This question has been asked before, but I’d like to do a slight variant of this. - Page 2

9ballbilly · September 14, 2015, 09:37 PM

Ruger Security-six .38spl. 4"

Great all purpose gun. being built on a .357 frame it will handle any .38spl load and the 4" barrel is accurate and still easily concealable.

FWIW I don't live in big bear country.

Hook686 · September 14, 2015, 10:31 PM

8 shot S&W 627PC, 5" barrel simply because .357 magnum is very versatile and 8 shots of it is my idea of a full house load.

briandg · September 15, 2015, 09:27 AM

six inch barreled .357 magnum, DA, smith or colt.

Alternatives would be a four inch barrel in .327, or six inch in .41 magnum, .45 colt, .45 acp, all DA.

It's too bad that I'm limited to one. I'd like to also have my glock, a .45 colt SA in 6 inch, and obviously a ruger .22 mark in HB and 4 inch barrel. These four are quite sufficient if that is all I can have.

psyfly · September 15, 2015, 10:07 AM

I'll post up another vote for the Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal Magnum.

Mine is the 3 inch version and is probably the most versatile revolver I've owned.

That versatility helped it edge out the two close runners-up, S&W 617 and Redhawk .44mag.

j3ffr0 · September 15, 2015, 10:27 AM

I'd still go with my 4.2" SP101 in .357 Mag. I bought it do be a do it all revolver, and it still is. It's not super concealable for me, but I could do it if it was all I had (at least in the winter).

Ozzieman · September 16, 2015, 06:43 AM

Difficult one for me, 3 inch S&W Lew Horton in 624 or a S&W 69.
I have a 629 but it’s so heavy it’s hard to carry. 69 since it can shoot magnums and specials. The 624 because I just love the gun.
I think the 69 would be my choice.
Then again the 21 is a really nice gun.

BlueTrain · September 16, 2015, 11:12 AM

Tough question or rather, easy question, tough answer.

A dream gun would be an S&W Model 27 with either a five or six (or 6 1/2) inch barrel. I've owned both but I don't remember the last time I saw one, although I don't do a lot of looking. I'd really rather have an S&W Heavy Duty but that's a rare one. More practical would be a Model 13 with either a three or four inch barrel.

It's not hard to imagine the question because you don't leave the house with a bunch of guns except to go to the range, do you? The problem is there are so many good choices.

Nobody wants a Single Action Army anymore?

briandg · September 16, 2015, 03:45 PM

Saa isn't really my idea of a top level combat firearm. Six slower rounds fired, with a very slow reload. A person would have to be an absolute master of the saa to present a winning defense against a couple armed thugs.

Every handgun, if it is the only weapon available, should be a good choice for personal defense. I'd die, it's that simple, if three hoodlums came at me. Any other gun, I'd say that my chances would be nine in ten of winning, given even a hint of advantages.

Magnum Wheel Man · September 16, 2015, 03:51 PM

I love my single actions & even made a nice carry gun out of one... 45 Colt Gold dots should do a nice job... Ruger transfer bar is safe with 6, & polished stainless is durable

ocob · September 30, 2015, 10:38 PM

I would go with a S&W 69. SP101s in 327 and 357 are tempting, as is the S&W 60 Pro (357 with adjustable sights and 3' barrel) but the versatility of the 44 loaded high and low wins out. I don't have any trouble appendix carrying my Taurus Tracker in 44 mag and think the 69 would be fine in a good holster.

dgludwig · October 2, 2015, 07:27 PM

I'd go with a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Model 686 Plus with a 4" barrel-but I'd sure miss not having a revolver chambered in .22 Rimfire...

Doc Holliday 1950 · October 2, 2015, 07:41 PM

Mine is GP100 4.2" 6 shot 357 mag. even though I am constantly harping on the merits of the R461 2" 6 shot 357 mag. Rossi.
Doc

Andy Blozinski · October 2, 2015, 07:58 PM

4" barrel is about the most you can go to be practical for concealed carry and the least you can go to be practical for hunting.
.357 magnum is a pretty adaptable round. I've heard .327 magnums are pretty good too.

