WOT: 357 purchase, anyone have an opinion? Options

[TROJANMAN]

i figure if someone could talk about getting a tube up his arse(sorry JP, hope the tests are neg.), then guns should be as safe a topic for discussion. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

looking to purchase a 357 mag. i want something for home protection (i've pissed off a few people in my lifetime) as well something to plink around with, and i can carry it as a sidearm when hunting birds in the mountains (lions and bears, OH MY). i was thinking this was also a suitable caliber that it wouldn't knock my wife on her ass when she shoots it, but offers suitable stopping power against local wildlife (and lions and bears as well). plus i've heard some people can even hunt with this caliber, matched with the right load. any opinions ???????
I think i've narrowed it down to the ruger gp-100 and the S&W 686. thanks in advance......... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

just read the carjack thread.... one more reason.

This post has been edited by glstrojan: Jun 14 2004, 04:35 PM

[campbellcj]

Have to admit...I don't like doing stuff half-assed. So maybe I will look at a short-barrel shotgun for home protection / LA riot duty, plus also think about two handguns for the wife and I to learn on.

So more follow-up questions...a. what is a good, reliable shotgun of this type and b. what is a good "chick gun" for the wife? I am leaning towards a 9/10mm or .40/.45 kind of thing for myself but she is a smaller person by quite a bit. Not timid or physically weak but still a .45ACP or certainly one of the magnums is probably way out of the question.

Last question...is this a good anniversary gift? (Damn how time flies, #14 is approaching rapidly). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smlove2.gif)