Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 10:37:02 AM
How would you guys rate these two calibers/revolvers against one another as a home defense gun? I'm also a 1911 guy and the model I am most endeared with is the Colt Lightweight Commander, in 45acp. But I just don't feel comfortable having my handgun in "cocked & locked" mode by my bed.
Thank you.
Post by: boneaddict on December 20, 2022, 10:40:06 AM
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 10:45:56 AM
bigger isnt always better. .38 is a great in-house gun. .357 would be my next choice.
Regular .38 Specials in my Model 65 Smith? My snubby isn't rated for +P.
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 20, 2022, 10:47:24 AM
Stopping power without over penetration.
Miss your target in your house where's the bullet going to stop. Sheetrock walls don't do much in stopping high power rounds.
You could use the 357 with 38 rounds as well.
Post by: Tenkara on December 20, 2022, 10:49:04 AM
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 10:50:42 AM
Hydra shock +p in my s&w 642. Don't feel like I need anything bigger.
My S&W snubnose is an older model not rated for +P.
Post by: CP on December 20, 2022, 10:51:10 AM
Post by: storyteller on December 20, 2022, 10:52:54 AM
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 10:55:16 AM
I’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 10:56:48 AM
Stick with the 38.
Stopping power without over penetration.
Miss your target in your house where's the bullet going to stop. Sheetrock walls don't do much in stopping high power rounds.
You could use the 357 with 38 rounds as well.
Good point, but we have an old home with old style lath and plaster. I don't see a 125gr HP going through our walls.
Post by: CP on December 20, 2022, 10:57:19 AM
I’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
No, sight radius, longer is easier to control and actually hit your target.
Post by: boneaddict on December 20, 2022, 10:57:51 AM
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 11:00:44 AM
Take a look at Glaser safety slug, designed to penetrate and not go thru the wall, worth reading, used by sky marshalls and close neighbors
Are they still making these? I have a few in .38 Special (and some in .45 ACP and .44 Magnum) that my father bought 35 years ago. I used to pack these in my S&W Airweight Bodyguard, but I've read so many unflattering posts in forums about these I stopped carrying them.
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 11:04:30 AM
I’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
No, sight radius, longer is easier to control and actually hit your target.
Thanks. I'm with you on this, but for different conditions. I do have a K38 and a Model 19 with 6" barrels, but I would want a shorter barrel for ease of use and a little easier to wield. At close quarters in a darkened house at night with a flashlight in one hand I think a longer barrel would be a potential deficit.
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 11:05:17 AM
control for round 2
Good point, thanks.
Post by: Igor on December 20, 2022, 11:09:37 AM
Post by: CP on December 20, 2022, 11:22:46 AM
My first choice for home defense is a 12 gauge (low round count, but it has other advantages). Backup would be a Glock 20.
Post by: fly-by on December 20, 2022, 12:22:15 PM
I'm also a 1911 guy and the model I am most endeared with is the Colt Lightweight Commander, in 45acp. But I just don't feel comfortable having my handgun in "cocked & locked" mode by my bed.
Not sure why the 1911 would be less safe than a revolver. Seems like the best choice of the three.
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 12:29:29 PM
I'm also a 1911 guy and the model I am most endeared with is the Colt Lightweight Commander, in 45acp. But I just don't feel comfortable having my handgun in "cocked & locked" mode by my bed.
Not sure why the 1911 would be less safe than a revolver. Seems like the best choice of the three.
I know, I know, but for some weird reason it has always made me feel uncomfortable. And I've been shooting handguns all my life, including the 1911. In fact, I qualified for my police department's pistol team with a 1911 in the late 1970's, so my apprehensions really don't make sense.
Post by: b23 on December 20, 2022, 12:38:33 PM
bigger isnt always better. .38 is a great in-house gun. .357 would be my next choice.:yeah:
Post by: Fidelk on December 20, 2022, 12:49:08 PM
I’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
No, sight radius, longer is easier to control and actually hit your target.
Thanks. I'm with you on this, but for different conditions. I do have a K38 and a Model 19 with 6" barrels, but I would want a shorter barrel for ease of use and a little easier to wield. At close quarters in a darkened house at night with a flashlight in one hand I think a longer barrel would be a potential deficit.
I have a Model 19 with a 4" barrel....Perfection......Also a Glock 17 and a Sig P220 all loaded and ready. Can't hit an intruder with those, once I'm empty, I'm going back to bed. You might have noticed that all three of those do not have a manual safety to disengage.......making them POSSIBLY a better choice than a 1911.
Post by: Farmer72 on December 20, 2022, 12:57:19 PM
I’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
No, sight radius, longer is easier to control and actually hit your target.
Thanks. I'm with you on this, but for different conditions. I do have a K38 and a Model 19 with 6" barrels, but I would want a shorter barrel for ease of use and a little easier to wield. At close quarters in a darkened house at night with a flashlight in one hand I think a longer barrel would be a potential deficit.
