Which Handgun For Any Circumstance?
- Thread starter dgludwig
- Start date
He's right-no conversion kits allowed. I have been known to stickle people! Too easy to make one handgun two handguns. And that would violate the premise of the poser.
No gunsmithing services available. A gunsmith can still play Indiana Jones. Maintenance/cleaning kits ok; spare parts (and that would include "extra springs"
are forbidden.I I think that my CZ 52s would still work forever if I dunked and rinsed them out in pond water, dried them and then used some fat or plant oil as a lubricant.
Sand and dirt aren't friendly to revolver innards. It's not part of routine maintenance to remove the sideplate. The older Com Bloc guns are very tolerant of lousy, dirty conditions. They're also very easy to maintain in lousy, dirty conditions.
Oh Boy !, any good 357 6 gun will do the job !.
Oh the poor Glock guys lol
I always wonder when seeing this good natured humor if the Glock guys were also MAC computer users, Ok I had to say that.
Wow guys just shoot and enjoy !
I don't think you can convert a 1911 fan so don't even try lol!.....
Just a thought ! Will the Glocks owned today still be around in 50-100 years and still be good shooters ?
Duane USN/Ret
I'm not a plastic gun basher so don't go there thanks !.
Oh the poor Glock guys lol
Now I never seen a coconut attack anyone before !
I always wonder when seeing this good natured humor if the Glock guys were also MAC computer users, Ok I had to say that
.Wow guys just shoot and enjoy !
I don't think you can convert a 1911 fan so don't even try lol!.....
Just a thought ! Will the Glocks owned today still be around in 50-100 years and still be good shooters ?
Duane USN/Ret
I'm not a plastic gun basher so don't go there thanks !.
OK, Im in!! After reading all the other posts, I am confused with some of the replies. This is how I see it. If you are stuck on an island with no other humans, the gun is going to serve 2 purposes.
The first purpose is hunting. You will need something that is accurate, and strong enough to take big game (if needed). If there is a herd of deer 50 yards away, and you have a 22lr, you are most likely not eating that night!!
The second purpose is self defense. Im not worried about squirells and rabbits. If I have to draw my gun for self defense, its probably being drawn on something that can kick my ass! Again, a 22lr is useless.
Rememer, in a situation like this, we are not target practicing everyday. We need to conserve ammo as much as possible. That means to me, the only time I am going to pull the trigger is when im hungry (really hungry) or in life threatening danger. Again, we dont know how long we will be on the island. It could be 2 days it could be 2 years!!! CONSERVE AMMO!!!
With all that being said, my choice would be my 4" GP100 with hot .357 magnums and .357 shotshells. Magnums for the big stuff, shotshells for the snakes and possible small game at really close distances.
I dont need an auto jamming on me in a life and death situation. Assuming we are on an island, the chances of the gun getting dirty, muddy, gritty, etc.... are very good. A revolver will do better under these conditions. Even if I run out of ammo, that GP100 can be used as a club!!!
Thats how I see it...
-George
The first purpose is hunting. You will need something that is accurate, and strong enough to take big game (if needed). If there is a herd of deer 50 yards away, and you have a 22lr, you are most likely not eating that night!!
The second purpose is self defense. Im not worried about squirells and rabbits. If I have to draw my gun for self defense, its probably being drawn on something that can kick my ass! Again, a 22lr is useless.
Rememer, in a situation like this, we are not target practicing everyday. We need to conserve ammo as much as possible. That means to me, the only time I am going to pull the trigger is when im hungry (really hungry) or in life threatening danger. Again, we dont know how long we will be on the island. It could be 2 days it could be 2 years!!! CONSERVE AMMO!!!
With all that being said, my choice would be my 4" GP100 with hot .357 magnums and .357 shotshells. Magnums for the big stuff, shotshells for the snakes and possible small game at really close distances.
I dont need an auto jamming on me in a life and death situation. Assuming we are on an island, the chances of the gun getting dirty, muddy, gritty, etc.... are very good. A revolver will do better under these conditions. Even if I run out of ammo, that GP100 can be used as a club!!!
Thats how I see it...
-George
Let's start by looking realistically at the requirements for this pistol.
