But for all its power and accuracy, the big Ruger leaves a little to be desired as a defensive handgun. Because of its size and weight, it is not the easiest handgun to conceal. The biggest problem with the revolver is that, like all single actions, it is a bit slow to reload. One is inclined to hope that when packing a single action the bad guys will choose to run in small packs that day.

The third handgun of my three favorites is also a revolver. In fact, it is the classic .357 Magnum medium-frame, double-action Smith & Wesson Model 19. I've owned and fired Model 19s and Model 66s (the 19's stainless-steel cousin) in all available barrel lengths. The 21/2- and 3-inch barrels are great for concealed carry while the 6-inch barrel is tops for hunting. And when you split the difference, the 4-inch barrel length seems to be just about right for all manner of shooting tasks. If I were put to the test, this is the one gun I would select: The 4-inch-barreled S&W Model 19.

The .357 Magnum cartridge has a glowing reputation. Research on defensive shootings has shown that the 125-grain JHP load deserves high marks. But there are numerous good defensive loads among the vast amount of +P .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges loaded today. In fact, the vast selection of .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammo is one of the reasons I've chosen this type of handgun. You'll be able to find a load that fits the chambers of the S&W Model 19 in just about any place you go that sells ammunition.

Medium-frame Model 19 Magnums are also very accurate. The adjustable sights are sturdy and reliable. And the Model 19 will give some very small groups at normal handgunning distances--especially after the action has been tuned up. Besides having the action tuned by a gunsmith, I would also have the forcing cone relieved in anticipation of increasing the accuracy for the number of cast-bullet handloads I will be shooting.

The 4-inch Model 19/66 is relatively easy to carry concealed once some thought is given to the project. A small set of grips will reduce the gun's outline beneath covering clothing, and a good in-the-pants holster will snug the gun into the body.

Shooting .38 Special ammo or reduced-power handloads, the .357 Magnum revolver is a great choice for plinking and small-game hunting. In addition, a fellow can reduce his expense by handloading, and being a revolver, this gun doesn't throw its fired brass all over the countryside like an autoloader can be expected to do.

Unfortunately, as you well know, Smith & Wesson no longer manufactures the Model 19 and Model 66. The good news is that Smith & Wesson has offered two models that are set to continue the tradition of these fine sixguns. I'm talking about the new S&W Model 619 (fixed sights) and the Model 620 (adjustable sights). These two seven-shot .357s are built on the slightly larger L-Frame design, but neither has the full-length underlug that was characteristic of the early L-Frames. The Model 620 has the half-lug that makes it look an awful lot like the old Model 66.

So there's my thinking on the topic of if I could have only one gun. I could be quite happy with a medium-frame .357 Magnum double-action revolver. I have several Model 19s around the house, but I'll be ordering a Model 620. I could make do with that choice, and I suspect that most of you could, too.

All this thinking of being limited to just one gun has given me a bit of a headache. With your permission, I think I'll repair to the shade of a mesquite tree and nurse my mental pain with a cool libation. While I'm doing that, drop me a line and share your thoughts on the gun you'd pick if you could only have one. I'd like to read your ideas.