Which would you want for a sd gun?

[Dr.Rob]

I'd be looking for a used Colt a new Smith or a new Ruger. The sp101 is available in that .327 mag.

If I had NO other choice, Taurus has a better track record than Charter for repair and service should you need it.

 

[BushyGuy]

i carry a .32 acp beretta for my light carry gun , i am confident with 8 shots of silvertips important thing i will think twice and make those shots count! for serious firepower i will carry my Taurus PT92C or my Ruger SR9 if i go into high risk areas , but for low risk areas i carry the .32 acp i like it cuz its only 1 pound

 

[mnrivrat]

Pocket carry is a key issue here - I carry a Taurus small frame in total titanium (13oz) in the .32 H&R Magnum chambering.

I haven't had the pleasure of handling their .327 Mag gun yet , but might vote yes on it if I could handle one first.

 

[moredes]

I don't like the manufacturers you have listed.

+1 I'm not a fan of any of your three OEMs. I'd buy a backup 1911 now. If money's a problem then I'd go with your craving to purchase another revolver, but I'd make it a .38 Airweight.

 

[riverdog]

None of the above

S&W may have a higher initial price tag, but with that price comes a fairly high quality firearm and excellent support. If it ever has an issue S&W pays shipping both ways and IME the turnaround is good. Look for a used S&W if the price of new is too steep.

 

[ugaarguy]

Smith$wesson(pun intended) Is just way more expensive for a comparable product.

Except that Taurus isn't quite comparable*, and Charter doesn't come close. S&W's usually unly cost about 20% more than a similarly featured Taurus or Charter. With Taurus you're getting a foreign made gun. While Charter's are US made their lightweight .38 specials are not +P rated. With that in mind I have no desire to test their frame & cylinder strength with the .327 Federal Mag which operates at more than double the pressure (45K PSI vs. 20K PSI) of the .38 Spl +P.

A Ruger SP-101 in .327 Federal Mag would be a great choice, except for weight if you want to pocket carry. If you're dead set on a .32 revolver you could look around and find a S&W 432 in 32 H&R Mag.

*http://grantcunningham.com/blog_files/no_taurus_work.html - my local gunsmiths pretty much echo Mr. Cunningham's thoughts on Taurus' internals.

 

[Old Fuff]

I looked into Grant's comments concerning Taurus handguns - revolvers in particular. I agree with some of what he says, although both of mine (a model 85 .38 Special and model 445 .44 Special) both have factory stock actions, and are fine so far as I'm concerned. The real issue I think is that it's almost impossible to get parts out of them in a timely manner, and that's a valid beef. No gunsmith wants to work on something when he can't get the parts he needs for good reason. So far I haven't had any problems, but on this issue I can see where he might be coming from. Also he's not exactly lacking for work too do...

 

[denfoote]

None of the above.

This.



Taurus 605

It's been around for years.
All the bugs have been worked out.
I've had mine for years.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Of those listed I'd pick the 44. I had a Bulldog years ago and I am sorry I sold it.

For other I'd choose a (pre lock) S&W J Frame (I have 6).

My first choice is a Kimber Ultra 45ACP.

 

[GRAYRID3R]

I think I paid around $400 for my 642 airweight NIB. Worth every penny of it.There are a lot of used J frames around, check out the pawn shops.

 

[SigP229R]

I voted none of the above since my choice of daily carry is a Sig Sauer .40 S&W.

 

[Thomas Garrett]

I also voted none of the above. It's either .38 Special of .45 ACP for me.

 

[Dogbite]

Out of what you listed, I would choose the 44 special. I like the big bore at moderate velocities. Also, the 44 Charter Arms has an almost legendary following for a reason. An army of cops used to use them as back up with great results. I carry a J-frame for ease of carry-very comfortable and reliable.

 

[woad_yurt]

Go for a used S&W J-frame if you're set on a small revolver. They're better guns, period.

 

[smallbore]

S&W .38 +P rated snubbie (model 442 or 642) loaded w/new Critical Defense ammo and a couple of Bianchi speed strips.

 

[Meeteetse]

NONE OF THE ABOVE. . . . . .Call me a gun snob, but Ruger and S&W are they only revolvers I would consider for self defense.

 

[gunnie]

Eric F,

perhaps hso's advice is worth looking into?

http://www.gunsamerica.com/91075814.../Rock_Island_Compact_Tactical_45_Armscorp.htm

http://www.midwesthuntersoutlet.com/item.aspx?pid=41707

http://www.snipercountrypx.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=4799

not familiar with the taurus. don't know anyone who owns/ has owned the charter arms bulldog 44 spc. who shot them much without mechanical problems and or outright failure of this revolver.

gunnie

 

[Monster Zero]

.44 Special

From the choices listed, I'd choose the .44 hands down. A big ol' fat bullet moving at about the velocity of a brick. That's what's made the .45 a success for almost 100 years.

The .327 cartridge seems to just be a solution to a nonexistent problem to me.

Of course there's always the good ol' model 642/442, which are really the only true concealed carry pieces made. All the rest are imitations.

 

[9mm+]

The poll question was for a pocket gun. Unless you have big pockets, I would vote for none of the above. My choices would be a 380 auto (Kahr or Ruger LCP) loaded with 100 gr. +P rounds from Buffalo Bore.

 

[christcorp]

Probably the worst poll yet. 2 of the most useless calibers for self defense. Not because of ballistics, but because of availability, price, and weapon compatibility. Kind of goes along with the 357sig, 45GAP, and a number of other useless calibers.

 

[lawboy]

None of the above. Years ago, like 20 years ago, I owned two of the Charter Arms Bulldog and Bulldog Pug revolvers. They were fine. My friend just bought a new one, stainless, it is okay thus far. They are not good pocket guns. They are too big and too heavy when loaded for pants pocket duty and they are not built heavy enough for my taste.
327 Federal ... if they say so. Give me a D frame Colt or J frame Smith any day, in 38spl, of course! On the 327 Federal, I would be wary of firing it indoors with a short barreled gun. Permanent hearing loss seems likely. 38spl won't have that issue. I have done it. 45ACP is also forgiving indoors where at 357 Magnum will seriously damage hearing.

 

[6_gunner]

I voted "none of the above," but if I had to choose I'd go with the Charter .44.

Personally, I'd prefer a Ruger SP101 in .357.

 

[SpotlightRanger]

Of those I would pick the .44. But before that there is a whole list of other guns I would get first.