RIDE-RED 350r · October 5, 2015, 07:44 PM

OK, I'll be the oddball and break from the mainstream a little bit...

Ruling out any favoritism due to collectability and just going on utility, I would go for my 5" barreled S&W 460v. Firepower capabilities from mild (45 Colt) to wild with the full house 460 rounds. And using my Diamond D Guides Choice chest rig, it actually carries pretty comfortably and can be concealed under a coat. (not a wind breaker though)

O4L · October 5, 2015, 08:39 PM

Another vote here for the 5" 686.

I need to find one someday soon.

tlm225 · October 5, 2015, 08:48 PM

It would be one that I don't own, S&W model 69.

9x18_Walther · October 5, 2015, 09:43 PM

4" .357 Magnum Colt Trooper MK III

saber9 · October 7, 2015, 10:26 AM

Only ONE revolver? I'll try.

Ruger GP100 .357 magnum 4"

I also have a Ruger Blackhawk .45LC/.45ACP convertible (2 cylinders) that I would feel very comfortable with even though it is a S/A and pretty heavy.

GeauxTide · October 7, 2015, 12:14 PM

My 5.5" 44 Special Blackhawk with 200 and 240gr SWC.

Doug S · October 7, 2015, 12:24 PM

SP101 3in in 357 Magnum

Jeff #111 · October 7, 2015, 02:24 PM

S&W Model 65 with 3" barrel and a bobbed hammer.

fastbolt · October 7, 2015, 03:08 PM

Perennially favorite revolver topic for discussion, but one that usually doesn't produce any answers that are universally agreeable.

Being a long time revolver owner/shooter, I'd have to first consider the roles for which I was going to need filled by a revolver.

This would include not only the specific activities, but the tasks anticipated needing to be done during those activities, and the locations in which those activities (and tasks) might occur.

The manner of carry (openly or concealed) would also have an influence.

Depending on the circumstances and situations I've experienced, I could easily make an argument for a .44 Magnum, a .357 Magnum or a 5-shot J-frame snub being the "best" compromise for my needs at various times.

This sort of thing could be further broken down by the basic design of the revolver, meaning traditional double action (capable of trigger cocking or thumb cocking), or a single action design (only thumb cocking).

Tell me where I'm going to live for the rest of my life, under what conditions, the most commonly expected role for which the revolver would be needed and the expected carry method (required or allowed) ... and I could choose the best compromise in design, caliber and size.

That's why I still own both DA & SA revolvers, covering .38 Spl, .357 Mag, .44 Mag & .45 Colt, and randing in size from 5-shot snubs to mid-size & full-size (N-frame, Redhawk & SBH).

Now, for a light-duty, medium-bore caliber, I agree it would be hard to beat a M65 3-4".

For something more durable, over the long haul, I'd leave the K-frame in the safe and choose my Ruger Service-Six 4" HB .357, though.

ammo.crafter · October 7, 2015, 03:29 PM

S&W model 57

JSMidd · October 7, 2015, 06:18 PM

That would be my Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt with the 4" barrel. Already my daily carry, and good enough to stop just about anything.

Super Sneaky Steve · October 7, 2015, 09:04 PM

A very hard decision but this Taurus 450Ti is light and handy. It's easy to carry and large enough to kill anything that needs killing.

September 14, 2015, 09:37 PM	#26
9ballbilly Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: northeast Florida Posts: 611	Ruger Security-six .38spl. 4" Great all purpose gun. being built on a .357 frame it will handle any .38spl load and the 4" barrel is accurate and still easily concealable. FWIW I don't live in big bear country. __________________ may God eternally bless the American Rifleman--- as long as one stands, resolute, liberty shall not perish.

