Mountain lite for elk hunting

[JohnnyR]

Greetings folks! I just joined yesterday in order to start learning about S&W revolvers so I can purchase the right one for backcountry carry.
My mission profile is protection while backpacking and archery elk hunting in central Colorado wilderness areas. I already have a heavywight (47 oz) .44 for other areas that have grizzly issues, but wanted something that wouldn't load me down so much in the stalk, etc. The big .44 always lets you know it's there with the weight, even with a cross-chest holster.

I was thinking about the .357 Mountain Lite with 3" barrel. This would handle cougars & the two legged varmints that might pose a threat.

Any thoughts on that choice?

Thanks,
Johnny in Maryland

[Dump1567]

This deal from Buds is hard to beat, but still might be heavier than what you want.

Smith & Wesson 57 .41 Mag Mountain Gun **Stocking Dealer** **SPE $610.00 SHIPS FREE

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by Dump1567

This deal from Buds is hard to beat, but still might be heavier than what you want.

yep, that's a good deal but it doesn't get the weight down any. i love my big .44, but I'm looking for something under 20 oz.
J

[686ppp]

Look for a 329 25oz 44 mag.

[Dave T]

You better shoot one of those lightweight guns with full magnum loads before spending your money. Internet macho men have no problem with them but the real people I've seen at the range always seem to be shooting 38 Specials or 44 Specials instead of Magnums. One has to wonder why this is the case. Practicing with specials doesn't teach recoil control with magnums.

YMMV,
Dave

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by Dave T

You better shoot one of those lightweight guns with full magnum loads before spending your money. Internet macho men have no problem with them but the real people I've seen at the range always seem to be shooting 38 Specials or 44 Specials instead of Magnums. One has to wonder why this is the case. Practicing with specials doesn't teach recoil control with magnums.

YMMV,
Dave

Ha-ha! I love the term "internet macho men." That's great.
Yes, I know it'll kick like a mule. I've shot .454 and .500 pistols with hot loads, but you're right -- there's no substitute for giving a potentially troublesome pistol a shot before ponying up.

It's inevitable that it will kick and I realize that. I plan to shoot .357 mag loads, but nothing hot. I'm concerned mainly with having a pistol that I willingly strap on without question. I've lugged heavyweights around in the high mountains and it becomes an issue of every ounce counts.

[ss440gp]

I think the Mountain lite is a good choice. I have a 386sc Mountain Lite and love it. It does kick with 357's but not that bad. I do normally shoot 38's out of it but i normally shoot 38's out of my all steel 28 also, its a cost thing more than comfort. They can be alittle hard to find but a think worth it. Everybody that handles it is amazed when first pick it up, balances really nice and feels even lighter than its 18oz's. Mine has a crimson trace on it but it feels better with the stock Houge bantams. If you by chance go to a laser grip get the lg308 and not the smaller lg306.

[myhardtop]

I own two of the Mountain Lites. Two of the Mountain Lites and one of the PD 2 1/2". Love the Scandium lite weights. I do shoot 357's out of them at the range. Start with the 38's and finish off with the 357. There is slight recoil but nothing to terrible. It is quite manageable and the carry weight is almost nil. You can't go wrong with one of these. One in the drawer and the other as carry. I know that you would be happy with this choice.

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by myhardtop

I own two of the Mountain Lites. Two of the Mountain Lites and one of the PD 2 1/2". Love the Scandium lite weights. I do shoot 357's out of them at the range. Start with the 38's and finish off with the 357. There is slight recoil but nothing to terrible. It is quite manageable and the carry weight is almost nil. You can't go wrong with one of these. One in the drawer and the other as carry. I know that you would be happy with this choice.

Thanks. Semper Fi!
Johnny
USMC 0311/0352 1988-1992.

[NiklasP]

My solution is rather similar requirements is a M60 with 5 inch barrel and Pachmayr Gripper grips. .357 mag loads with 158 grain bullets at 1200 fps are no problem, at least for a few cylinders full. Weight is about 30 oz loaded in all 5 chambers.

Worn in a Smith & Wesson holster and belt rig I almost totally forget I am carrying it on all day, on foot trips. It very seldom interfers with other equipment.

It is not the revolver and load combo I would choose for head shooting grouse but way more than adequate for pumas and scumbags. For grouse, 148 grain full wadcutters at 800 fps give grouse-head groups at 10-15 meters.

