The Everything Gun
- Thread starter Old Griz
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BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That is indeed a toughie. I can't decide between these two:
Model 686+ Mountain Gun, the 1998 version. Weighs 35.5 ounces, about the same, or a bit less, as a 4 inch Model 19/66, with an extra shot. Stronger and longer lived. Not much larger than the Combat Magnums, so still concealable with some effort.
Model 629 Mountain Gun. Chambers and shoots what realistically is the most versatile handgun cartridge in the world. The tapered barrel makes it a bit easier to carry than the standard barrel at the price of increased recoil. Big, full-charge ammo would likely be needed only for big game hunting where it would be shot slowly, deliberately, single action, so recoil is tolerable.
i would probably base my choice on whether or not I could still handload or had to depend on store-bought ammunition. I would go with the 686 if I had to shoot only factory stuff.
Maybe.
If big game hunting wasn't considered, hands down a stainless Colt Government Model 1911 in .45 ACP.
Model 686+ Mountain Gun, the 1998 version. Weighs 35.5 ounces, about the same, or a bit less, as a 4 inch Model 19/66, with an extra shot. Stronger and longer lived. Not much larger than the Combat Magnums, so still concealable with some effort.
Model 629 Mountain Gun. Chambers and shoots what realistically is the most versatile handgun cartridge in the world. The tapered barrel makes it a bit easier to carry than the standard barrel at the price of increased recoil. Big, full-charge ammo would likely be needed only for big game hunting where it would be shot slowly, deliberately, single action, so recoil is tolerable.
i would probably base my choice on whether or not I could still handload or had to depend on store-bought ammunition. I would go with the 686 if I had to shoot only factory stuff.
Maybe.
If big game hunting wasn't considered, hands down a stainless Colt Government Model 1911 in .45 ACP.
carbofan21
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this is an easy one for me. the s&w 686+ .357 mag with 3 inch barrel. i already own one, and it is the last gun i would ever sell for exactly the reasons asked in this thread.
it is small enough (barely) to conceal with the right belt and holster combo. it is accurate enough out to 50 yards, and with the right loads, powerful enough for close range hunting and can punch deep holes in dangerous critters. it is also very handy and well balanced, perfect for home defense. a great shooter all-around.
it is small enough (barely) to conceal with the right belt and holster combo. it is accurate enough out to 50 yards, and with the right loads, powerful enough for close range hunting and can punch deep holes in dangerous critters. it is also very handy and well balanced, perfect for home defense. a great shooter all-around.
stantheman86
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S&W answer- a 6" 686+ with the multi-caliber moonclip conversion, so you can shoot 9mm Para, .38 Super, .380 and still use .357 and .38. A revolver that can use any ammo in the 9mm/.38 family has huge advantages. These kind of clips always turn into a "SHTF gun" debate, so the ability to use the most common handgun ammo on Earth is an advantage. Plus 9mm is much cheaper in bulk.
Other answer- A Ruger .454 Super Redhawk with moonclip conversion, to give the option of .45 ACP for "general use", also .45 Long Colt and then .454 Casull for big stuff that needs to be really dead
Other answer- A Ruger .454 Super Redhawk with moonclip conversion, to give the option of .45 ACP for "general use", also .45 Long Colt and then .454 Casull for big stuff that needs to be really dead
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GyMac
US Veteran
I would prefer a Model 19 with a 4 inch barrel, but I think a M1911 in .45 ACP would be the better choice. Just my opinion.
Chris
Chris
RABULL
Member
If I was down to one handgun, it would be S & W Model 29-2 or 629 4" .44 Magnum Revolver. It is an all round revolver with a variety of .44 Special and .44 magnum loads. You can carry it concealed and could hunt with it. Of course, a longer barrel would be better for hunting and a shorter barrel would be better for CCW. I guess that is why I have Mode 29's or 629's in 2 1/2", 3", 4", 6" 6 1/2" and 8 3/8" but if I could have only only one I guess it would be a 4" model.
617fan
US Veteran
I love all my Smiths', but my "only one gun" answer would be a Winchester Model 12 pump in 12 gauge. For a handgun; I'd opt for something readily concealable like a 3" Model 60 in .357.
Dave T
Member
Since this is posted in the "Revolvers" section of the Forum I'll limit my answer to that. The most indestructible revolver I've ever owned is a 3-screw Ruger Blackhawk. If I could reload in this hypothetical scenario I would choose my cut down (4-5/8") Flat-top 44 Blackhawk.
Now since this is after all a S&W forum, a one and only Smith revolver for me would have to be some version of the N-frame 45 ACP. I have a pre-25 I had cut down to a 5" that I love. Just got a 625-2 that I think I'm going to like as well. But for this scenario (one revolver for everything) I might go with the one I'm having built right now. A blued version of Smith's Mountain Gun with all the full moon clips I can manage. Got a good supply of 45 ACP ammo and with the ability to reload (components on hand or available) I could feed the 45 ACP revolver with everything from plinking loads to +P 230g JHPs.
Some have objected to N-frames for concealed carry but it can be done with some thought and care. The size and weight would be worth it to me and the 45 caliber lightens the load in a big revolver over a 357 version of the same gun.
Dave
Now since this is after all a S&W forum, a one and only Smith revolver for me would have to be some version of the N-frame 45 ACP. I have a pre-25 I had cut down to a 5" that I love. Just got a 625-2 that I think I'm going to like as well. But for this scenario (one revolver for everything) I might go with the one I'm having built right now. A blued version of Smith's Mountain Gun with all the full moon clips I can manage. Got a good supply of 45 ACP ammo and with the ability to reload (components on hand or available) I could feed the 45 ACP revolver with everything from plinking loads to +P 230g JHPs.
