Handgun options

[jdb]

Taurus used to make 5 shot 44 special. I had one with a three inch barrel and adj. sites. It was a great carry gun

[MountainWalk]

I'm really digging the Uberti cattleman' 73. Birdhead grip, blue/case, 45 4.5 barrel and affordable.

[fisheral87]

I have the 3" sp101 w/hogue grips. The grips fill the hand much better than the stock grips and tame the heavy .357 loads to a bearable degree. Sounds like you have an eye for a more traditional look though.

Not every situation calls for open carry, consider staying flexible on your carry method.

Hope you never need whichever one you choose.

Al

[CAMPMEAT]

You don't want a semi-auto, but I'd re-think that. 6 shots vs 13 shots ? It might b your saving grace to have a high-cap semi-auto.
Springfield XD sub compact 9mm 13+1. Small and very concealable. I have 2, one in a 40 and the 9mm.

[wildmanoutdoors]

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.

I cant believe people believe the word of mouth from a cop. 

[MountainWalk]

Yeah, I do like the traditional look, but it's not so much looks, as much as its the style I've shot the most.

[Mongo Hunter]

I'm really digging the Uberti cattleman' 73. Birdhead grip, blue/case, 45 4.5 barrel and affordable.

If you are seriously considering this as a self defense tool stay away from single action revolvers. While yes they are more than capable of doing the job they are slow and much harder to train with. Basically you would have to be able to train yourself to draw, roll back that hammer, aim, fire and then roll back that hammer again. all with one hand as fast as you can do it and also be able to use your weak hand.

Its much easier and smarter to "program" yourself to draw, aim, fire. keep it simple.

Also I just looked up the revolver your taking about its about $400 for a basic model. you could easily get into a DA smith, ruger or tauras for that.

Not to preach but there are certain rules I play by for self defense guns.

1. Keep it simple.
2. Keep it with you
2. Bird shot is for birds
3. No rim fires...ever
4. Nothing smaller than .380
5. Practice for the worst

Single action revolvers break rule 1 and the size and weight of that gun would break rule 2.

just my 2 cents.

[thinkingman]

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.

For all the experts that claim this, I've yet to meet one that wants to stare down the barrel.

[theleo]

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.

For all the experts that claim this, I've yet to meet one that wants to stare down the barrel.

And to all that use that line of logic, I ask, what size of barrel do you prefer to stare down?

[2labs]

Simple, reliable, eats anything. Glock G30

[JJB11B]

Glock makes several models in 9mm, .40 cal, .45 cal. You can pick up a used glock for about $400
Glock makes a ton of pistols, they all function reliably and they are affordable. I love them.

[GoldTip]

Look at a S&W Airweight.  You can get them used for down around $350-$375, very compact DA revolver which will handle 38special +P ammo.  Very accurate and easy to shoot, easy to conceal when you want it that way.  Completely infallible, plenty of power, plenty of concealability, cheap practice ammo.  It's hammerless, so easy to draw and fire, non adj sights, so they never move, I have found it very accurate despite having large hands for a small gripped revolver, and it will shoot anyone's ammo, reliably, always.

[MountainWalk]

 I know it's not the same, but I do draw, clock and fire a cap and ball 36 enough that the mechanics of the effort aren't a big deal. I truly would rather have DA though.

   When I buy something like this, I want to use and enjoy it for different things as well. Maybe grouse hunting and of course, target practice.  Autos just don't do it for me. I'm not being obstinate,  I'm sorry.  357 and 45 are what I'm liking. We'll see. Thanks guys for the time and thoughts.

[CAMPMEAT]

MountainWalk,

Do it all under stress and see if you change your thoughts. Whole different story. Best of of luck to you and be safe...

[j_h_nimrod]

What do you have against the .44?  The .45 had its time, right along side the .44 and the latter has stood the test of time better even with the Casull and .460.  Not as many special options but plenty of magnum and easier to find regular .44 then hot .45 in my experience.