I'm typing for my husband. I love this man's wisdom & knowledge of firearms. There are a lot of so called "gun experts" on KZfaq but, this man knows what he's talking about. Keep up the good work.

I was an Alaska State Trooper for 22 years. Before we "upgraded" to semi-autos in the late 1990s, we carried .357 magnum S&W 686 with 4" barrels. That was an awesome revolver! When we made the switch the department gave us the opportunity to buy our issued revolvers. I declined that offer and have been regretting it ever since.

The Model 66 is a fine revolver and I should know, I have one. However, I prefer to carry a Model 686. The slightly larger frame and grip size as well as the additional weight associated with that make it a slightly more pleasant gun to shoot. You have a made a fantastic choice of sidearm. Good on you sir.

Mike,...even though i'm in the UK and obviously,...our gun owning rights are totally different to yours over there,..i find i still learn so much from every single video you do, no matter what type of firearm is discussed. So,..you keep doing what you're doing and i'll certainly keep watching because i enjoy them very much.

Morning coffee with duelist nothing better 👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️

My most dependable gun is my Ruger Blackhawk 357. I would trust my life with it.

When I carry a revolver it's usually a Ruger GP100 4 inch or a Ruger SP101 3 inch with 38 +P or .357 magnum. But what I carry doesn't matter much since I wear shoulder holsters for all my pistols. Great vid man!

This may be the most intelligent, practical presentation I've ever seen on the "one gun" question. You pretty much cover all bases honestly and succinctly. It's obvious you've given this some serious thought. Well done sir!

This older Fudd reloader appreciates the ammo versatility, and not having to pick up brass. Great video, and excellent choice.

I own a 4" GP100, and I concur with your rcomendation, Mike. When my friends make fun of my wheelgun, I tell them, "At least my gun isn't going to fling evidence all over the place if I ever have to use it." I also compete with it in IDPA, and I always have a good time with it. Most folks are amazed at how fast you can reload a revolver using a speedloader, with just a little practice. You still have to pick up brass, though, because the goal is a fast reload, so the spent brass is punched out of the cylinder and disregarded. Although, when you do pick it up, it is sitting there in little piles of 6 empty cases, which is nice.

Great video Mike. I love the versatility of a 357 mag chambered gun. I really like my 5 inch model 27. It’s a bit bigger, but I’ve always been fond of N frame guns.

4" 686+. Best gun ever made

I also have accumulated a diverse collection in a similar manner to yours. I will never go to " just one gun" but in this scenario I too would choose my 4-in model 66. Glad to see you explained the thinking behind the choice to your audience.

All of your videos are great content, I also carry revolvers more than semi autos but do carry those as well. The biggest thing is that in a civilian defensive shooting situation is to have anything with you that is both reliable and comfortable to shoot effectively. Thanks for all the great content. (:

Good choice, personally I’m picking a smith 686 4 inch 357. It is extremely versatile. And the 4 inch barrel is something I’ve always thought of as a “combat size” gun. Small enough to be handy, large enough to be effective.

Totally agree. SW 686 in 357 mag from the '80's for me. If that makes me a Fudd, so be it. I've been called worst things.

Mike, the best aspects of your channel, and why I like your videos so much Is the versatility of weapon subject matter that you produce. From flintlocks to modern weapons, black powder to modern cartridge, and not to be forgotten edged weaponry, you are very well versed with a plethora of knowledge. So keep up the good work!!

100% agree on everything You said, but I'd choose the S&W 686+ just to have a little more weight to control the recoil, and one extra shot. 👍🏻

I absolutely love my Dan Wesson 15-2 in 357. The interchangeable barrels is a plus

Wonderful choice. I use a Hogue Bantam grip on the 66-8 2.75". It's cheap, it conceals pretty nicely and handles well. The K-frame is just phenomenal loaded with either .38 Special or .357 and like you said can cover so many needs and uses.

Good choice, I have a 586 and a 686 that fit my hand perfectly

I completely agree with you . Born in 1963 , and the son of a late 1960s' uniformed police officer , we've owned hundreds of guns in all calibers throughout the past 6 decades . However , our go to guns have always been a wheel gun chambered in .357 magnum for precisely the reasons you described . Versatility is the name of the game , and nothing else except for the viciously recoiling .44magnum/special comes close to the .357 . EXCELLENT video !

