Most versatile defensive handgun?

[Jim March]

Jercamp45: 357 ammo has come a LONG way in 25 years.

The 158grain ultra-modern JHPs like the Speer Gold Dot and Hornady XTP offer good expansion at around 1,150fps or more. A bit more for the XTP; it's a "deeper punch" solution for hunting. But either would have done that dog a much harder hit than JSPs. Heck, the very best 38+Ps available can probably beat 357 JSPs, esp. from a 4" tube.

Any three or four inch midframe (K/L/GP/etc) 357 can handle a huge array of power levels with utter reliability and can be fed very inexpensively.

 

[john l]

For me, the only answer is a Glock 20 10mm. Nothing else is as versatile.
You can load the round light, or you can load it to the point that all other calibers look away in self-loathing. You can conceal it fairly well, if that is a requirement, and it is relatively light.
so nah-nah-nah.
John l.

 

[gunslinger387]

Ruger SP101 in 357. It is a little heavy for pocket carry but is very concealable. I have a spurless 2 1/4" barrel but all things being equal I think I would go for the three inch. I had it by the bed for a few years and never felt lacking.

 

[Berg01]

I have to admit that overall the 642 seems to fit the bill the best as far as my needs are concerned.

I think you have answered your own question...you might want to try the 125 gr. .38 Spl. +P GDHPs which were designed for .38 Spl +P snub-nose revolvers like the 642; the version with the Crimson Trace Laser Grips is an interesting piece!

 

[Smoke]

I had to go check to make sure this wasn't posted in the Revovler forum!

I am somewhat surprised at the number of wheelgun replies.

For me it will remain the 1911 varient. In the even that a bad guy is in my house and I'm so geeked up that I miss.. I have 8 rounds (minimum, 17 max.) and can perform a reload much faster than I can with a revovler.

Plus the 1911 is the gun I shoot most often, am most familier with. A good feeling when in need.

Smoke

 

[Ala Dan]

My vote goes too my Smith & Wesson 6" 686-5

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[gulogulo1970]

How about the Glock 36.

 

[Rob62]

Glock G23

A third generation G23 should fit the bill nicely. But there's nothing wrong with the other guns mentioned.

Rob

 

[jercamp45]

yes, indeed...Mr March!

The .357 mag has come along way in the last quarter of a century!! BUT so has the .45 ammo selection!!
In the meantime, I have accumluated 25 years of shooting experience with the .45 auto, feel very comfortable with it, trust it, and carry one every day...this old dog likes his choice in armaments and plans to stick with it.
The subject was a defensive gun for concealment and home defense against two legged critters....hunting with a handgun was not mentioned by the original poster(and a rifle is the best tool there anyway), nor was a restriction on pocket carry.
Each person can carry whatever he wants...that is the beauty of choice. The 1911 is the 'most versatile'platform for MY defensive needs.
May our choices never be needed and if they are, may they never fail!
Jercamp45

 

[RON in PA]

Three inch .357 revolver, either a Ruger GP100 or a Smith 65/13.

 

[litework]

I would take the Glock 20, as well. You can get any weight from 135 up to 200 + grains. Ammo can be loaded "lite", which will give you .40 S&W performance in a much stronger platform, or "heavy." The Glock 20 has an accessory rail, a high magazine capacity, a good selection of quality aftermarket sights (and you'll want to replace the factory ones), and a lot of other non-essentials that are extremely essential, depending on who you ask. It is a large auto, but it can be concealed if you get a large enough backpack. Actually, it isn't that hard to conceal.

 

[357wheelgunner]

My 3 inch S&W model 65 .357 goes everywhere with me, except for class. It carries easily, even in hot weather, and I can shoot it very well. Backed up with a couple of speedloaders, I am very confident in myself and my weapon.

 

[Dienekes]

4" medium frame .357 DA revolver (125 gr JHP) . Everything you need and nothing you don't.

When things get tense and all you have in your hand is a J frame you really, really wish you had brought along the big gun. The old saw, "a good big man can beat the hell out of a good small man" is mostly true.

That said my always gun is a 442; however it is a rare day when that is my sole armament.

 

[Black Majik]

Since I dont CCW all I really need a gun for is home defense.

That's why I use my Colt Government 1911 as my defense gun. I think I'd feel prett comfortable carrying this gun if need be, its flat and manageable.


The 1911 platform is what I'm most accurate with. It uses .45 ACP, my preferred round. and c'mon... its a pretty defense gun.

 

[Michael Zeleny]

A SIG P210 in 9x19mm with conversion kits for 7.65x21mm and 22LR:

http://www.simpsonltd.com/LugerRoom/EarlyandMiscAutomaticPistols/C2768 MP-62/C2768.htm

An Artillery Luger, whilst wearing loose-fitting clothes:

 

[Rob96]

Even though I carry a Glock 19 or a Colt 1911, if I could only have one, it would be a 3"-4" barreled 357 magnum revolver. Offers a lot of versatility.

 

[valnar]

2.5-3" Smith model 66.

-Robert

 

[ChiefPilot]

It's kind of like church, where the answer to every question starts with "Jesus, because...". Except in this case, it is "1911, because..."

 

[Marshall]

CCW........2-3" J-frame or, Sp-101 if you're a Ruger fan.

Home Defense.......4" N-frame Mountain Gun in .45 Colt