Posted on 03/23/2021 5:48:01 AM PDT by COBOL2Java
It may even be enlightening. Heaven forbid we had to get by with only one gun. But the fact is, we do get by with one gun most of the time.
I carry one gun — sometimes a backup goes along. When going on a road trip or hiking, I carefully consider which piece to pack.
By extension, it is obvious these handguns might be at the top of the list if I were limited to only one gun.
In the coming series, we are looking at the one rifle, shotgun, pistol and revolver that might be the best choice for most scenarios.
This isn’t just a fun game, but a question that must be answered as we choose the best handgun for many uses.
For many shooters just beginning or on a budget, this is a tough question that must be answered.
You should have already made the decision and not be gazing into the safe wondering which handgun to deploy.
When it comes to revolvers, I have a few that I find trustworthy and well-suited to several tasks.
A six-inch barrel magnum is a joy to use and a fine hunting revolver. A two-inch barrel magnum fits handily into the back pocket.
Neither is ideal for every use. Just the same, if the SHTF, I think a .357 Magnum revolver might be the best choice.
Things hit with the Magnum stay down for the count. Practice loads in .38 Special offer low recoil and great accuracy.
They are good for small-game hunting. Magnum loads are well-suited to personal defense.
The different power levels available and the versatility of loads is appealing.
Taurus has designed a set of grips that separate the steel frame from the shooter’s hand, making for a comfortable shooting experience.
The best one gun should not be a fantasy gun you don’t own, but the best gun you own and the one you use the best.
I often carry a .45 caliber 1911 because it is flat, easy to conceal and offers good control.
But I carry the Smith and Wesson 640 Pro revolver because it is easily concealed, simple to use and has plenty of power.
Those who are familiar with small-frame revolver accuracy understand that a Smith and Wesson with a short barrel may be very accurate given good sights.
Magnum recoil may be controlled with hand-filling stocks that limit contact between the frame and the hand.
I believe that the shot that you are making is the important one, not a flurry of shots. The 640 is sometimes carried in the pocket when hiking.
Then there is the six-inch barrel Python. This revolver will chase a one-inch group all day. It is accurate to 100 yards with 180-grain bullets.
While I often carry it in the Galco shoulder holster, which distributes weight well, a 46-ounce revolver isn’t a daily carry.
So, while the short-barrel and long-barrel magnums are good guns, an in-between revolver with the four-inch barrel is the best choice for the one-gun person.
With the four-inch revolver, I may carry shotshells from CCI for snakes and small pests, and then the heavy-loaded Hornady XTP for maximum penetration.
The Tracker is accurate with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition.
I get into places where feral dogs and big cats may compete for my territory. The magnum offers an edge in power.
If bowled over by an attacking animal, the revolver may be placed into their body and fired time after time without any danger of a jam.
The best gun to have when you have only one gun is the one that you shoot best and have the greatest confidence in.
After some thought and difficult decision-making, I decided that the revolver I own that most qualifies as a one-gun revolver is the Taurus Tracker .357 Magnum with four-inch barrel.
First, the piece features fully-adjustable sights. This makes it a hunting, target and recreational gun I enjoy a great deal.
Even though the Tracker isn’t a heavy-frame revolver, the cylinder holds seven cartridges.
The lockwork is smooth and easy to use well in double-action fire. The barrel features ports on each side to help control recoil.
This is one mild-shooting magnum. Another advantage is that the grips totally insulate the hand from the steel frame. Recoil is never painful.
The barrel underlug is strong and adds balance. This revolver is very accurate. I have fired several five-shot two-inch groups at a long 25 yards.
Overall, when it comes to the one-gun theory, I do not feel limited at all with the Taurus Tracker.
Taurus? YGBSM!
If I could only own one revolver, my choice would be my S&W J-frame 22 LR with target sights and 4” barrel. Owned it 40 years and it is the only gun my kids argue over who will inherit it!
I have 2 Taurus Trackers (one in 44mag and one 357mag) awesome guns ..... very practical in every way.
I agree with this guys views on the Taurus Tracker.
...yet somehow .... I haven’t been able to fall in love with them like I have with a Ruger or a S&W.
...but I'm betting they'll really enjoy my newest acquisition, a Heritage Rough Rider, my fun-to-shoot cowboy gun...
A revolver for SHTF is simply handing over your life and gun to another.
For you, i might suggest buffalo bore ,38 Specials. They load a hard cast double ended 160 grain wadcutter. It is not listed as a plus p, but they are charged enough to, by the numbers, perform as plus p’s.
S&W stainless in 460 mag 8” barrel with a second 4” screw on for concealed carry why? You can shoot pussycat 45LC cowboy action loads at 700fps for small edible critters and have meat left, shoot full bore 454 casull hard cast lead for the biggest class 3 game at 100m or less that includes the big five in Africa and ANY THING that walks in North America. Going up to the 460 you now have rifle ballistics in a hand cannon with real world 200m range on up to moose sized game. The 454 is already over kill for 2 legged predators the 45LC +p+ is 44 mag level ballistics.
Those heritage are loads of fun to shoot. I got mine on black Friday nearly a decade ago for $100 out the door. With fiber optic sites it’s plenty good as my camp “critter getter” spend the extra $30 and get the 22 mag cylinder then you CA shoot real FMJ bullets that won’t destroy all the meat and if you spot a feral hog in rimfire only season on the WMA just brainem they drop and flop right there with 40gr fmj to the dome. Our damn WMA and parks service don’t trust hunters out of season with shotguns other than number 4 shot and smaller never buckshot and no slugs but for during deer season or center fire rifles
I went and sprang for the 22 Mag cylinder, just arrived. Can’t wait to take it back to the range.
Yes sir. The factory springs were a bit much.
If you’re looking, the guys over at Mcarbo.com sell the spring kit and have put together a video detailing the tear-down, cleanup/polish of the trigger assembly, and rebuild.
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