I remember reading an article with Skeeter Skelton being asked, if he could have only one gun and had to flee to the mountains during a grid down scenario, this was based on the cuban missile crisis in 1962. Skeeter said it would be his S&W 357 mag, backed up by a ruger blackhawk also in 357 mag. He said his reload kit would be in a carry bag and have powder,primers, bullet mold,(358156) and the lyman/ideal 310 tong tool. Wish i could find that article.

A long time ago when i was much younger and was a keen shooter living in South Africa.After much speculation and gained experience over the years.I also decided that if you could only have one handgun what would it be.And my decision was exactly the same as yours Mike.A good 357 Magnum 4 inch barrelled double action revolver.(And as a side note:Lots of manual handling and dry firing to become extremely proficient along with a few good speedloaders)

I absolutely understand your choice, and mine would be similar. Mine would be a 3" Smith K-Frame .357 Magnum, with a fixed sight. So either a Model 65 or 13. I grew up with DA revolvers and didnt start shooting autos until i was in my late 20's and only because i entered law enforcement. In MassaTwoSh!ts, we used to be able to get our carry permits when we turned 18, but due to fedwral law we couldn't purchase hamdguns or handgun ammo until we turned 21. So from 18-21 i carried one of my father's revolvers. When i turned 21, a gunsmith legend, the late Karl Sokol of Cheatnut Mountain Sports built me a custom 3" 65. I shot that with my .357 reloads at least tens of thousands of rounds, maybe more, and shot it loose and had flame cutting on the face of the cylinder and topstrap. Karl was always impressed how much it was used and he built me a few more Smith wheelguns. I understand your choice of the 66, but after all my experience with them, I find the fixed sights to be faster for me. But adjustables, especially going from .357 to .38, are more practical. And my choice of the 3" instead of the 4" is just personal preference, and it still has the full length extractor rod, unlike the 2-½" Smiths. I like your BHP .357 Sig conversion. I, too, like that round and carry it in a P229 sometimes. I have a friend who had Karl build him a 1911 Commander in .357 Sig using a custom Kart barrel.

Awesome video, I now regularly carry a Ruger LCRx in 38, I never feel under armed. Never underestimate an old guy with a revolver!

All the same reasons I’d choose a 4” .357 medium frame revolver as well. To be more specific, I’d continue forward with my old Ruger Police Service Six made in the 200th year of American Liberty. I got it new. It’s well proven in its worth. Great video.

Well said, and right on, for all the reasons you gave! I am partial to the 3" 65, essentially the same but with fixed sights and round butt. Thanks for your always-great presentations!

Nothing better than a new Duelist video first thing in the morning to go with my beer

Very thought provoking and you laid out a good case. I would carry my 3" S&W M66. Unlike a 2.5" model the 3" allows full extraction of the cases, important for a reload.

Great video, 100% agreement. Additionally, my “one rifle” is a .357 lever carbine (Marlin 1894). Mainly because my “one pistol” is a .357 double action medium frame 6 shot revolver (Ruger GP 100).

I'm with ya on the K frame. I carry a S&W 64 with a 4" BBL concealed. Love it despite having carried nothing but autos on duty during my LEO years. Of course, a 65, 66, or 686 in .357mag would be more ideal, but haven't been able acquire one yet. With a pair of Safariland speedloaders, I feel very well armed with my .38 +P loads. The accuracy of my .38's is fantastic! I carry my 4" revolver in a modified bellyband system, really securing and distributing the weight of the gun, and us actually comfortable to carry.

I do love my S&W Model 19 with a four-inch barrel. If I had to choose only one handgun, it would probably be my CZ-75B, but the S&W would get a long look before I decided.

357 magnum is so versatile. My S&W 686 and Colt Trooper are my favorite modern guns.

I love my Ruger GP-100 4" stainless .357 that has had a nice action job. Smooth as silk in double action. Never fails and accurate to boot. I have 31 guns in my safe from ARs, to Flinters and all manner of pistols, but if I can only take one into the wilderness for survival, I agree with you!

Great video Mike! I totally agree with your choice. Personally I would choose my model 29 4". 240 grain lead for woods carry, 200 grain gold dots for concealed carry and 200 grain lead for competition. Probably to much reading Elmer Keith in my youth. If I didn't cast and handload then a model 19 would be just fine. Have a great day.

