I'm typing for my husband. I love this man's wisdom & knowledge of firearms. There are a lot of so called "gun experts" on RU-vid but, this man knows what he's talking about. Keep up the good work.
I was an Alaska State Trooper for 22 years. Before we "upgraded" to semi-autos in the late 1990s, we carried .357 magnum S&W 686 with 4" barrels. That was an awesome revolver! When we made the switch the department gave us the opportunity to buy our issued revolvers. I declined that offer and have been regretting it ever since.
The Navy Seals were issued the same 686 4" .357 Magnum back in the 1980's I got a 6" version when I started working armed security patrol and my boss wouldn't allow it due to the 6" barrel. Blew another paycheck on a 4" Ruger GP100 which is honestly a less troublesome gun than I've had with the 686. Not that I think the 686 isn't an excellent weapon it's likely more the ammunition having soft primers or were loaded hotter than they should have been from the factory.
What did your department upgrade to? I always wondered if the 357 magnum would be up to the task for Alaska because of the threat of large game like moose and bear
The blackhawks are dependable but I had trouble with both of mine because there is not enough room between the trigger guard and the grip. The guard would strike my middle finger every time I fired either handgun. I sold them and went to Ruger SP100 and Speed six and am happy with both. I've loaded for .357 for many years both handgun and rifle. I am very fond of the caliber and cartridge.
The Model 66 is a fine revolver and I should know, I have one. However, I prefer to carry a Model 686. The slightly larger frame and grip size as well as the additional weight associated with that make it a slightly more pleasant gun to shoot. You have a made a fantastic choice of sidearm. Good on you sir.
Mike,...even though i'm in the UK and obviously,...our gun owning rights are totally different to yours over there,..i find i still learn so much from every single video you do, no matter what type of firearm is discussed. So,..you keep doing what you're doing and i'll certainly keep watching because i enjoy them very much.
Haha!... Fudd!... I laugh every single time someone says that.... I mostly carry wheel guns too.... Usually a Model 19 or 29.... If I'm feeling "Sassy" on any particular morning, I might holster a 1911 or one of my many Ruger Auto Loaders... It depends on what I'm doing that day and where I am going... If I'm going into or near "Boogerville" or "Boogertown" I'll have something on me that is higher capacity..... Anyhow, GREAT VIDEO!
@@classicgunstoday1972 I must be a FUDD. "I believe in the Second Amendment, but" it was never intended to protect guns for sport. We should have machine guns issued to every law-abiding citizen. If they have no weapons of war to protect the innocent, they should not have a vote, much less hold office.
When I carry a revolver it's usually a Ruger GP100 4 inch or a Ruger SP101 3 inch with 38 +P or .357 magnum. But what I carry doesn't matter much since I wear shoulder holsters for all my pistols. Great vid man!
Although I own a Ruger GP100 4.2" barrel (Match Champion), when I carry a concealed weapon, I carry my old Ruger Security Six w/4" barrel during cooler months. It's slightly lighter. I use the GP100 for home defense and carry it with me when I'm out hunting. I carry the Ruger LCRx in the warmer months.
Both excellent choices, I carried a 3" SP101 for years and absolutely loved it! I've had the 4" blued GP100 for decades and it's been flawless and is super comfortable in the hand. I someday will buy another SP101 too bad they're so damn expensive now.
I own a 4" GP100, and I concur with your rcomendation, Mike. When my friends make fun of my wheelgun, I tell them, "At least my gun isn't going to fling evidence all over the place if I ever have to use it." I also compete with it in IDPA, and I always have a good time with it. Most folks are amazed at how fast you can reload a revolver using a speedloader, with just a little practice. You still have to pick up brass, though, because the goal is a fast reload, so the spent brass is punched out of the cylinder and disregarded. Although, when you do pick it up, it is sitting there in little piles of 6 empty cases, which is nice.
@@timhallas4275The Model 19s are beautiful guns. I have one 6" and one 4". But my favorite has been a 686 4", until I got my new 686+ 4". I'm still evaluating. They are functional pieces of art in steel and wood.