OP specifies no people, so no need for anti-personnel capability.
If we assume this is an actual island that has flora and fauna true to the real world there is a very low probability of large predators or herbivores. There are some rare exceptions (jaguars, water buffalo, even grizzly or brown bear) but for the most part I'd not be too confident relying on a pistol against them either. One possible exception is salt water crocs, but those can mostly be avoided (and if one snags you unawares a pistol realistically won't help). The baboons that are likely to turn aggressive vs a human are not generally found on islands. Ditto wild dogs. So defense vs animals is less a factor, for me.
So what will this be used for? Hunting for food would seem to be the primary goal, with signaling passers-by a distant second. And on a typical deserted island, what might we need to hunt? Birds, small game, small to medium monkeys, and perhaps small to medium deer (or pigs, tapirs etc).
So what would best accomplish this? If it weren't for the 5lb weight limit on ammo I'd still probably say a .357 revolver, as it is good for the small game and easier on medium sized critters. However, given the weight limit I'd be inclined to go with a 6" .22 revolver, probably a Smith for accuracy, K-frame for the better trigger, fixed sights that shoot to poa with the ammo I carry.
OP specifies no people, so no need for anti-personnel capability.
If we assume this is an actual island that has flora and fauna true to the real world there is a very low probability of large predators or herbivores. There are some rare exceptions (jaguars, water buffalo, even grizzly or brown bear) but for the most part I'd not be too confident relying on a pistol against them either. One possible exception is salt water crocs, but those can mostly be avoided (and if one snags you unawares a pistol realistically won't help). The baboons that are likely to turn aggressive vs a human are not generally found on islands. Ditto wild dogs. So defense vs animals is less a factor, for me.
So what will this be used for? Hunting for food would seem to be the primary goal, with signaling passers-by a distant second. And on a typical deserted island, what might we need to hunt? Birds, small game, small to medium monkeys, and perhaps small to medium deer (or pigs, tapirs etc).
So what would best accomplish this? If it weren't for the 5lb weight limit on ammo I'd still probably say a .357 revolver, as it is good for the small game and easier on medium sized critters. However, given the weight limit I'd be inclined to go with a 6" .22 revolver, probably a Smith for accuracy, K-frame for the better trigger, fixed sights that shoot to poa with the ammo I carry.
ok, I am closer to opinion of 'Badness' member.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW460XVR.htm
The SW 460 XVR will allow to stay far enough for dangerous animals and still engage them. OP had listed that situation. 357 would not do it.
Be aware of the power of this thing
http://yorkpistol.blogspot.com/2008/02/460-xvr-accident.html
I would have bullets with two different power ratings. The ones with lighter power rating to have 'marks' on the top.
This way the shooter would have the option to hunt with less recoil and he would know where those loads are sitting in the cylinder.
He should have across the chest holster.
Recoil reducing grips.
The S&W revolver for .460 made with extremely hard steel.
If shooting medium/low power loads it will last for a very long time and will not gum up from lead at high velocities.
But of course, given a choice JHP would be more useful for the situation described by OP.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW460XVR.htm
The SW 460 XVR will allow to stay far enough for dangerous animals and still engage them. OP had listed that situation. 357 would not do it.
Be aware of the power of this thing
http://yorkpistol.blogspot.com/2008/02/460-xvr-accident.html
I would have bullets with two different power ratings. The ones with lighter power rating to have 'marks' on the top.
This way the shooter would have the option to hunt with less recoil and he would know where those loads are sitting in the cylinder.
He should have across the chest holster.
Recoil reducing grips.
The S&W revolver for .460 made with extremely hard steel.
If shooting medium/low power loads it will last for a very long time and will not gum up from lead at high velocities.
But of course, given a choice JHP would be more useful for the situation described by OP.
I've read all the previous posts and marvel at some of the answers.
The 5# ammo stipulation cuts one way or the other... meaning, rimfire with 500+ rounds of ammo or centerfire (.357 mag or so) with the lightest weight somewhere in the 110 + 15 + 70 = 165 gr range which gives you 212 rounds.
If the duration of time you need to stay on this island is unknown then you need to maximize your long term survivability and regardless of what else you carry in a pack this handgun would be your only long range weapon.