I have a Model 19 with a 4" barrel....Perfection......Also a Glock 17 and a Sig P220 all loaded and ready. Can't hit an intruder with those, once I'm empty, I'm going back to bed. You might have noticed that all three of those do not have a manual safety to disengage.......making them POSSIBLY a better choice than a 1911.
I am a big proponate of no manual safety for a defense firearm. One less thing to have to think about and remember to take off. With that I have one of my Glocks as a nightstand pistol.
With the 3 you mentioned I thing I would go the S&W 65 route and use 38+p. The extra weight would be nicer for possible follow up shots than the light 38. As for the 44 special I just think there are less options for defensive ammo.
Just my :twocents:
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 01:22:15 PM
I’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
Thank you.
No, sight radius, longer is easier to control and actually hit your target.
Thanks. I'm with you on this, but for different conditions. I do have a K38 and a Model 19 with 6" barrels, but I would want a shorter barrel for ease of use and a little easier to wield. At close quarters in a darkened house at night with a flashlight in one hand I think a longer barrel would be a potential deficit.
I have a Model 19 with a 4" barrel....Perfection......Also a Glock 17 and a Sig P220 all loaded and ready. Can't hit an intruder with those, once I'm empty, I'm going back to bed. You might have noticed that all three of those do not have a manual safety to disengage.......making them POSSIBLY a better choice than a 1911.
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 01:23:17 PM
I’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
No, sight radius, longer is easier to control and actually hit your target.
Thanks. I'm with you on this, but for different conditions. I do have a K38 and a Model 19 with 6" barrels, but I would want a shorter barrel for ease of use and a little easier to wield. At close quarters in a darkened house at night with a flashlight in one hand I think a longer barrel would be a potential deficit.
I have a Model 19 with a 4" barrel....Perfection......Also a Glock 17 and a Sig P220 all loaded and ready. Can't hit an intruder with those, once I'm empty, I'm going back to bed. You might have noticed that all three of those do not have a manual safety to disengage.......making them POSSIBLY a better choice than a 1911.
I am a big proponate of no manual safety for a defense firearm. One less thing to have to think about and remember to take off. With that I have one of my Glocks as a nightstand pistol.
With the 3 you mentioned I thing I would go the S&W 65 route and use 38+p. The extra weight would be nicer for possible follow up shots than the light 38. As for the 44 special I just think there are less options for defensive ammo.
Just my :twocents:
Thanks Farmer72.
Post by: boneaddict on December 20, 2022, 01:26:37 PM
I can guarantee you if you are lucky enough to still hear it, its loud enough to make you go in reverse. Likely the little hole between your eyes will all be said and done. Every shot placed within a dime, simple, no fuss, lots of ammo
bare in mind, he owned many of the cool calibers as well.
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 01:31:09 PM
Do you want to know what gun my Dad slept with "under his pillow" and is likely one of the best home defense...... Ruger single six 22 mag.
I can guarantee you if you are lucky enough to still hear it, its loud enough to make you go in reverse. Likely the little hole between your eyes will all be said and done. Every shot placed within a dime, simple, no fuss, lots of ammo
bare in mind, he owned many of the cool calibers as well.
Well stated. I have a Colt SAA with a spare .22 Mag cylinder. Nice handling little revolver. My father was a veteran homicide detective and he often said people should not turn up their noses on the little .22
Post by: Fidelk on December 20, 2022, 01:38:36 PM
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 01:40:21 PM
The only problem with a .22 LR or .22 Mag is that they are rimfire rounds with primer in the rim. I would trust a centerfire pistol with an actual primer for reliability. Which I got from hearing a discussion of .22 LR vs. .25 ACP......the .25 ACP was preferred for the primer reason.
True, duds occur much more often in rimfire cartridges.
Post by: boneaddict on December 20, 2022, 01:42:08 PM
Post by: salish on December 20, 2022, 01:45:00 PM
I dont think I have ever had a dud 22mag round. Lots of LR duds though. I always figured it was the age of or how I have treated them. Interesting thought
Same here, but I've used my .22 mag cylinder very sparingly. I get more LR duds with the cheaper shells, but even the more costly have their share. I've used some pretty high end target stuff in my rifles and never experienced a dud.
Post by: b23 on December 20, 2022, 02:45:57 PM
Do you want to know what gun my Dad slept with "under his pillow" and is likely one of the best home defense...... Ruger single six 22 mag.
I can guarantee you if you are lucky enough to still hear it, its loud enough to make you go in reverse. Likely the little hole between your eyes will all be said and done. Every shot placed within a dime, simple, no fuss, lots of ammo
bare in mind, he owned many of the cool calibers as well.
Must be a dad thing because my dad has the same gun as well as a few others but if you were to ask him which one is his favorite, he would quickly tell you without hesitation, his Ruger single six convertible. I've shot his plenty and they are about the loudest damn thing I've ever shot. You want to have very good ear protection in place when you shoot 22mags in them.
