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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 11-03-2009, 07:08 PM
cometpx4 cometpx4 is offline
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Default Woods gun

Will be doing some hiking. Looking for a small, powerful and durable handgun (probably a revolver but a Glock 29SF has crossed my mind) for protection. Probably more concerned about 2 legged animals but a coyote or bobcat could be an issue. Not likely to encounter anything bigger than that around here (new england). K or L frame is too big for the niche i am looking to fill. Just want to have something that i will not know is even there but is just in case. Anyone have any suggestions??
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Old 11-03-2009, 07:40 PM
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I know its a K frame but how about a Model 13? Another possibility is the I frame .32, especially if you handload.

Charlie
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Old 11-03-2009, 07:55 PM
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like anything else, you pays your money you take your choice. I was out in snake country, so a .38 snubbie with a couple of snake shot and a couple of hardball took care or 2 or no legged snakes. You could expand the variety by going with a .357 version. Light enough to carry.

At the time I had a .45 under my arm and a .38 behind my hip. It gave the folks some confidence when they saw I wasn't anywhere near the .45. Little did they know that my hand was on the .38.

But like anything else times change, once bears, hogs and big cats came into the picture, the .38 got traded in for a .44 mag. Again, not a light weight, but appropriate for the circumstances.
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Old 11-03-2009, 08:16 PM
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I know there will be some trade off. I am thinking about a 3inch Model 60 .357. The other idea i kicked around was an M&P.357 sig compact. I figure if .357 mag is an apropriate field round the .357 sig might not be that far off. Especially in a small, weather proof package that holds 12 rounds.
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Old 11-03-2009, 08:52 PM
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I think the 3" 60 would be an excellent choice where you might encounter others on trails and wish to conceal it. That is precisely the situation where I carry mine. If you are in snake country, I would give the nod to the 60 over a 357 sig due to the availability of 38 snake shot. I carry mine with one round of snake shot and the rest 357 hollow points. The gun is surprisingly easy to handle with 357, much more managable than a snubby. When I am out on my own property, I carry an optics equipped 6" 686 loaded with 357 SJSP in a custom tactical drop holster, but the 3" 60 is still on me concealed.
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Old 11-03-2009, 09:38 PM
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What about the S&W Model 632?

It's a J Frame with a 3" barrel chambered in .327 Magnum. It holds 6 rounds which is a 1 round advantage over 38 and 357 J Frames. You can load the first chamber with a .32 H&R Magnum or .32 S&W Long snake shot and fill the other 5 chambers with spine buster .327 Magnum Speer 115 grain Gold Dots.

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Old 11-03-2009, 09:55 PM
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Given your parameters, I'd choose the 3" 60 hands down. I have one, and they are quite managable as has already been pointed out. You can continue to carry it over the 327 when you do go into country that may have bear or cougar, and be adequately covered if you use Buffalo Bore 180's.

This is a link to their site, and the ammo I am referring to-

Heavy 357 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
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Old 11-03-2009, 09:55 PM
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As far as I know, Speer is the only company making shot capsules for revolvers (CCI, a sister company makes loaded snake shotloads for revolvers).

Speer shot capsules are made only for .38/.357, .44 Special/Magnum, and .45 Colt.

CCI manufactures centerfire shot loads for 9mm, .38/.357 magnum, .40 S&W, .44 Special/Magnum, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt.

Since I consider only a centerfire revolver for a field pistol with your concerns, that leaves the above calibers.

For all around use where large game is not intended, the "J" frame .38 Special or .357 is a good choice. I have and use a SS Chiefs Special Target (3" adjustable sights in .38 Special) and can recommend it without reservation. In snake country, the first round up is a .38 shotshell...

FWIW
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Old 11-03-2009, 10:16 PM
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I agree with a model 13 or a model 10
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Old 11-03-2009, 10:25 PM
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Based on those parameters, I agree with the 3" Model 60.

However, if you'd consider something other than S&W there's the SP101 or Taurus Judge. I picture a Glock being as large and weighty as a K-Frame.
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Old 11-03-2009, 10:30 PM
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I think you would be happy with a 4" barrel or shorter K frame if you had a quality belt and holster. I carry a short barreled Ruger 44 Super Blackhawk a lot in a Kramer outside the belt holster when fishing, small game hunting, or just messing around in hog and bear country. I can't tell I am carrying it.

