Defensive field revolver recommendations?

L

Logistar

New member
I am having trouble deciding on a new revolver. I would appreciate any suggestions from more experienced TFLers.

Here is the situation.

1. Has to be a revolver.
2. Will be used on hikes several times a year.
3. Should handle threats from wild animals.
4. Should be REASONABLY comfortable to wear.

I have small hands FWIW.

As for the "wild animals", I live in Kentucky where there are not many large wild animals. However, I occasionally (2 to 3 weeks out of the year) find myself just about ANYWHERE in the continental US. Most often I find myself in the Smokie Mountain Area where there is the potential for black bear. (No, this isn't another bear thread. I just want a gun with more stopping power than my 9mm.)

I am probably leaning toward a large frame .357 with a 4-6.5 in barrel but am not sure if that is enough. Should I go to a .44 magnum or something else? Would the added weight and bulk or a larger caliber be justified here?

Thanks!

Logistar
 
I like a three-inch Ruger GP100 in an El Paso Saddlery "Tortilla" for knocking around the country, in and out of pick-up truck, on and off the tractor and the occassional horse, etc. It is the best compromise in terms of comfort and power for me. Also, the grips are great for smaller hands. If you lean toward heavy bullets, mine likes the Proload 180-grainers, but I usually keep it load with the Proload 158-grain GDHPs.
 
I'd say 4" GP100.

The reason we're all saying GP100 is that it can handle monster loads the same way the N-Frame S&Ws can, but it's smaller.

If your interest lies towards the hottest/heaviest .357s, the GP100 is very "size efficient".

That said, if you're willing to really master the SA wheelgun, a Vaquero or Blackhawk in .44Mag has about the same weight/size as the GP but more power. SA wheelguns in general can handle more kick for the same size. Especially if you get a Bisley-gripped variant.
 
For what you have described I suggest that you get a used N frame S&W in 357MAG or even better, 45acp. You can get a good S&W N frame today for $300.00 or less. It will already be scuffed up so you will have no qualms about taking it into the field. They are 100% reliable, perhaps the high point in revolvers.

I'd look for one that was made after 1908 or so and before 1980 for the best revolvers. There is nothing better out there.
 
45coltmgcocobolo2.JPG


S&W Mountain Gun in .45 Colt will do everything you need plus has a real sense of class. At milder loads it will handle anything on four legs or two east of the Mississippi. With heavy loads no animal out west will be able to digest a couple of rounds given close enough distance.
 
The reasons I was "leaning" toward the .357 magnum are:

1. I have a .38 special already and keep lots of (inexpensive) .38 ammo around.
2. I am comfortable with the recoil of the .357 (have never shot a larger caliber in a revolver)
3. I like to shoot often to stay familiar with the gun. I KNOW that .38 ammo is cheap. Seems that larger calibers seem to increase the price of the ammo dramatically. - Which will reduce my range time for sure.

I guess the question is.... would the GP 100 give me a decent chance against the larger animal given the odds that I would be very unlikely to ever need it.

BTW - Practically 100% of the time when I am out of Kentucky, I will be with a friend who will already be carrying a .357 magnum - if that matters.

The .45 and the .44mag sure look tempting though!

Thanks to all for the responses!

If it's a .357, looks like it will be a new GP100 (4 in) or a used S&W.

Logistar
 
44mag, 45 Colt, and 357 mag will all fill your needs. If you dont feel like following the crowd, 10 mm and 41 mag are also good choices.

I would suggest the format be a S&W N frame, used of course. Don't mean to hurt the Ruger guys feelings, but S&W are better finished inside and out. The service life of S&W's is longer than yours, so dont worry about that.


Of the calibers above, 44 mag is the most versatile.
 
I carry a old M19 4" when we are in bear or cat country. It's light and carries well..38's for paper and full mags for incountry hope not to use.
Dan
 
I'd go for a stout framed .357 or bigger. I'd also go for barrel length in the 4-5 inch range. Great for target, plinkin or critters.

Sam
 
If you are even thinking about animals in the woods the .357 would not be enough, IMO. Mountain gun in 41 mag, 44 mag or 45 Colt is more like it, all of them 4".

justinr1
 
Greeting's All;

Logistar, I would like to recommend the Smith & Wesson model
629-5 "Classic" .44 magnum with a 5" barrel. After reading your
criteria, I believe that this is the gun that could cover all your
needs. I own one myself, and have been extremely pleased
with its fit and finish; not to mention its outstanding accuracy,
straight from the box. I think the listed weight is around 45
ozs. unloaded; so its not at all uncomfortable.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
The threats this guys faces are:

1) Snakes! - not a major caliber issue :).

2) Cougar - can be stopped with .38Spl human-defense-grade ammo, not a hard target.

3) Stray dogs - see 1 above.

4) Boar (yes, a pig will charge you sometimes) - the .357 CAN stop 'em, with good loads in a strong gun.

5) Black bear - also a "hard target" - the best .357s will do it, but you have to know where to hit 'em. A bear's brain is mounted relatively low and centered, what looks like a "forehead" is solid bone. Can't split it with .357. Prolly not .44Mag either. So you drive either round right at the upper lip, and either get in through the mouth or send it right up the sinuses into the brain. If you're off to either side, the eye sockets/upper cheek areas are OK too.

Good .357s can do this. If you miss the head to either side, you'll hit shoulder. THAT is when the .357 is "iffy". Not totally useless, but a .44Mag or hot .45LC will do 'em more hurt, slow 'em down more, give you more time for the headshot that WILL be necessary to end the event.

If you're on your own or with an equally armed adult, I feel that the .357 is enough.

If you're out with your kids, or with other people you might end up defending at extended ranges, the .44Mag or .45LC+P start to make more sense. If your kid is 50ft away from you and a bear is charging him and is also 50ft from you, you'll REALLY wish you had something more than .357 to slam into that thing's chest to slow it down some.

Then again, actually MAKING the shot matters too, and for that you need practice. If you can afford to practice in .38/.357 and not something bigger...that's a valid concern.
 
THREAT-BASED GUN

KGP-141.
If fussing with bear use 180-200g bullets.

I own two, but find I don't mind humping my Redhawks...........
 
Mostly real good advice--the .41/.44 Magnums, Blackhawks/Vaqueros/various N-frames are really good handguns, and I have or have had examples of each and really liked them. First "but," east of the Mississippi (grizzly country might be another matter), a .357 Magnum with the proper ammunition should do the job (unless you are having a really, really bad day then a pump shotguns or large bore rifle will be called for rather than a handgun). Common sense is the best defense with any wild ammo, and after that it's 99% shot placement regardless. Second "but," the larger calibres/handguns are nice, but I've found for me (very subjective), the largest handgun I will carry regularly is the three-inch GP100--particularly when I have to be very active/working outdoors (but a lot has to do with my build). Just a word of advice--the "ideal" weapon/calibre is not very ideal when its back in the truck because its a pain in the neck to carry.

Jim March - It has been my experience with feral dogs/coyotes that it takes a pretty solid hit with a major calibre to put them down (and usually there is more than one of them).
 
Logistar,

I'm from the Etown area, and when in the field, not hunting, a Taurus 65 3" barrel .357 is often found, and an L frame Smith is a frequent back up. .357 will handle anything you are likely to run up on, I usually keep the first cylinder full of snakeshot, and load 158 grain hollowpoints for the rest.

Michael
 
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