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Best all-around caliber.

20K views 113 replies 70 participants last post by  Danwin22 
#1 ·
For a gun you would be using for a trail gun and target gun would you prefer a .45ACP
.45 Colt
.357 (.38 spl for targets .357 for trail)
.44 mag

Also DA or SA? (I don't like DAO)

Why?

And DON'T suggest a Taurus Judge. I have looked at them and they would not fit the target gun part of the question.

I am personally leaning towards a .357 Ruger or S&W
 
#3 ·
357 for versatility of power, 357/38, accuracy, target, home defense, concealed carry, trail, hunt.did I forget something? gotta be a Ruger k? haha good luck in your gun quest and may the velocity be with you(there is a hint there).
 
#6 ·
Go with the Ruger GP100. .357 Much versatility. Built like Sherman Tank. 4" or 6" you can't go wrong. Does everything you need it to do, and will never complain about having to do it.

You just can't do wrong, by doing right..
 
#8 ·
Best is always a very subjective question. Do you reload? if not I would lean toward the 357 either GP100 or Blackhawk or a .45acp.however if your hiking where large predators are I'd opt for .44 or heavily loaded .45Colt.
If you do reload the 44s and 45s aren't so rough on the pocket book and a midrange .44mag with a 240 LSWC 1000fps makes a great trail load same with a 45Colt. a big plus is those big bullet at subsonic velocitys still pack a wallup without the blast of a .357.
One of my new favorite guns is my Lipsey 44 special flattop loaded with 240 SWC @ 900-1000fps it will easily stay on a pie plate at 100yards and take care of most anything that needs taken care of.
BTW is there a option for all the above?:D:D:D
 
#81 ·
My sentiments exactly. Just got my new 'Ruger' 44 Special Blackhawk with the 5 1/2 inch yesterday. On the 357 frame, all steel, will carry nicely in a good holster or even slip into a belt for temporary carry. The mid range load is perfect in my view......250 grain Keith type with roughly 7 1/2 grains of Unique ( 900 fps depending on gun and barrel length). It will do about anything you could want, self or field defense......yet produces just a modest recoil and little or no muzzle blast. And, as stated, it is relatively cheap to reload. 44 Special brass at modest velocity's will last for up to ten reloads.

I haven't gotten it out to the range yet with my new Ruger, but have been reloading 44 special for over thirty years, currently in my Smith and Ruger magnums and my Smith model 24 and 696. All my Ruger mags shoot that load very well. It seems to work well in any revolver with most any twist IMO.
 
#35 · (Edited)
I do not reload. Have limited money. Will be in Florida majority of time if everything goes to plan after graduation.
It also appears that every one is suggesting a DA over a SA
So you're going to get out of E. Lansing, huh? I spend most of my life in Michigan and much of it in Lansing, and have retired to Florida so I guess you're on the right track. Go luck with the job hunt.

As far as double-action vs. single-action: The single-actions are the "cowboy guns" and usually are a bit lighter, but they are slower to reload. Purists often go for the single-action. Double-action guns allow you to fire the gun by just pulling the trigger, or you can cock it first if desired and then fire by pulling the trigger. Just pulling the trigger doesn't accomplish anything on a single-action design.
I like 'em both. For woods bumming, a single-action is nice, as you don't expect to reload much or very fast. For plinking at targets, you can reload MUCH faster with the double-action design.
BOTH ARE GOOD. Different strokes.

For a gun you would be using for a trail gun and target gun would you prefer a .45ACP
.45 Colt
.357 (.38 spl for targets .357 for trail)
.44 mag
All these are good calibers. .45 Colt and .44 mag for versatility and large game...deer and up.
.357 for deer and down.
.45 ACP for self-defense (semi-autos) and Bullseye target work.
Sonnytoo
 
#12 ·
.357/.38 gets my vote DA as far as weapon because you can always shoot it in SA as long as it has a spur...
 
#13 ·
I do not reload. Have limited money. Will be in Florida majority of time if everything goes to plan after graduation.
then .357mag is probably your best option.
It also appears that every one is suggesting a DA over a SA
If your going to use it for SD then I'd definitly recommend a DA but for just targets and trail a Blackhawk would be a great choice.
And all of them is only an option if people want to donate them to me
NO;)
 
#14 ·
Like the majority of responders, I would opt for the .38 special/.357 magnum, double action revolver, 4 or 6 inch barrel length.
For sheer hard-use durability--- its the Ruger GP 100. For more " refined " use:D:D ---if ever there is such a thing----a prelock Smith and Wesson 4 inch 686.

I also like the 1911s .45 acp esp. the Kimbers, Springfield Armory brand. Also the Ruger P90 blued version and--- the Glock 21. All are .45 acps of course:)
 
#15 · (Edited)
I'll also chime in for the .357/.38 for a slightly different reason - the different sized handguns that can use it. From a 2 shot Bond Arms derringer to an 8 shot S&W 627, there's a size for everyone. In fact, S&W has 4 different frame sizes that can handle the round. Personally, I'd use a 4" GP100 for a trail gun.
 
#16 ·
I have a feeling this would get very different answers in the rifles section :)

For handguns I would echo the 357/38. Relatively cheap, easy to reload, and the sp101 can shoot any load you want to shoot. Don't forget that there are rifles that can shoot this caliber, which is something you don't get with 45 acp or 9mm (to my knowledge).
 
#22 ·
Not reloading is only a temporary condition. Best all around HG caliber has to be 44. Don't get me wrong, I like .357 but you live in the great state of Michigan. .357 can't compete with the 44 in muzzle energy. Just my opinion. Like tomgartin said "this would get very different answers in the rifles section."
 
#25 ·
For now go with the .357 DA. The best reason besides the power is simply you can find and buy the ammo fairly cheap in comparison to the .44s and .45s. Once you get more experience behind you might find you like a bigger caliber better. Nothing wrong at all with the .357 and .38 special for what you want.
 
#29 ·
Just my $0.02, I would consider a Blackhawk in 45 LC with spare 45 ACP cylinder with a 5.5" barrel (Bisley or Standard grip frame your choice). Carrying in the field with 45LC loads ranging from mild cowboy to heavy cast boolit . Target shooting with the 45 ACP. I was in your shoes some twenty years ago. Bet you can guess where I am now.

Steve
 
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