It is a toss-up between a 6" S&W 648 .22 WMR with a Leupold 4x scope or a 5-1/2" S&W 627 with the same scope.
The TC Encore with a 15" 30-06 BBL with the 4X Leupold is an option... only 100+ round of ammo but it would handle any single animal better than most handguns. The .50 S&W may be equal in ME with the 15" BBL of the 30-06 but I doubt it is as long a range or accurate a caliber.
Hey, you asked...
The 5# ammo stipulation cuts one way or the other... meaning, rimfire with 500+ rounds of ammo or centerfire (.357 mag or so) with the lightest weight somewhere in the 110 + 15 + 70 = 165 gr range which gives you 212 rounds.
If the duration of time you need to stay on this island is unknown then you need to maximize your long term survivability and regardless of what else you carry in a pack this handgun would be your only long range weapon.
It is a toss-up between a 6" S&W 648 .22 WMR with a Leupold 4x scope or a 5-1/2" S&W 627 with the same scope.
The TC Encore with a 15" 30-06 BBL with the 4X Leupold is an option... only 100+ round of ammo but it would handle any single animal better than most handguns. The .50 S&W may be equal in ME with the 15" BBL of the 30-06 but I doubt it is as long a range or accurate a caliber.
Hey, you asked...
At first I thought this was a silly topic, but then i thought it's a worthwhile subject. I initially thought of a 22, because of the obvious reasoning, but then decided no. First of all, if your going to be on an uninhabited island for an unknown length of time, two things seem to be clear. One, although the island may be uninhabited now, there is no guarantee it will be during your unknown length of stay. Two, if you will be there for an undetermined length of time ( could be years ) whatever ammo you had would have been used up long ago hunting for food ( because you would no doubt have relied on shooting for survival ( easy way )
So the gun I would carry would only be used in an emergency against something that want's to eat me, or kill me ( someday bad guys might show up ) A 357 seems to fit that bill, but I don't have one. Of the handguns I do have, I would take my FA 4 3/4" 44 and keep the extra ammo in an airtight container.
Like I've said, using a gun for food with limited ammo and unknown duration isn't the best long term strategy. It would be better imo to devise other ways of hunting early on ( before dementia sets in ) and save the gun and ammo for a true life threatening emergency.
So the gun I would carry would only be used in an emergency against something that want's to eat me, or kill me ( someday bad guys might show up ) A 357 seems to fit that bill, but I don't have one. Of the handguns I do have, I would take my FA 4 3/4" 44 and keep the extra ammo in an airtight container.
Like I've said, using a gun for food with limited ammo and unknown duration isn't the best long term strategy. It would be better imo to devise other ways of hunting early on ( before dementia sets in ) and save the gun and ammo for a true life threatening emergency.
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
I would want something heftier than a 357. What if it is like the Lost Island and there are polar bears?
454 casull super redhawk with plans to shoot mostly 45 colt and a pair of good ear protection.
I can figure out a way to hunt whatever is there without a gun in the longterm, but that 454 casull is going to make a big hole when I need it for defense.
454 casull super redhawk with plans to shoot mostly 45 colt and a pair of good ear protection.
I can figure out a way to hunt whatever is there without a gun in the longterm, but that 454 casull is going to make a big hole when I need it for defense.
Last edited:
I am trying to narrow my choices down from my three favorites.
My first inclination to go with my Ruger Super Single Six 6.5" bbl with both the .22LR cyl and the .22M cyl, but that would double the amount of ammo and might create a problem sticking the wrong round in the wrong cyl at wrong time.
My thoughts then truned to my Blackhawk mid-frame Flattop's, one in .357 and the other in .44 Special. Both reliable and easy to pack. I leaned toward the .44 Special, but ammo can be hard to find in the situation described and the possible need to take something a little higher on the food chain
So, that leaves me with my Ruger Alaskan in .44M. Covers all my needs and I can shoot my Specials as well as my Mags. It is stone cold reliable, portable, powerful or loaded down, easy on the recoi and small gamel. All in all, I think my best overall choice.
These games can be fun and this one is.
