Next gun?

[5wheelin']

So, of course, I'm always thinking about what gun I want to buy next. I was thinking of getting another handgun seeing as I only have one at the moment, and was trying to decide between a couple options.

Option 1: I love my 642 so much I'm really tempted to buy a 442. I suppose it makes the least sense because it's essentially the same thing, though I probably would carry them both at the same time every now and again.

Option 2: A smith and wesson .357 magnum. Haven't decided on specific model yet but one with either a 3 or 4 inch barrel. I figure it would make a nice primary carry on days I don't only carry my 642. I could use the 642 as a backup or carry the 357 when I don't mind carrying a heavier gun. I'm always in the woods too and for some reason it seems like a good "outdoorsman's gun." It also can use .38 ammo so if I did carry the 357 as a primary and 642 as a bug, I could keep a reload that would work for both.

Option 3: An autoloader. Probably a glock 26 or 19 simply because I already have holsters and a few hundred rounds of 9mm laying around. Fulfills the same role pretty much as a 357 obviously with more capacity. For some reason I love my 642 so much I've been a little hyped on revolvers, but I do see the benefit of having a higher capacity semi-auto as a "main" gun or one I carry by itself in colder months.


Any suggestions? Thoughts?

 

[ColbyBruce]

I was carrying this Glock 26 and two ten round mags on a hike in north GA two years ago when a black bear crossed the trail behind my wife, then followed alongside until we reached the summit. It was little comfort to me.

I now carry this S&W 1006 10mm when hiking. A little more weight, lots more power.

Around the house in the mountains, I carry either a S&W 65-3 or 65-5. The 180 grain .357 magnum loads are potent if I do my part

 

[Old cop]

Lots of good options but if you're beginning to build your collection you may want to think about what happens if your primary EDC goes down for some reason. A second J frame might make sense for you, and then go for the others as you have the time & resources.

 

[sourdough44]

The Glock 26 is a solid choice, a variety of magazine options.

I just added a Walther PPS in 9mm to the stable. It's a smaller semi-auto with up to an 8 +1 capacity in the 9mm. They do say that last round in the mag is about impossible. It's a very narrow gun, unlike the Glock 26. It's offered in 40 to. A ballpark price is $550-600. Reviews are very good overall.

I woods carry a fair amount, don't really feel a need for a heavy hand cannon in most areas.

 

[ColbyBruce]

There is very little difference in size between a Glock 19 & 26, about a thumb width in height and length. If your 26 mags have the + extension the height is basically equal between the two. Handle and shoot both models, if possible, before you buy one.

Consider the S&W Shield as well.

 

[5wheelin']

Lots of good options but if you're beginning to build your collection you may want to think about what happens if your primary EDC goes down for some reason. A second J frame might make sense for you, and then go for the others as you have the time & resources.

That's another reason why I was thinking about picking up another little J frame. I was thinking about switching it up a bit, maybe getting one that's DA/SA, but it looks like all the DA/SA ones that they sell now look like they have the lock on it. I was hoping to pick up a new one so I can get the lifetime warrantee with it. Plus I'm also contemplating whether or not a DA/SA is worth it in the first place. For the range it would be nice but I'm also getting pretty good at staging the trigger on my 642 anyway. I still do like the thought of having a J frame with an exposed hammer though.

Along the lines of a second J frame, I've been looking at some of the "pro" options as well as some of the "performance center" ones. Only thing I've seen with the pro are they're cut for moon clips which I don't really care about and apparently the triggers are done up with the performance center ones which I also don't really care all that much about simply because I'm planning to shoot it / dry fire it often enough to "break the trigger in" anyway. Besides that, are there any advantages to the performance center ones?

There is very little difference in size between a Glock 19 & 26, about a thumb width in height and length. If your 26 mags have the + extension the height is basically equal between the two. Handle and shoot both models, if possible, before you buy one.

Consider the S&W Shield as well.

