Autos have lots of sex appeal but for conceal cary there is no substitute for a hammerless, 5-shot revolver that will manage both .357 and 38s. Even "light" .357 loads are enough to ensure that only one carefully placed shot will be needed and you can practice with the less expensive and easier on the arm 38s.
Revolvers hold fewer shots but the fact is that if you need to reload you either have a MAJOR training issue or you are in WAY over your head. I have never carried a reload and have no intention of doing so.
Agreed. 2 shots should really do it and I also agree with the versatality of the .38/.357.
Autos are nice in a lot of ways but wheelguns win where life and death are invovled because of reliability and simplicity. No fancy controlls, just sqeeze the trigger and shoot. Hit a dud round? No probs, just squeeze it again.
Again I agree. Realiablity and simplicity in a compact package.
Make sure you spend the extra $ and buy factory loaded ammo self-defense loads. This could save your arse if you find yourself in front of a jury and no I am not kidding. NEVER use target ammo ANYONE's handloads for your carry piece!
I've read about this as well and expect to hear more about it in class.
One well-placed and effective shot is better than a hail of anything else; fewer shots fired the better. Good for you in getting training!
Training is key. This is not something I take lightly. Wether it be training for my dogs so that they are "good citizens" or the ability to save my life. Both could be considered deadly force.
Lastly; I'd recommend two books to ANYONE who wants to carry: "The Truth About Self Defense" and "In the Gravest Extreme" by a retired State Trooper up here in NH named Mossad Ayoob. He knows his stuff very well and runs the Lethal Force Institute up here. He has all the details but the bottom line is that in the most perfect "good shoot" consisting of justifiable self-defense, you can still expect to be cuffed-and-stuffed, arrested, booked and charged with homicide.
I've read some of Mr. Ayoob's articles over the years in various magazines. On your suggestion I will also pick up one of his books. Thank you for your insight.
"Better tried by 12 than carried by six" is still true but never reach for that thing unless all other options have been 100% exhausted.
"Fight crime, shoot back" -LY