I got this question recently from someone who felt less than confident carrying a five shot Taurus 85 revolver. This was my reply.
I prefer six, because if you have three predators, that gives you two shots per predator. But, unless you want to pay a lot of money for a Kimber or Colt, that is out of the question. I like the 85 and for summer time I mostly pocket carry a 605 which is identical, but two ounces heavier, and chambers .357. The 85 handles +P fine, so I would look for a 125 grain +P you feel confident with. The Remington copper jacketed hollow point is one I started carrying recently.
I do not endorse this shooting in anyway whatsoever, but do some research on the Bernard Goetz case in New York as far as using a five shot snubbie against numbers. The tactics were good, but the use of force was more than what was warranted and once a perceived threat is over, you don't shoot someone retreating or down.
Other than that, consider a single stack semi-auto like the new Ruger, which is very reasonably priced, the M&P Shield, or the Taurus G2 which is an extremely popular gun. I've watched professional trainers go on and on about capacity on video using the absolute worst case scenarios for law enforcement as examples (subliminal message - live in fear and buy my training).
For most people, a five or six shot revolver or a single stack semi-auto will be more than enough to get you out of the types of predatory situations most common. If you go rough places or live in a rough area, carry more, but the main thing is, carry what you feel confident in and train with the gun you will be carrying.
No argument on that Bob; everyone should carry what they feel confident with. Sometimes, some places I go, I prefer higher capacity. However, me personally, I feel the most confident with my S&W model 64 on my hip and a couple of speedloaders in my pocket.
I agree that 5 or 6 rounds are enough for face-to-face confrontation with one, may be two opponents. But we know that predators commonly hunt in packs. In this case, low capacity handguns may put us in a trouble if we do not have time or place for reloading. Also, take into account, that under strong stress even trained police officers frequently demonstrate poor accuracy. Therefore, I prefer high capacity semi-autos for my home defense.
I haven't been on the Taurus board in awhile, but it is my favorite gun forum - no pretensions, no tacticool ramrods, and no gun snobs. Currently I own a 605, a G2, a PT92, and a PT 1911 by Taurus. I want to round out that collection with an 82. Taurus has been a good way to afford a variety of different platforms without killing my bank account. I'd been considering the 856, but wanted to see the intial reports first.
I've only been to the range once and put 100 rounds thru it. 50 rounds were with the sights at 5, 7, and 10 yards. I did better with the 856 vs. the 85. Must have just been "on" that day, no real explanation why it was better than usual. 50 rounds without sights and focus on the target at 3, 5, and 7 yards. About equal to how I perform with the M85. I'll be at it again tomorrow with some more varieties of ammo. It's looks and feels like a keeper.
Posted about it in the thread "The 856, first look. School me folks" in the Taurus Revolvers section on Taurusarmed.net
How is the Taurus 856 running for you so far, and other than that extra round, what are the differences from the 85?
Greg- understand why you prefer the six shot option. As much as I liked my Taurus M85 revolvers (UL and SS), decided to upgrade to six shot revolvers. Now carry either a Ruger LCR 327 FM and the Taurus 856, the six shot version of the M85.
Thanks, Greg. Yes, we can carry what we feel comfortable, and your words, "carry what you feel confident in and train with the gun you will be carrying" is the best advice. To shoot one gun and carry another is a bad idea. We need considerable time for adaptation to any handgun to be accurate and quick - "Speed kills'"