Rethinking my carry guns

Lately I have been rethinking my carry guns. I keep reading where everyone wants to mimic the performance of the 357 magnum with every caliber made. The 357 was king of the hill and only lost favor to get a higher capacity. I carried one for years and never felt outgunned, but I also run them well and always carried 4 reloads. I have not found any data to support that most civilian, and even LE shootouts required high numbers of rounds fired if the GG actually hit something.

I technically shoot a revolver as well as I do an auto, it is just the reload that slows me down, but with proper tactics is this even an issue? I don't think so.

That being said I have my eyes on this S&W PC 629. It weighs the same as an L frame, albeit a tad thicker. I am thinking that using a hot special or light magnum load to put a 200-240 grain bullet around 1100 fps might be the ticket. This would give good terminal performance and moderate blast and recoil.

I am down to 2 Glocks and thinking of keeping them in reserve as sort of " In case of war break glass". I just like Smith revolvers!:bier:

the 629 packs a punch. I used to use one for hunting then I found a model 41 in 41 mag. I use it for hunting. I have a bit of trouble with the recoil on the 629 but the 41 mag is just like the 357, manageable. The other "Smith" to look at is the Governor ( 45 ACP, 45 colt and .410 all in one) It seems easy to shoot compared to the 629. 45 colt is a step down in fps and energy but not much.

I want to mimic the performance of a bazooka, but I don't see that happening in a handgun.

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Originally Posted by OldVet

I want to mimic the performance of a bazooka, but I don't see that happening in a handgun.

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Smith 500 50 cal or 50 cal Desert Eagle, they make a nice boom

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Originally Posted by OldVet

I want to mimic the performance of a bazooka, but I don't see that happening in a handgun.

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I'd prefer an A-10 Warthog gatling gun.

After a long list of semis. I found I simply put more rounds on target faster with greater accuracy with my S&W model 65 than I do with my Glock 19. I also find I shoot a 2" snub better than I shoot small autos. That said there are days where I just want to carry the 19 and one day Ill add another 26.

I like your decision to stick with what you shoot well. I wouldnt be overly concerned about getting the hottest load out of the gun, but rather shot placement like your described. New ammunition today with fast burning powders make even a 380 a potent round. Stay the course with your original plan, and practice often. Bunker

.44mag , IMHO for CC is overkill.
If you are very frequently out in bear/cougar country, or could see yourself usung it to hunt deer then maybe, but there is a reason most police agencies used .357 mag instead of .44mag.
I would get a 2.5-3 in. .357 mag if I were you and use that.

I have a 357 S&W revolver,my dad bought back in 64,or 65.If it wasn't so bulky,i would seriously consider carrying it.It's a accurate pistol,to this day.

Nothing wrong with wheel guns... As for the reload, grab another revolver :yup:

You need a 38, because they are.....special!

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Originally Posted by archer51

I'd prefer an A-10 Warthog gatling gun.

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I hear ya! But at 19 plus feet, concealment is a slight issue. :-)

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Originally Posted by JayHawker45

I hear ya! But at 19 plus feet, concealment is a slight issue. :-)

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Bigger pants. :smile:

The typical .44 Magnum cartridge is designed for longer bearrel lengths, just like the .357 Mag. Powder burning beyond the barrel does little to the BG. True, there are some specialty loads that perform better. So now the best CC configuration is not the optimum for the typical cartridge. IMHO if you are going to carry full time, then personal comfort is a big factor. A heavy, hard to conceal gun is more likely to be left home.

I recently switched from .45 (Glock 21) to 10mm (Glock 20) - mostly because I got a new holster I really like and it isn't for an ambi safety. As a side benefit - I now have "better" "performance" than a .357 magnum. And I didn't lose any capacity either....

Austin