Niklas

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by NiklasP

My solution is rather similar requirements is a M60 with 5 inch barrel and Pachmayr Gripper grips. .357 mag loads with 158 grain bullets at 1200 fps are no problem, at least for a few cylinders full. Weight is about 30 oz loaded in all 5 chambers.

Worn in a Smith & Wesson holster and belt rig I almost totally forget I am carrying it on all day, on foot trips. It very seldom interfers with other equipment.

It is not the revolver and load combo I would choose for head shooting grouse but way more than adequate for pumas and scumbags. For grouse, 148 grain full wadcutters at 800 fps give grouse-head groups at 10-15 meters.

Niklas

Thanks, but that's still too heavy for me. Every ounce really does count at 10-13K feet over two weeks.
Keep the ideas coming!
Johnny

[surveyor47]

I agree 100%. We have large packs of hog in my hunting area and I have been advised repeatedly to carry a handgun as backup. I have tried packing a S&W 57 Mountain Gun and ended up with weeks of backpain- which is very unlike me. I want something powerful but lightweight and easy to shoot. My answer to that question is either a S&W 640 or a Ruger SP101 with a 3" barrel. I frankly prefer the Ruger due to its ability to handle any factory 357 load and the absence of an internal lock.

[DOEBOY1]

I am by far not a long distance hunter, but while reading this thought if you adjusted the weight distribution. Say on the upper right side, just over the right shoulder, of your backpack. Maybe customized holster or nylon installed on the pack. It would be at the ready, the balance would be toward the center, and the weight could be counter balanced with the load from the pack. I have seen rifles in packs that go down the center line of the back. This would allow you more weight in a gun and more options for the caliber. I think if i was attacked even by a chipmunk I would want to throw blocks as opposed to bricks so a light weight 44 would be my choice. Just an observation I dont carry a holster everyday but I do carry at times a heavy pouch of tools and know even though I dont pay much attention to the weight it does affect the muscles knotting up. If you try my suggestion how bout an up date as to how it worked or what you used. Good hunting to you hope you get bullwinkle. Doeboy

[Paul105]

The 3"+.357 Mountain Lite at 18 oz. and 7 round capacity would be an excellent choice for your stated use. It might be a bit light for bigger black bears, but would do in a pinch. I actually find it easier to shoot than a 3" M60 (J Frame S&W) with magnum loads.

I live in Montana and am out with the dogs all year long. In the winter I carry the .357 Sc/Ti Mtn Lite -- the big bears aren't out, and I'm generally not to far out in the boonies. From March thru Nov, I carry a 329PD .44 Mag (also carried while bow hunting elk).

FWIW

Paul

[scott625b]

I spent 20 years in Utah, hunting and fishing. I was unaware that you could carry a gun during bow hunting. I thought that if you were good enough to kill a deer or elk with a bow, that weapon would be your protection. There have been several instances in Utah where the bow hunter with a gun has "finished off" his archery quarry. Is it legal in Colorado to carry a gun during bow season? Anyone know for sure?

[Paul105]

Forgot to mention a couple of things.

1. Scott625b has an excellent point -- make sure it's legal to carry during archery season in Colorado -- it's legal in Montana. Also, even if it's legal, you can't finish off wounded game with a gun.

2. Regarding the lock -- you need to be aware of the problems associated therewith and the fix.

3. Crimp jump --- make sure that the bullet in the ammo you choose doesn't move under recoil -- it could extend beyond the face of the cylinder and cause the gun to become inoperable.

Paul

[Steve_NEPhila]

It is legal to carry a handgun while archery hunting in Colorado.

[Nanook 450]

Garrett Cartridges Inc. I like Randy's offering for my 329 pd, and I also have a guy load 44 specials, 240 grain Keith bullet, 900 fps. Full magnums in that revolver hurt.

[JohnnyR]

I have a chest holster for backcountry travel that is the cat's meow, but don't want such for bowhunting.

Originally Posted by DOEBOY1

I am by far not a long distance hunter, but while reading this thought if you adjusted the weight distribution. Say on the upper right side, just over the right shoulder, of your backpack. Maybe customized holster or nylon installed on the pack. It would be at the ready, the balance would be toward the center, and the weight could be counter balanced with the load from the pack. I have seen rifles in packs that go down the center line of the back. This would allow you more weight in a gun and more options for the caliber. I think if i was attacked even by a chipmunk I would want to throw blocks as opposed to bricks so a light weight 44 would be my choice. Just an observation I dont carry a holster everyday but I do carry at times a heavy pouch of tools and know even though I dont pay much attention to the weight it does affect the muscles knotting up. If you try my suggestion how bout an up date as to how it worked or what you used. Good hunting to you hope you get bullwinkle. Doeboy

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by scott625b

I thought that if you were good enough to kill a deer or elk with a bow, that weapon would be your protection.

are you serious?

