 60 No-dash My #2-A 3-inch MODEL 65..These would handle anything I would run into in Eastern Mass.

 

[Freischütz]

22-4 for me.