Yep I'm asking it....

[Hoyt Head Hunter]

This might be opening a lot of debating but I'm gonna ask it anyway...

Revolver or Pistol?

I know i cant get everything i want in one handgun so ill stick to the essentials

What ill be using it for-
Hunting (defense)
Home Defense

(Eventually would like to think about getting my concealed but  I would like to know more about handguns and shoot a lot more before I move into that.)

Im open to some caliber suggestions aswell.

[Westside88]

Defense from?  From what you've described I'd say .357 mag 6" barrel. There's plenty of good semi auto's in various calibers that would be good too. I just like the simplicity and power a medium to large bore revolver offers.

[PolarBear]

I am an old school revolver lover.  If you want as close to absolute mechanical reliability and don't mind sacrificing volume of rounds, a revolver is the way to go IMO.  My wife and I carry .38 loaded with +p+ rounds or a .357 mag.  I shot .38 and .357 revolvers competitively for over 18 years and in tens of thousands of rounds down range, never had a mechanical failure.  I cannot say the same for my semi-autos.   

[Hoyt Head Hunter]

Defense from?  From what you've described I'd say .357 mag 6" barrel. There's plenty of good semi auto's in various calibers that would be good too. I just like the simplicity and power a medium to large bore revolver offers.

Predators, bears, cats, ect...

[NW-GSP]

Glock 20 10mm covers both of your defense needs

[Hoyt Head Hunter]

Glock 20 10mm covers both of your defense needs

That and the Springfield XDm are on my list of semi's to look at, do you own a glock 20?

[washelkhunter]

Revolvers out in the field, you just cant get a powerful enough cartridge in an auto thats small enough in a weight vs power combo. Autos for in town.

[PolarBear]

 

[jason stevens]

Luckily I haven't had to use is but I was in your boat.after two purchases I am happy with my ss&w chambered in .40 semi auto my kids shoot it too.u have more of a chance having to use it in town then thw woods.

[jay.sharkbait]

Revolvers out in the field, you just cant get a powerful enough cartridge in an auto thats small enough in a weight vs power combo. Autos for in town.

The Sig 239 in .357 comes close.....

That said, I suggest a K frame Smith

[NW-GSP]

I have the glock 20 and like it allot, 15 rounds in a mag and more power then .45acp

[thinkingman]

Defense from?  From what you've described I'd say .357 mag 6" barrel. There's plenty of good semi auto's in various calibers that would be good too. I just like the simplicity and power a medium to large bore revolver offers.

SW 386 (Scandium 7-shot, 6"barrel)

[TONTO]

 If you hunt a firearm restricted area, or plan to, then a revolver with 4"min barrel. No autos allowed.

[Hoyt Head Hunter]

thanks for the feedback so far im getting some things narrowed down keep the comments coming!

[yorketransport]

Track down a Taurus Tracker Ti in 41 Mag. I miss mine. If not that, then check out the S%W model 357PD in 41 mag.

4" barrel, 5 shot, 24oz 41 mag. It was an absolutely beautiful dual purpose carry/hunting gun. Don't be fooled into believing that the 10mm can almost match a 41 mag. My actual performance from the 4" ported barrel was a 250gr bullet at 1175 and 1450 with a 170gr Sierra HP. The 10mm can't touch the performance of the 250gr bullets as a woods gun, and the 170 grain loads will handle any social situations you may encounter.

Andrew