Great video! Your point is well presented. I couldn’t make the choice if I could only have one, but part of it would depend which phase of life. I currently have a Sig 365 that is with me constantly - has replaced small Glocks and five shots for daily carry. It’s modularity is something I haven’t explored, but was one of the reasons I bought it. But it’s concealability, a decent out of the box trigger and sights were what impressed me. I have a S&W Model 19-5 and 66-1, both four inch. The former was a duty weapon for a while. They are versatile, but I do have some concerns over ammo availability. While there are a lot of .38 Specials out there still being carried, they’re not getting shot as much as 9mms and the factories are not pumping out as much .38/.357 ammo as 9mm. Plus it’s expensive. I saw 50-round boxes of 145 grain Winchester Silvertip magnum ammo, one of my old duty loads for $50 at a shop that doesn’t gouge customers. Minimum of $20 cheaper than a quality 9mm defense load. On the other hand, I would consider myself well armed with my K-frame magnums if I had to carry them again. Looking back on a career, I can’t think of any situation I was ever in where the six shot wheelie wasn’t sufficient, ultimately. And I read a recent article by your friend Jim Wilson recalling a conversation with Bill Jordan, who suggested the ultimate SHTF fan in his expert opinion was a Model 19 and a box of cartridges.

The last few times my camera recorded the criminals that came onto my property, I saw multiple bad guys (up to 5). The times have changed and the criminals often travel in pairs or groups. I don't carry anything less than 15 rounds.

I actually like your well-thought out choice for a "only one gun" scenario. Great job!

Keep those great videos coming Mike! I really enjoy watching them and reading all the comments!

Mike, I'm older than you, live one county north of you, and would make very similar choices if I could only have one handgun. I suppose that makes me a "fudd+." My first full-time carry gun was a Smith Model 19 with a Colt 1911 as a backup. I still have the Model 19 but don't carry it anymore. It serves me as the standard by which I measure all others. Yes, I do have many others, including some plastic 9 mms , although I mostly carry revolvers for all of the reasons that you have so eloquently explained. My old Ruger Service Six 4-inch is well-worn and smooth. Yes, we have coyotes! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I'm a fan. Mike

There's no doubt the 357 magnum is a great cartridge, versatile and powerful. I have the Colt Border Patrol 357 Magnum (my first handgun) with thousands of rounds down range it still performs flawlessly. Thanks for a great video.

Love all your videos Mike. Keep em coming. I'll be watching.

Great video! I never thought about the misfire and moving on in short order. Excellent point Mike!

Good video, still have my model 19, purchased in 1977. Still use it today mostly with .38 special.

Mike, thanks so much! The .357 is so versatile! It made me feel good because I bought a .357 magnum with a 4" barrel with a muzzle brake a few years ago as my open carry woods gun. It's a Taurus model 608 and it shoots flawlessly, despite what all the gun snobs tell you. I handload so it can do a lot of things and you validated all that! So, thanks again!!

Nice to have a variety of content! Love your videos and praying for your win in court!

Hi Mike, I really appreciate this type of content. Your explanations are very insightful and you always provide great advice. Thanks, for your contribution!

How cool, the S&W 66 is the only wheel gun I currently own. I do like it.

I have a S&W model 19-3 and it is wonderful. One thing you didn't cover in your points was pride of ownership. Having a functional and good-looking gun would be my fourth point (I don't shoot competitively). Otherwise, you hit all the bases with your choice.

My brothers wife was looking to purchase a 1st gun and I finally(!!) talked her into the same Model 66 you are showing. Only difference she found one with the round but which fits her hand perfectly. She laughed and said "all the old guys told me that was the gun to get". I just smiled.

I'm a firearm collector also for over 40 years and have great difficulty choosing the handgun if I could only have one. I'd start from a list of these 3 gems n eliminate two ... Beretta M9A3 Ruger GP100 S&W model 29-2

Great video Mike! I think we should see more of your personal philosophy on modern guns, shooting etc. The historic content is great, don't get me wrong! Just food for thought. Keep up the great work!!

