What five pistols would you choose? - Will Cordes Choices

We have been asking folks what five pistols they would own if he could have just five. Choices were further limited by stating that they needed to be still in production, readily available and affordable. Still in production could be quality reproductions. I suggested the following categories: Home Defence, Concealed Carry, Hunting, Investment/Collectible, Plinking. Below are Will Cordes choices and comments.

Home Defence

S&W Model 65 .357 Mag. (the revolver is simple to use, and neither me nor my wife has to think about things like is the safety on or is there a round in the chamber), although it's tough to beat a Remington 870 loaded with #6 bird shot (it makes a mess of anybody close, but it won't go through your interior walls).

Concealed Carry

S&W Model 1911PD .45 ACP (this is the Scandium frame, Commander size, light weight .45)

Hunting

S&W .500 Magnum (it'll stop anything)

Investment/Collectible

S&W New Century .44 Special (also known as the First Model Hand Ejector and/or the Triple Lock--the father of all N-frame S&W revolvers)

Plinking

S&W Model 41 .22 Long Rifle (the finest .22 target pistol still made)

Will Cordes is  a retired captain with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (the eastern suburb of Atlanta, GA), and a retired state agent with the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. He is currently certified as a firearms instructor in Montana, and has e a private investigator's license.  He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA (170th Session, 1992), and is a member of the FBINA "Possible Club" (He shot a perfect score at the FBI Academy). He writes for the Single Shot Exchange. He readily admits that he is a Smith and Wesson fan as many of our readers undoubtedly are. We want to hear your choices. Send an email to gary@gary-barker.com and let me know yours. Click here to view Chris Barker's choices.

Keep your powder dry,

Gary Barker