No way I'd rather have a bow than 6-10 shots of high speed lead in the instance of d-bags coming into my camp at night, or spending an unintended night out in the boonies with a busted leg waiting for sunrise and a crawl out, or shooting coyotes or worse...

[swDC]

Lots of choices out there... I will throw the 386 XL Hunter into the mix! I think it sounds as if it fits the bill... With a good shoulder rig. I like a 6 inch barrel revolver... Just about right in my hands, although i have a 686plus if weight is an important factor i think this is a good option. Just another idea for you to look at...

[Doc Mark]

Greetings,

I have backpacked up on Alaska, several times, carrying a full pack on top of a cross-chest Bianchi Hush holster, which contained my long barreled Freedom Arms .454 Casull. Never had any back problems, whatsoever. I love that revolver, and find it's really all I would ever need for bear, elk, and anything else I might want to shoot. With proper loads, and a steady hand, it's up to the task, and would be much more comfortable to shoot than some ultra-light .357, IMHO. For what it's worth..... Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by Doc Mark

Greetings,

I have backpacked up on Alaska, several times, carrying a full pack on top of a cross-chest Bianchi Hush holster, which contained my long barreled Freedom Arms .454 Casull. Never had any back problems, whatsoever. I love that revolver, and find it's really all I would ever need for bear, elk, and anything else I might want to shoot. With proper loads, and a steady hand, it's up to the task, and would be much more comfortable to shoot than some ultra-light .357, IMHO. For what it's worth..... Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

I have a custom cross-chest holster for my Ruger KRH-444, 4" Redhawk .44 that works great, BUT... I know it's there all the time, the leather squeaks, it's not camo'd & shooting the bow with stuff on my chest can be prohibitive at times.
I'm not trying to be picky -- I just want something that'll deal with 2 + 4-legged varmints and not get in the way or drag at my hip.
I wore the big Ruger (53oz. loaded) for many days while scouting last summer and realized it's too much for day after day of miles in the high mountains. Now, if I knew there were grizzly in the area, I'd carry it + bear spray, or I'd have my Marlin SBL 45-70 in hand (preferred). There are no grizzly in Colorado and I'm more concerned about bad people and pesky coyotes, plus the very remote possibility of a mountain lion encounter.

So, who's going to sell me an ultralight .357, or do I have to go out and buy a Glock 29 10mm?
V/r,
Johnny

[nogoodnamesleft]

Originally Posted by Paul105

I carry a 329PD .44 Mag (also carried while bow hunting elk).

+1 This is what I was going to recommend. Extremely light weight and a pleasure to shoot.

[Smith357]

When I lived on the Eagle river in Edwards CO I chose the .357 for back country protection. Since there are no bear left in Colorado .357 is more than enough medicine for cougars and hilljacks. Being a cowboy wannabe at the time I went with a single action, but your choice of a 3" DA should do just fine.

[Munsterf18]

They also make/made a Mountain Lite in .44 Special if you want something with a bigger bullet than the .357. It kicks, but is very manageable and it weighs next to nothing.

Munster

[VAdoublegunner]

If I were going to go with a full sized S&W Sc/Ti revolver I'd stick with a 329PD just because of the much greater capability of the cartridge.

For a full sized .357Mag, the bulk is as much an issue as the weight, and having shot both the Sc/Ti S&W and the 3" Ruger SP101, I find the Ruger every bit as capable for handling any heavy 357 loads you may want to shoot with, to me at least, less felt recoil. Plus, it's a lot easier to find and cheaper.

[Dave T]

Originally Posted by JohnnyR

...or do I have to go out and buy a Glock 29 10mm?

My personal experience and opinion is that the much bad mouthed Glock will be more controlable (not to mention nearly twice the capacity) than any of the revolvers you're considering.

YMMV,
Dave

[da gimp]

in a crossdraw belt rig, if in country with bear, hogs n such. If threats limited to people & coyotes, mebbe lion, a good 4" .357 mag, or a 1911A1 in .45ACP.

I go to my family doc, a D.O., before I go out on trips where I might have problems & have him give me lidocaine shots in the back muscles along my lumbar spine.I fell in 1986, broke 2 vertebre & ruptured all the lumbar discs.