Good, definitely not the best. I've had better flawless functionality from my 4" GP100 than my 6" 686. The cylinder has locked up on me TWICE! once the plunger had backed out of its threads, the last time I believe it was a soft primer or a hot factory load pushed the primer out too far and locked up the cylinder. I've never had one issue with the Ruger and it can't have the same plunger failure, it's a better design+ it doesn't punch holes out of my hand doing competition speed loads.
This may be the most intelligent, practical presentation I've ever seen on the "one gun" question. You pretty much cover all bases honestly and succinctly. It's obvious you've given this some serious thought. Well done sir!
I also have accumulated a diverse collection in a similar manner to yours. I will never go to " just one gun" but in this scenario I too would choose my 4-in model 66. Glad to see you explained the thinking behind the choice to your audience.
Good choice, personally I’m picking a smith 686 4 inch 357. It is extremely versatile. And the 4 inch barrel is something I’ve always thought of as a “combat size” gun. Small enough to be handy, large enough to be effective.
All of your videos are great content, I also carry revolvers more than semi autos but do carry those as well. The biggest thing is that in a civilian defensive shooting situation is to have anything with you that is both reliable and comfortable to shoot effectively. Thanks for all the great content. (:
Great video Mike. I love the versatility of a 357 mag chambered gun. I really like my 5 inch model 27. It’s a bit bigger, but I’ve always been fond of N frame guns.
Although I have a fairly small hand, I've always found N frames comfortable to shoot. I own Models 14 and 16 but will not hesitate to buy an N frame should the right .357 or .45 Colt chambering become available.
Christian Prouteau, founder of the French GIGN stated that he felt that the 5 inch barrel was the ideal length to get the best performance from the .357 magnum cartridge. If I would consider anyone an authority on the matter, it would definitely be the guy who stood up a counter-terror unit which proceeded to body a bunch of bad guys using .357 magnum.
My very first firearm (and I still have it over 40 years later) - a Model 28 with a six inch barrel and the target grips. Have a few N-frames and think they are the best
My Favorite also. Model 27 5 inch target hammer and trigger, pinned barrel and recessed cylinders, plus custom grips. Please read about Skeeter Skelton. He was a Border Patrol officer, sheriff and DEA agent. But he was a great writer for Shooting Times magazine. Also a Big Proponent of the .44 Special. Cheers
I completely agree with you . Born in 1963 , and the son of a late 1960s' uniformed police officer , we've owned hundreds of guns in all calibers throughout the past 6 decades . However , our go to guns have always been a wheel gun chambered in .357 magnum for precisely the reasons you described . Versatility is the name of the game , and nothing else except for the viciously recoiling .44magnum/special comes close to the .357 . EXCELLENT video !
I absolutely agree with you. As much as I like my other guns 12g 20g and AR. There is always a place in my waste for a wheel gun. I personally love Taurus because of the price point. But I know that they have been reliable when needed. This guy I just came across his channel and his presentation is excellent.
y My experience at 62 year old is from US Navy and also owning about a hundred guns and shooting more. I say do become infatuated with guns (that is right _I am not in the gun industry.)_ Pick one gun for carry and another bigger one for home. The absolute best modern carry gun, that happens to be the World's most popular: get a *_Glock_* to carry. The absolute best home defense gun, that happens to be the most powerful gun: get a reliable *_shotgun_* from a top brand. Uncomplicated, simple, & easy. This info. is for serious use and not for hype.
@@tonyrebel63 Yes , I've got to completely agree about the benefits of a long gun . There's nothing like a shotgun for pure power and its intimidation factor . The AR is another excellent choice , although I prefer the shotgun for the house . I can't say that I only carry a .357 , but it's the gun that I pick up when I can't make up my mind as to what gun to carry . The truth is that with modern bullet technology most calibers are very effective . I can remember in my younger years that the 9mm was considered a poor defensive round , but with today's +Ps' & +P+s' it's a highly effective cartridge . And the .40S&W is another great even though it seems to be fading a little bit . Still , you can always count on a revolver and old habits are hard to break . Good talking to you my friend .
@@thetexasrat The expensive. 45 long colt is just for recreational shooting brah. The military and civilians stopped using it✋️during the Gen. Custer's of cowboys and Indians. What the...?!
