When it comes to revolvers for preparedness, I like the .357. I like the .44 Mag. better but logistically you’re better off with the .357… mostly because of the interchangeability with .38 Spl. Now, we can go back and forth on ammo logistics of the .45 Colt vs. .44 Mag. vs. .357 Mag. but in my mind its already been settled. Moving on.
Although I am a fan of Smith & Wesson revolvers, I have to admit that from a durability standpoint they aren’t going to hold up as long or as well as the Ruger. While Ruger products usually have the styling and ergonomics of a brick, their products (usually) tend to be about as durable as you can find. While I love my Smiths, I doubt they’d hold up to a post-apocalyptic lifestyle as well as the Rugers.
So, once I figured out the caliber (.357 Mag.) and the brand (Ruger) that pretty much left what gun. Not a lot of choice, really. Ruger only makes two models of .357 Magnum in a DA revolver – the GP100 and the SP101. The SP101 is a fine 5-shot snubby but I think most of my end of the world plans won’t have concealment as high a concern as capacity and shootability. So, for me, its the GP100. Colt kicked things off with the ‘medium frame’ Python. Smith eventually followed it up with their L-frames (And, really, I’d love a couple of 681′s). Ruger finally dropped their ‘k-frame’ sized “-Six” series (the Security, Speed, and Police – Six) and brought out a medium frame gun – the GP100. All three of these guns, the Python, GP100, and the L-frames, are so close in size that holsters and speedloaders are often interchangeable. At least that gives my logistics train a nice little boost.
Logistically, well….you need everything. A basic bulletmaking and reloading package can be had fairly easily and cheaply. But beyond that theres cleaning kits, storage cases, spare parts, speedloaders, holsters, instructions, tools, spare grips, squib rods, etc, etc, etc. Unfortunately, since I just picked up another GP100, my supplies for it just got cut in half. Fortunately, as it turns out, while eBay are colossal pricks in regards to most gun stuff, I can still score used holsters and speedloaders off them.
What I am having a hard time finding, though, are night sights for the GP100. The ones I found over on Amazon Meprolight Night Sight