re: Best Home Protection Revolver

FIFY

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Now, take a 12 ga shotgun with 00 buckshot. 9 sheets of sheetrock will stop it.

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Besides that, using a shotgun, one only has to point and shoot. Handgun, one has to aim.

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It's a common misconception that one doesn't need to aim a shotgun. Look at the following link for correct info about BOTH the penetration and spread of self defense 12 gauge shotgun loads at close range.

LINK

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Pietta:
PRO: small and lightweight and easy to use. Longer barrel for some distance. Dependability.
CON: modeled after the wild western days and will make me look like an old timer if I ever take it in public

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It's a single-action revolver. I would never use a single-action revolver for any sort of defensive purpose.

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Governor:
PRO: uses three types of ammo including 410 shotgun slugs. POWER,
CON: Jack of all trades, master of none...could never hunt with it.

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Here's my take on the 410/45LC wonder...

1. I only see it as being good as a snake gun. The rifled barrel spins the wad as it leaves the barrel and causes the bb's to spread out rapidly. This is why a Judge or Governor loaded with birdshot is a good snake gun.

2. The gun is NOT accurate with 45 Colt ammo since the bullet has so far to travel before it engages the rifling. A dedicated, modern 45 Colt would serve you much better.

3. The slugs are decent for self defense, but again, the rifled barrel causes the wad to spin and causes rapid spread of the shot.

4. There is way too much weight on the front end. I am not a fan of the elongated cylinder (personal preference).

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Ruger?

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Beats both of these on your list.

1. (the one pictured) The 4" barrel 357 is a great all-around caliber with plenty of power behind it when using the right hollow points.

2. If the recoil is too much for your wife, you can stuff it with 38 special +p rounds and still have a good self defense weapon.

3. No safeties to worry about - it's a revolver.

4. The gun is EXTREMELY rugged. Ruger is known for over-engineering their revolvers.

5. Very comfortable grip.

6. Idiot-proof (again, it's a revolver; very basic)

7. Doesn't rely on ammo to function (inherent "reliability")





I think I've covered enough here...

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I don't think sheet rock will stop 00 buck

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Test it. Some of it will go thru, but it will slow down enough that little harm can be done. Now if you right up against the wall, well that is a different story.

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How long of a barrel does it take to max out the 357

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Take a look at THIS CHART that tells the tale. The data was compiled by guys doing real-world shooting tests, not just theoretical speculative predictions.

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Some things just can't be covered using one or two sentences.
Bapple's advice is spot on.

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Should've made a video...




You had some good points as well sir... Just didn't quote em.

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I would never use a single-action revolver for any sort of defensive purpose.

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I agree with you here for the most part, however it must be said that with practice the single action revolver can be the fastest first shot of any weapon.

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1. (the one pictured) The 4" barrel 357 is a great all-around caliber with plenty of power behind it when using the right hollow points.

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I still maintain that .357 can be very loud and also blinding in a low. light confined environment. The round has caused more flinches than any other, much less when being used by novices.

To the OP, I like big holes in guns so I would probably recommend a revolver chambered in .45ACP (using full moon clips) to avoid the relatively limited factory ammo offerings of .45 Colt and .44 Special.

Of course, I still think a shotgun is the way to go. I personally would not be concerned about short barrel lengths because I would have no intention of putting myself at an extreme disadvantage and trying to 'find' an intruder somewhere in the house (your situation could be different though).

I would have to see 00 buck tested on sheet rock myself to believe it won't penetrate MULTIPLE pieces.

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I agree with you here for the most part, however it must be said that with practice the single action revolver can be the fastest first shot of any weapon.

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Sure but how many people are going to be that quick and practice in that manner? Just saying there are better options than depending on yourself to not pull a hair trigger with the hammer back.

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I still maintain that .357 can be very loud and also blinding in a low. light confined environment. The round has caused more flinches than any other, much less when being used by novices.

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I was mainly referring to 357 magnum and the velocity it maintains from a 4" barrel. I guess the flash might be bright though. You have a point.

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I personally would not be concerned about short barrel lengths

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A long-barrel shotgun will work but a smaller one is much handier. Even if you're not walking out of your room to "clear" your house (unless you have kids; you can bet you'll leave your room) a shorter barrel means less weight and less mass up front where the muzzle is. So the shorter 18" shotgun balances almost like a bullpup rather than being front-heavy.

But I agree with you for the most part Weagle. Just some of my observations...

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I don't have that concern though so my plan is to hole up in a safe area and wait for the cavalry to arrive. I'm no defense expert by any means, but if possible I always recommend that people barricade themselves with a weapon and call the pros to clear the house.

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Amen. If there are no extra "good" guys/gals outside of your room, secure the room and keep the muzzle on the door.

.357 muzzle blast depends a whole lot on the gun and the load. A good tight fitting gun with a 4" or longer barrel and a modern self defense load won't flash much worse than any other caliber. There's no getting around the noise though. Revolvers are loud. So are any other handguns shooting +p loads.

Now if you get a smith airweight and put a bunch of old school federal.357B from the 70's in it you'll pretty much be cracking off a flashbang in your own face when you pull the trigger. You will be blind, deaf, disoriented, probably lose your grip and possibly get killed by your own gun. Snub nose magnums are monsters that take tons of practice.

All this is the price you pay for employing the historically best two legged varmint stopping handgun ever: a .357 magnum with a 4" or longer barrel and 125gr semi jacketed hollow points.