I thought it might be fun to see what peoples personal favorites are for general use and self defence.
(http://www.brightok.net/~cyscott1-ss/temp/model10.jpg)
I prefer revolvers for their simplicity. I use the model 10 Smith & Wesson 38 special. Easy to carry and easy to shoot. Very reliable and accurate. I like to use a 110 gr. semi jacketed hollow point.
I used a .357 S&W revolver for several years but found it a little awkward and hard to shoot due to the higher recoil. More power is not always better, at least not for me.
thats a great shooter scott, I used to have a 38 special as well.
for bump in the night, glock 21, full frame .45acp .. hollowpoint loads
(http://remtek.com/arms/glock/model/45/21/21.gif)
for on my hip in the country for critters and such, glock 27, subcompact .40s&w .. usually with cci shotload in .40
(http://bikergoddess.com/images/M27.gif)
I have laser sights on each but I have never used them. the .40 came with tritium sites front and back, those are awesome.
I have a preference for revolvers as well. My favorite is my short barreled Taurus Titanium 45 Long Colt; 5 rounds. 19 ounces empty; not sure what it is loaded but it is noticeably heavier. My preferred carrying load are the CCI Blazers; 200 gr. jacketed hollow points. I also have some hand loaded with 260 gr jacketed hollow points.
Colt 1911 45 ACP made by Springfield Arms
Stainless Steel
accurate and deadly
44 Super Redhawk with scope
but it is a real heavy piece -- accurate as all get out -- 6 inch groups at 50 yards off hand (when I practise)
Berretta 92 - I do not shoot it very well -- I think the grip may be too big --loaded with 14 Glaser Safety slugs stored loaded, half cocked, safety off in the bedroom
I have a Baretta .380 auto model 84 that I really like - but I wish it packed a bit more punch. Lots of bullets though - 13 rounds.
Sig P-220 .45 acp
Hard to say. It depends on where I am and what I'm doing.
Out in the sticks, Magnum Research BFR 45/LC-.410 1 chamner loaded with .410 #6, nest 3 chambers with 000 Buck and the last with 45LC.
General walking around, S&W mountain Pistol in 44mag loaded with stiff 44 Spl.
City General, Taurus 24/7 loaded with 45ACP Hardball. City General where I'm not supposed to have a gun, American Derringer Company, Derringer 45LC/.410....loaded with .410 000 Buck.
Where I may have my gun taken away (Legally) A $50.00 Rossie in .38 spl.
In my yard, S&W 422. One mag with LR and one with snakeshot
In the Kayak or boat or in severe weather, Glock 45ACP Hardball
On my bicycle, S&W 27 357 Mag.
ETC.
I like to dress for the occasion ;D
I also prefer revolvers. Smith & Wesson 38 special gets my vote.
S&W 629 Classic.
I think glocks are so pretty.
I used to think they looked too "boxy", but I've had a full sized/weight airsoft replica (gas blowback) Glock 19 for awhile, and I've grown to like it.. The G19 is real compact without feeling awkward, and it's got nice simple, trouble-free design...
I'd be interested in that glock 19 airsoft, I have a baretta 92fs replica in airsoft that I like, but would really like to find something a little closer to what I shoot regularly. Do you have a link for it?
Here's a review and a place where you can buy it:
http://www.airsplat.com/KWAG19-Airsoft-Handgun_review.htm
I have actually never spent a hundred dollars on an airsoft replica; I won the pistol in an art competition for an airsoft retailer's new logo... It's a pretty neat gun, though. The composite grip feels like you could park a truck on it, unlike the ABS grips on some of the other similarly priced guns. My only gripe is that the orange paint on the tip of the metal slide is practically enameled on, and the only way to do a nice job of removing it is to strip the paint off the whole slide and repaint from scratch...
I like the Makarov CZ 52 is my favorite plinking hand gun. You can buy 1,260 rounds of surplus for about $140. You cannot load your own brass cheaper than that. The round is just slightly less powerful than a 357 magnum. Its loud as all get out and sports a large flame out of the barrel. Its also easy to break down and clean -- which you need to do for the corrosive surplus rounds.
The recoil springs that come with most guns need replacing with stiffer springs in my opinion. Or maybe put ... the spring needs to be balanced to the load on this gun.
For self defense, I would not trust the surplus ammo. There are just too many bad duds in the lot. Not enough duds to ruin the economics of buying the old surplus ... but for self defense ... I want 100% or 99.999999% reliability in the ammo.
But guns are only fun if you can afford to shoot them. And I really only think you can safely protect yourself and your family with a gun who can afford to shoot regularly.
But a handgun is not my first choice for home protection. For a variety of reasons, I don't think you can beat a 12 guage with a short barrel. I rifle or handgun load can pass through sheetrock and travel remarkable distances. Birdshot at close range is lethal. But the lethal power of the load is quickly reduced over idstance or after pentrating most building surfaces. The sound of a pump shotgun can be intimidating to most and really communicates "I have a gun" without words. I think a shotgun is visually more intimidating as well. Plus, its a little easier to point versus aim. Though, it is a movie myth that 12 guage spread means you can shoot with your eyes closed.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/Mehaha/cz52-1.jpg)
Haven't even fired the S&W 38 yet. Still in the box.
