Beware of the man that only owns one gun!

[Carolinaman]

Hello,

This topic comes up quite a bit on the internet and I had a very interesting discussion with a friend that is a LEO here on the forum over a visit here about the subject.  Interestingly, we both enjoy S&W revolvers.  However, during the conversation that I brought up the fact as a single parent year's ago with rent, car payments, and child care expenses that I could only afford "one handgun at a time".  Heck, what a journey through life as the kids got older and I could actually buy more!

So, our discussion continued and I explained that for years; one of my favorite handguns was the 1911 style of handgun.  I used to hire a babysitter so I could go down to the local Tuesday night shooting matches at the local range.  Yeah, times were tough back then.  However, the 1911 was my handgun to compete in the matches.  I am very confident in the manual of arms, servicing and care of that particular platform.

My first was a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec model 1911-A1.  I could carry that thing everywhere and even used it to dispatch snakes at a restaurant that I managed after Hurricane Hugo here in 1989. BTW, at the time some of my favorite customer's were a couple of LEO's that would come in and I explained that I was carrying open.  They were really cool about the whole deal!  They said they understood, but just don't conceal it.

Over the years, I have decided that if I could only own only "one handgun", it would probably be the 1911.

What do you all say?

Chris

[HRFunk]

Wow! I don't like to even contemplate such a circumstance. Still, if it came to pass, I'm certain I would choose something chambered in .357 Magnum. Probably my 4" 686+. With the right load, it will do anything you can reasonably expect of a handgun.

Howard

[ruber]

Going through college, my first jobs, and pretty much until my first kid, my only personal guns were a HP and a HK 630. I had a G22 at work, but strictly forbidden to use it outside of official purposes, even for practice. So ya, I remember a long period of only one handgun.

My b-i-l had one of the Springfield 1911's and he and I would take what time we could at the range. Great times! And ya, I was probably a better shot with that HP back then than I am with any gun now. Life was certainly simpler pre-kids.... If I had to ho back to one handgun, no doubt it would be that same HP.

Great story Chris, thanks for sharing!

[Carolinaman]

Hello Howard,

I've also owned my share of S&W 686 L frames. I actually owned a Colt Python at one time to shoot in the local "bowling pin" matches. Yes, I love the versatility of owning a .357 Magnum revolver. However, the first handgun I ever shot was a 1912 Colt Commercial Model at a friends Dad's vineyard in Prince Georges County, VA at the tender age of 16 years old. (Yeah, I was a late bloomer!) The next time I got to shoot it was when I was 18 years old in Colorado Springs during a major blizzard. (The range operator thought we were absolutely nuts!). Of course, we were driving around in my friend's '65 Mustang drinking 3.0 beer. Yeah, it was a crazy time, but I am very devoted to the 1911 platform.

Chris

[HRFunk]

I can't fault you for your choice. If I were thinking strictly of a self defense pistol, then my choice might be different. If, however, I am choosing one handgun to perform any/all shooting tasks, I think the .357 is a little more versatile than the .45 ACP. This is especially true if I can still acquire both .357 and .38 Special ammunition.

Howard

[Carolinaman]

Hello Howard,

I had the same discussion yesterday with a local LEO Lt. Detective that comes over about once every other week over coffee.   (As I mentioned in my original post)  He has started to bring coffee because I think he hates the stuff I brew.

Sept 25, 2017 8:47:42 GMT -5 HRFunk said:

I can't fault you for your choice. If I were thinking strictly of a self defense pistol, then my choice might be different. If, however, I am choosing one handgun to perform any/all shooting tasks, I think the .357 is a little more versatile than the .45 ACP. This is especially true if I can still acquire both .357 and .38 Special ammunition.

Howard

I do agree with your statement, but will tell you that the older you get; the more recoil sensitive you get.  I have a brand new looking 1973 S&W model 10 in storage. I personally would not shoot full loaded .357 Magnums anymore.  I have been there and done that!  Since I reload, I can pretty much decide what I choose to shoot for practice.  However and in our discussions, we talked about it for a moment and he has been involved in homicides involving weapons.  I think that we both agreed that the .45 ACP was a great defense round.

Since I don't hunt anymore and my concerns are mostly for two legged vs. four legged creatures, I think its a good choice.  However and in saying that, I will probably take the dog for a walk and run into a black bear that decided to come across the Intercoastal Waterway and decide to visit the beach!

Chris

[gt40doc]

I cringe at the thought of "only one handgun", as I have sooooo many favorites!! I, like most others, purchase what I like, and unless I change my mind about said handgun, I just keep it, and enjoy it.  If only one.....then i think it would be my S&W 696 in 44 Special. All stainless with a 3in. bbl. What a fantastic revolver.  Being a handloader, I can load wild to mild for this gun, and it handles all of the loads with ease. IF, I were to chose a semi-auto, it would be some variation of a 1911, as I like that platform.

[jonnyc]

If that statement is true, I must be the least dangerous guy on the whole planet! Don't pay me no never-mind.