Lookin for some Wheelgun wisdom...

I've yet to run into the S&W revolver shooter that prefered a Ruger DA. I have met many guys that ditched Rugers for S&W's. Just never the other way around.
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I've never "ditched" any gun in favor of some other gun. Every gun has good points and bad points. I own plenty of Rugers and S&W's as well. Actually my stainless Security Six I bought new in 1982 has the most _controllable_ DA trigger pull I own. I've won money over the years doing fancy DA shooting with it. I would amaze them right handed and then bet them I could even do it left handed. And I did. Couldn't do it with anything else I own. That trigger justs "talks to you" perfectly. You can pull it 95% of the way and stop, realign, and gently squeeze. No practical difference in accuracy shooting it that way versus SA.

Gregg
 
Well, I do have a .41 mag taurus tracker that should in theory be able to do double duty, but I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it if I were standing inside it.
I couldn't use it for hunting because it isn't accurate enough.
It also has some reliability issues with the trigger return in DA, and taurus isn't exactly known for their excellent warranty work....
So I can't use it for SD/carry.
I use it as an occasional range toy, and consider it a cheap lesson in weapon selection. ;)
 
do-everything

Nope.

44 5.5" Redhawk, yep.
S&W 625 / 610, yep.
KGP-141 in 357, kinda light for piggies, but I own two...my first choice.
Then the 44 Redhawk (own five, one in each caliber, two 357's. Kinda big for wearin', though, but I do :D ).

Taurus? Nope, not their wheels (but I own and trust a PT-22).
 
Aug,

686P 4". But, I have another post asking about crown damage b/c I was afraid that I'd damaged the crown on that gun. I don't think I did. Wanted to sell the gun before the crown damage issue. Just like Rugers better . . .
 
I have worn a 44 with MAGNUM ammo in it "Gasp!"

Oddly, I too prefer Ruger DA wheels to S&W; could buy either (or other) but don't.

Hmmm....
 
To answer the original question. . .The "best" minimum would be a 4" .357. The .357 is renowned as a manstopper (covers your SD needs nicely), and as long as you are realisitc in your hunting desires (say 50-75 yards), will do fine on whitetail, don't let anyone kid you. For hogs, if you stick to 180-gr or 200-gr hardcast (think Cor-Bon or Buffalo Bore), it will do fine on hogs up to abotu 300 pounds.

Next step up is the aforementioned .41 Magnum. Problem is the dearth of guns chambered for such. S&W only offers a 7-1/2" version. Might be good if you can find an older model with a shorter barrel (for your SD purposes).

The .44 Magnum will more than do fine for both hunting and SD. SD loads DO exist for the .44 Magnum, so you DON'T have to drop to .44 special levels.

The ammo costs more, but why not a gun chambered for .45 Colt? Less recoil than any of the magnums, works just fine for hunting whitetail, hogs or SD.
A S&W mountain gun (if you don't feel the need for loading the hot Cor-Bon or Buff Broe loads) or a Redhawk would fit your needs just fine.
 
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