Handgun options

[MountainWalk]

My work just picked up six contracts from banks and lenders,  and since I've proven myself adept at the repo rig, I've been promoted to recover these cars and boats. 
Lot of work in Seattle and Tacoma.  Going to need a good pal to carry with me.

   I've never carried outside if the woods, so this is new to me, but I do have my likes and dislikes.  I prefer revolver, and single action,  but understand it may be hard to find a carry size single action wheelgun.  I'm not totally opposed to autos, but 98% of my handgun shooting has been with a revolver.  Nothing smaller than 32h-r, not interested in 9mm, 44, or 380.affordable is a plus. Is the such a thing as a double action 45 Colt?

[JimmyHoffa]

Most of the double action 45 Long Colts I know of have been larger cals (.454 or .460) primarily, but utilize the 45 LC just fine.
There's also a revolver called the Judge by Taurus that is a double action 45 LC and also .410 shotshell.  Not huge, but definitely not compact--mostly the cylinder was long.  Think it was 5 shot.

[MountainWalk]

Yes, the Judge is cool!  Not so concerned with concealing.  Just for work. Don't really want to wear it all day. Keep it cased on the seat til just before a repo. Not sure if I want it totally concealed.  Would like angry irate folks to have an idea that I'm not totally naked.  Don't know ins an outs, but ccw is in the works, I just don't want to carry at all times.  Thanks Will.

[j_h_nimrod]

S&W, Ruger, and Taurus all offer .45LC double action revolvers.  For your purposes I think I would look at the Taurus Judge.  They are relatively inexpensive and handle .45LC as well as .410 shot shells. Ruger's also looks pretty nice for a straight .45LC option.

[zike]

IMO the judge is a joke, its not accurate and the 410 is next to useless. Its heavy and large. I've got a couple of Smiths a double  action with a hammer and a double action airweight without a hammer. Before I'd carry a Judge I'd look at a titanium Smith in 44 but it might be a hand full, of course it will shoot 44 special.

[JimmyHoffa]

One of the real nice things about the concealed permit is you can keep a handgun loaded in the vehicle when doing non-outdoors things.  Even if you're not so much about having it under your jacket at all times, you can at least have it on the seat/console/etc.

[Evil_EdwardO]

IMO the judge is a joke, its not accurate and the 410 is next to useless. Its heavy and large. I've got a couple of Smiths a double  action with a hammer and a double action airweight without a hammer. Before I'd carry a Judge I'd look at a titanium Smith in 44 but it might be a hand full, of course it will shoot 44 special.

I'm pretty accurate with my Judge,  and the .410 is awesome. Using the Winchester PDX rounds it, the three discs will hit center mass and the 10 pellets will fill a body cavity well at 10-14ft. It's for self defense not bird hunting.

[HighlandLofts]

IMO the judge is a joke, its not accurate and the 410 is next to useless. Its heavy and large. I've got a couple of Smiths a double  action with a hammer and a double action airweight without a hammer. Before I'd carry a Judge I'd look at a titanium Smith in 44 but it might be a hand full, of course it will shoot 44 special.

If a load of buckshot out of a Judge or Govenor is a JOKE, why don't you take a load in center mass at seven yards and tell us how it goes.

I'll bet you wouldn't be joking around afterwards.

For close range the 32 caliber buckshot balls that are loaded in the 410 buckshot are hard to beat.

I've got a Bond 45/410 for use when driving throught Everett, Seattle & Tacoma. Nice little seat gun that will drop any thug that triesenter the truck at close range, for farther ranges they have to deal with a Colt 1911 - 45acp.


For the OP have you checked out the Ruger GP100 in 357 magnum with a four inch barrel? Nice built gun and can be bought for around $550. I have two stainless GP100s and love them better then my Smith Revolvers.and I have several Smiths, 686, 586, 10, 62, 60, 64, 37, 437, 640, 632.

[j_h_nimrod]

One of the real nice things about the concealed permit is you can keep a handgun loaded in the vehicle when doing non-outdoors things.  Even if you're not so much about having it under your jacket at all times, you can at least have it on the seat/console/etc.

You might check that, I have not but had an officer tell me last year that the weapon has to be on your person in the vehicle for the CWP to be in effect.  He said that it did not cover my pistol slid between my seats. Gave me the verbal, non official, warning when I had pulled over to ask him directions and he noticed the grip between the seats.  I said "thank you for the information, officer.  Have a nice day!"  Have not checked the facts and just keep in in the holster now anyway.

