What's your survival handgun?

[dario541]

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.

[j427x]

you should see the poll i did a few years ago about handguns--

the 357 mag wheel-gun came in a reasonably close second to the 45acp.

everybody was sort of shocked the 357mag did so well in our little informal poll.


nothing wrong with a 357 as a carry piece IMHO, if i go back to a carry wheel-gun that is probably what it will be.

[dario541]

I keep hoping that Ruger will offer an 8 shot .357 revolver. I've heard rumors, but, haven't seen anything yet. I will guarantee at least ONE sale if they do. I want one. I don't think I would have to carry anything else.

[buckmeister]

4" ported barrel 41 mag.

buckmeister

[o.d. ak]

Survival as in grab a bag and head for the hills bug out type of survival ?

4-6" .357

[twa2471]

The closest one!!!!!

[Abukai08]

I'm going against the grain here, but I say my Glock 19. Reliability plus ammo availability. Police and Military (including many foriegn Militaries) use 9mm. I carry it every day and carry two 15 round Magazines wiith Hornady Critical Duty which have better terminal balistics than 45 ball, plus I have two Glock 33 rounders in the car. Just in case I need to get back to my stash. But my choice revolves around ammo availability and Magazine Capacity. I hit what I am aiming at I just prefer the option to hit it more times if needed.

My dad is a 45 guy but I try to keep an open mind to calibers becasue none of them make a person turn into a puff of smoke so after trying different calibers I decided to stick with the 9mm. YMMV

[4thIDvet]

.12 gauge with slugs and buck.. .22 mag revolver with lots of rounds..

[FyredUp]

Originally Posted by 4thIDvet

.12 gauge with slugs and buck.. .22 mag revolver with lots of rounds..

It's funny I was sitting here thinking to myself last night after reading this topic that assuming I had the right long gun I would choose a .22lr pistol. I hadn't considered the .22 magnum. Either way the long gun would be both a protection and hunting weapon and the .22 a utility weapon, small game hunting and self defense up close if need be. The greatest advantage is the ability to carry a ton of rounds, perhaps a couple thousand, versus maybe a couple hundred of a centerfire pistol.

[Gunco]

Colt Commander 1911. Small but powerful and its in my favorite handgun caliber...45