Make sure you bring along some naproxen & a light muscle relaxer on a hunting trip, if you have problems with your back spasming.Just an old man's thoughts.

da gimp

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by da gimp

I go to my family doc, a D.O., before I go out on trips where I might have problems & have him give me lidocaine shots in the back muscles along my lumbar spine.I fell in 1986, broke 2 vertebre & ruptured all the lumbar discs.

Make sure you bring along some naproxen & a light muscle relaxer on a hunting trip, if you have problems with your back spasming.Just an old man's thoughts.

da gimp

Good points for some.
However, our AOR is 30 miles off the nearest paved road, 8 miles from the nearest high clearance jeep trail... Nobody in their right mind would go back there with a pre-existing, potentially drop-you-in-your-tracks, kind of injury.
I am a wilderness first responder, though, and typically carry a pretty good med kit.

[JohnnyR]

I've decided to bypass the 386 Mountain Lite due to the internal lock and possible engagement of same during inopportune moments.
Question: Which models might fit the lightweight bill yet come without internal locks?
Thanks,
Johnny

[Dump1567]

Some of the new 5 shot J frame 340's in .357 don't have IL's.

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by Dump1567

Some of the new 5 shot J frame 340's in .357 don't have IL's.

I'll check them out. I want at least 3" barrel.
J

[RdrBill]

John. 0311
Come on, Grunt.
Suck it up and carry the .44 and a couple speed loaders full of .44 Special. They weigh less.
Bill@Yuma

[Homie]

Johnny,
If 8 or 10 oz. are bothering you, how do you propose to get an elk out?
A knife and fork take a while.
Good hunting!

[JohnnyR]

Ha-ha! You guys are funny...
Seriously though, if I took that attitude, there would be two major pitfalls:

1) If I didn't shave weight for all items, I'd be lugging 80 lbs. around whilst pursuing rutting elk in the mountains. No thanks!

2) If I carry the .44, then I can't buy a new gun...
where's the fun in that, I ask ya?!!
S/F,
J

[ss440gp]

If the lock is bothersome just remove it and put the plug in, thats what i did.

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by ss440gp

If the lock is bothersome just remove it and put the plug in, thats what i did.

Greetings,
Where does one get the plug?
Thanks,
Johnny

[Dump1567]

Originally Posted by JohnnyR

Greetings,
Where does one get the plug?
Thanks,
Johnny

http://smith-wessonforum.com/accesso...9-fs-plug.html

[myhardtop]

Johnny R.....USMC

I have never had a problem with any of my 386's. A plug would do the job if that is a concern. Also the 329 PD is also a nice 44 mag. I do carry the baby 327 PD in 357 mag. 8 shot and 24 ounces. As I mentioned earlier........Love Em!

USMC....0311
2nd Btn. 26th Marines
Vietnam....68-69.

[remat457]

I can shoot full power magnums out of a K frame all day long without any problems and I am not normally one to comment on recoil, but this thing kicks:


and I am "internet macho"

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by myhardtop

Johnny R.....USMC

I have never had a problem with any of my 386's. A plug would do the job if that is a concern. Also the 329 PD is also a nice 44 mag. I do carry the baby 327 PD in 357 mag. 8 shot and 24 ounces. As I mentioned earlier........Love Em!

USMC....0311
2nd Btn. 26th Marines
Vietnam....68-69.

Thank you for your service.

[Snapping Twig]

Only you know what's right for you.

That said, my experience day hiking in the Trinity Alps of California for deer had me packing a 3" 629 in a cross draw holster on my belt ancillary to the rifle.

Some weight is your friend with cast boolits big and fast enough to do the work.

In this case, a Mag-Na-Ported mag with 265g .44Spl's moving @ 900fps would be more than enough to stop troublesome critters and be stable enough to stay on target for shot #2.

Here's a pic of mine. I pack this everywhere I go in the woods - day camping, wood collecting, hunting, picnics even.



I swapped these grips out to a .44Spl and have a similar set of Hogues on it now.

[RidgwayCO]

I recommend one of these:



S&W M396 Airlite Ti (Mountain Lite) in .44 Special. Mine weighs 18oz empty, it has a 3-1/8" barrel, and carries extremely well. Five rounds of .44 Special (with another five rounds in a speedloader), and I'm good for the woods.

They're not made anymore, but you can find them occasionally on GunBroker and GunsAmerica. They do seem to be a mite expensive however, about $750-800 for a nice one. YMMV.