Mike, the best aspects of your channel, and why I like your videos so much Is the versatility of weapon subject matter that you produce. From flintlocks to modern weapons, black powder to modern cartridge, and not to be forgotten edged weaponry, you are very well versed with a plethora of knowledge. So keep up the good work!!
Have to agree safety, general firearms and tactical training as well as frequent target practice min. Too many have the atitude " well I have a gun ...I'm good" is insane.
Wonderful choice. I use a Hogue Bantam grip on the 66-8 2.75". It's cheap, it conceals pretty nicely and handles well. The K-frame is just phenomenal loaded with either .38 Special or .357 and like you said can cover so many needs and uses.
A long time ago when i was much younger and was a keen shooter living in South Africa.After much speculation and gained experience over the years.I also decided that if you could only have one handgun what would it be.And my decision was exactly the same as yours Mike.A good 357 Magnum 4 inch barrelled double action revolver.(And as a side note:Lots of manual handling and dry firing to become extremely proficient along with a few good speedloaders)
Hey G.R., Since English must be difficult for you, coming from Africa, I'd like to point out to you that your 1st sentence IS NOT a sentence. I'll leave it to you to find out why.
It is just a matter of punctuation. Assholes looking for grammar errors wil find something in every second comment on any youtube video. You must be a very busy person, I shall leave it to you to find out why.
Great video, 100% agreement. Additionally, my “one rifle” is a .357 lever carbine (Marlin 1894). Mainly because my “one pistol” is a .357 double action medium frame 6 shot revolver (Ruger GP 100).
Always been more of a handgun guy and if I were smart, my one rifle would have been something in one of my pistol calibers, likely 357.. but the mini 14 folder was just too tempting, lol. At least 223/556 is common and pretty light..
I'm with ya on the K frame. I carry a S&W 64 with a 4" BBL concealed. Love it despite having carried nothing but autos on duty during my LEO years. Of course, a 65, 66, or 686 in .357mag would be more ideal, but haven't been able acquire one yet. With a pair of Safariland speedloaders, I feel very well armed with my .38 +P loads. The accuracy of my .38's is fantastic! I carry my 4" revolver in a modified bellyband system, really securing and distributing the weight of the gun, and us actually comfortable to carry.
I absolutely understand your choice, and mine would be similar. Mine would be a 3" Smith K-Frame .357 Magnum, with a fixed sight. So either a Model 65 or 13. I grew up with DA revolvers and didnt start shooting autos until i was in my late 20's and only because i entered law enforcement. In MassaTwoSh!ts, we used to be able to get our carry permits when we turned 18, but due to fedwral law we couldn't purchase hamdguns or handgun ammo until we turned 21. So from 18-21 i carried one of my father's revolvers. When i turned 21, a gunsmith legend, the late Karl Sokol of Cheatnut Mountain Sports built me a custom 3" 65. I shot that with my .357 reloads at least tens of thousands of rounds, maybe more, and shot it loose and had flame cutting on the face of the cylinder and topstrap. Karl was always impressed how much it was used and he built me a few more Smith wheelguns. I understand your choice of the 66, but after all my experience with them, I find the fixed sights to be faster for me. But adjustables, especially going from .357 to .38, are more practical. And my choice of the 3" instead of the 4" is just personal preference, and it still has the full length extractor rod, unlike the 2-½" Smiths. I like your BHP .357 Sig conversion. I, too, like that round and carry it in a P229 sometimes. I have a friend who had Karl build him a 1911 Commander in .357 Sig using a custom Kart barrel.
All the same reasons I’d choose a 4” .357 medium frame revolver as well. To be more specific, I’d continue forward with my old Ruger Police Service Six made in the 200th year of American Liberty. I got it new. It’s well proven in its worth. Great video.
I remember reading an article with Skeeter Skelton being asked, if he could have only one gun and had to flee to the mountains during a grid down scenario, this was based on the cuban missile crisis in 1962. Skeeter said it would be his S&W 357 mag, backed up by a ruger blackhawk also in 357 mag. He said his reload kit would be in a carry bag and have powder,primers, bullet mold,(358156) and the lyman/ideal 310 tong tool. Wish i could find that article.
