Pistol for the woods

But what is the point of the woods gun, is it a blaster? are you hunting or hiking where meth labs or grow patches are common? Bear? Feral Hogs? Where I hunt and hike I might run into a drunk or meth lab, but very unlikely I do want to have a little handgun for potting game if something goes awry, and a .22 or a .32 seem perfect for that.

Were I hiking or fishing in the great northwest where Big bear, or in the california mountains where grow patches are common I might want something bigger, but in northern Mn and Wisc and the UP, hiking the woods making as little noise as I can has become something I seek. I love the fact that I can hear others a LONG way before they ever hear me. I generally step off the trail a few steps and just sit if I come across others, and let them pass by. Its fun to wear muted colors, to keep my pack tight, and just observe others and then get on my way.

In someways I would love a supressed .22 like a Mk2 ruger and just take what i need, (in season of course) and not let anyone know I was there. As i get older, the need for seclusion and quiet are outweighing other choices.
 
22 v/s 357

I say both. Carry a Mark II in 22 when rabbit and squirrel hunting and a 357 deer hunting
 
I dont understand how you are comparing 22mag to 357.
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I do. It's because if you ask most gun owners about the perfect woods gun in areas where BIG bears are not an issue 1/3 will say .22, 1/3 will say 4" .357 and the remainder will be mixed up results from other calibers.

I'd have a tough time choosing between the 2 myself. And would most likely switch up the guns every other trip out. They both have their disadvantages. IMO, bear encouters are rare and with 2 legged varmints (also rare or you shouldn't be hiking there) 95% of the time a .22 will do the job.

For the record, I too believe a Single Six .32 mag is a great compromise and mine is my favororite woods gun.
 
depends on where i'm hunting and what i am after that day. years ago when virginia hunting i carried a .22 revolver and a .35 rem. marlin rifle. i did change it up a few times where i carried a .357 mag revolver and a .22 rifle.

the .35 and .357 was for deer and black bear,the .22 was for rabbit,squirrel,turkey, and grouse if i was fast enough. for around here if i could and hopefully it will change soon,will be carrying a .357.
 
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