Only One

HEAD0001 · Post by **HEAD0001** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:27 pm

I know this is a terrible thought. But what if you could only own one handgun. What would it be??

In the past I have thought that my choice would be my 329 PD. But now I am thinking a little differently. Just looking for what you guys think. Tom.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:32 pm

Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:40 pm

Ruger 22/45 if I can keep all my rifles.

4" Model 19 Smith if only one rifle (Marlin Mountie)

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:47 pm

I have two hands, I need at least two hand guns.

Seriously there is no way I can answer your question. There is no one size fits all hand gun.

Joe

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:21 pm

4" Smith Model 66

I really am not a big 357 fan really. I go from 38 Special straight to not quite top loads of 44 Magnum. But for a pretty powerful gun that can still be carried easily the 66 is hard to beat.

jhrosier · Post by **jhrosier** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:25 pm

HEAD0001 wrote:... But what if you could only own one handgun. What would it be??..

There are a lot of assumptions to be made regarding intended use and ammo availability, however for all around use I would be looking at a 5" S&W Model 686 - 7 shot - .357 Mag.
I would stipulate that it would have a detachable mount for a scope or red dot sight.

Jack

Otto · Post by **Otto** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:32 pm

Having no specific criteria, I would have to say some sort of .357, prolly in a double-action. I guess I should get one.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:43 pm

Deleted

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:59 pm

Until I inherit my Dad's British Proofed 1911a1 my "only one" handgun will be
my Bowen custom Super Blackhawk .44 magnum.
Deadly accurate and can load up or down to suit my needs.

jb

Marvin S · Post by **Marvin S** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:11 pm

Ill throw in a Dan Wesson 15VH in 357 just for the barrel changes I can make. Other wise maybe a 4" 586 or 686.

dr walker · Post by **dr walker** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:37 pm

S&W 29 4 inch barrel. Sometimes I think the 19, but I usually fall back to the 29.

Booger Bill · Post by **Booger Bill** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:40 pm

Probley this 5" S&W model 29-2 44 mag. The one with it is a .357 5" S&W 27-2. I can use the same holster.

Chas. · Post by **Chas.** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:46 pm

Easy....my BFR.

eric65 · Post by **eric65** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:48 pm

Ruger GP100 until I get tired of it, then Joe's wife can have it.

Mich Hunter · Post by **Mich Hunter** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:49 pm

Kimber 1911 or my Ruger Blackhawk 5.5 in 45LC

firefuzz · Post by **firefuzz** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:53 pm

6" .357 S&W 686. It'll do anything I want a handgun to do.

Rob

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:02 pm

HEAD0001 wrote:I know this is a terrible thought. But what if you could only own one handgun. What would it be??

In the past I have thought that my choice would be my 329 PD. But now I am thinking a little differently. Just looking for what you guys think. Tom.

Ruger Old Army, 5-1/2" bbl and a Cartridge Converter Cylinder to shoot .45 Colt.

Solves the "ammo availability" question, still has plenty of thump, and is not out of line size wise.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:04 pm

I need more data. If only one handgun, can I have a rifle and shotgun or two also? It matters with my answer.

pshort · Post by **pshort** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:07 pm

Howdy,
Tough question. Guess I'd go with my S&W 625 Mtn gun in .45 colt...

(Or my Ruger MKII - .22)

Sorry, tough question!

Paul

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:05 pm

A T/C Contender with about 20 accessory barrels in different lengths/chamberings.

.

Post by **Hobie** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:09 pm

WHEN I could own only one handgun I started with a Ruger Security-Six 4" .357 Magnum. Later, I had a S&W 629 4" .44 Magnum. NOW I would choose my USFA SA in .45 Colt. The difference? 35 years experience and...
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The fact that I own a good riot shotgun and an AR-15...

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:27 pm

Old Ironsights wrote:Ruger Old Army, 5-1/2" bbl and a Cartridge Converter Cylinder to shoot .45 Colt. Solves the "ammo availability" question, still has plenty of thump, and is not out of line size wise.

I like the way you think!

For me, it would be a .45 Colt Redhawk.

Several reasons to own a gun:

a) personal protection - the above is not politically correct, nor easily concealed and convenient, but would certainly be up to the task.

b) home protection - it's not an EBR, or even a Guide Gun, but would you want to try climbing in the window of a homeowner shooting at you with a Redhawk?

c) hunting - the Redhawk would be fine for any of the critters I eat that live within 500 miles of my home.

d) community protection - again - not an EBR, but not picky with ammo (think .45 cal sabot in a pinch), and a whole town full of Redhawk-totin' citizenry would be a town not easily taken into slavery.

e) recreation - never taught a 'newbie' without ending the first lession touching off a Redhawk in .44 Mag or .45 Colt - and they always grin from ear to ear.

f) compatibility with other guns - A Marlin or Rossi .45 Colt would give me a sweet pair.