Mr Mossberg and I get along well.
sparks
I agree that for indoor defense, or even around the property a shotgun with short barrel makes a fine weapon. For those who have never fired one into a board or watever at close range you should. The spread is not very great.
Quote from: MountainDon on April 02, 2009, 06:51:49 PM
I agree that for indoor defense, or even around the property a shotgun with short barrel makes a fine weapon. For those who have never fired one into a board or watever at close range you should. The spread is not very great.
While the only one I know of that you can shoot with your eyes closed, is the 12 ga pistol I made...you can buy and or make, spreader loads. These have cardboard partitions in the shell that cause the shot to break the pattern at the muzzle.
I have also gotten some extreme close range spread using swan shot. This is shot you make yourself (like the old timers did) you ladle lead through an iron screen about 5 feet over a pot of water. It forms a teardrop....boy does the stuff spread.
For nostalgia, I always liked the 1911A. My friend had a WWII model and it was fun. I prefer a shotgun, so I never had a reason to go buy a handgun. In a home defense I would prefer a pump 20, and as a second choice a double barrel double trigger 20 . Just my personal preference.
In my opinion a shotgun is also more intimidating visually. When I told the person that was trying to break in my door to get down on the ground, I never even had to fire a shot. Sorry to divert from the handgun questionnaire.
My next gun will be a Stoeger Cougar 8000 in 9mm.
(http://www.weekendhobby.com/gun/webboard/picture%5C303255000413.jpg)
(http://www.scottlandgraphics.com/images/best-no-trespassing-sign.jpg)
My next gun will be a Stoeger Cougar 8000 in 9mm.
This is one of three hand guns I have (the only new gun I have ever purchased). As you probably already know from reading the Funs & Ammo article, this is a Beretta design licensed to Stoeger -- but at a much better price. So, for design to cost ratio, you probably can't beat it. Its very reliable. I don't think I have ever experienced a misfed round. Its a really nice size too. Its not too big and not too small -- just right. Shoots great.
Quote from: peternap on April 02, 2009, 07:00:18 PM
I have also gotten some extreme close range spread using swan shot. This is shot you make yourself (like the old timers did) you ladle lead through an iron screen about 5 feet over a pot of water. It forms a teardrop....boy does the stuff spread.
Interesting. Wonder what would happen if you took some turkey shot and flattened it a little with a hammer and reloaded it?
Quote from: MountainDon on April 02, 2009, 06:51:49 PM
I agree that for indoor defense, or even around the property a shotgun with short barrel makes a fine weapon. For those who have never fired one into a board or watever at close range you should. The spread is not very great.
Reminds me of a funny.
A guy who used to rent from me had concrete u-haul business. He liked to get drunk and sit in his motor home doing various things when not too busy.
One day he thought it would be cool to play with his shot gun in the motor home. It accidentally went off and put a finger sized hole through the wood paneling in the ceiling. Being a bit tipsy he couldn't believe he had done that, so he had to stick his finger in the hole to see if it was real.
Since all of the splinters were facing out it trapped his finger like a Chinese finger trap when he pulled back on it. Luckily he could reach the phone so he called 911 and the paramedics came and got him out. d*
The next stupid thing he did was told me about it..... [waiting]
1911 .45ACP (Springfield Arms) - home defense
Glock 23 .40 S&W (Glock) - Personal defense. This also serves as my concealed carry firearm, so I carry hollow points in it as well.
Quote from: Virginia Gent on April 11, 2009, 01:37:27 AM
1911 .45ACP (Springfield Arms) - home defense
Glock 23 .40 S&W (Glock) - Personal defense. This also serves as my concealed carry firearm, so I carry hollow points in it as well.
I've been trying to decide if I waant another 45. I saw a Springfield the other day that keeps speaking to me ::)
I've heard 'em too at times..... "buy me, take me home..."
Anything bigger than .30 cal. and shoots several rounds before becoming a club will work for me.
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Come to think of it my .22 H&R will get it done if need be, Crack heads have been known to zombie well past normal "takedown" rounds with BIG rounds so pretty much anything to keep honest folks honest will do.
And since I sweep and mop around the house quite a bit I have learned how to go through hallways and room to room with something longer than 18" and not get hung up!!!! ;) rofl rofl rofl rofl
Personal favorite has to be my old Ruger Blackhawk .357. From snake shot to FMJs it'll "Getter Done!" 8)
The Blackhawk's a great gun Cordwood!
I keep trying to educate the spray and pray crowd, that the single actions have the fastest first capability of all styles. Who cares how long it takes to reload.
If you subscribe to the "One shot,One kill" thinking by the time you dispatch 6 would-be thugs the chances of needing to reload are VERY slim. But with a swing gate and speed loader only the real fast running zombies give me much concern..............Hmmmm.........Not much concern really. ;)