Very thought provoking and you laid out a good case. I would carry my 3" S&W M66. Unlike a 2.5" model the 3" allows full extraction of the cases, important for a reload.
Love the 3" 66. The orginal models sell for much more than any other length of 66 Smith & Wesson recently brought back the 66. You can have it with a 2.75" barrel. Cheers
Great video Mike! I totally agree with your choice. Personally I would choose my model 29 4". 240 grain lead for woods carry, 200 grain gold dots for concealed carry and 200 grain lead for competition. Probably to much reading Elmer Keith in my youth. If I didn't cast and handload then a model 19 would be just fine. Have a great day.
I love my Ruger GP-100 4" stainless .357 that has had a nice action job. Smooth as silk in double action. Never fails and accurate to boot. I have 31 guns in my safe from ARs, to Flinters and all manner of pistols, but if I can only take one into the wilderness for survival, I agree with you!
I do love my S&W Model 19 with a four-inch barrel. If I had to choose only one handgun, it would probably be my CZ-75B, but the S&W would get a long look before I decided.
Well said, and right on, for all the reasons you gave! I am partial to the 3" 65, essentially the same but with fixed sights and round butt. Thanks for your always-great presentations!
Great choice' the last revolver the FBI issued was the model 19 3 inch. Basically the same as your revolver but blued finish. I have and love the Lady Smith version of the 65 in 357 Magnum. It has a shroud that protects the ejector rod like a 66 does. Which is a few oz heavier. And looks better IMHO. But full ejection of cases makes the 3 inch 65 superior to shorter barrels! Cheers
I'm a firearm collector also for over 40 years and have great difficulty choosing the handgun if I could only have one. I'd start from a list of these 3 gems n eliminate two ... Beretta M9A3 Ruger GP100 S&W model 29-2
Mike, I'm older than you, live one county north of you, and would make very similar choices if I could only have one handgun. I suppose that makes me a "fudd+." My first full-time carry gun was a Smith Model 19 with a Colt 1911 as a backup. I still have the Model 19 but don't carry it anymore. It serves me as the standard by which I measure all others. Yes, I do have many others, including some plastic 9 mms , although I mostly carry revolvers for all of the reasons that you have so eloquently explained. My old Ruger Service Six 4-inch is well-worn and smooth. Yes, we have coyotes! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I'm a fan. Mike
My brothers wife was looking to purchase a 1st gun and I finally(!!) talked her into the same Model 66 you are showing. Only difference she found one with the round but which fits her hand perfectly. She laughed and said "all the old guys told me that was the gun to get". I just smiled.
Great video! Your point is well presented. I couldn’t make the choice if I could only have one, but part of it would depend which phase of life. I currently have a Sig 365 that is with me constantly - has replaced small Glocks and five shots for daily carry. It’s modularity is something I haven’t explored, but was one of the reasons I bought it. But it’s concealability, a decent out of the box trigger and sights were what impressed me. I have a S&W Model 19-5 and 66-1, both four inch. The former was a duty weapon for a while. They are versatile, but I do have some concerns over ammo availability. While there are a lot of .38 Specials out there still being carried, they’re not getting shot as much as 9mms and the factories are not pumping out as much .38/.357 ammo as 9mm. Plus it’s expensive. I saw 50-round boxes of 145 grain Winchester Silvertip magnum ammo, one of my old duty loads for $50 at a shop that doesn’t gouge customers. Minimum of $20 cheaper than a quality 9mm defense load. On the other hand, I would consider myself well armed with my K-frame magnums if I had to carry them again. Looking back on a career, I can’t think of any situation I was ever in where the six shot wheelie wasn’t sufficient, ultimately. And I read a recent article by your friend Jim Wilson recalling a conversation with Bill Jordan, who suggested the ultimate SHTF fan in his expert opinion was a Model 19 and a box of cartridges.
The last few times my camera recorded the criminals that came onto my property, I saw multiple bad guys (up to 5). The times have changed and the criminals often travel in pairs or groups. I don't carry anything less than 15 rounds.