I've owned a Glock 19 before and was quite fond of it. I wouldn't have gotten rid of it but I wanted money for a J frame I could take with me everywhere. I suppose thinking back at it I should have just saved up for the 642 as well, but, what can you do now. My familiarity with the Glock platform is what's drawing me back to them. I was also thinking that I might as well just get another 19 because the J frame is my "always and everywhere" gun, so I don't necessarily need to compromise capacity in a Glock because it's going to be used as my "larger" gun anyway.

In a perfect financial world I'd probably get a second J frame, a 357, and a Glock 19. I probably will own them all at some point, just trying to figure what's the best place to start.

 

[RevolverDen]

My camping gun is either one of my many .357 revolvers or my G29 10mm Glock.

As for Glocks, I own in 9mm the G19 and G26. The G19 is the one I would keep out of the pair as it is a better overall gun to shoot for me feel wise and is also why I went for the G23 in .40S&W which is the same size as the G19. Turned out to be the reason why I sold my Ruger SR40C (which gave me some FTF/FTE and lock back issues at the range). I've kept 9mm's around solely because the cost of ammo is low and is typically available for SHTF scenario if there were another rush on ammo. But my choice semi-auto caliber for which I turn to when not carrying any of my .38/.357 revolvers is .40S&W and why I added the M&P40C and .40S&W Shield to my collection. But I digress...

Between the .40S&W semi autos and .357 revolvers I feel I enough ample firepower for most anything I would come up against.

I'd recommend either the .357 revolver in 3" or 2.5" L or N frame for your woods walk or the 10 mm G29.

 

[SW01SS]

So many good options out there it comes down to personal preference. I hate the way Glocks feel in my hand so that option is out the window for me.. but for you the ergonomics may feel just right. So it really depends on the individual. Out of the choices you listed I'd go with the .357 if I had to pick one. However if I was not limited to those 3 I'd go with a 1911 (assuming I didn't already have one) or an S&W M&P pistol, which is what I want as my next pistol purchase.

 

[Protected One]

My next gun will be a Ruger SP101. It's a .357 magnum which is as good as a same size S&W and at least $200 cheaper.

Since you mentioned a .357 I recommend you look at this one!

 

[forrestinmathews]

Option 1: I love my 642 so much I'm really tempted to buy a 442. I suppose it makes the least sense because it's essentially the same thing, though I probably would carry them both at the same time every now and again.

Option 2: A smith and wesson .357 magnum. Haven't decided on specific model yet but one with either a 3 or 4 inch barrel. I figure it would make a nice primary carry on days I don't only carry my 642. I could use the 642 as a backup or carry the 357 when I don't mind carrying a heavier gun. I'm always in the woods too and for some reason it seems like a good "outdoorsman's gun." It also can use .38 ammo so if I did carry the 357 as a primary and 642 as a bug, I could keep a reload that would work for both.

Option 3: An autoloader. Probably a glock 26 or 19 simply because I already have holsters and a few hundred rounds of 9mm laying around. Fulfills the same role pretty much as a 357 obviously with more capacity.


Any suggestions? Thoughts?

Option one is pretty cool. Same ammo. Same speedloaders. Carrying two guns at the same time is a pain at times. Where do you put all the other stuff that needs to go in your pockets?

Option two is less cool. Full sized revolvers are something that requires a little planning to conceal. The idea of .38's as reloads is a good one for two reasons: speed and common ammunition supply if you've got a little guy along too. They will only reload from the same device if you use speed strips, of which I am not a fan.

Option three needs to go back to the drawing board all together. Why on earth would you carry a 9mm by itself during the colder months? This setup is underpowered to me during a time period where people are heavily clothed. I take the .357 full sized revolver over any 9mm here. I do not find them equals, the .357 has a lot more penetration and velocity to facilitate expansion. I prefer a .45 or 10mm during the colder months. It makes me feel warmer and fuzzier inside. You might trade the 9mm ammo off or get a conversion barrel for your next .40 caliber pistol. Holsters are something we all seem to have lots of laying around. Trade them off or sell them with the gun. I never let a holster make the choice in a purchase.

 

[jackvs1]

S&W Baby Chief - smooth ramped front sight & Colt BOA!! This will complete my Baby Chief collection & Snake collection.

