Suggestions? New woods revolver.

M

mark357

New member
Any suggestions on a good outdoors/hiking revolver with a caliber above .38 Special? I've a bit saved up and I'm into the research phase :). I have my preference but am always interested in fresh ideas before I buy something. Thanks for the input.
 
Used Smith & Wesson Model 19, and older 4", .357 Magnum.

Not too heavy, and more than powerful enough for anything you might face (unless you're hiking in cougar or grizzly country).
 
Though I've heard that mountain lions may be returning to the coal mining region of PA, I could never imagine facing anything more than a Black Bear in the states I roam.

It's always nice to have a revolver in the woods. Thanks for the suggestions so far!
 
A Ruger Vaquero in .44 Mag or .45LC will handle just about anything this side of the big muddy.
 
And don't forget the .41 magnum

I have a .41 mag Tracker. Not too heavy that I wouldn't mind carrying it (and I do). I noticed that ms1200 also mentioned the 415 which is a snub nose version. Other options in .41 would include Ruger Blackhawk and the *&* 57 or 657 (or even the 58).

It seems like the Mountain Guns were made with this in mind. Take a look around and you can find them in .44, .41 and .45LC.
 
Oh Sam...

Sam, Sam, Sam...

"...then 4" Model 28 Smith, .44mag."

A 28 in .44 Mag.?

That would be a true one-off...

It's so sad to see the truth behind the statement that the "mind goes first..." :D
 
I'll second the Model 28. The N-Frame handles the stout magnums quite nicely, although I prefer the 357 over the 44. :D The 28 can still be had at very attractive prices.
 
My recommendation's are:

1) Smith & Wesson model 57 .41 magnum 4" barrel
2) Smith & Wesson model 629 .44 magnum 4" barrel (MG) or
3) Smith & Wesson model 629 Classic .44 magnum 5" barrel

Any of these will suffice, for critter's of all types; abeit 2 leg's
or 4 leg's.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Mine are Colt Anaconda in .45LC or Ruger Blackhawk also in .45LC. My wife likes the Colt King Cobra in .357Mag.............Dan in GA
 
I'd look at the Taurus Tracker Line. Light wight, 4" barrel and ported. Avaiable in 22, 22mag, 357, 41 mag and soon 45acp with moon clips. If you hunt the 41mag is the one I'd go with.

I carry a 4" S&W 629 (44mag) some and if it's hot and I'm cutting timber or working hard at the property, I'll have my Taurus M85UL (ultra light) on my side. It is a snubby in 38spcl. I'll put in a couple snake shot the rest hydrashok +P's. It is my summer CC gun.
 
One clarification: somebody above was under the impression that a cougar/mountain lion/etc is some sort of "hard target".

Not so. Anything useful in defending against human assailants is quite effective agaist the kitties :). Many have been taken with .22 rifles...a .38snubbie with good 158+P LSWCHPs is not a serious disadvantage although more is of course better.

They pretty much never hit 200lbs in North America, usually less than 150, and are not particularly determined assailants if you fight back. One guy in California saw one dragging off his small child, and beat it over the head with a rock, driving it off and saving his kid.

When they do take down an adult human, it's generally from behind, either by stealth or somebody was stupid enough to run. DO NOT run from a megakittie. Pull a knife if you have to, grab a rock or a club, stand your ground.

Or shoot the dang thing :). Empty an entire .22LR handgun into it if you have to, you WILL get results.
 
No, Jim, they're not hard targets, but when it's a target with teeth and fangs that can unzip your guts faster than you can say "Bill Clinton smokes funny smelling cigars" then I want more power.
 
S&w mod 65 in .357 3 or 4 in barrel
Stainless no rust
fixed sights no worry about loose sights
.357 no problem the bears around PA are 150 - 200 lbs
heavy barrel +- adds weight
 
PERFECT GUN

KGP-141; long enough cylinder for heavy bullets (and the strength to take it).

I prefer my 5.5" Redhawks, but use the GP's for easier carry.
 
When hiking in the woods my concern has always been black bears.

They can be fairly big and tough to deal with. I don't think that .357 is quite enough here. Better to err on the side of too much power than too little power. I have been hiking in the back country and woods of Oregon for fourty years and only once have run into a black bear that gave me trouble. But because of that one time I was glad I had a 44 magnum. I still opt for the 44 mag and my 5.5 inch stainless Red Hawk has been quite handy. FWIW Good shooting:)
 
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