I have no experiences with Taurus, but I own many Rugers and Smiths. You can't go wrong with either. In 357M I only own Smiths but I have been keeping my eye open for a short-barreled Ruger. As has been said in previous posts here, Rugers are stoutly built. For a home defense weapon, not carried, the weight may not be undesirable and might be of benefit when shooting magnum loads. I suggest you handle several possible choices and shoot them if possible to see what feels comfortable. With a $1,000 price range you should not be limited by money. For a 7-shot revolver, your only choices may be S&W or Taurus. I own a 4" Model 66 (fairly light) and a 6" Model 686 (more heft), magnum loads are more of a handful in the M-66. Both are 6-shots. I think the M-686P is the 7-shot. Good luck in your search and decision.

I looked at a S&W Nightguard, 7 or 8 shot in 357, it was pretty sweet. We have a Gun and Blade show this weekend too!

Don't be confused. I like the way you're thinking. The wheel gun and shotgun worked well enough at the OK Coral and still do today. Do you live in a house or apartment? How far away are your nearest neighbors? These are considerations to be bear in mind as well. Personally, I keep both weapons at hand...always.

I'm not sure if you really need a 7 shot capacity. Since you're taking about defense, you want something that is small and compact to allow for ease of use in close quarter situations. A big heavy barreled handgun is great but I think your needs are more basic...You're not target shooting and you will not be at long range.

The S&W Model 686 in a 4 inch barrel will come in under your price needs and will serve your purpose quite well.



If you need capacity, add a couple of speedloaders from HKS. Load that puppy up with Glaser Silver Safety Slug Ammunition in 80 grain. With that, you've got 8 to 10 inches of penetration that will do the job on any crackhead trying to take your gear without the worry of whether or not your rounds will hit Mr. Smith next door while he's dreaming about Bambi in the forest.

The revolver and shotgun make a formidable combination but the key will be your ability to act...Regardless of what you purchase, you should frequent the firing range and have a plan about what you would do if faced with an intruder situation.

Here's a little bathroom reading for you guys. Click Here for a USDOJ article regarding Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness.

I would agree with the idea of a 6-shot and speedloaders. My thinking is, in a defensive situation, if you need to shoot and you don't hit what your aiming at with 1 or 2 shots, you probably won't get off any more shots. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

KnotSlip...Check out this revolver

D505, that could be my new woods gun. Man, I like that!

Yep, I agree, it's sweet. If I were in the market for a .357, that would be it.

That's a nice gun...I'll have to consider that one as well. And it's an 8 shot too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />