What is a good all around pistol?

A S&W model 19 ( in either blued or nickel ) or a model 66 (stainless ) - are basically the same gun ...both K frame, double action revolvers. Either one of them will make a good first gun - especially in a 4".
 
Someone said somthing about a ruger GP 100, but I want a single and double action pistol.
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The GP100, like most double action revolvers, can also be fired single action. What you don't want is a DAO (double action only). The GP100 would be a great choice and makes shooting full power loads a breeze. I have a 6" and am very pleased with it.
 
Is a .357 Mag enough to reliably and humanly put down large game animals? I’m not so sure it is. Here in Illinois, .357 Mags and smaller are not allowed to hunt with. I’d suggest something in the .41 and up range for hunting. Check state laws before spending any money. Also in Illinois, no semi autos are allowed for hunting. Single shot and revolvers only.
 
I've read about cops having to put down deer on the side of the road that were hit by cars. Some said they'd have to shoot the deer 4 - 5 times with their 9mm. They said the .357 is lights out right away. That said, these are up close and probably head shots. Over 50 yards, I would not trust a .357 in a pistol to humanely take a deer.
 
Good all around handguns?,,,

A .357 magnum revolver or a 9mm semi-auto pistol.

Now I know I am going to get jumped by the .45 lovers,,,
And all of the devotees of various caliber guns.

But for just all around utility, range practice, and self defense,,,
These two types of guns will be hard to beat.

No one can deny that the .357 is a superb man stopper,,,
It also has the advantage of shooting the less expensive .38 special rounds,,,
Ammo cost has always been a limiting factor in my regimen of range practice time.

Any decent 9mm semi-auto is a perfectly adequate self defense pistol,,,
And at this time it is probably the least expensive gun to feed,,,
9mm ammo is cheaper than .38 special even.

My nephew has taken more deer with a .357 magnum handgun than I could ever eat,,,
He alternates between a Ruger Blackhawk and a S&W Model 28.

Aarond
 
Again, I am too young to legally own a pistol, the only time I can have one is if I am hunting, I dont plan on hunting with it, I someday mite though.

I'm cutting corners, because I can't own one to just carry, I'll buy a bear, and deer tag, because if I have and a revolver and I get stopes by a game warden and he see's I have just a deer tag, and a revolver in archery season, that will be very suspicious.

I plan on using it for self defense, i would go with a .44 mag, but i have watched my dad shoot his, it's pretty scary, I have watched a .357 mag shot, it didn't really bug me.

And again, Im going to be bow hunting, and getting out an arrow and shooting a bear or cougar that is charging you
thats when you drop the bow and shoot the animal with a .357 mag.


That's how I am justifying buying one, and the fact it would be my first pistol.
I don't like the idea of becomeing a cougar happy meal.
 
The Ruger GP100 really can't be beat for outdoor reliability. It's superbly constructed and moderately priced.
 
Mastergunner, if you are going to use a hunting tag as your legal justification for carrying a handgun while bowhunting, better check the laws carefully!

There a situations where it is ILLEGAL to carry ANY firearm while bowhunting! I'm not sure what the laws are today, I haven't checked them in quite a while (because I no longer hunt), but I used to, and back then, it wasn't legal to carry any firearm while bow hunting, except if you had a CHL, and carried it concealed.

Also, the .357 Magnum might not be legal for certain game hunting. If it is legal for you to carry a handgun for hunting, that gun HAS to be legal to hunt the game you are licensed for.

Also added into the mix is your age. There are exceptions to the general 21yrs old rule, but if you are going to use one, be ABSOLUTELY certain you are in FULL compliance with ALL the laws! ANYTHING less can result in your permanent loss of your right to own any gun ever, for the rest of your life, and could result in your loss of hunting priveledges for years, or even decades!

And, I highly recommend, since you say that you have seen .357s and .44s being shot, that you shoot some .357s (and .44s, and everything else you have access to), before making up your mind about what you are going to buy.

Another legal snarl is buying a handgun under age. Again check the laws. You cannot buy it from an FFL dealer if you are under 21. You cannot give someone else the money and have them buy it for you, that's a crime.

You may be allowed to recieve one as a gift. You may be allowed to buy from a private party. Again, check both Federal and your State laws carefully, BEFORE you do!
 
My standard answer to this question is: Get a 4" bbl, stainless steel, double-action revolver with adjustable sights, chambered in .357Magnum.
 
I know what the laws are, I'm not stupid.
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First of all, what you know or don't know has nothing to do with whether you're stupid or not unless you had the chance to learn and rejected it. Stupidity is when knowledge doesn't affect decisions. Ignorance is when there is no knowledge to base decisions on.

Second, even if you know all the laws that surround carrying a handgun when hunting, there are other people who will read this thread today, tomorrow and perhaps 15 years from now who may not know the laws. This thread isn't exclusively about one person nor even just about TFL members. For every member who reads this thread there will be 9 or 10 non-members--maybe more who read it.

Third, very few people know all the laws, even all the laws that pertain to a fairly specific activity. There are a LOT of laws and not many people have the time or inclination to learn them all. So it's not insulting anyone nor over-reacting to point out legal issues that may apply to a specific activity under discussion in the interest of trying to prevent someone from inadvertently breaking a law. No one can tell by a few internet posts everything about what a person knows or doesn't know.

Fourth, your initial post on this thread asks a fairly basic question about firearms and makes it clear that you are fairly young. Is it really difficult to understand why someone might want to provide some additional important information about the activity you plan to engage in?

I've been messing around with firearms for a few decades now and I'm still learning things about them. I figure there's hope for me as long as I keep learning. I know a few people who are sure they know everything they need to know--not much can be done for them.
 
A little touchy aren't we?

I don't mean to speak for him, but that post in no way suggested you are stupid. All he was doing was trying to be helpfull and looking out for you. There are, unfortunately, a lot of people who do not know the laws in their area. It is better to point out something that someone is already aware of than not point out something they overlooked. I realize you live in a different state but around here it is illegal to carry a firearm while hunting during bow season. It is more than reasonable for someone to suggest you check on that among other things. The proper reply would have been "I am already aware of all that but thanks anyways." ;)

Good luck to you and I hope with age comes the wisdom to take helpful advice for what it is.

Well said John
 
I'm not saying I already know everything there is too know, I was stating that I know what the state laws are.

Now that I know that I can not carry a pistol in bow season, I wont.
I didn't have my heart on that, but it was worth a try.

Just out of curiosity, what are the chances Id get attack by a bear or cougar?
I will be hunting in eastern washington area.

And thank you for your concern John.
 
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