Ethan83
Ultimate Member
I'll also second a GP100. If you want the wifey to handle it and she has smaller hands, you might look at the smaller frame SP-101. S&W equivalents would be a 686 in a full size frame, or a model 60 in a smaller J frame. I don't have much experience with the S&Ws, but the Rugers are plenty nice, and I'm not sure what could or would justify the vastly greater expense of the S&Ws.
Tokarevs are great for the reasons mentioned, but the extreme penetration might be a drawback if you live in an apartment, have children in bedrooms, etc. If you live by yourself or with just your spouse in the middle of nowhere, go for all the penetration you want. Hell, use a short rifle.
It's expensive as hell, but just gonna throw it out there - S&W 625. It's a six shot, full size revolver but is chambered for .45ACP (must be loaded with moon clips AFAIK). Fantastic round without all the penetration, bang, and flash of say a full power .357, but in an ultra solid and reliable revolver platform. I believe this is what Jerry Miculek set his speed shooting records with; I suspect with a big revolver you might be able to get back on target quicker than a .357. Of course this all assumes you want to have that serious of a cartridge for HD (which is all fine and good) when a .38 should work absolutely fine anyway.
Tokarevs are great for the reasons mentioned, but the extreme penetration might be a drawback if you live in an apartment, have children in bedrooms, etc. If you live by yourself or with just your spouse in the middle of nowhere, go for all the penetration you want. Hell, use a short rifle.
It's expensive as hell, but just gonna throw it out there - S&W 625. It's a six shot, full size revolver but is chambered for .45ACP (must be loaded with moon clips AFAIK). Fantastic round without all the penetration, bang, and flash of say a full power .357, but in an ultra solid and reliable revolver platform. I believe this is what Jerry Miculek set his speed shooting records with; I suspect with a big revolver you might be able to get back on target quicker than a .357. Of course this all assumes you want to have that serious of a cartridge for HD (which is all fine and good) when a .38 should work absolutely fine anyway.