And yes, I'd "settle" for a .44 Magnum Redhawk, because other than the possibility (never tried it in real life) of using sabots if proper bullets weren't available, it pretty much can do the same things as the .45 Colt.

win38-55 · Post by **win38-55** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:40 pm

It would have to be My Ruger Super Blackhawk. 44 Mag 7.5 inch bbl.
This is the only pistol anyone should ever need. It will do most anything well except conceal.
But who needs to conceal when you carry a peice like this.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 10:07 pm

S&W Model 19. It was my Dad's service revolver. Just too sentimental for me and would be the last one to go...

spaceman spiff · Post by **spaceman spiff** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 10:30 pm

Browning Hi-Power. No other handgun fits my hands or eyes as well.

spaceman

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 10:36 pm

Considering my collection...I would have to choose the venerable 1911!

It does everything I need a handgun to do...and then some.

CEMENTHEAD · Post by **CEMENTHEAD** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 11:24 pm

I really hate the thought of that, even though I like simplicity.

It would have to be my semi-custom Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 mag...............

Thanks, Tom

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 12:58 am

Easy, my 4" Colt Python. Heaven forbid! But if it had to be so, that would be the one.

Cheers,
Oly

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 3:36 am

I have no handguns.

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 6:51 am

El Chivo wrote:I have no handguns.

Now THAT is interesting? May we ask why?

Pathfinder09 · Post by **Pathfinder09** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 7:33 am

I would have to go with my Mod 25 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt.

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 7:36 am

S&W Model 27

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:16 am

HEAD0001 wrote:I know this is a terrible thought. But what if you could only own one handgun. What would it be??

In the past I have thought that my choice would be my 329 PD. But now I am thinking a little differently. Just looking for what you guys think. Tom.

Unless otherwise stated, most on here are assuming as I am how the question is written(rifles/shotguns are allowed)
Otherwise as Mike says that makes a big difference in selection!
I am choosing the Ruger 454 Alaskan based on who knows where one could end up(maybe Alaska/Montana/heck maybe British Columbia?)
I want a gun that is very wearable (an always on gun) Have no concern about hunting with it.
I want somthing that will be very reliable(stainless revolver)somthing that is very concealable "for its power" and will drop any Big Bad critter darn quick.
Considering the .45Colt can be fired in the .454 Casull if need be, for me its a no brainer for this application! Anyway speaking just for myself? Yep, 6rounds of 360gr .454 Casull (that would make me feel lucky today)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... s_id/14313

williamranks · Post by **williamranks** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:39 am

Dan Wesson 15-2, I've had it since 1982.
I have 4", 6", and 8" barrels for it. The rear sight is a Millet with a peep blade and the front is a rifle bead.
The springs are from Bullseye.

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:43 am

It would be my Ruger Bisley.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:47 am

Ok, I slept on this one.

My primary use of a handgun is self defense. In that sense, the handgun would have to be with me all the time. My Seacamp .380 fills that spot currently. I also use the handgun for plinking and for woods carry. In that sense, it would have to be able to gather game readily, being accurate and capable. My freedom arms .45 Colt/45acp fills this spot mostly. Living in the Northeast, the most wilderness I see is the appalacain trail (or the streets of Baltimore). I eliminate my Bond derringer and Seacamp .380 because they lack the game getting capability. Since I don't own a .22 handgun at this time, I have only three to choose from. The 475 Linebaugh will have to go, I have that as a primary hunting weapon for anything I might want to shoot. Down to two: My 45 colt freedom arms 97 premier with 45 acp cylinder added or my 3 inch model 60 with night sights and adjustable rear. The FA is just too large to have on me ALL the time unless I lived out in wide spaces, then hands down, this would be the one to keep. That leaves the model 60, 3 inch in .357. 90+ % one shot stopping of two legged critters, accurate enough for small game, properly placed bullets will take deer size game, small enough to have with me all the time, ammo is available everywhere, and it matches up with my life style and the activities I do. Hard to believe I only have 5 handguns at this time.

Catshooter · Post by **Catshooter** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 6:18 pm

Smith & Wesson Shorty 45.

Short, light, match level accuracy, Glock level reliability.

I envy CO Steve's hand size as I think the Glock 21 would be wonderful for so many reasons. But it's just to dang big for me to hang onto.

My primary use for a short gun is self defense but I could easily hunt with it.

Cat

edwardyoung · Post by **edwardyoung** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 7:02 pm

Kind of cheating, but I'd choose a 1911 with a 22lr conversion. 45acp and 22lr, perfect and perfect.

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 7:08 pm

If I could only have one it would be a nice 1911 or my Clements Bisley Vaquero in .45 Colt. If it has to be one I already own I would have to go with the Bisley.

