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[naitram]

had a lasermax in my glock, but removed it. it replaced the guide spring so it was completely internal, but found if i tried to aim with it i was not hitting the mark. dont want a red dot i cant use. as stated above you need to have clear picture of what you are aiming at as well as what might be behind that target...

[VaEagle]

I carried revolvers long before we could semi-autos. The revolvers are harder to conceal and dig into your side if inside the waistband. There are no decocking levers (a.k.a. safeties) on a revolver but if they malfunction you will probably need a gunsmith. Semi-autos can seem at first more complicated but they actually have less moving and delicate parts vs. revolvers. If they malfunction they can get back into action with usually just the operator's actions.
The .38 vs. .357 debate is a small one if you are compairing the weight of the gun alone. The .357 is a much better manstopper and in a revolver you can swap out .357 ammo for .38 ammo and save ammo costs and recoil on the range. Just be careful and thoroughly clean the revolver chamber ends or you may have trouble seating .357 ammo and it could cause a jam.
I still like the Glock model 36 in .45 caliber for a self-defense gun. It's very compact(about the size of a Chief's special), smooth sides make it easy to conceal, finish is very durable to holster wear and body oils and sweat, the recoil is low and stopping power is excellent.

[Midnight Rider]

Ken...I had a S&W AirLite 38 spl for many years.  While it was certainly easy to carry, I did not like shooting it at all.  It simply hurt my hand to shoot more than 25-30 rounds through it when practicing, so I sold it.  I replaced it with a Sig P238, which is a 380.  However, it is even easier to carry than the AirLite (thinner profile), and it is a pleasure to shoot.  Very accurate and manageable recoil.  With the right kind of bullet, it will get the job done as well as anything.  Sig is also about to release the P938, which is a slightly larger version of the P238, only it's going to be a 9mm.  Both of those guns are 1911 style, with a single action only trigger.

There is no doubt that a revolver is one of the most reliable weapons ever invented, but for me, I prefer an auto, particularly the 1911 style.  A 357 snubbie would be a handful.  When the Zombies are trying to get in my house, I'll have 14 chances (7 shot magazines) to get 'em.  , and 18 more with the 380.

For about the same money as the Ruger 357, you could even go with something like a Sig C3 45ACP.  With the right IWB holster, it's easy to carry, and very concealable.  And it's safe "locked and loaded", if you choose to carry that way.  Most self defense shots are in the 5-10' range, and a 45 JHP makes a big ol hole.  It's a fun gun to shoot too.  With a little practice, and the gun cocked and locked, it becomes second nature to sweep the thumb safety off as you are bringing up the weapon for use.  Then you have a very short trigger pull, and BANG!

As far as the laser thing is concerned...my C3 has the Crimson Trace Laser Grips (burl wood) with an on/off switch on the left side grip.  It also has regular night sights.  On the C3, the grips are very comfortable, and the laser is activated by gripping the gun properly.  You don't HAVE to use them, but it's there.  Once you get the laser adjusted to the point of impact of the bullet, you can be sure that it will go where the red dot is, regardless of what position you are in...like on your back, side, or behind something for cover.  And, your head is not necessarily lined up with the barrel of the gun.  For shooting "off the hip", I can see where the laser might come in handy.  In a bad situation, it's not real likely that you're going to be able to do a proper stance and grip...and I'd prefer not to let the bad guy/gal get very close to me at all.  

[TANKS 250]

" A 357 snubbie would be a handful"

Depends on the experience of the shooter....I train all the time...with my Ruger LCR .357 magnum I can hit a 6" plate @75' all day long.

As for recoil, again...depends on the experience of the shooter...bad grip...bad shots...and a sore hand.



My 12 year old son with the Ruger.357 mag.

[HogBreath]

Went by Gander Mountain today, ready to buy. They had the Ruger LCR in 38, the S&W airweight in 38, but not the new bodyguard. I've already got the S&W airweight 38, so bought the Ruger. They had an airweight in 357, but, that woiuld be a handful I think.

Terry I hear what you're saying and can't disagree with anything you say. But, Only reason I wanted a new pistol is protection. I've shot a pickup truck load of ammo in my lifetime, and I'm over it. I was looking for something easy to conceal and carry, yet big enough to stop someone if need be. I had the 380, but was concerned about stopping a drunk drug crazed guy built like a football linebacker. If he was an itty bitty guy, I wouldn't need a gun.. . Some guns are for target shooting, some for carrying. I'm sure this statement will start a debate, but, not sure I've seen one that was perfect for both.