My first inclination to go with my Ruger Super Single Six 6.5" bbl with both the .22LR cyl and the .22M cyl, but that would double the amount of ammo and might create a problem sticking the wrong round in the wrong cyl at wrong time.
My thoughts then truned to my Blackhawk mid-frame Flattop's, one in .357 and the other in .44 Special. Both reliable and easy to pack. I leaned toward the .44 Special, but ammo can be hard to find in the situation described and the possible need to take something a little higher on the food chain
So, that leaves me with my Ruger Alaskan in .44M. Covers all my needs and I can shoot my Specials as well as my Mags. It is stone cold reliable, portable, powerful or loaded down, easy on the recoi and small gamel. All in all, I think my best overall choice.
These games can be fun and this one is.
bubbaturbo
New member
Yea what if a gang moves onto the island and starts messin' with you HUH? Just like in real life, ya gotta be ready to go tactical 24/7.
Semi-jacketed
New member
A deserted tropical island? There won't be any large predators except very small, wild boars perhaps or a jungle cat at worst. With the restrictions listed on repairs and ammo poundage I'll take a ruger single six stainless in .22 magnum with 5.5" barrel.
For those saying no predators and therefore voting .22s, don't forget the Komodos and monitors! Otherwise, a nice ammo weight and power compromise would be .32 H&R Mag in a 5.5" Single Six or .327 Mag in a converted Single Six, if allowed, or if not a SP101 or one of the new Smith J's in that round. I wouldn't feel undergunned vs a Komodo with that cartridge.
SuperRuger
New member
I love the fact that the overwhelming majority are going with a Ruger, is there any doubt what brand most would pick on this thread however i think that johnwilliamson062 has said it best so far. SRH 454 Casull. I own one of those in 7.5". Heavy but yet very manageable, built like a tank with special metals and forging, plenty of knockdown power for whatever and not quite as heavy as the Smith 500 or 460 big bores but in this situation are you really going to be worried about the weight of the gun or you living to see the next sunrise. PUT DOWN THE 357 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. There is a 1000 lb mutated beast comming for you and you want to pull out a 357, seriously
. I guess you want to make him mad before he eats you. I think everyone is forgetting that you only have one gun and this island my have some serious creatures on it and most here are picking a 357, come on really, the 357 is worthy but did anyone pay attention to the situation givin. Put the 357 away or you will be killed or eaten. There used to be a good joke about a Ruger big bore, "even if you miss, when your intended target gets close to you you can beat him to death with your gun." LOL. Incase you need ballistics, the muzzle energy of a 357 is just over 550 ft/lbs, the 454 Casull is over 1800 ft/lbs at muzzle and still over 1100 ft/lbs at 100 yrds. Tell me again which one is better. Again, keep in mind the situation.
. I guess you want to make him mad before he eats you. I think everyone is forgetting that you only have one gun and this island my have some serious creatures on it and most here are picking a 357, come on really, the 357 is worthy but did anyone pay attention to the situation givin. Put the 357 away or you will be killed or eaten. There used to be a good joke about a Ruger big bore, "even if you miss, when your intended target gets close to you you can beat him to death with your gun." LOL. Incase you need ballistics, the muzzle energy of a 357 is just over 550 ft/lbs, the 454 Casull is over 1800 ft/lbs at muzzle and still over 1100 ft/lbs at 100 yrds. Tell me again which one is better. Again, keep in mind the situation.I don't know enough about various gun models to give a model etc as was asked.
But I think I would want a match grade S/A pistol with the longest barrel possible in .22mag/.22lr .
.22 for weight and count
If I'm using a .22 for hunting , then I want something that is the closest to a rifle as possible with longer barrel for better accuracy. I too hope I can include other fishing/trapping tools.
I would also carry a very large stick with a rock tied to it for defense against smaller predators and hope the sting/crack of a .22 would deter some of the larger.
But I think I would want a match grade S/A pistol with the longest barrel possible in .22mag/.22lr .
.22 for weight and count
If I'm using a .22 for hunting , then I want something that is the closest to a rifle as possible with longer barrel for better accuracy. I too hope I can include other fishing/trapping tools.
I would also carry a very large stick with a rock tied to it for defense against smaller predators and hope the sting/crack of a .22 would deter some of the larger.