September 14, 2015, 10:31 PM	#27
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	8 shot S&W 627PC, 5" barrel simply because .357 magnum is very versatile and 8 shots of it is my idea of a full house load. __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.

September 15, 2015, 10:07 AM	#29
psyfly Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 932	I'll post up another vote for the Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal Magnum. Mine is the 3 inch version and is probably the most versatile revolver I've owned. That versatility helped it edge out the two close runners-up, S&W 617 and Redhawk .44mag. __________________ Show me the data

September 16, 2015, 06:43 AM	#31
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	Difficult one for me, 3 inch S&W Lew Horton in 624 or a S&W 69. I have a 629 but it’s so heavy it’s hard to carry. 69 since it can shoot magnums and specials. The 624 because I just love the gun. I think the 69 would be my choice. Then again the 21 is a really nice gun. __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe. Last edited by Ozzieman; February 12, 2017 at 06:29 PM.

September 16, 2015, 11:12 AM	#32
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	Tough question or rather, easy question, tough answer. A dream gun would be an S&W Model 27 with either a five or six (or 6 1/2) inch barrel. I've owned both but I don't remember the last time I saw one, although I don't do a lot of looking. I'd really rather have an S&W Heavy Duty but that's a rare one. More practical would be a Model 13 with either a three or four inch barrel. It's not hard to imagine the question because you don't leave the house with a bunch of guns except to go to the range, do you? The problem is there are so many good choices. Nobody wants a Single Action Army anymore? __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.

September 15, 2015, 09:27 AM	#28
briandg Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2010 Posts: 5,468	six inch barreled .357 magnum, DA, smith or colt. Alternatives would be a four inch barrel in .327, or six inch in .41 magnum, .45 colt, .45 acp, all DA. It's too bad that I'm limited to one. I'd like to also have my glock, a .45 colt SA in 6 inch, and obviously a ruger .22 mark in HB and 4 inch barrel. These four are quite sufficient if that is all I can have.

September 15, 2015, 10:27 AM	#30
j3ffr0 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2012 Location: VA Posts: 199	I'd still go with my 4.2" SP101 in .357 Mag. I bought it do be a do it all revolver, and it still is. It's not super concealable for me, but I could do it if it was all I had (at least in the winter).

September 16, 2015, 03:45 PM	#33
briandg Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2010 Posts: 5,468	Saa isn't really my idea of a top level combat firearm. Six slower rounds fired, with a very slow reload. A person would have to be an absolute master of the saa to present a winning defense against a couple armed thugs. Every handgun, if it is the only weapon available, should be a good choice for personal defense. I'd die, it's that simple, if three hoodlums came at me. Any other gun, I'd say that my chances would be nine in ten of winning, given even a hint of advantages.

September 16, 2015, 03:51 PM	#34
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	I love my single actions & even made a nice carry gun out of one... 45 Colt Gold dots should do a nice job... Ruger transfer bar is safe with 6, & polished stainless is durable __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

September 30, 2015, 10:38 PM	#35
ocob Junior Member Join Date: June 4, 2013 Posts: 1	I would go with a S&W 69. SP101s in 327 and 357 are tempting, as is the S&W 60 Pro (357 with adjustable sights and 3' barrel) but the versatility of the 44 loaded high and low wins out. I don't have any trouble appendix carrying my Taurus Tracker in 44 mag and think the 69 would be fine in a good holster.

October 2, 2015, 07:27 PM	#36
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	I'd go with a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Model 686 Plus with a 4" barrel-but I'd sure miss not having a revolver chambered in .22 Rimfire... __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

October 2, 2015, 07:41 PM	#37
Doc Holliday 1950 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2014 Location: Bout as south as it gets Posts: 1,238	Mine is GP100 4.2" 6 shot 357 mag. even though I am constantly harping on the merits of the R461 2" 6 shot 357 mag. Rossi. Doc

October 2, 2015, 07:58 PM	#38
Andy Blozinski Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2013 Posts: 525	4" barrel is about the most you can go to be practical for concealed carry and the least you can go to be practical for hunting. .357 magnum is a pretty adaptable round. I've heard .327 magnums are pretty good too.

