Handgun Advice

SWB · May 9, 2006

I've read a lot of these comments and the majority seems to like the idea of a .357. I have a both a 4" and a 6" Ruger double action and a 6" S&W, all in .357. I don't think you can go wrong with either manufacturer or that caliber since the ammo is readily available and cheap. I also have a single action black hawk with a 7 1/2" barrel in .45 long colt and think that would be my choice for hunting if you can reload. If not it is expensive for the ammo and the ammo needs to be juiced up a bit to be close to a .44 mag (but the Ruger can handle it). If I had to choose only one for an all purpose weapon, it would be the 4" Ruger in .357. Just my own opinion.

Sigarms · May 9, 2006

George

Apologies about the rant /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Used to date a girl up in Mexico, and some time ago used to work at EMS part time (for fun and great employee discounts)at the Carosel (sp?) mall, and raft guided on the Black river in your neck of the woods. Fond memories and great times /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

How long have you had your permit? When I was up there they (conceal carry) were almost impossible to get.

When I lived in Pa, went to the sheriffs office, filled out a form, paid some money and had my conceal carry the next day.

Here in N.C, take a class, pay money to the state, 90 days later you have your conceal carry plus you can buy any handgun the SAME day with the cc permit.

Apologies for getting off topic.

JJT · May 9, 2006

JDGreen, It depends on the county. It can be a major pita and take several months. You'll need to take a course, pass a background FBI check and a local sheriff background check. If you are ex military or police things get a little easier, again depending on the county you are in. I've got Senator Moynihan's signature on my concealed carry permit. At the time he was a county judge.

Will_C · May 9, 2006

Wow, thanks for all the advice. It seems like I was on the right path, with the idea of getting a .357 for a first pistol. Like I said, it will be primarily for recreational shooting and carrying in the woods. I realize that other calibers would be better for deer hunting, but only plan on possibly shooting a deer if it is close (0-40 yards or so.) It seems like every year I fill an anterless tag with an easy shot of that distance. If I master a handgun, it should provide a bit more fun factor on that type of shot.
I had to be fingerprinted, photographed, and provide 4 character references for the permit. then it is totally up to the County judge whether to issue it or not, there is no set standards than qualify or deny you. Oh, and I had to pay $109 to apply.
If I enjoy shooting a handgun, I am sure I will add a .44 and other pistols. I own more deer rifles, shotguns, and muzzle loaders than I need /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Again, thanks for the advice.
Will

JoeR · May 10, 2006

Let's see... Driving is a privilege, take a test, you get a license and you now have a 3,000 pound weapon at your fingertips. You have a Right to keep and bear arms, but if you try to excercise that right, it is harder than getting a drivers license. Seems a little backwards. I guess politicians don't trust us not to shoot them, so we will have to run them over! hahhaa! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I am always amazed what law abiding citizens have to do to prove they are not a criminal. Anyway, the moment a politician gets run over, watch out! The laws will change to protect them!

Joe

GregMVT · May 10, 2006

A permit to carry a handgun??? What's that? In Vermont I can carry any time any place, except for court houses, banks etc. I reload for all 5 caliber handguns that I own. Straight wall cases have an added step to reloading and can be a little tricky at first. I use cast bullets for plinking, my father has a small company that casts lead bullets mostly for the cowboy shooting crowd and I get them from him. They are real cheap to shoot but can lead up your barrel if you push them to fast. For a general purpose revolver I prefer my S&W model 19 .357. It's a little lighter than a lot of the others and shoots well. I also have a Rossi model 93src that shoots .357/38 that is a great little rifle. Don't overlook the used gun market when shopping. With the popularity of automatics the prices on used wheel guns is pretty good. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Greg

dmccarty · May 10, 2006

Will,

I'm a fan of the 10mm like Sigarms. And its a real nice round for a wheel gun. I am pretty sure the S&W still makes a 10mm revolver. It shoots both the 10mm and .40.

Basically you have a range of "power" going from pretty danged good to hand cannon, 38/357 -> .40/10 -> 44/44Mag. The 10mm fits in the middle of the two extremes. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

A full power 10mm round gets into the lower end of the 44mag range. And with the 40 or weaker loaded 10 you can have a pretty soft shooter as well. If *** I *** was going to get a wheel gun I would get a 10 since I already have a semiauto 10 and I like the 10. So add this to your thinkng list.

Later,
Dan

George2615 · May 11, 2006

Joe,
Ive had my CC in NY since 1988. I had transferred my NJ CC to a NY one. The NJ CC I got in the mid 70's.

hockeypuck · May 11, 2006

I would go 9mm. It is the most abundant caliber as far as ammo goes and realitively light weight. The last thing you want to think about before pulling the trigger is the recoil, so do not go too large. After you buy a gun, shoot, shoot, shoot. You will be amazed at what you can not hit. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Puck

cp1969 · May 13, 2006

Puck, that's good advice but you can buy 148 grain full wadcutters in .38 Spl that, in a K or L frame Smith, generate hardly any more recoil than a .22.

I think .357 revolver, any good brand, is the way to go. My 586 would be among the last to go if I ever had to start paring down the fleet.

I second the comment that "you will be amazed at what you cannot hit", at least at first. But with enough practice, it comes. Then you start shooting moving targets if you want to go to the next level.