It was a tough choice between the .45 Bisley or my Single Six Bisley. I went with the .45 because in the long run it would be more versatile and effective in some situations. Wouldn't want to go through bear country with just a .22. If rifles are a consideration that changes the game some.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:43 pm

win38-55 wrote:It would have to be My Ruger Super Blackhawk. 44 Mag 7.5 inch bbl.
This is the only pistol anyone should ever need. It will do most anything well except conceal.
But who needs to conceal when you carry a peice like this.

When I worked in Ohio pharmacies in the 1970's and 80's (before 'legal' CCW there), I carried that exact gun (only blued) in a Bianchi shoulder holster whenever I worked in a retail pharmacy.

Glad I never had to pull/use it, but it would have done the job, at least.

Eventually I got a little Charter Arms Bulldog and modified a 'cowboy' boot by splitting the seam and sewing in a pancake holster, and kept that on me when I started working in hospitals (not much risk of 'holdup') but had to walk 10-12 blocks home through the ghetto at 2 a.m. when I got off work. I'd fold up my paper lunch-sack after lunch, stick it in my pocket, then before leaving the hospital, get the gun out of my boot, load it, and slip it into the paper bag, with my index finger behind the trigger, and hold the bag over it with my thumb. Makes for a bit more calm when walking home through the 'hood... Only had to 'display' it one time, ironically when crossing through another hospital's "patrolled & secure" parking lot (the three guys who accosted me evidently didn't read the signs...

).

firefuzz · Post by **firefuzz** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:50 pm

Hobie wrote:
El Chivo wrote:I have no handguns.
Now THAT is interesting? May we ask why?

At least one's he's going to admit to.

Rob

2X22 · Post by **2X22** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 9:05 pm

Either my 4 3/4" OM Ruger flattop in .44 mag OR, this new 4 5/8" Ruger flattop in .44 special..............

Probably the latter.

2x22

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 9:27 pm

I would have a really hard time choosing one handgun. The only time in my life when I only owned one handgun was as a teenager, when I owned a Smith and Wesson K22 with a 6 inch barrel, and before that a Ruger Single Six 22 with a 6.5 inch barrel. In reality at the time, I felt pretty well armed, but after another 40 years added to that, I might feel a little underguned, in a life or death siduation against either man or beast.

So, as bad as I would hate to give up my .22 revolvers, I recond I would have to keep what I can carry for CCW and feel pretty good about, when the chips fell, so I recond after much gashing of teeth, I would choose my Wilson Combat 5 inch 1911 in 45ACP, because I have shot 1911's so much, and I find I can carry a 1911 easier then most other guns, espacally revolvers, although I am very fond of revolvers in general, and I could get by just fine with a Colt Peacemaker if I needed to, and would choose it over many more modern revolvers.

Another reason I would probably choose a 1911 is because I know how to keep one running, with just a few replacment parts, and I just know them better inside and out, and I know what I can do with one, but I sure would miss many of my other handguns.

oklahoma red · Post by **oklahoma red** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 11:23 pm

Good evening to ya all,
This is an easy call for me!
If I only to get to pick one, I'll have to bring my "Big Girl" to to the dance.

Stainless Taurus M44; been bobbed, nipped, trimmed, resprung, reground, and reworked (no porting-- you just hang on for the ride

).
Now a 3 1/4", "mostly" double action, six shot revolver. With 44 spls, she is my protector, and IDPA revolver. With 44 mags, she's poked deer and wild hogs for me, and finished off anything that's still a' wiggilin' when I show up.

Happy shootin' to ya all,
OkR

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 3:59 am

If I could only own ONE handgun... It would be:

Aye GAWD, if it was good enough for ...

the telegraphist · Post by **the telegraphist** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:26 am

4 inch 357mag blued Python.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 8:31 am

That is a real tough decision to make. I think I'd lean toward my Springfield 'Loaded' 1911 45, mainly because I can hit multiple targets faster with it than with my Colt SAA, although I would hate to leave my brass behind and sometimes a fellow doesn't have time to pick it all up. But for sheer pleasure, I like my Colt SAA even more. Here's a photo of my Springfield ....

RDB · Post by **RDB** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:02 am

New Colt Series 70, BCP Arena, in 45acp

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:27 am

That's a real hard question to answer. It would depend on whether or not TEOTWAWKI had occurred. If not, I'd take my Les Baer in 45 ACP. If it had, I'd take my FA 83 in 454 Casull. I could get a 45 Colt and 45 ACP cylinder for it and it would do for most anything.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:44 am

kimwcook wrote:That's a real hard question to answer. It would depend on whether or not TEOTWAWKI had occurred. If not, I'd take my Les Baer in 45 ACP. If it had, I'd take my FA 83 in 454 Casull. I could get a 45 Colt and 45 ACP cylinder for it and it would do for most anything.

Is there somthing with the Freedom Arms 83 that requires a extra seperate .45 Colt cylinder when its a .454 Casull ? I could see the .45ACP but thought all .454 Casulls also shoot the .45 Colt!
My .454 Raging Bull shoots them just fine?