Two handguns to do it all?

Easy, the two most useful from my collection: S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman .357 Magnum and Walther PP 7.65mm (.32ACP).
 
From what you're saying, I'd go with an SP101 and a GP100.

All the ammo would be interchangeable, and the two guns are essentially identical except for size.
 
I'm with rnovi and lawboy and others: 22 Smith or Taurus revolver and 3-4" Smith .357, again with a lean toward the 3" if wanting CC duty, esp a K. I also like the 6 shot J frame 2" Smith .32 Mag as well for the smaller caliber and/or CC duty and if so, paired back to the 4" .357 for all around gun--one of L frame 6 shots.
 
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"I looked at a 4" 686+ today, those are nice. I like the red ramp sight as opposed to the GP's black ramp. The grips are kinda like a Hogue."

Red ramp sight: Nice, but not all that big of a deal to me. At least at the indoor range where I shoot, the lighting is such that I really can't see the red anyway -- it is backlit. Outdoors, where you have better lighting? Nice.

Grips: I bought mine used, it is a much older model (early '80's, no dash) that has the stock square butt checkered wood grips. They feel fine, look really good, and I see no reason to change them.

"Any difference in the 686+ besides holding a 7th round? The trigger on this one wasn't too good. Seems like new Smiths used to have better triggers. The GP is about $100 less than the 686."

Not that I'm aware of, the 7th round is the difference. Some people have questioned the lockwork on the 7 shot models, but I haven't heard of any actually giving problems.

Trigger: Well, let's just say that is one reason I got an older used one as opposed to a new one. The trigger on mine is just plain wonderful. And I didn't pay anywhere near NIB retail price, either. Significantly less even than a new GP-100.
 
I like the looks of the S&W 520 on the website. Steel L-frame and Ti cylinder, 7-shots. Haven't seen one in a store yet.

Going shooting today, outdoor range with my buddy. Trying out his new CZ-83. Also bringing his 6" Trooper .357. I borrowed my Mom's 6" Dan Wesson M15 that's been sitting awhile. Will try some .38's and .357's.

I think if I decide on a SP101 chambered in .38 Spl, I'll have to order it. Gun store clerks look at me funny when I say I'm looking for the .38. "But you can shoot .38's out of this .357" :D
 
garry owen

As far as I Know Garry they are available in the Classic, but not the Heritage. The Classic's convert round butts to square butts. Now that may be OK for guns, but I prefer my women in round butts...:D
 
Only 2 ... A Ruger markII 22 with a 4 to 6 inch heavy barrel and a S&W 586 (prefer -3) with a 4 inch barrel though 6 inch is better for longer shots.
 
may i make another selection...

I like a small j-frame type of revolver for CCW. You can get a used model 60 with a 2" or 3" barrel for pretty cheap and with the 3" barrel it's easy to conceal for CCW, yet still accurate for plinking/range.

I have an SP101 with a 3" barrel and it's a great gun, but if I could only have one small concealable gun, I'd probably lean towards a S&W. The S&W's that I have seem to be better finished (although the SP101 has soviet-style toughness) and the factory triggers are nicer.

As for a big gun, have you considered a 4" N-frame s&W 625? They are easy to shoot, use inexpensive ammo, and are accurate. I think a 4" or 5" 625 would make a nice range gun and home defense gun.

oops - I meant "suggestion" not "selection"
 
A 22 and a Ruger Redhawk in 44 magnum...that just about covers it.
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That is a really good choice. Varmints with the 22 and medium-big game with the 44Mag. 44Spl for defense and general plinking. Can't beat that.
 
Varmints with the 22 and medium-big game with the 44Mag. 44Spl for defense and general plinking. Can't beat that
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I'm not a hunter, but I'll definitely have a .22 for affordable range time if nothing else. I wished I had one today when I ran out of .38/.357...

I admit I like the Redhawk 5-1/2". I fired a .44 SuperBlackhawk and it was pretty cool. Ammo is gawd-awful expensive though, even .44 Spl.

Neither of these two are suitable for CCW...
 
I admit I like the Redhawk 5-1/2". I fired a .44 SuperBlackhawk and it was pretty cool. Ammo is gawd-awful expensive though, even .44 Spl.
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That is why I tend to recommend either a 9mm or
357Mag/38 revolver to beginners getting into their first "serious" handgun. I feel that for someone who doesn't reload the 357/38 combo is the only way to go in a revolver. The same for the 9mm in a semi-auto. Ammo is so cheap for these weapons, it actually defeats the purpose to reload, other than customizing personal loads. The 44M/44Spl combo is only versatile if you reload, because if you don't you are never going to shoot it, without taking out a loan from the bank that is.
 
Man, you guys really like your wheel guns! I would say get a decent 1911 and maybe a Glock 26 or 27 for concealed carry. I like the idea of getting a .22 conversion slide for the 1911 and I'm probably going to do that in the near future. .22 LR is a hell of a lot cheaper to shoot than .45 acp!
 
SP101 - pocket carry?

Since you like the Ruger series of revolvers, maybe a 2-3" SP101 for carry and a 6"GP100 for other uses
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Is a SP100 DAO too bulky/heavy for pocket carry? With the year-round mild climate here, shorts & T-shirts are the norm, and I don't wear a belt. That pretty much leaves pocket carry which would be great with a S&W 642 or Taurus 850 UL. How about a 2-1/4" SP101 for this? Too heavy?

Pocket carry kinda pushes me toward a lightweight gun that won't be ideal for practice with +P ammo. Hopefully I can get through 50 rounds or so to feel comfortable with it.

GP100's must be hot sellers. The 4" models are starting to disappear around here, leaving just 6" barrels...
 
Find a gun store and see if they'll let you try some small guns in your pocket and then walk around the shop. I think you'll be surprised.
 
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