Loved your video Mike! I live in South Africa & have a few firearms. I have often wondered what my choice would be if I were only allowed to own one gun, and my choice has aways been the 357magnum revolver. I own a 6 inch S&W model 28 and have applied for a licence for a 4 inch model 28, and this would absolutely be my 1st choice! I have had to use my revolver twice before and every time, it has delivered the goods! Whie I own a high capacity CZ75 9mmP, I would choose my revolver over it, in spite of the pistol having a higher round capacity. I agree with your sentiments around the guys running after the first few shots (that's been my experience todate), so I'm happy to take my chances with my six shooter! Thanks again for an awesome video, and warm greetings from South Africa!

Your knowledge base is just amazing Mike!! ALWAYS a treat to watch anything you shoot!!

Great Video Mike!!!! Thank you for sharing!

Nothing wrong with a revolver. I like my .38spl snub nose myself, with a HKS speedloader. The main thing is as long as you train with it and can access it quickly, that's what really matters most. Take care out there.

If I had to choose just one to cover both urban & rural survival, my 7 shot SS Ruger GP100 6" .357/.38. When/If) I ever get a lever carbine (16" barrel) in .357/.38 I'd probably choose it for the higher capacity, & better range using .38s.

Fine piece of work Mike. My compliments to you. I can't be the only one to enjoy and use some of you input on the idea of having only one gun. Thanks, I can't wait to share this video.

Awesome video.. excellent information!

Very informative and thought provoking. I just wish quality revolvers were priced approximately the same as semiautomatic pistols. Even used revolvers are pricey at the pawn shops. That is one big obstacle for many of us being able to enjoy the very reliable and useful wheelguns.

definitely in the same boat. Effective in nearly any situation, and long lastingly enjoyable to shoot. That's really all I want to do with a handgun. K frame also top of my list, probably blued for me but an N frame or L frame would be totally ok for me. I prefer the N frame 28 HP but it is a bit big.

About a month ago I switched from a 1911 Commander, for carry, to a 4" 686+ For all the reasons you mentioned

Fantastic video! Loved it (admittedly biased as I own a Ruger GP100)! Keep them coming PLEASE!! I also totally agree with your assessment for the one gun I could own.

A very interesting analysis, Mike, not necessarily for your specific choice, but as a way to remind us all to *think* about what we choose and why. Before I lived in a communist state my belief was that the 1911 was the only modern pistol worth having, period, end of discussion, *BUT* part of that was the fact that it was what I knew best (by far), and I have always believed in carrying what you know best. But your points about revolver sufficiency and versatility are well put, and more people need to get over their "tacticool" fantasies and recognize that fact. Are revolvers great for high-speed, low-drag spec ops missions? No, of course not, but most people are never in those kinds of environments, and in civilian situations 6 rounds is almost always enough (hell, as you said, 3 is almost always more than enough), so the versatility of a revolver when it comes to ammunition choices actually makes it superior if you can only choose one piece. Well done.

Great video with some excellent reasoning. Thanks!

Great channel and a great video. Thank you. Take care.

4.2" Ruger GP100 is good alternative to the S&W 66. Can handle heavy loads, and holds 6 rounds unlike their 5-round SP-101.

Great video! Smith makes such beautiful revolvers, but I like the GP 100’s too. I’m in black bear country, and I carry my GP 100 in 44spl when I’m in the woods.

Great video! Always like these kind of vids. Lots of food for thought.

Good video and well thought out.

Nice video Mike but I would make a different choice. To me the obvious choice is the Dan Wesson 15-2 Pistol Pack with its interchangeable barrels. It offers everything your S&W 66 does but with a lot more versatility with those interchangeable barrels. It is still only one gun as per the definition of a gun, one receiver. So, that is my pick.

If I could only have one and me being a smaller dude I think I would take the glock 43x, it fits my hands like a full sized pistol big enough to open carry but slim enough to easily conceal. 15 rounds with S15 mags, cheap ammo, and proven performance on 2 legged creatures. I don't do much outdoor activities, but if I did federal solid core 147 Gr +P should be enough for anything in NC. Great video Mike!

Really fine vid Mike! Thanks!

Please show the whole collection! Great channel!!

🇦🇺😎👍The way we are going down here we will be lucky if we can keep any of our guns..Self defence lol 😂 straight to jail ….Target shooting only at an approved range ,it’s pretty strict down here on the prison island…You can use a gun for self defence against an animal but you better have a good reason to have the gun with you at the time… Most of our handguns are full-size or bigger. They have a better sight radius for the long shots…I’ve got a 6” Ruger GP100🏁…great video😉

Mike, I too like the idea of a versatile gun. I started buying guns late in life. The first was a Glock 23. One big reason was the availability to get conversion barrels. I can shoot .40, 9 and .357sig. Saying that, my Smith 586 easily fills the role of your 66. I can see it as a one gun firearm.

