44 Special is my favorite. I've had one since the 1960's and there is nothing I have asked it to do that it hasn't done quite well from plinking to hunting and self defense. Not the hottest ticket on the block, but still a good old performer.

45 colt.if there is nothing around here that can take a hit with a 250 gr bullet at 900 fps and walk away
pete

Originally Posted by Baldy

I have to say the .38/.357 is my favorite as I been shooting it for over 45yrs and most of my guns are revolvers. I roll my own ammo and I got some good loads for my guns.

I have to agree with the .357 as being my favorite.

Baldy....I love the "roll my own ammo" phrase.

It all depends. For most hunting situations, the .44 Magnum. Really big critters, I'd choose my heavier handloads in .45 Colt. Long range, its the .44 Magnum. Small, edible game, I'd go with the .22 L.R. or the old .22 WRF if it were still available.

For everyday social carry, I go with a S&W Model 19 in .357 Magnum, loaded with .38 Special +P 158 gr. SWC Hollow points.

Bob Wright

No question .357. Every one you buy is essentially two guns in one because it can fire the .38 round.

.45 Colt, .44 Special a close second.

.357 Magnum.

.357/.38 two for the price of one.

The .357 is the best SD round out there for handguns, however, in the tiny scandium J-frames they just hurt. The .38 may be a better choice for those.

I have a .357 magnum, however I like how it handles the .38 special +P rounds, their my favorite revolver load, following closely behind is .22LR Hyper Velocity or mini mags.

My personal favorite wouldn't make the list of the 50 most popular rounds. I am a fan of the .357 Maximum. Yeah, it's tempermental and finicky, gives the best performance when pushed to the limit and is sometimes rough on the equipment, but so's the redhead I've been married to for 28 years. God luv 'em.

I found the .357 to be perfect. never had any issue's

Just picked up a new Ruger SP101 in .357 Magnum. What a fun gun to shoot!

.45 Colt

I have long been a sucker for the .44 S&W Special round. I can fire them in my 629 as lower power, (lower kick), rounds and in my nice M-24-3 and 21-4 revolvers. I am not locked into the round as a be all-end all, but I like it.

I've got a 38 special I'm partial to - probably my favorite handgun. I've also got a l'il 22lr SNS revolver that I shoot more than any other - because I can afford to!

357 and 22 LR

I love my S&W model 649 .357. Sure, it kicks like hell with the .357 mag loaded, but it's manageable. .38's are pretty mild, haven't shot any +P's yet...not sure if I will. Once I change out the grip (probably wood) I'm going to see how the recoil is with .357 and probably just use .38 for range use.

I don't think you can get a much more power from such a small gun...it's great for concealed carry.

Originally Posted by Bob Wright

For everyday social carry, I go with a S&W Model 19 in .357 Magnum, loaded with .38 Special +P 158 gr. SWC Hollow points.

Bob Wright

Why keep .38 special in your .357 magnum for carrying? Less overpenetration?

Just curious



I almost bought a model 19 a few weeks ago. It was gorgeous, I just couldn't get them to come down to a reasonable price. I bought a Ruger SP101 the other day though and I am quite happy with it thus far.

I voted .44 Magnum because if I were limited to one handgun caliber, that would be it. However, On any given day, depending on weather, where I'm at, or what I'm wearing, I may have a revolver stoked with .44Mag, .357, .38 spcl, or .45 LC

.357 magnum, It answers all callings and can be managed by all.

.357 magnum. I have a model 19 and model 620. These and a couple of 1911 types are my favorites. Good all around revolvers (not the 1911s of course). Fun to shoot and reliable in a bad situation.

hmmm...I had to select other. I'm glad that I am not limited to owning only one revolver. I currently own all of the calibers listed except the .460, .480 and the .500. The largest that I own is a Freedom Arms 454 Casull and I see little use for a handgun with more than it has to offer. I thoroughly enjoy shooting big bore revolvers, but not always high velocity, wrist breaking, elephant tumbling loads. Some of my favorites are moderate loads in .45 Colt (moderate meaning more than standard but less than .44 mag) and standard loads in .38spl. The 454 offers truly incredible power from a handgun, but the recoil becomes tiresome much more quickly than milder loads.

If you are looking to buy a revolver, I have good news and bad news for ya...the good news is that there are lots of choices. The bad news is that there are LOTS of choices.


FLY!!!

At this Point --- 357 Mag 686 - 2.5"

but I believe a 45 LC may be in my future ----might be fun