ikar

Or a used "6" series might be what you could use. They're very reliable and shouldn't cost that much. If you get onein .38 it would be able to eat ammo all day with no problems and the .357 version is always a good optiion. Having one box of magnum around should not be a problem and outside of a little fun, you should not need more than a box unless you are expecting some major problems.

"I'm not sure of the M&P shield CA compliant (at some point the govt will embed them with the ability to disable in times of turmoil)."

haven't heard about this one.

okami515

you could also go with a sp101 in 357 or 38. little smaller that the gp but just as stout.

bwinters

I would like a 6 inch gp100 as a next gun.

weblance

Good advice with the recommendation of the GP100 or SP101. How about a 9mm revolver? Taurus makes the 905 and I have one and recommend it. How about a shotgun, I know you said handgun and not another caliber, but a 12 ga. Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 is easily within your budget and excellent for home defense.

James6591

SR9c.

Amishman44

+1 for a GP100...I picked mine up through Guns for Sale - Online Gun Auction - Buy Guns at GunBroker.com for $400 + shipping + FFL fee upon receiving it!

If you're considering being able to carry it on a daily basis, I've had my 2.25" SP101 since December 1994! It's accurate...reliable...rugged AND tough...etc. There's a wide variety of grips available for it...Hogue's, Badger Customs, etc. And don't forget the tritium front sights avalible from Meprolight or XS Sights!

I bought an LCR in .38+P in 2010 just to see how well it carried vs. the SP101...while it carried nicer, I preferred the SP101 when shooting and have never had an issue carrying it (OWB or Ankle). I ended up selling the LCR as I figured out I just didn't need it!

jjhmachine

+1.

I love mine.

scattershot

Since you already have a .38 capable of firing +p ammunition, I think the most useful gun for you would be a .22 revolver. Fun to shoot, the ammo is dirt cheap and readily available, even in Kommiefornia. Your personal preference is what counts, of course, but my choice would be a Ruger Single Six convertible.

bearcatter

Five hundred would cover a stainless Bearcat. Extremely fun gun for the range.

It would also cover a LCR in 357. I like the stainless frame much better than the aluminum on my LCR-22. The .38 version is also aluminum. The 357 would give you an option of .357 or .38 rounds, too.

Quiet 1

To the OP: Stop thinking, analyzing, debating with yourself and wallowing in indecision. YOU NEED A SINGLE TEN. (Preferably a 4 ⅝" barrel in stainless.)

I promise you, once you own a single action revolver it will always be your gun of choice when heading out to shoot. Both target shooting at the range or plinking or target shooting in the out-of-doors.

Until I bought my first single action, a Single Six Convertible, and not that long ago, I had no idea how satisfying and fun to shoot they are. I've since added a Single Ten, two Blackhawks and a Super Blackhawk. Danger, you'll probably end up with more than one too.

I still shoot all my semi autos, in various calibers, but, I love my single action revolvers. Everyone should own at least one.

smithnframe

I just traded a Polish P 64 for a Heritage Rough Rider 22lr/22mag. Its a far cry from a Ruger Single-Six but it is accurate. Not sure how the aluminium frame will hold up but I'm gonna find out!

ijustdontknow

I Forgot about this thread. One of our local gun shops is going out of business (I have another thread on that topic) and was practically giving away LCR-22 so I grabbed one.

I do agree with the single action comments, I am now lusting after a .357 Blackhawk in stainless steel. (for now LOL)

Scatillac

rock island 1911

Redleg

If you want 9mm, why not a Ruger SR9 or SR9c. These are beautiful pistols.

I agree that if 357 suits your fancy, a GP100 is always a great choice.

Seneca

I recently picked one up with a 4 5/8" barrel...very nice, very accurate. It sat me back a bit of $$$, tho worth it!

Between the two?...I give the GP100 the edge, it's a close call...ones superb and the other excellent...