Tough decision. Help me out.

M

ManWithaPlan

New member
Hi everybody, greetings from Brazil. I have to decide on a new handgun for SD and concealed carry. The thing is, Brazilian firearms legislation restricts my options. Among other restrictions, I cannot buy a semi-auto in any caliber greater than 380acp.

Anyway, I have nailed it down to these two handguns:

1. Glock 25 in 380acp
2. S&W 686 in 357 Magnum

I have looked into a lot of other makes and models, but these are the best options available to me.

At first I was dead sure on the Glock, but I talked to a lot of people, and many discouraged me, since the 380 has a very poor reputation around here. I wonder if the 4” barrel of the G25 would improve its ballistics. On the other hand, the 15+1 capacity is a lot more conforting than 6-7.

The 357 is a proven caliber, but the 686 has low capacity, a slower reload, and it is bigger and heavier than the compact Glock. I wear loose clothes, and could conceal either firearm, but the Glock would definitely be easier to pack.

Only one handgun can be registered for carrying, so buying both is not an option. I will be using magtech ammo in either gun.

What should I choose and why? This decision is driving me crazy.
 
If it's just those 2 options, I'd go with the 357mag. Proven man stopper.

.380 is a weak load when compared to a 9mm and a 9mm is a weak load when compared to the 357mag -- you do the math on how well the .380 compares to the 357!

Unless you plan on taking on whole gangs at once, the lower capacity shouldn't be a big deal. Just hit the targets. A high powered miss is still a miss!
 
686+ with moon clips

I would prefer the 686+ (7 shot) with a bunch of moon clips. Practice reloading. You will surprise yourself how fast you can load a moon clip into a revolver with a little bit of practice. You can try to catch Jerry Miculik's world record, but it'll take a LOT of practice!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLk1v5bSFPw
 
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"I'd go with the 357mag. Proven man stopp"

So would I. I have used an N frame S&W .357 twice. Both times it saved my life.
 
Thanks a lot, guys. Indeed, this decision is coming down to capacity.
Click to expand...

If carry is a concern... let me propose the S&W model 619 or 620 instead of the 686. Same capacity, but a lighter barrel profile that shaves some weight. This will make the gun more nimble in the hand and also less of a burden on the hip.

Regardless... if you are only allowed a maximum of .380 in autopistols, the right answer is a revolver.

If autos were prohibited in the US, I'd be packing a 7 or 8 shot .357 (or six shot .44 loaded with specials) tricked out for moonclips.
 
If a 380, you might consider finding a Beretta 84.
A 13 round magazine +1 and extremely reliable. The 84's top is like the 92, so a stove pipe jam is almost impossible. It has a nice double action first shot. Here is a picture I found. I had one years ago, but when companies started making 9mm's the same size, I sold it.
 

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If the choice were limited to the two cartridges you listed, I would choose the .357 Mag, even with the lower capacity. I do not have confidence in the capability of .380 to stop an attacker and save my life. I do have confidence in the .357 to get the job done.
 
I would go with the S&W, but I'm partial to the .357 magnum. So they will let you have a .357 but you can have a .9mm? Gun laws are stupid world wide.
 
It's a no-brainer, as far as I'm concerned. .357 mag vs. .380 auto? The magnum wins this one each and every time.
 
OK i did some research as i was kind of familiar with Mexico's laws and handgun habits,well barley familiar anyhow.And i also searched the net on Brazils laws also.The .38 super should be legal for you,and Taurus makes many guns in that caliber.Now you can have power,capacity and good looks all in one.

I don't see how they allow the .9mm kurz/.380 and not allow 9mm as its the same caliber.
It makes me Glad to be an American just a bit more :)
 
Basically we are comparing three things:

1. .380 vs 357 Magnum? 357 wins
2. 15 cap vs just 6? 15 wins
3. Revolver vs semiauto? You decide and that is your choice.

Its that simple.
 
practice with what you have leaves me to go with the revolver.

i have no idea which ammo is more available to you and priced better.
but 38 special and 357 is more versatl than 380 for target practice and range games [IDPA or whatever you do].
 
I'm a big fan of the S&W 686 and the .357 round. Both are great choices for a self defense setting. From a daily carry standpoint however, the Glock is a better option. Easier to conceal and that means you don't have much of a reason to leave it at home when the weather gets warm.

The only other thing to consider is ammo availablity. Right now, .380 is pretty damn hard to get in the states. If it is as tough there as it is here, a .357 might be your only option.
 
If I could only have one gun, I'd want it to be able to do as much as possible. I'd go with the 38/357 revolver. Snake shot, target loads, personal defense loads, hunting loads... all from the same gun, without worry.
 
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