Posted on 11/29/2011 6:50:34 AM PST by Kaslin
Recently, I have been getting a lot of complaints about the lack of diversity in my opinion column. The Feminazi Party has been complaining that I write about abortion too often. The Gaystapo has been complaining that I write about homosexuality too often. Atheists have been complaining that I write about God too often. College administrators have been complaining that I write about college administrators too often. I just can’t win. So, today, I’m going to dedicate my column to the topic of self-defense weapons just in case a lesbian feminist atheist college administrator goes off the deep end. I meant to say, “Even further off the deep end.” These five guns top my list of good, reliable self-defense weapons for the person, the automobile, and the home
1. Smith and Wesson J Frame Revolver. I recommend one carry weapon for summer and one for winter. My summer gun for the last fourteen years has been the Model 640. Men should carry a .357 revolver. They should also carry it in a stainless frame – especially if it is their summer weapon. Sweat all you like and the stainless J frame will take it. For women, I strongly urge the Model 638. Less recoil, but still enough stopping power. There is no need to drop down to a .380. The 38 has enough power and is both light enough and concealable enough for most women.
2. Smith and Wesson M&P Pistol. I carry a slightly larger gun with a larger capacity during the winter. I only do so because the extra clothing allows me to conceal a little more weapon. For years, my choice has been the Glock Model 23, chambered in .40 caliber. All of my friends in law enforcement have been trying to convince me that Smith now makes a superior pistol. I have finally seen the light. This is an affordable and reliable carry weapon. I strongly recommend that men carry the .40 caliber version. Women may want to opt for the 9mm version with less recoil. Either way, the Smith M&P is the way to go.
3. The Taurus Judge. Taurus revolvers have come a long way. Fifteen years ago, I would not have recommended a Taurus of any kind. Today, the Judge has climbed to the top of my list of car defense weapons. The Judge gives an option of firing either 45 Long Colt ammunition or .410 shotgun ammunition. The rifling on the barrel really allows the 410 pattern to open up nicely within the span of just a few feet. As such, it makes an extremely good weapon to ward off the potential car-jacker. The lethal impact of the 410 dissipates rapidly. Hence, I would feel more comfortable squeezing off a round in the middle of traffic than I would with the 45 Long Colt option.
Regardless, it is nice to have the other option available. It’s a good way to celebrate diversity!
4. Smith and Wesson Model 629. When I take long road trips, I always carry a large bore revolver. The Smith 44 magnum has been my top choice for a very long time. With a Judge under the seat and a Model 629 in the trunk there is little that can come your way that you cannot handle. Some will question whether the 44 magnum is ever necessary. But if you’ve ever hit a deer and watched it slowly die on the side of the road you’ll know why I have included it. The 44 magnum is also good for the occasional encounter with a black bear. When I drive through Colorado, the 44 moves from the trunk to the front seat. The fact that it takes 44 Special rounds is also a plus. That is a good round for personal defense. It will not over-penetrate but will have plenty of knockdown power for the potential car-jacker.
5. Remington 870. I love this gun. That’s why I’ve bought several of them. I like the 870 express tactical the best. It really is ideal for home defense because it is so safe. Generally, all you have to do is rack the pump once and the intruder leaves the premises. The sound of a pump shotgun is unmistakable. All you have left to do is clean the burglar poop off the floor afterwards. Generally speaking, that’s better than raising an argument of self-defense. That can only happen if you find yourself on trial. Remember what they say about an ounce of prevention and a pound of cure.
Author’s Note: Recommendations #1 and #2 are for concealed carry. Recommendations #3 and #4 are for car defense. Recommendation #5 is for home defense. Recommendations #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5, are also useful for blowing stuff up just for the heck of it.
Downside is you might leave a witness.
I have the Smith M+P .40. It's a great reliable piece. Also have a Smith .357M revolver and a Colt 1911 .45ACP. Love'em all.
BFLR
My Colt Series 80 is my all time favorite. I carry it in the winter and a Glock in the summer.
Here is a neat idea that may be coming in the future.
Very informative—comments as well as article. Bumping for later.
My son-in-law and I were popping some rounds and shopping at my local range just two weekends ago. That was the first time I had ever seen or felt the Taurus Judge! That thing is FINE! I like the look of it, the feel of it, the dual rounds/usage and I can definitely see one of those in my Christmas stocking!
That weekend, my son-in-law picked up an FNH (Browning) FNP-45, DA/SA, USG pistol! It is so much smoother than my Taurus PT247! Had I not gotten that PT247 two years ago, I could see that FNP-45 in my hand! Sweet little pistol!
But, the sharpest looking, and smoothest firing revolver I have ever held in my life is the Mateba Unica Autorevolver! It is a mid-barrel revolver which allows for less recoil and it is SMOOTH! My wife usually doesn’t like high-caliber pistols due to the recoil and hard trigger pull, but this eliminates ALL OF THAT! It was AWESOME! I may have to get her one of these!
I did a little research on that a couple years ago. If I recall correctly it would take me almost 1,500 rounds to realize the ROI after the initial investments, brass, primers, powder (good stuff), etc. Between the .38's, .357 and .45ACP, we went through about 12 boxes of ammo (600 rounds). But I only shoot that much once a year. Otherwise I go through about 600 rounds per year. It would take me a few years to recoup my costs. I just don't shoot enough to make work for me. I wish I could, it's hard to find the time and place to shoot regularly. Use to, but with the added cost and the reduced income....
Can you imagine the ear bleeding damage that would occur “squeezing off a round” from a Judge in a car?
Why carry the .40 M&P when you can carry the .45 M&P? It is a great weapon. Add the crossbreed supertuck and carry it anywhere and anytime.
Texas Flashlight, huh. That is adorable. He said they weren’t selling them.
That’s a shame.
Judge is a 5-chamber revo and accomodates the 3-inch magnum shell.
I recommend to load thusly:
410 00 Buck (3-inch magnum)
45
45
410 Sabot slug (mag)
45
Where did anyone advocate confronting the perp with an empty gun?
It is surmised based on the presumption that the distinct sound made by the chambering of a shell in a pump action shot gun would be enough to scare an "evil doer" off. The implication is that in order for you to be able to send that message, you must approach the situation with an unchambered weapon.
You and I know that with 5 in the barrel and one in the chamber, you would still be able to send that intimidating "SHHHHHIKKKKK CLOP CHICK" into battle ahead of you, you would be just one shell short of where you started. That is, you would now have 4 in the barrel, one in the chamber and one on the floor.
And now you know why he made the presumption? :o)
Someone in my concealed carry class made the 'rack the slide' comment. The teacher told them that told the bad guys two things: 1) Where you are, and 2) You weren't prepared.
While I would agree with the author, I find the opposite and it has nothing to do with *sweating* and stainless steel. Summer clothing is lighter and it's more difficult to conceal this *heavy* revolver. I must own a dozen different holsters and think I finally found one that suits me.
I would add a CT laser to the package...especially if it's for the distaff side. And practice. Practice. Practice.
First hand knowledge on that one.
Poor bastard fell off the ladder he was using trying to come in the second story window.
I turned our German Shepard loose on him.
Had a happy dog when he returned covered in blood.
Basic rule: “Don’t touch the trigger until the sights are on the target.”
Unless you’ve got a laser on that thing, or you’re at contact distance, or you want to make your dentist rich, they’re not.
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