Guns

I'll chime in again. IMHO it is best to start out with the most common forms of ammunition. 12 gauge for shotgun, .22 for a target pistol (or target rifle) and 9mm for a defensive handgun. These option may very well not prove to be ideal for you..but starting out with these tried and true options will allow you to objectively refine your future options.
 
Personally, I like it when I am (almost) 100% confident that when I pull the trigger the gun goes BANG. An 870 Remington will do that. A Springfield XD will do that. A Ruger .22 will do that. A Henry lever action rifle will do that. ....The discussion of what brand of ammo is inconsequential! For me this is imperative. Any discussion regarding "My gun does not like such and such ammo" is rather sad.
 
All Auto Pistols can jam. Tons of YouTube videos of how to "tap and rack" or eject the mag and clear the pistol etc.. But for me personally..... My pistol NEVER "jams". If it ever did it would be serviced or replaced immediately.
 
One thing to consider, and just an opinion some may not share, is if you do plan to carry, I think the gun you choose should be something you enjoy shooting. If I am not likely to want to fire through a few magazines at the range with my chosen carry weapon, then I don't think it's the right one for me. It should be something I am very well-versed in and can shoot comfortably and accurately with familiarity. I learned very quickly that the "pocket carry" guns are miserable to shoot for me. I'd get through one mag or so and say "naw I'm good" then move onto something more fun. I had Ruger EC9 and the equivalent .380 ACP. Both miserable.

The only "carry" gun I have is my 43x (9mm). It's compact enough to be easily concealable, but still comfortable to shoot. Enjoyable even. Not as enjoyable as my 41, but that's not exactly a practical carry gun for anything but a chest holster.

View attachment 177013
Size comparison of the 41 (45 ACP) and the 43x (9mm)
This post made me smile as I think about my parents. Living in MT and spending fair amount of time in grizzly country, my stepdad was convinced by someone to pick up a Taurus titanium .44 with a 4 inch barrel as his primary carry gun while in backcountry. I would def NOT describe that thing as a pleasure to shoot :). I tried to convince him to go with something else but he just fixated on “but it’s light!” I mean….not the recoil, but…..to each their own. Some day if I outlive him I will inherit that….and sell it.
 
Yeah, Kinda like my Charter Arms 44 Special Bulldog. Home protection only. Hollow points only.
 
Carry the gun you like to shoot? Sound like good advise to me, they say “beware of the guy with one gun, he knows how to use it.”
 
That's a real beauty, Roper. Marlin?

I've been eyeing the newish Henry stainless .45-70 with the loading gate. I just can't justify the spend right now.
I’ve been eyeing their 357 in color case hardening with octagon barrel, same issue…
 
I’ve been eyeing their 357 in color case hardening with octagon barrel, same issue…
I don't know why you need holsters, I thought you had lost everything in a "boating accident" wink...

I have been watching for a 45-70... know where there is a stainless "for sale" but the owner is proud of it!
 
Haven't read the entire thread, that being said what I have read is good.

I like the S&W M&P Shield for a carry. The great thing is you could also get the S&W M&P 22 Compact for a range gun and for friends/family that might go with you and are new to shooting (not as scary). They are basically the exact same size and frame/function. It is also cheaper for practicing and drawing and shooting mechanics.

If you want something for trail/stream/ home defense and want a revolver you might consider the S&W Governor (I know some shooters say it is a waste because it tries to do to many things). I love it and it's something you/wife/partner could use at home for in house defense. Because in a defense situation nerves/heart rate/"buck fever" will cause even a skilled shooter to shake. (I have done a drill with multiple people, at an outside range, without your gun run around your car 5 times or from the shooting bench 100ft, then back to the bench immediately pick up/load and shot as far as possible. This simulates what your heart will be doing in a high tension "break in", bear/cougar/tweeker/hillbilly threat situation.)

The "Governor" can shoot .410 shotgun shells, .45 Colt and .45 Auto (with moon clip). It can be loaded with all caliber at the same time. First, 2 .410, then 2 or 3 .45 Colt... stay and finish.

Just my $0.02
I hate boating accidents!
 
Haven't read the entire thread, that being said what I have read is good.

I like the S&W M&P Shield for a carry. The great thing is you could also get the S&W M&P 22 Compact for a range gun and for friends/family that might go with you and are new to shooting (not as scary). They are basically the exact same size and frame/function. It is also cheaper for practicing and drawing and shooting mechanics.

If you want something for trail/stream/ home defense and want a revolver you might consider the S&W Governor (I know some shooters say it is a waste because it tries to do to many things). I love it and it's something you/wife/partner could use at home for in house defense. Because in a defense situation nerves/heart rate/"buck fever" will cause even a skilled shooter to shake. (I have done a drill with multiple people, at an outside range, without your gun run around your car 5 times or from the shooting bench 100ft, then back to the bench immediately pick up/load and shot as far as possible. This simulates what your heart will be doing in a high tension "break in", bear/cougar/tweeker/hillbilly threat situation.)

The "Governor" can shoot .410 shotgun shells, .45 Colt and .45 Auto (with moon clip). It can be loaded with all caliber at the same time. First, 2 .410, then 2 or 3 .45 Colt... stay and finish.

Just my $0.02
I hate boating accidents!
I thought that was the Taurus "The Judge".
 
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