Only one gun should be the Smith and Wesson Chief's Special or the Colt Cobra. There's a reason why police and mafia officers carried them as their Concealed Carry Pistol. They don't jam and they don't misfeed and if a bullet is a dud, just squeeze the trigger again and blam! 🪖
I’ve had my Cobra since 1968, it still shoots great & is easy to carry concealed. My other long time fave is an older Model 60, a bit heavy for pocket carry but easy to conceal otherwise. I’d be comfortable w/either one as an only gun.
@@oldcop18 I also have a vintage Colt Agent and an older Model 60 like yours but if I have to choose only one gun for life, it would be my 38 Special Model 36 with the 3" bull barrel.
There's no doubt the 357 magnum is a great cartridge, versatile and powerful. I have the Colt Border Patrol 357 Magnum (my first handgun) with thousands of rounds down range it still performs flawlessly. Thanks for a great video.
@@johncreed2627 I feel the same here in Canada with our commie loving traitorous Prime Minister. It won't be long before all our guns are banned or confiscated.
Mike, thanks so much! The .357 is so versatile! It made me feel good because I bought a .357 magnum with a 4" barrel with a muzzle brake a few years ago as my open carry woods gun. It's a Taurus model 608 and it shoots flawlessly, despite what all the gun snobs tell you. I handload so it can do a lot of things and you validated all that! So, thanks again!!
I have a model 66 , shot it in IDPA and also in ICORE. Another plus for revolvers is you can load snake shot in them while hiking and not worry about jams on the second shot.
I have a S&W model 19-3 and it is wonderful. One thing you didn't cover in your points was pride of ownership. Having a functional and good-looking gun would be my fourth point (I don't shoot competitively). Otherwise, you hit all the bases with your choice.
For over 20 years, I eschewed the use of or interest in modern double action revolvers. My dad's S&W Model 19 with a wandering rear sight and Coke bottle grips which squirm around in my hand during firing did that to me. Now, my go-to favorite handgun is my Taurus 608. It's an anvil in terms of weight, but I love having eight shots of .357 out of an integrally ported barrel and wrap-around rubber grips. 5 Star speed loaders make reloads a breeze. What I love about revolvers, which I failed to appreciate earlier in my life: being in touch with the entire shot process in a way that you are not with a semi-auto. It's like driving a manual shift transmission vs. driving an automatic. Point is, I do not consider myself a Fudd, despite my new found love of revolvers, and Mike, I don't think you qualify as a Fudd: you are much too knowledgeable. A true Fudd is ignorant and set in their ways.
Nothing wrong with a revolver. I like my .38spl snub nose myself, with a HKS speedloader. The main thing is as long as you train with it and can access it quickly, that's what really matters most. Take care out there.
If I had to choose just one to cover both urban & rural survival, my 7 shot SS Ruger GP100 6" .357/.38. When/If) I ever get a lever carbine (16" barrel) in .357/.38 I'd probably choose it for the higher capacity, & better range using .38s.
@@fjb4932 .44 Special ammunition isn't common and it's expensive when it can be found, plus not as much choice for specific projectile and terminal ballistics. The .357 Magnum ammunition is much easier to find, less expensive and does just as well with more energy, especially at short range. It's a more versatile caliber with more options in projectile and ballistics. For me, it's a self-defense weapon, not a plinker or shooting sports revolver.
It would be a Glock 26 for me. Not the most exciting choice, but it's a 'do all' gun. It's small enough for CCW even in hot weather, and chambered for a ubiquitous round (9mm) that is powerful enough for defense. It is also able to use the same magazines as its larger siblings for extra capacity, and you can use grip spacers to give a full-size grip. About the only thing you lose is 1" to 1.5" of sight radius vs the G19 and 17 respectively (there will be a bit of velocity loss too, but not enough to matter).
Very informative and thought provoking. I just wish quality revolvers were priced approximately the same as semiautomatic pistols. Even used revolvers are pricey at the pawn shops. That is one big obstacle for many of us being able to enjoy the very reliable and useful wheelguns.
When my nephew went looking for a handgun the local shop had a model 10 for $600. That's just unreal. He walked out with a used S&W SD9 VE for $325. On paper it looks as useful, but it has problems feeding and ejecting some ammo.