[magnanimous_j]

My first suggestion would either be a GP100 or a SW 686. But if those were bigger than you were wanting, I'd get a Ruger SP101 in .357 with a 3" barrel, and carry some premium .38 +p.

[257wbymagkiller]

My first suggestion would either be a GP100 or a SW 686. But if those were bigger than you were wanting, I'd get a Ruger SP101 in .357 with a 3" barrel, and carry some premium .38 +p.

The SP101 in 357 is sweet.

Or the S&W .357 airlite is a nice pice.

[jaymark6655]

One of the real nice things about the concealed permit is you can keep a handgun loaded in the vehicle when doing non-outdoors things.  Even if you're not so much about having it under your jacket at all times, you can at least have it on the seat/console/etc.

You might check that, I have not but had an officer tell me last year that the weapon has to be on your person in the vehicle for the CWP to be in effect.  He said that it did not cover my pistol slid between my seats. Gave me the verbal, non official, warning when I had pulled over to ask him directions and he noticed the grip between the seats.  I said "thank you for the information, officer.  Have a nice day!"  Have not checked the facts and just keep in in the holster now anyway.

From RCW 9.41.050
(2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

He was wrong and could issue a ticket if he wanted, which is probably why it was only a "warning".  (i), (ii), and (iii) are or statements, if they weren't there would be an and Ex. (the pistol is there, and (iii) the licensee), but if number 1 always applies then number 3 couldn't exist.

[wreckerman5288]

I am a tow truck driver and while I do not do repos very often, I do a lot of private property impounds and they tend to make people unhappy. I carry a pistol at all times (not just at work) and I wouldn't get in the wrecker without one. The first recommendation I will give you is keep it on your person and don't leave it in the truck. It does you no good if its in the console and you are back at the tailboard of the truck with some guy who is high on pcp is stabbing you with a screwdriver.

That aside, it really depends on what you are comfortable with. I have carried a lot of different pistols but I have two autos that are pretty much all I carry these days.

Most of the time I carry a Ruger SR1911 CMD. It's heavy but I shoot it very well and 1911s are easy to conceal thanks to their very thin width. I own a Glock 19 and while I like it very much the 1911 is easier to hide. 7+1 rounds of 230 grain Federal HSTs carried cocked and locked is potent medicine for bad guys. The only drawback of 1911s is the weight, but aluminum frame guns will save you quite a bit of weight if you desire.

I will also say that you cannot skimp on your holster and gun belt rig. If you buy cheap it will not be comfortable and it won't conceal as well.

Remember: situational awareness at all times, always carry, and be safe

[ghosthunter]

One of the real nice things about the concealed permit is you can keep a handgun loaded in the vehicle when doing non-outdoors things.  Even if you're not so much about having it under your jacket at all times, you can at least have it on the seat/console/etc.

You might check that, I have not but had an officer tell me last year that the weapon has to be on your person in the vehicle for the CWP to be in effect.  He said that it did not cover my pistol slid between my seats. Gave me the verbal, non official, warning when I had pulled over to ask him directions and he noticed the grip between the seats.  I said "thank you for the information, officer.  Have a nice day!"  Have not checked the facts and just keep in in the holster now anyway.

From RCW 9.41.050
(2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

He was wrong and could issue a ticket if he wanted, which is probably why it was only a "warning".  (i), (ii), and (iii) are or statements, if they weren't there would be an and Ex. (the pistol is there, and (iii) the licensee), but if number 1 always applies then number 3 couldn't exist.

Yep

The WA attorney general ruled on that several years ago. The cop was wrong. As many are when it comes to gun laws.
I have a friend who was a cop and even though I have showed him the proof he still ,tell folks this.

The Judge will do the job at close range. I use PDX .410 loads and 45 LC mixed.

[Mongo Hunter]

I recommend a S&W air weight type revolver. Go with hammerless and .357 if you like (this will allow you to shoot both .38spl and .357 if you can handle the punch). also being you may be working at night a set of Crimson Trace Laser grips might be in order as well. just my 2 cents.

Now if you decide to get away from a revolver, look at pretty much any of the sub compact polymer guns. the are light weight and hold more ammo. also make sure to put night sights on them and get a good holster.

I do not ever recommend "off body" carry. there is a chance of getting into a bad habbit of leaving it in the vehicle.