If I knew I was going to need it on a regular basis, I'd prefer a 45 auto 15 round with spare clips. Then all ya gotta do is shoot up amongst em. One or two bound to hit their mark. While I'm no marksman by any stretch of the imagination, I wouldn't bet my life AGAINST my markmanship if'n ya know what I mean. Give me a long gun, and I'll shoot with most anyone. Started shooting at 7 y/o I think.

[Midnight Rider]

Glad to hear you found what you were looking for and I'm sure it will serve the purpose intended.

I don't go out shooting these things much after the initial "break in", and making sure my ammo of choice runs well through the gun.  So, I've run about 500 rounds through the C3 45 and about 300 through the P238 380, both without a hiccup, so they'll be parked in my nightstand or on my person when I feel like I need to carry, which is not all the time.

I did a bunch of reading about the various calibers, etc when deciding what I wanted to get for the rest of my life.  If you go to some of the gun forums, there's always a big debate about what the best caliber is, etc.  After a bunch of reading, I chose the Hornady Critical Defense round for both guns...that's what's in the magazines now.  The 380 with that round can do the job, but of course, the 45 would be "better".  Neither one of them are worth a chit if you can't hit what you're aiming at, and nobody knows for sure how they'd act in a real life situation.  I just hope it never comes up.  I don't think I'll ever be shooting through windshields on cars, or somebody 200 feet away...I'll just get the hell out of there if I can.

Really, I enjoy taking the Colt 1911 22LR out just for fun shooting/plinking.  It works like my other two, but I can afford to shoot 500 rounds through it.  I'm no markman either, but I do well enough.  My Grandpa used to take me out in the woods shooting his old Browning 22 single shot, and later I got to shoot his shotguns.  He was a good teacher.

[Resbiker]

Saw the weapon of my dreams at a gun show this week-end......not very concealable though & too much $$$$.   A beautiful M14 for $3500.  Yup...M14, not a M1-A!

[BigLew]

Still waiting on a AA-12 to be available!

BigLew

[clegg]

Khar PM9 with a permit. Buried in bag unloaded when in the wrong states. Mag in pocket. I don't care what state I am camping in (I normally tent it..) it's in tent with me. Hello Mr Bear.. I prefer Spear Gold Dot +P, but find the large hollowpoint can bind up feeding on this weapon. Anyone else have this problem?

[darth davidson]

Still waiting on a AA-12 to be available!

BigLew

You might enjoy this video

[Midnight Rider]

Khar PM9 with a permit. Buried in bag unloaded when in the wrong states. Mag in pocket. I don't care what state I am camping in (I normally tent it..) it's in tent with me. Hello Mr Bear.. I prefer Spear Gold Dot +P, but find the large hollowpoint can bind up feeding on this weapon. Anyone else have this problem?

Have you tried polishing the ramp a bit?  Sometimes that will do the trick.  Or, try a different ammo, like Hornady CD.  No trouble with feeding on either of my Sigs with that ammo.

[BigLew]

You might enjoy this video

Love it, all I want for Christmas

BigLew

[porthole]

and nobody knows for sure how they'd act in a real life situation. 

Even with LEO.

Just recently at the huge Woodbridge Center Mall  we had a shoplifting turned hostage taking after the store security confronted the perp.
Took a knife to the woman's throat. Off duty LEO on part time didn't hesitate - just like TV - one round right between the eyes. Dropped hime where he stood like a box of rocks.

Good to know many have what it takes.

[Eagle Eye]

Even with LEO.

Just recently at the huge Woodbridge Center Mall  we had a shoplifting turned hostage taking after the store security confronted the perp.
Took a knife to the woman's throat. Off duty LEO on part time didn't hesitate - just like TV - one round right between the eyes. Dropped hime where he stood like a box of rocks.

Good to know many have what it takes.

One less scumbag to feed and house.  I would like to shake that officer's hands.  He should get a medal.

[Eagle Eye]

You might enjoy this video

Our troops should have this weapon, if they don't already.  Whew!  I'd love to have the version available to the public.