Sheriff Jim Wilson is a friend of yours? He is a man I admire, both for his wisdom and insights on firearms/self-defense matters and his sense of humor. I can say the same about you, Mike!
A very interesting analysis, Mike, not necessarily for your specific choice, but as a way to remind us all to *think* about what we choose and why. Before I lived in a communist state my belief was that the 1911 was the only modern pistol worth having, period, end of discussion, *BUT* part of that was the fact that it was what I knew best (by far), and I have always believed in carrying what you know best. But your points about revolver sufficiency and versatility are well put, and more people need to get over their "tacticool" fantasies and recognize that fact. Are revolvers great for high-speed, low-drag spec ops missions? No, of course not, but most people are never in those kinds of environments, and in civilian situations 6 rounds is almost always enough (hell, as you said, 3 is almost always more than enough), so the versatility of a revolver when it comes to ammunition choices actually makes it superior if you can only choose one piece. Well done.
a Flintlock 20ga smoothbore trade type gun. I can shoot rocks if it comes down to it, make black powder, find lead and flint. It will take dawn anything from a Moose to a Mouse and is darn fun to shoot.
Loved your video Mike! I live in South Africa & have a few firearms. I have often wondered what my choice would be if I were only allowed to own one gun, and my choice has aways been the 357magnum revolver. I own a 6 inch S&W model 28 and have applied for a licence for a 4 inch model 28, and this would absolutely be my 1st choice! I have had to use my revolver twice before and every time, it has delivered the goods! Whie I own a high capacity CZ75 9mmP, I would choose my revolver over it, in spite of the pistol having a higher round capacity. I agree with your sentiments around the guys running after the first few shots (that's been my experience todate), so I'm happy to take my chances with my six shooter! Thanks again for an awesome video, and warm greetings from South Africa!
Nice video Mike but I would make a different choice. To me the obvious choice is the Dan Wesson 15-2 Pistol Pack with its interchangeable barrels. It offers everything your S&W 66 does but with a lot more versatility with those interchangeable barrels. It is still only one gun as per the definition of a gun, one receiver. So, that is my pick.
Mike, I would have a Model 19 or 66 no dashes in 4" with Pachmeyer presentation grips. My Father taught me how to shoot a pistol with that very 66 with bunny fart 38s probably loaded with a few flakes of red dot. I got a new Combat Magnum 66 when they re released them along with its L Frame 44 big brother which I gave to Dad ironically as he now lives in brown bear country and loves working late out in his shop. I cherish my 66-8 and modified those same grips to fit it but its just not my Daddy's K Frame. His was a masterpiece from the adjustable sights to the counterbored cylinder to the thin forcing cone that you protected by using "Hot .357s" very sparingly. It was just something I always admired and just felt right in your hand or on your hip. Love your channel brother, now that I have my own growing RU-vid channel, I hope I can develop a sliver of your charisma, warmth and nose for great and interesting content. Thanks for sharing my favorite wheel gun.
🇦🇺😎👍The way we are going down here we will be lucky if we can keep any of our guns..Self defence lol 😂 straight to jail ….Target shooting only at an approved range ,it’s pretty strict down here on the prison island…You can use a gun for self defence against an animal but you better have a good reason to have the gun with you at the time… Most of our handguns are full-size or bigger. They have a better sight radius for the long shots…I’ve got a 6” Ruger GP100🏁…great video😉
Being from the same generation, I agree but my preference is single action revolver in 45 cal. A few years ago I asked the same question with long guns and sold almost everything (I prefer single shot) and went to a TC encore with 4 barrels. This allows having the same trigger pull and feel on all my Long guns but different calibers for different scenarios.This was the best decision I ever made.
If I could only have one and me being a smaller dude I think I would take the glock 43x, it fits my hands like a full sized pistol big enough to open carry but slim enough to easily conceal. 15 rounds with S15 mags, cheap ammo, and proven performance on 2 legged creatures. I don't do much outdoor activities, but if I did federal solid core 147 Gr +P should be enough for anything in NC. Great video Mike!
I think the people that would call you a "fudd" are the ones that cant comprehend that anyone else can actually have a choice or opinion other than their own. If the gun fits your requirements then that's the gun you should get, just like whatever gun fits their requirements should be the gun they get. Everyone is different and everyone will have a different need/want when it comes to a firearm.