 

[MOONDAWG]

Next on my short list is a Mossberg MVP in either .223 or .308; both of which (IMO) are a couple of

The former accepts high capacity M-16 mags the latter M-14 mags.

A couple of rungs on the ladder above Cooper's Scout Rifle.

 

[Model39]

Model 640 Pro...Enough Said.

Best CCW to date. 357, full moon clips, all steel construction 3 dot night sights, no lock, easily concealed....enough said.

 

[Coaltminer]

It'll be a rifle of some type, bolt action, 30 cal or larger, Moossberg MVP, Savage Hog Hunter in 338 or something like that. Want open sights.

 

[Waywatcher]

It is easy for me to put myself in your shoes in this situation.

I have a 442; if it was my only handgun and I had to pick my next one, I would pick a big bore. Either a .44 or a .45, but not a magnum. Sharing a bore size on two handguns with different roles is more limiting than freeing. I'm a handloader, so I would pick a .44 Special or my .45 ACP. I've tried magnums but I'm just not a fan.

Compared to each other, the .45 ACP is superior as a carry gun, in my opinion, while the .44 special is superior as an outdoors/hunting caliber.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

How about a small mouse gun for a BUG? Seecamp 32 semi-auto or NAA Pug mini revolver. Both are top quality and very capable in the right hands.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

SO MANY SCENARIOS!!!!!!!!!! Hard to respond....but I'll try. Not having to make "my next gun" purchase, it's just choices. Let's start by saying that from a technical perspective I have all of the guns that I'll ever need and the only reason I buy more is "want to"! So, let's talk scenarios:

Concealed carry in the city - I carry a 642 every day. I'm satisfied with that. On those rare days when I feel like I need extra firepower, and assuming I am not wearing a coat but just a vest (which I routinely wear) then I carry the 642 in its usual front pants pocket and one form of 9mm or another in a belt holster. I'd prefer a .357 Magnum or even a snubby .38 (short barreled Model 19 or a Model 10) but concealment is an issue so the flat gun wins.

Carrying in the woods (non-bear woods) - Any form of .357 Magnum or .38 Special that strikes my fancy and works with my wardrobe of the day. I never carry a pistol in the woods; revolvers can get dirty and remain reliable. That's personal to me - many folks swear by the reliability of their pistols. So, whether it's a small gun or a larger one it will be a revolver and in most cases a .357 loaded with high quality defensive ammunition, probably in .38 Special, maybe +P. When I am hunting I always carry a revolver with me.

Carrying in the bear woods - which I will be doing later this summer in northern Colorado - a .357 Magnum revolver loaded with .357 Magnum rounds will be with me at all times. Not a snubby, either; I'll forego my beloved short barrels for a 4 inch barreled revolver.

That's the view from my saddle but, again, it's not which gun to buy choice, it's a which gun to take out of the safe choice, and that matters!

Good luck!

***GRJ***

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

I am resisting all thoughts about a next gun. I am working instead on enjoying the ones I have now.

 

[HankG]

Seriously looking for a Diamondback 9mm with a serial number YExxxx at a decent price. Second generation pistol that is supposed to have splined and staked pins, staked sear shaft, redesigned sear block and new slide...no fish scales, deep serrations front and rear. I own a first and second generation .380 and after doing a completed teardown and buff, have had no problems shooting Hornady XTPs with minimum damage to my shooting hand.

 

[Jim1392]

Option 2: A smith and wesson .357 magnum. Haven't decided on specific model yet but one with either a 3 or 4 inch barrel. I figure it would make a nice primary carry on days I don't only carry my 642. I could use the 642 as a backup or carry the 357 when I don't mind carrying a heavier gun. I'm always in the woods too and for some reason it seems like a good "outdoorsman's gun." It also can use .38 ammo so if I did carry the 357 as a primary and 642 as a bug, I could keep a reload that would work for both.

Any suggestions? Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

If you like J frame's you might like the 60-15 3". I have one and like it a lot. Nice sight, and smooth trigger compared to a 642. I also have a 642 so I have compared both. My next gun purchase if I can find one will be a 640 357 Pro.