What's your survival handgun?
I have written about various rifles that I like for survival purposes. But, what about handguns? So, I want to give my views on that subject if I may? I personally consider the handgun a secondary weapon. But, having one is essential. So, after more than 50 years experience, what are my opinions? We won’t discuss whether a revolver or semi auto is better. I have my thoughts on that subject and may write about it one of these days.
We need different handguns for different needs- working and defense. .
For a working gun I believe that everybody should have a quality revolver in .357 Magnum. This is a versatile gun that can also fire .38 Special. My personal .357 is a Ruger Police Service Six. It has been my constant companion since I purchased it around 1978. It is tough and has never given me a problem. And, I can hit the broad side of a barn with it! This does not mean that a .44 Magnum wouldn’t be desirable-it is! But I believe a .357 is first choice. There is a large range of ammo for it and you can also shoot .38 Special in it. A good all-around caliber.
For tactical use, a good semi auto may be better because it holds more ammo. However, more ammo doesn’t mean much if you don’t hit what you shoot at. It has been said that a hit with a BB gun beats a miss with a cannon! My go to semi auto is a Ruger Model P95 in 9MM. I was looking for a good semi auto in .45 Auto but this P95 kind of fell into my lap. I have done a study on ammo and have purchased several boxes of Hornady’s Critical Defense cartridges for close up self defense. This Hornady product seems to raise the 9MM to a whole new level. And, someday I still would like to own a .40 S&W or a .45 Auto. But, the more calibers you have, the more ammo you need. I believe I would rather have 1,000 rounds of one caliber than 350 rounds each of three different calibers.
So, for me at this time, it's 9MM and .357 Magnum.
