Snub nose .357 or Compact 1911?

[Tula47]

I'm looking into purchasing a new carry gun. I'm debating between a snub nose .357 like a Ruger SP101 with a 2in barrel or a compact 1911 in 9mm. What do you think INGO? Also would like some holster options for either.

 

[wizardfitz]

I have a Ruger LCR in 357. I love it. When I carry it I use a mic holster.

 

[Drakkule]

A S&W 686 snub nose makes a nice one to carry.

 

[Mgderf]

I carry a Taurus model 605 .357 snubbie at 4 o'clock. I'm a very small person (around) but it disappears under nothing more than a t-shirt.

 

[gregkl]

I would get a snub nose .38 before a compact 9mm 1911. Snub nose is practically foolproof. Just pull the trigger repeatedly until threat is stopped.

 

[Glock10MM]

The revolver is going to be more reliable and, less ammo sensitive.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I'm also going with the revolver. I will admit some bias, here, I just don't like micro-1911s. It was not designed to be a subcompact, and anything smaller than a commander just gives me the heebie-jeebies. I'm sure there's some out there that are grand machines that do everything their owners ask of them, they just aren't for me.

 

[flhultra]

love my full size but (compact 1911) and (9mm) I don't know.

 

[gungirl65]

I have both a 2.25 SP101 357 and a Sig Ultra Compact 1911 in 45 ACP. I originally bought the Sig to replace the SP101 as my EDC gun but have gone back to the SP101. The 1911 was too ammo sensitive making it too unreliable for me. I don't ever want my life to depend on the brand of ammo I purchase.

I carry the SP101 in a Galco OWB holster.

 

[tk71]

My edc is 357 2inch barrel Rossi.Revolvers to me would be simpler to handle in a panic situation. I load it with 38+p hollow points.The 357 round has quite a bit of recoil in a short barrel I usually just shoot 38s in mine at the range occasionally I will shoot 357.

 

[turn n shoot]

I have both, and I carry 2"-3" revolvers most of the time. I carried 1911s for a long time, but came back to revolvers. I never did get totally confident with the 3" 1911s.

Tom

 

[in625shooter]

I'm also going with the revolver. I will admit some bias, here, I just don't like micro-1911s. It was not designed to be a subcompact, and anything smaller than a commander just gives me the heebie-jeebies. I'm sure there's some out there that are grand machines that do everything their owners ask of them, they just aren't for me.

I am a revolver head and will also add to what BehindBlue said. One other thing I will add is most autos that are "re engineered" for a differed caliber than the original be it a 9mm 1911, or a 9mm Colt SMG never really work as good as the original chambering.

SP101's are fine guns and even though not an airwieght it's not that bad weight wise and you won't break it.

 

[SAILORGOLF46]

I had both SP101 and S&W mod 60 at the same time went back and forth but settled on the S&W. The SP101 is a fine gun just a little heavier. Carry in a Don Hume IWB in the cross draw position. Either gun will make you very happy and last your life time.

 

[SkullDaddy.45]

Everyone should own a .357, best all around gun ever made. Buy the revolver now, then get the 9mm. JMO

 

[VERT]

OP specifically which revolver and 9mm 1911 are you considering? You mentioned the Ruger SP101 which is fine choice.

 

[metaldog]

As a 1911 fan, I will say a compact 1911 in 9mm would probably work out, but it would not be my first choice. In this case... I vote for the .357 revolver (which will also chamber .38 SPL).

 

[YoungMilsurpGuy]

Go .357, you can use cheap(er) ball .38s to practice with all the way up to full power .357s and its more reliable for a carry peice.

Though thing I heard and I wonder if its true: Out of a short barrel, certain .38 special loads are almost as good as .357 because of the lost velocity.

 

[VERT]

Go .357, you can use cheap(er) ball .38s to practice with all the way up to full power .357s and its more reliable for a carry peice.

Though thing I heard and I wonder if its true: Out of a short barrel, certain .38 special loads are almost as good as .357 because of the lost velocity.

Yes that is true. Speer makes a short barrel load for the .357 now. But in most situations .357 out of snub translates into a lot of recoil and muzzle flash. You do pick up some velocity but personally I would stick with .38 +P. The other benefit of .38 are the cases are shorter and easier to extract.

 

[Bigtanker]

How about a compromise. 79920 9 mm Pitbull Rimless Revolver

 

[ShootnCut]

Easy decision.......Whichever comes with the most bacon.