If you can find a 3" barrel, round butt K frame and choose good leather you would be in good shape.
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Old 11-03-2009, 10:47 PM
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I work and play in country infested with a baker's dozen species of rattlesnakes, and have yet to encounter any situation, including while purposefully hunting rattlers around their den sites, in which a handgun with snake shot would have proved useful, vs. simply stepping away. I used to carry a revolver with snake shot, until, after much experience, I concluded that it was not only pointless, but also diminished the real defensive capability of my sidearm. Somebody, somewhere, sometime, may be able to resolve a "confrontation" with a snake by shooting their way out of the situation, but, after lots of encounters, I can't conceive how. I just watch where I step, avoid stepping where I can't watch, and wear snake-proof leggings when I can't watch carefully enough (such as when distracted, as by quail hunting). I'd forget the snakeshot as an ammo consideration...
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Old 11-03-2009, 10:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cometpx4 View Post
Will be doing some hiking. Looking for a small, powerful and durable handgun (probably a revolver but a Glock 29SF has crossed my mind) for protection.
Sir, that 10mm is basically equivalent to a .41 Magnum, a very powerful cartridge. I don't know whether you can buy snake loads in 10mm. That's actually a pretty good black bear gun. It is light, though, and that makes good sense.
For what you want, a j-frame .357, like the model 60 3" mentioned above several times, sounds like a good choice. Carried inside the waist-band with a Barami HipGrip, you won't even know you're carrying it.
Sonny
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Old 11-03-2009, 10:54 PM
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There is little difference in weight and overall size between my S&W #64 3" RB, S&W #469, S&W #908, Sig P225, Sig P228, or Astra A75L. There is a good deal of difference in firepower. A S&W #457 would be a good choice too. The one I owned would feed shotshells.

A neighbor has a five shot K frame size Taurus #431 .44 special that he carries everywhere.
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Old 11-03-2009, 11:20 PM
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A 3" Model 60 is a good choice. You might want to consider a 21/2" Model 19 or 66 also.
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Old 11-03-2009, 11:33 PM
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May be heresy on the Smith forum, but I'd take my Ruger SP-101 with a barrel a hair over three inches, in .357. Hides well, is tough for its size, and accurate. Is probably more durable than the S&W M--60 with heavy use of .357 loads.

Can't suggest larger guns, as per the desire of the OP. Those recommending M-13's and the like need to keep his size parameters in mind.

T-Star
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Old 11-03-2009, 11:38 PM
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I too carry a 3" model 60 in the woods, for all the reasons mentioned above: easy to conceal, .357 magnum firepower, easiest to shoot J frame that I've ever shot. Recommend it highly!
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Old 11-04-2009, 07:45 AM
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I'd agree on a mod 60. However, if weight is important to you. ( Read: Us hikers have been known to cut the handle off our toothbrush to save pack weight!) you might consider going scandium frame. I carry a 360PD ( with a shot&ball round in the first hole) on my hiking trips. .357 power in an 11.5 oz package fit's the bill. That said, the 230z (as I remember) of the 60 IS comforting when it goes BANG. :-)

p.s. The SP101 would also be a good choice as well if your considering a 60. Especially if your wanting a 3" tube. Teh 101's are easier to find and a bit cheaper. They also field strip easier if you dunk the gun.
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Old 11-04-2009, 09:30 AM
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Default 3 inch Model 60

This sounds like the answer. Thanks
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Old 11-04-2009, 11:41 AM
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At the risk of being the heretic in the bunch...Glock 29. If you are going through the effort to carry a "Woods Gun" why not cover ALL the bases, especially when there is no real practical size/weight penalty. With the apparent increase in black bear/human contact lately (even in the PRNJ no less) and the heavier clothing this time of year encasing the much more likely human threats, the 10mm deserves serious consideration. 10mm comes in wildly different flavors too, from relatively mild .40S&W equivalent loads to full power thumper loads...and everything in between. The 175 Silvertip might be a good general purpose + load for the situation you describe.

The G29 is my travel gun during annual vacations in the Rockies, and has been for 10 years. During day hikes in "the woods" it is loaded with the most capable "large quadruped load" (if there is such a thing for a relatively small/light handgun ) I could find, the Double Tap 200WFNGC which runs 1255 out of my G29 through my Oehler...at least here in FL. They do a 230WFNGC too now BTW. Until this year the G29 was loaded with Buffalo Bore 200FMJFN which ran about 1150 a few years ago. When not hiking, the G29 is loaded with a full power JHP. I've used BB 180GDHP which runs just under 1300 from the G29 and the 175 Silvertips mentioned above. In the summertime I've even used CorBon 135JHP which runs 1365 and is a bid quicker shot to shot.

