Choose your poison

[kentucky yeti]

I know no one can eat- I mean choose- just one (this ain't Lays tater chips). But the .357 vs 10mm thread showed me just how passionate we get over anything. And I know there are more calibers out there. Sorry if yours didn't make my poll. Do your own! These are what I consider the more mainstream cartridges (and it's my poll) that I could choose from. I was limited to 10 choices on the poll. So, for whatever terrible reason- you must now downsize to one caliber for your hogleg. What'll you have (no Pabst Blue Ribbon)?

 

[Wvfarrier]

There is literally nothing I cannot do with a 357 mag....heck I can get a rifle in 357 mag as well then need nothing else

 

[Fox Mike]

Though I don't own one I would go with a .44 mag. It can be downloaded to .44 special loads and is a rifle and handgun caliber.

 

[Cholo]

I'd take the 22LR/Mag. I could easily carry 1,000 rounds on me and I could kill almost any game worth eating with a proper shot. The Mag. would even work for self defense in a pinch. In a year I probably shoot more 22 rimfires than all my centerfire calibers combined.

 

[RC44Mag]

.357 but that's my most recent purchase

 

[WendyZXZ]

Pick your poison...my first thought was listening to either Justin Bieber or Yoko Ono. The Emergency Broadcast System is suing Yoko Ono for stealing their sound!

 

[Threespears]

I have to agree with Cholo for the same reason

Thank God I live in western Wyoming/eastern Idaho and can have more handguns than I can carry

 

[PRichardson87]

Upon comprehending the question and the choices offered, 9mm.

 

[BearBiologist]

But aren't the 22lr/22Mag, 38 spl/357 mag, etc. actually two guns?

Why not 45 Colt/ 45 acp???

 

[WanderLust]

Dang, but Cholo's answer really made sense in a way I never thought of before. Here are some other ideas to consider along this line of thought:
1. How easy will the ammo be to find?
2. Long term reliabilty/Access to parts?
3. Ability to upgrade (.38 to .357, etc.)
4. As mentioned above, used in rifle as well as pistol.
5. Able to be quieted (suppressed) adequately for stealth
6. Able to shoot it single-handed if necessary
7. Will it look good in my pickup truck? ( Had to do that one! )

The only answer that makes sense is the .50 AE Desert Eagle........right?

 

[Kevin]

I also voted for .22. I was thinking ammo is found just about everywhere ammo is sold.

The thread doesn't say why just one caliber. I didn't automatically think the end of the world scenario. I was just thinking fun range times, and the 22's get more workout than other calibers.

 

[Cholo]

But aren't the 22lr/22Mag, 38 spl/357 mag, etc. actually two guns?

No. A .357 will shoot .38's and it's a simple cylinder swap with the .22 Mag.

 

[kentucky yeti]

But aren't the 22lr/22Mag, 38 spl/357 mag, etc. actually two guns?

Why not 45 Colt/ 45 acp???

Because my NM BH .45 doesn't have the .45 ACP convertible cylinder, and it's my poll So I based it on what I have/had laying around. Seriously, it's because usually .45 acp is generally considered as a 1911 or similar platform. I suspect most people think of an auto with .45 ACP, and not a cylinder swap on a revolver. I did figure someone would point it out.

 

[gnappi]

10mm, no 45 Colt, maybe not? OK then .480 or .44 mag? Sheesh, it's not even a binding survey and I'm already crippled by indecision.

 

[gunzo]

The 22/22mag, 38/357 tie doesn't surprise me in the least. Nearly went 38 myself, especially considering I have reloaders & bullet molds.

 

[jimbo1096]

When considering the question asked, it didn't give a reason for the singularity of a single caliber. So my choice of the 45 colt is because I learned to shoot with one and is still the caliber I enjoy the most.

 

[Feel the 'Pane]

Had to go w/ 44mag.

I'll be found dead in a pile of hot brass, carrying a '58 FT in a cross draw, an Alaskan in a Diamond-D chesty, and a Winchester 'Trapper'.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Although I'm a big sixgun fan (hence my name on this and other forums), I picked .45 ACP, and I'm thinking 1911 platform. My reasoning was that my primary reason for a sidearm will always be self or home defense, and in my opinion nothing does that better than .45 ACP. Other firearms needs can be met with various long guns. With .45 ACP I can go full GI size 1911, Commander/Combat Commander, or Officer's Model size. I have all 4 variations. Plus there are other options (S&W Shield compact size, revolvers, Glocks, and many others).

 

[Tensaw]

A difficult one to choose. I chose .22 (both LR and Mag) because I shoot more at the range than any of my other calibers. However, I may chose .45 ACP and Colt if I was voting tomorrow.

 

[dannyd]

I can load a 38/357 for every occasion.