imported post
Hank, good question,
- I have a good selection of arms, pistols included. For many years i OC'd a .357 Ruger GP100 (DA Revolver) in a drop loop on private property, very comfortable. Those days i would CC a 9mm CZ-75B (DA Auto) when going into town... I still have both.
- For many years after my main arm was a Colt .45 Auto combat commander (SA Auto) and i still CC that gun when OC is not preferred.
- I currently OC my SA Ruger Vaquero most of the time, with current weather, it usually gets covered (partially or fully) by one of my coats... or if windy/rainy CC the .45acp
In my time i have carried many other pistols at various parts of my life, to include: Tokarev 7.62x25, Beretta 25A, 1860 Army replica (cap-n-ball) etc.
- I feel each type of pistol requires a specific skill set, some obviously being preferred over others. Many ask why i prefer ye-old single action revolver, well, again, simplicity provides a certain elegance in the manipulation of the arm. I feel the natural, almost mystical pointability of that guns shape and balance afford a first shot placement that surpasses any other pistol i have fired. Combined with that models ultra reliability, strength, and ability to fire a caliber that is stout, hard hitting, and gives versatile selection of ammo. The fact that i have a strong synergy with the gun, and confidence in my ability to place rounds quickly on their mark, i would not feel out-gunned or incapable of adequately defending myself in a hostile situation. If i really really needed more, i would consider carrying one of my assault rifles. being that we are not fighting zombies, or ravaging hordes of desert wastelanders, i am confident 6 rounds will be adequate to accommodate any average situation. If things begin to show signs that of apocalyptic nature, i will go to my gun safe and acquire something that fits that requirement. A couple of Thugs? .. They better be fast....
- Yes, in reality, i could probably do evenmore effective fast hand damage with my .45acp (assuming it was 100% reliable), and even MORE withone of my combat rifles (fn-fal, ak-47, m-14, uzi).. however, Auto's jam, primers fail, parts break... all in all, and all things considered, i trust the ultimate reliabilityof my SA Ruger for my daily ventures through a relatively civilized society with the possibility of encountering an aberrant pre-wastelander.
Bat
and
P.S. to address the OP topic, if you consider yourself of average skill, i recommend the DA .357. relatively easier to use in a stressful situation, and both .357 and 41 are excellent rounds. I dont think ammo availability is the question when in a defensive situation, since what you have in the gun, and on person for reloads is really what matters. IF you are willing to master the skill of a single action wheelgun, then by all means do so and feel confident once you have refined the art. Simple fact is that most incidents involving firearms in a defensive capability do not include or require a reload, the "slow reload" of a single action is of minimal concern in an average self defense encounter. DO however practice unload and reload drills (use fake rounds or snap caps please) and also consider small back up gun if this is a concern or point of contention. I am considering a modern 2-shot derringer to protect myself during a reload... it would reside in a holster on my gunbelt. I cant reload as fast as an auto, but i am not a snail either, so a backup is an appealing and realistic answer to offset the slow reload.