Obviously, all the above is predicated on the ability to shoot at a skill level one is comfortable with. The heavier loads do bark and push back a bit, but not remotely like the .41 Magnum some folks compare it to. With the 175 Silvertip and especially the CB 135, the G29 shoots softer than any of my short K .357s. My G29 is a '97 so, like all my large Glocks, has the full size frame. I'm sure the thinner frame G29SF you mentioned would be easier to control for most hands.

BTW, I should also point out that the other reasons the G29 vacations with me probably don't matter for your situation. Travelling by air and living in rental cabins and hotel rooms it is easier to bring one pistol that can be made to serve multiple purposes simply by changing magazines. Daily concealed carry in and about town to day hikes in the mountains and back country. Dumping the magazine and disassembling the slide from the frame gets me through national parks...and it only takes a second to get hot again.

Just another look at it , YMMV ...
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Old 11-04-2009, 12:10 PM
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In my experience if you can see a snake you can back away. I have hiked a bit with a M67 on my hip, but now a Glock 19 goes with me. I think it packs easier,and has a greater capacity of more effective ammunition.
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Old 11-04-2009, 12:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jkc View Post
I have yet to encounter any situation, in which a handgun with snake shot would have proved useful, vs. simply stepping away. I concluded that it (snake shot) was not only pointless, but also diminished the real defensive capability of my sidearm. I'd forget the snakeshot as an ammo consideration...
I totally agree. Take three steps back, which you will to anyway if you see a snake. If you want to kill the snake, a stick or a JHP will do the trick just fine. The point is a snake encounter is not going to be a rapid response situation. Either they tag you before you see them (oops, too late) or you step back and have all the time in the world.

A 3" M60 is a great choice. If weight is a worry, a Scandium gun is much lighter. Of course, for the same weight as a 3" M60 you could get a 329pd in 44 Mag, as long as 'size' is not an issue.
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Old 11-04-2009, 01:09 PM
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Sorry to hijack the thread, but

In my opinion, there are three reasons to carry snake shot, and no it isn't "hurry and shoot before he strikes". If the snake is in an infrequently traveled area, by all means, walk around him and leave him alone. However it has been my experience that a large viper is territorial and dens up, staying in the general area that you found him, so...

If the snake is in an area that is often frequented by people, particularly children, and/or pets, eliminate the threat.

If the snake is in an area I intend to hunt and will be traveling through in low light or dark, eliminate the threat.

Did you know that anti-venom is specie specific? Did you also know that the average person cannot positively identify a venomous snake from a non-venomous snake, much less identify which venomous specie a given snake is? The doctor needs this information for proper treatment. That means you need to transport the DEAD snake to the hospital with you if you are not extremely familiar with snake specie. And you don't need to get bit a second time or expend a lot of energy in killing the snake should you be unlucky enough to get bit.

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Old 11-04-2009, 02:12 PM
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No disagreement about needing a dead snake for positive ID (or the need for a means to dispatch said snake). I don't carry snake shot in my revolver because I believe it compromises the defensive utility of the firearm in a larger setting.

I can kill a snake with a JHP if needed, but #9 shot is a poor substitute for a JHP for any use outside of a snake. I would rather not have my first shot be #9 if I might need it to defend against a large animal attack. I suppose if I frequently encountered snakes that needed attention, I could be compelled to load a speedstrip of shot and carry it for that purpose.
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Old 11-04-2009, 02:28 PM
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For many years I hunted the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado, it was not uncommon to have encounters with black bear and mountain lion. I carried a 4" M/66 in a Bianchi 5BHL thumb break holster, with a sturdy pistol belt it packed very comfortably. The M/66 was loaded with Hornady XTP hollowpoints over a serious load of H110 or WW296 and wore Pachmayr grips. While I never had to use it, I felt adequately protected having it close at hand, it was comforting to have when encountering varmits of the two legged variety which is more common today than back then in the mid to late '70's.
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Old 11-04-2009, 02:54 PM
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I think that this one is a realy cool woods gun.






http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/Talbot.htm
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Old 11-26-2009, 10:09 PM
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Bobcats will not attack you!
Keep your powder dry
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Old 11-27-2009, 12:37 AM
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I use a 3" model 36 with a tapered barrel in a homemade backpocket holster or a 3" model 60LS in a blade-tech kydex. As the others say it works real well.

Jeff
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Old 11-27-2009, 07:36 AM
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Different levels of protection, a holstered 8-shot .357 Magnum 627 Pro and a pocketable .38 Special +P:



Whether hiking or camping, my forms of 'woods walking', here in the southestern US, the most lethal danger is two-legged. I would have suggested a 625MG in .45 Colt as ideal in the past, but that
was considering black bears, hogs, bobcat, etc. The hog may charge you - but you can get out of his way. The black bear will leave you alone if you stay out of his way. The bobcat may want your small canine pet (Leave him home!). That lethario following you may want your belongings - and your life.