I have a model 66 , shot it in IDPA and also in ICORE. Another plus for revolvers is you can load snake shot in them while hiking and not worry about jams on the second shot.

Very said, and thank you for making this video. Blessings...

Great video Mike! The 66 will eventually be historical. Keep plinkin.

If you need more than six rounds to get your butt out of trouble then you're in really deep poo poo. A revolver is just about as reliable as you can get.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences Mike. I enjoyed listening. Dont apologize for not doing a historical video, it's s your channel. Besides some of us just enjoy talking guns, no matter what kind or time period. Another video suggestion would be "if you could only have one long gun."

Thanks, very thoughtful, interesting video. Good question, with a comprehensive answer!

Smith & Wesson 686 Mountain Gun.

Great video as always mike I also wanted to let you know I currently have a rifle on layaway that I’m really excited about It’s a savage Model 99EG Manufactured in 1952 Chambered in 300 savage It’s also outfitted with an old Lyman Rear peep sight while retaining the original rear flip up sight

Another great video, thank you. Cheers..

Looking real good Mike Gave me a new perspective on if I can only have one gun

I went into this video thinking, if I had to choose one gun that I own, it would be my 4" Ruger GP-100. Besides its versatility, I have two very specific reasons I'd take it. I used it defensively twice... but I never had to take it out of the holster. Just seeing that thing scared the living crap out of the fellow who was up to no good. Interestingly, both of those occurrences, while not being on my property, were in view of my home.

Your videos are always informative and entertaining.

Very good, sensible and well thought out!

Always like your videos. 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. How cool would it be if you set up a 'gun wall' displaying some of your antiques during these MikeTalks episodes. Kind of like Matt Easton and his office sword wall. I bet many of us love seeing racks of fine weapons on display as we listen to stories. I'd be great eye candy for your long format lectures.

I love your video. When I first saw the picture of the m66 and pinned barrel, I thought of the 629 no dash. I'll be looking at many more of your videos. Thanks!

For over 20 years, I eschewed the use of or interest in modern double action revolvers. My dad's S&W Model 19 with a wandering rear sight and Coke bottle grips which squirm around in my hand during firing did that to me. Now, my go-to favorite handgun is my Taurus 608. It's an anvil in terms of weight, but I love having eight shots of .357 out of an integrally ported barrel and wrap-around rubber grips. 5 Star speed loaders make reloads a breeze. What I love about revolvers, which I failed to appreciate earlier in my life: being in touch with the entire shot process in a way that you are not with a semi-auto. It's like driving a manual shift transmission vs. driving an automatic. Point is, I do not consider myself a Fudd, despite my new found love of revolvers, and Mike, I don't think you qualify as a Fudd: you are much too knowledgeable. A true Fudd is ignorant and set in their ways.

Great video! I had just put a down payment on a 357/38S six shot revolver with 4” barrel. Your line of reasoning confirmed my decision. I also appreciated the ammunition recommendations. Very helpful!

some variation is good.. always feel free to throw in a modern video now and then..always liked your high point carbine video bc I couldn't believe you would choose that as your gun to get to another gun.. love your content..

Always enjoy your videos. Thanks Mike.

Great video! It reminds me of my time in the late 90's with Vance International, working armed security at NRO Headquarters in Chantilly Virginia. We carried the S&W model 64 in 38 Special. We carried 6 hollow points in the cylinder (obviously), and 2 speed loaders. And how I miss it! I never shot qualification scores that high again later, after decades of working for various companies, armed with various magazine fed semi auto pistols. I like your choice for The One. I was N-SSA for a long time. I love your content! Keep them coming!

Another good video Mike. Thanks

Being from the same generation, I agree but my preference is single action revolver in 45 cal. A few years ago I asked the same question with long guns and sold almost everything (I prefer single shot) and went to a TC encore with 4 barrels. This allows having the same trigger pull and feel on all my Long guns but different calibers for different scenarios.This was the best decision I ever made.

Totally agree! But it would be the Performance Center 627 with 8 rounds, when 6 rounds is just not enough!