Mike, I too like the idea of a versatile gun. I started buying guns late in life. The first was a Glock 23. One big reason was the availability to get conversion barrels. I can shoot .40, 9 and .357sig. Saying that, my Smith 586 easily fills the role of your 66. I can see it as a one gun firearm.
I don’t like thinking about it because I have too many roles to fill but if forced, I’d say 586 4” or similar BUT concealed carry in summer would be difficult for me and self-protection is #1 for me.
Hey there Mike, I live in Poland and as I am aproaching to making personal protection carry licence, I will be limited to only one central fire cartidge gun, I will choose 357 revolver for sure. Powerfull, reliable, versatile. But for now, before I will get that licence I am limited to black powder revolver, and after shooting more than 10 of these my choice is Pietta Single Action Army/Cattleman 0.44 cal chambered with 155 grain hollow point conical bullets and 4,75 inches barrel. Also powerfull, reliable and versatile :) Cheers !
I enjoyed your thoughts on the "best" gun if you could only have one. Well thought out. I think too many people look at movies where the hero faces a large number of bad guys, not the typical civilian sort of encounter. (That said, I carry semiauto pistols because they tend to be easier to conceal and I am more familiar with them).
Great video as always mike I also wanted to let you know I currently have a rifle on layaway that I’m really excited about It’s a savage Model 99EG Manufactured in 1952 Chambered in 300 savage It’s also outfitted with an old Lyman Rear peep sight while retaining the original rear flip up sight
Great video and lots of practical, common sense information. I was issued a 38Special as a cop in the early 70's and eventually learned how to use it. While it was a bit squirly when actually used (the +p came later) the 357 Mag is an excellent choice for so many uses and I've carried one for many years. The reasons for my change is watching the riots in Portland and elsewhere and, like you, arthritis in my hands which slows me down these days. I agree with you that if I could only have one gun it would be a double action revolver. You didn't mention the benefits of being a handloader to tailor rounds for specific uses including snake shot/bird shot. Truly, this is a good choice for a one gun battery.
I went into this video thinking, if I had to choose one gun that I own, it would be my 4" Ruger GP-100. Besides its versatility, I have two very specific reasons I'd take it. I used it defensively twice... but I never had to take it out of the holster. Just seeing that thing scared the living crap out of the fellow who was up to no good. Interestingly, both of those occurrences, while not being on my property, were in view of my home.
i bought my 66 in the late 1990s with the Hogue grips. Wish I had the Miculek grips because they are beautiful. For 2 legged creatures, shot placement is everything. Even a 22lr works if your shot placement is right. I enjoyed your video.
I like your attitude and thinking Sir. For I also think the same about a revolver in all the same categories as you mentioned. But I have never competed. Have kind of moved away some from auto loaders. When I do concealed carry it's my Ruger LC9. Very easy to conceal. I mostly now carry a 357 S&W. I have some uberti 1873 in 357 I know they never came in that caliber. But I like the versatility of the 357/38 for everything you said. One other thing Mike about that is you can load it with shot shell. And here in East Tennessee we do have copperheads and timber Rattlers. Enjoy your channel variety from blades to black powder to revolvers and all the research that you do for the history is awesome Sir. Thanks for all your hard work and time you are appreciated Sir.🤠
Good presentation. Agree that there are indeed other fine options, but I thoroughly enjoy and have full faith in my S&W K frame #19 .38/.357. The variety of ammo coupled with the relative ease of carry, good sight radius, and reliability makes it my go to handgun for field carry. For remote camping my typical loading is first round snake shot, two hollowpoints, then 3 hard cast lead. I also have a #18 K frame in .22LR. They both fit the same leather and the .22 is a wonderful plinking platform.
I’m with ya if God forbid I had to limit myself to one handgun or even one gun it would be my GP100 4” 357. My department converted to Glock 22 and 23 for detectives in 1994 I was the only “old timer” who stayed with my Ruger GP100 and it was still in my holster when I retired in 2008. I currently carry a Ruger SP101 3” 327 Fed Mag, I absolutely love that gem of a cartridge but if limited to only one it’s gotta be my tried and true GP100 that’s been with me since 1989. While not the usual content I absolutely loved this video. All the best Mike.