October 5, 2015, 07:44 PM	#39
RIDE-RED 350r Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2014 Posts: 425	OK, I'll be the oddball and break from the mainstream a little bit... Ruling out any favoritism due to collectability and just going on utility, I would go for my 5" barreled S&W 460v. Firepower capabilities from mild (45 Colt) to wild with the full house 460 rounds. And using my Diamond D Guides Choice chest rig, it actually carries pretty comfortably and can be concealed under a coat. (not a wind breaker though)

October 5, 2015, 08:39 PM	#40
O4L Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2015 Posts: 646	Another vote here for the 5" 686. I need to find one someday soon.

October 5, 2015, 08:48 PM	#41
tlm225 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 962	It would be one that I don't own, S&W model 69. __________________ All that is neccessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

October 5, 2015, 09:43 PM	#42
9x18_Walther Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2015 Posts: 500	4" .357 Magnum Colt Trooper MK III

October 7, 2015, 10:26 AM	#43
saber9 Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Location: West Texas Posts: 165	Only ONE revolver? I'll try. Ruger GP100 .357 magnum 4" I also have a Ruger Blackhawk .45LC/.45ACP convertible (2 cylinders) that I would feel very comfortable with even though it is a S/A and pretty heavy.

October 7, 2015, 12:14 PM	#44
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	My 5.5" 44 Special Blackhawk with 200 and 240gr SWC.

October 7, 2015, 12:24 PM	#45
Doug S Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 745	SP101 3in in 357 Magnum

October 7, 2015, 02:24 PM	#46
Jeff #111 Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2001 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,072	S&W Model 65 with 3" barrel and a bobbed hammer.

October 7, 2015, 03:08 PM	#47
fastbolt Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2002 Location: northern CA for a little while longer Posts: 1,931	Perennially favorite revolver topic for discussion, but one that usually doesn't produce any answers that are universally agreeable. Being a long time revolver owner/shooter, I'd have to first consider the roles for which I was going to need filled by a revolver. This would include not only the specific activities, but the tasks anticipated needing to be done during those activities, and the locations in which those activities (and tasks) might occur. The manner of carry (openly or concealed) would also have an influence. Depending on the circumstances and situations I've experienced, I could easily make an argument for a .44 Magnum, a .357 Magnum or a 5-shot J-frame snub being the "best" compromise for my needs at various times. This sort of thing could be further broken down by the basic design of the revolver, meaning traditional double action (capable of trigger cocking or thumb cocking), or a single action design (only thumb cocking). Tell me where I'm going to live for the rest of my life, under what conditions, the most commonly expected role for which the revolver would be needed and the expected carry method (required or allowed) ... and I could choose the best compromise in design, caliber and size. That's why I still own both DA & SA revolvers, covering .38 Spl, .357 Mag, .44 Mag & .45 Colt, and randing in size from 5-shot snubs to mid-size & full-size (N-frame, Redhawk & SBH). Now, for a light-duty, medium-bore caliber, I agree it would be hard to beat a M65 3-4". For something more durable, over the long haul, I'd leave the K-frame in the safe and choose my Ruger Service-Six 4" HB .357, though. __________________ Retired LE - firearms instructor & armorer

October 7, 2015, 03:29 PM	#48
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	if only one... S&W model 57 __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

October 7, 2015, 06:18 PM	#49
JSMidd Member Join Date: February 4, 2014 Location: Central Washington State Posts: 55	That would be my Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt with the 4" barrel. Already my daily carry, and good enough to stop just about anything. __________________ "Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon...neither I, my brothers, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us removed our clothes, each took his weapon even to the water." Nehemiah 4

October 7, 2015, 09:04 PM	#50
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	A very hard decision but this Taurus 450Ti is light and handy. It's easy to carry and large enough to kill anything that needs killing.