Post by: buckfvr on December 20, 2022, 04:28:21 PM
Post by: Fidelk on December 20, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 20, 2022, 04:50:34 PM
Overall, I think a Glock 18 with 33 round mags is the best option.
You need 33 rounds? Thats impressive! Dang once again I'm under gunned.
Post by: Fidelk on December 20, 2022, 05:19:34 PM
Overall, I think a Glock 18 with 33 round mags is the best option.
You need 33 rounds? Thats impressive! Dang once again I'm under gunned.
Don't forget......some bozo has just woked you up. They need a harsh message.
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 20, 2022, 05:26:21 PM
Post by: GWP on December 20, 2022, 07:15:04 PM
Post by: metlhead on December 20, 2022, 07:24:04 PM
Post by: jdb on December 20, 2022, 08:01:40 PM
what he saidI’m thinking that barrel length is a bigger consideration than caliber. A snub nose would be my last choice for home defense. 3” would be better but 6” would be even better yet.
Thanks, but why would a 6" tube be better than 3"? Velocity?
No, sight radius, longer is easier to control and actually hit your target.
Thanks. I'm with you on this, but for different conditions. I do have a K38 and a Model 19 with 6" barrels, but I would want a shorter barrel for ease of use and a little easier to wield. At close quarters in a darkened house at night with a flashlight in one hand I think a longer barrel would be a potential deficit.
I have a Model 19 with a 4" barrel....Perfection......Also a Glock 17 and a Sig P220 all loaded and ready. Can't hit an intruder with those, once I'm empty, I'm going back to bed. You might have noticed that all three of those do not have a manual safety to disengage.......making them POSSIBLY a better choice than a 1911.
I am a big proponate of no manual safety for a defense firearm. One less thing to have to think about and remember to take off. With that I have one of my Glocks as a nightstand pistol.
With the 3 you mentioned I thing I would go the S&W 65 route and use 38+p. The extra weight would be nicer for possible follow up shots than the light 38. As for the 44 special I just think there are less options for defensive ammo.
Just my :twocents:
Post by: jrebel on December 20, 2022, 09:47:42 PM
As for the house.....same pistol, but I'm grabbing the double barrel coach gun for the win. :tup:
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 21, 2022, 07:58:56 AM
You should also consider round count, more is better.14 in my Springfield XD 45. Keep in mind that most home invasions are with two or more invaders. If they carry semis, you're under-gunned with a wheel gun. Practice and get a flashlight on it, a really bright one.
My first choice for home defense is a 12 gauge (low round count, but it has other advantages). Backup would be a Glock 20.
Post by: Fidelk on December 21, 2022, 08:16:02 AM
So you have been awakened and your just shooting? What if it was your kid coming in slightly confused? You are shootin with your eyes closed or just laying down a random burst.
Well first I have to wake up enough to find the gun, then I have to find my glasses........so suppression fire is essential during the early phase of the home invasion. Just being practical and going with real world scenarios here.
Post by: slavenoid on December 21, 2022, 08:40:15 AM
Post by: salish on December 21, 2022, 09:35:50 AM
Post by: Cougartail on December 21, 2022, 09:38:11 AM
They were found in a Walmart bathroom cleaning up. Both crying and one emptying his bowels.
People who make hits win gunfights. People who have forewarning make hits in home envasions..
I sleep like a baby with my 38 snubnose revolver
Post by: HighlandLofts on December 21, 2022, 10:08:07 AM
And triple tap if you ever have to use it.
Two in the chest and one in the head.
Post by: Igor on January 03, 2023, 03:58:10 PM
Post by: salish on January 04, 2023, 09:16:17 AM
I do like the .357 mag as a defensive caliber. I have two snubbies that I find myself carrying on occasion. The recoil is substantial with standard self-defense ammo, but I recently found a case of Winchester Ranger .38Spl +P+ 110 gr. ammo. The recoil in the .357s is much more manageable with this ammo.
Thank you Igor and Highland.
Post by: follow maggie on January 04, 2023, 09:53:51 AM
In my opinion sight radius doesn’t matter because you aren’t aiming at paper on the range. You’re instinctively shooting at a man size target within the confines of the walls of your house. You need to be able to put rounds where you’re looking. Choose whichever gun you do that best with.
Post by: salish on January 04, 2023, 10:12:23 AM
I’d steer clear of the .44 for home defense. It might just be me & my skinny wrists, but managing the recoil of that takes a few seconds. At best I could manage a couple seconds in an emergency, and seconds are precious in a fight.
In my opinion sight radius doesn’t matter because you aren’t aiming at paper on the range. You’re instinctively shooting at a man size target within the confines of the walls of your house. You need to be able to put rounds where you’re looking. Choose whichever gun you do that best with.
Great advice, thanks.