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From: baechler@disuns2.epfl.ch ((Emmanuel Baechler))
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Dumb beginner question
Message-ID: <35368@mimsy.umd.edu>
Date: 7 Jun 91 15:04:20 GMT
Sender: magnum@mimsy.umd.edu
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Approved: gun-control@cs.umd.edu


# 
# Well, if home defense is an issue, I would suggest buying a .357mag revolver.
# (I am assuming you mean a handgun.  If this is not true, the answer changes.)
# Reasons follow:
# 
#  (A lot of very good reasons deleted)
#
# For a particular gun, I would suggest a S&W model 19, or a S&W 686
# (stainless).
# Get about a 4"-6" barrel.  Below this implies a huge fireball and
# inferior 
# ballistics.  Above makes the gun a bit unwieldy.  Purchase a S&W,
# Colt, 
# Ruger, or Dan Wesson.  Stay away from Rossi, Astra, Taurus (though
# they are 
# cheaper; there is a reason). 
# 
#  (Anoter set of very good recommendations deleted)
#

  As you mentionned both self defense and target shooting, I would also
recommend you a 6" .357 S&W L-frame (model 586 and 686). These guns are
light enough to be fired with a single hand, they are very accurate, and
their trigger is very good. You can even find anatomic grips, if you want
to practice UIT style shooting. With a single handgun, you will be able
to fire .38 spal Wadcutter for target shooting, .38 spal and .357 magnum
for sef-defense (and leisure too).

  You can find some more or less acceptable self-defense pistols 
(i.e. semi-autos) on the market, but big bore pistols usable for 
serious target shooting "right out of the box", are extremely rare.
In fact I know only two, the SIG P-210 and the S&W Master 52. The 
Gold Gold Cup National Match can have the same level of performances, 
but you will need a match barrel. Anyway, all these guns are more or
less specialized for target shooting (except the gold cup), and won't
be able to satisfy your need for self defense.

Emmanuel Baechler
baechler@liasun4.epfl.ch