Some have objected to N-frames for concealed carry but it can be done with some thought and care. The size and weight would be worth it to me and the 45 caliber lightens the load in a big revolver over a 357 version of the same gun.
Dave
roaddog28
Member
corky52
Member
Just my opinion
L frame 686
.38/.357
4"
Ammo availability, ease of care (Stainless), concealable with right rig.
L frame 686
.38/.357
4"
Ammo availability, ease of care (Stainless), concealable with right rig.
Moondancer
Member
686 4".
Beefy enough to handle heavy hunting loads, and although marginal for bear it is sufficient for deer.
Capable of shooting .38 target loads for plinking and small game.
125-grain JHP for self-defense purposes.
Small enough to conceal with the right gear and cover garment. Open carry is no problem whatsoever. Again, a good belt and holster makes all the difference.
Loose rounds, speed/quik strips or speedloader capable.
Shotshells if so desired.
I had one and let it go. I'm on the hunt for another one.
Beefy enough to handle heavy hunting loads, and although marginal for bear it is sufficient for deer.
Capable of shooting .38 target loads for plinking and small game.
125-grain JHP for self-defense purposes.
Small enough to conceal with the right gear and cover garment. Open carry is no problem whatsoever. Again, a good belt and holster makes all the difference.
Loose rounds, speed/quik strips or speedloader capable.
Shotshells if so desired.
I had one and let it go. I'm on the hunt for another one.
JT
Member
629 MG. Second runnerup would be 624 or 629 4". Nuff said.
Mule88
Member
Id have to go with my 629 DX with 5 inch bbl. .44 special or equilivent light loads or full bore .44 mag. Should cover any situation pretty well.
David Sinko
Member
If I had to grab one gun and go, these will not be the best of times. Concealment would be a top priority. I'll take my .45 ACP Model 625 with 3" barrel. Ball ammo is available everywhere. With .45 Super handloads I can get over 900 FPS with 255 gr. bullets. It's not exactly a pocket gun, but it can cleanly kill anything on this continent and is still easily concealed. My Mountain Guns are definitely lighter but that 3" full lug barrel balances better for me and shoots everything extremely well.
Dave Sinko
Dave Sinko
easyrider604
Member
686-3, 6 shot with 6 inch barrel, red dot scope on Aimtech mount.
If hunting were not in the parameters, I'd go with a 4 inch barrel.
The dot scope is a personal necessity if I want to hit anything farther than 15 meters.
This revolver is one of two that I probably would never want to sell. The other is a stainless Ruger GP100/6 inch barrel.
If hunting were not in the parameters, I'd go with a 4 inch barrel.
The dot scope is a personal necessity if I want to hit anything farther than 15 meters.
This revolver is one of two that I probably would never want to sell. The other is a stainless Ruger GP100/6 inch barrel.
rebelray84
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The everything gun?I been saving up for one of these bad boys!
Combat_Diver
US Veteran
Usually I'll answer with either a 3" HB, RB m65 or 4" SB m66. Then I went to Germany for 3 years and only took one handgun and that was my 1911 in .45 ACP with my Colt .22LR conversion. I've done the choice also with my m58 in .41mag. Just depends on the enviroment and tasks at the time. Since I don't currently own anymore K frames the the choice would be either my 58 or 1911 still.
CD
CD
+1 on that when loading your own .45 Colt can do it all. Casting your own, even more so.
safearm
US Veteran
I think I'd go with a stainless steel, fixed sight, round butt, 4" barrel L-frame in .357 Magnum. You can shoot everything from .38 S&W to full-house .357 Magnum, including shotshells. You don't have to worry about knocking the sights off, and the stainless finish resists weather, sweat, etc. With the RB, it's fairly easy to carry concealed, and the 4" barrel is a reasonable compromise between comfort and velocity. Unfortunately, S&W doesn't make one of these, and the neither does Ruger (Speed Six).
G.T. Smith
US Veteran
If my only gun had to be a long gun, it would be my 12 ga. pump shotgun. Ammo ranging from 3" magnum slugs, to 2 and 3/4" light field loads a person can kill just about anything.
I my only gun had to be a handgun, it would probably be my m65-4 4".
Peace,
gordon
I my only gun had to be a handgun, it would probably be my m65-4 4".
Peace,
gordon
Every one I own is the perfect gun! However, limited to one, I would have a tough time choosing between my 3" 629 and my 25-13 mountain gun. I know, lots of people here are allergic to the lock but I've never had it move and I shoot some pretty hot stuff through the gun, so I'm not too worried about that part of it.
Bullseye Smith
Member
safearm
US Veteran
Do you mean something like this?
Yep, that's the one! Very nice; I didn't think about the fiber optic front sight, but that's a bonus. Is it DA only, or just a bobbed hammer?
caryg
Member
Only one handgun, my alaskan 454, only shotgun, remmington wingmaster, only carry gun, model 60, only rifle, marlin 1895 45 -70
el jefe
Member
It hurts my head to think about just having 1 gun.
When you added "hunting" to the equation, it upped the caliber.
A 4" .357 is the logical choice (pick a model).
Maybe even a 3".
I'm trying to keep in under 5 guns as I live my new life of simplicity and I don't hunt. I'm not having much luck.
When you added "hunting" to the equation, it upped the caliber.
A 4" .357 is the logical choice (pick a model).
Maybe even a 3".
I'm trying to keep in under 5 guns as I live my new life of simplicity and I don't hunt. I'm not having much luck.
Bullseye Smith
Member
It is Double Action only with a forged hammer and is getting ready for a forged trigger transplant 
.
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