We have coyotes down here in Maryland, too. Apparently, through cross breeding with wolves, coyotes now hunt in packs. I have heard 5 or 6 of them killing some poor animal; it was gruesome. I always bring a gun if I have to go out to the farm at night, and my choice is often a S&W 686+ with a three-inch barrel. This revolver is accurate, powerful, and that seventh round is a good idea. I say, "Six for sure, and seven for damned sure!" --Old Guy
Very interesting analysis, in certain aspects I agree with you....with me it would a .357 Sig Sauer.....but my .357 mag is the one on my night stand every night. Thank you, you were very thoughtful in your analysis.
Thanks for the video. I tend to agree and am very glad I have not had to pick one. I have found a J frame with rat shot is the best medicine for my local venomous reptiles here in the rice fields of SETX. We do have a lot of Coyotes, hogs and 2 legged snakes. But, I leave one cylinder with 357 for them if them in case they stick around. I chose the J frame because I generally see the snakes while mowing and it is light, compact, stainless and rides well in the plastic holster bouncing around the 10 acres. Keep up the good work. I love the history.
I always enjoy your videos, no matter the subject. You're definitely not a fudd for liking revolvers. You see merit in all types of firearms and encourage people to shoot. Fudds want people to not own certain firearms or tell them they should only own "x" firearm. By the way, coyotes aren't an issue if you can hear them. It's when they get quite that they're sneaking around. Funny enough, I've gotten more coyotes with my s&w shield "wonder nine" than any other firearm I have. Usually because they're sick or up close bothering our cattle.
After verification of Empty, I pointed my J frame Smith at my friend, he grabbed the cylinder tight and I could not pull trigger. Last ditch close up defense. ( he had been previously shot through that hand in a robbery, blocking his chest, saving his life)
Nickel 586, GP101, Blackhawk .357/9mm, Winchester 94, all .357. The .357 gains more velocity in a long gun than any other common round, usually 300-400 fps if I recall correctly. Thx.
some variation is good.. always feel free to throw in a modern video now and then..always liked your high point carbine video bc I couldn't believe you would choose that as your gun to get to another gun.. love your content..
Really excellent talk as always Mike. For me, it's a Glock 19, even though I don't carry a Glock anymore. Cheap mags, cheap ammo, endless accessories. It's easily concealable, I can carry with a 21 round stendo full of buffalo bore w/ grip extension for the woods, flush mags w/ crit def for the hood (which is hilarious because I live in rural Montana)
I’m an old guy. And as an old guy I don’t trust much of nothing new. I’m a civilian that grew up shooting. I don’t trust semiautomatic pistols. I trust revolvers. I carry an S&W snubby 38. My car gun is a S&W 3” 686 7 shot. If I can’t get out of trouble with that, I’m in trouble that I can’t get out of.
My first big-bore handgun was a Ruger Security Six m.357Mag.I traded that in to purchase a Ruger GP-100. Really liked the transfer bar feature. Both wheel guns were 6in.barreled.Never considered concealed carry until 1998. Had field/open carry holsters and belts.
At one time, in my younger days, I made almost the same decision … a S&W 66 with a 6” barrel, for multiple, valid, reasons. Now, as a senior-citizen, I literally hate the “crack” of the 357 (one “no ears” shot and my ears/ hearing is gone for days!). I much prefer the “boom” of the big-bores. Surprisingly, Gun design has also changed! I am totally committed to my SAA replicas in 45 Colt (probably due to SASS)!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences Mike. I enjoyed listening. Dont apologize for not doing a historical video, it's s your channel. Besides some of us just enjoy talking guns, no matter what kind or time period. Another video suggestion would be "if you could only have one long gun."
I am not a gun collector or entheusiast. But I wandered into a gun show years ago, and asked, "Whats the best over-all purpose gun a person could have?" - and was turned-on to a 4" .357. Purchased it, and then inherited a case of .38 special ammo. It's been a good gun - for self defence and plinking, costing me nothing for ammo over the years. Very satisfied!