I carry my 642 pocketed in a R. Mika pocket holster, loaded with +P 158gr LHPSWC. Sure, a first shot of 180gr +P LWC might be better for that hog, and maybe one day I'll load some, but that 'FBI Load' is formidable. I will admit to substituting a 642 on steroids, my 296 5-shot .44 Special, when the black bear fears are greater - and two 240gr LSWCs before my usual 200gr GD JHPs in the cylinder. It fits a similar but larger Mika's pocket holster and can be as sheeple friendly as the 642 so carried, while instantly presentable.

Rattlesnakes stink - copperheads don't. If you present close to a rattler, he'll likely strike - you have to often step on a copperhead to rouse his eire. Good boots and leggings (Never go in shorts!) are good protection. Better yet is common sense and vigilance. They often don't work as well with the two-legged reptiles.

Stainz

PS I've never used the N-frame holstered... but either that 642 or the 296 is in my pocket 24/7 - the 296 yesterday - at the in-law's Thanksgiving dinner table (I forgot to leave it in the Jeep!).

Last edited by Stainz; 11-27-2009 at 07:39 AM.
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Old 11-27-2009, 09:26 AM
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Given the nature of pest that you will encounter in N.E., a Glock G-17 in 9mm would be a light weight effective choice to carry and if necessary use. Load it w/ Speer 147 gr. Gold Dot ammo and carry a extra loaded magazine. If you confront a two legged threat, try to get away. In that case, the firepower will buy you time to get clear. If you are not alone, running is not an option. Then the extra rounds will be to your advantage in dealing with the threat.


I have been jumped one time in my life by two-legged predators. I was not armed so I ran. Thankfully they were all poor shots as well as poor runners. I am now unable to outrun such threats. So I have to be prepared to deal with them differently. I have given the matter some serious thought. I love my revolvers but if I ever again have to face such a threat, I want to give myself every possible advantage. Currently when out and about I carry a G-22 loaded with Rem. 180 gr. JHP ammo. The pistol goes in my right-hand pocket. An extra loaded magazine goes in my left-hand pocket. It is a very portable and potent choice. The same would be true of the G-17. JMHO. Sincerely. brucev.
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Old 11-27-2009, 09:51 AM
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My general purpose woods gun is a 3" SP101. I don't mind using heavy .357 Mag loads in it at all, and it carries easily in coat pocket or holster.

If I want a *real* woods gun, I'll take my 4" 629-4. Although, I am becoming quite fond of the new Ruger Lispey's 44 Special flattop Blackhawk. It is a little lighter and I'm getting pretty consistent at quickly putting 6 shots into a B-8 target black at 50 yards. Plus, I can load a Hornady 240 HP/XTP to 1140fps in it.
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Old 11-27-2009, 11:15 AM
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When I'm out at my granddad's (which is pretty much the only woods I go into) I carry my 686. If it were for hiking or something, I think a 6 shot J frame .357 would be just the ticket.
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Old 12-05-2009, 12:59 AM
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My 2 favorite handguns are a 1911 and a S&W 44 Mag.

I have carried both a lot in the woods. Speer Shotshells form either are great snake killers, as well as killers of squirrels, rabbits, grouse and other small game for the pot. I killed 2 squirrels opening week of deer season with my 4" 44 Mountain Gun and the Speer shotshells, I have already ate them...

I have used Speer shot shells in 38 and 9mm as well and they work pretty good too.

In bear country I prefer the 44 Mag, and I carry it most of the time while deer hunting as well.
The wife carries her 44 Mag Mountain gun whenever she is in the field, and has killed a bunch of small game and snakes with Speer shotshells.

I would prefer the 45 ACP in a 1911, for 2 legged varmints most of the time, but the 44 Mag, with several speedloaders will work...
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Old 12-06-2009, 12:16 PM
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I have a 3" M60. It is pleasant to carry IWB in a Bladetech kydex holster. When I carry it in the field, I have one round of snake shot first up and then 4 rounds of either 38Sp +P or standard .357s either in 110 JHP or 158 JSP. One or 2 speedloaders or speed strips in a pocket as well. Package is convenient and comfortable enough that I don't notice it at all when carrying it in the field.

I like K frames as well but to me, if I am going to carry a K in a field rig, I might as well carry a L or N frame. I know that the bigger guns weigh more but once I get past a J, I notice it is there and going from the K to the N doesn't bother me but that is just me.
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Old 12-06-2009, 07:42 PM
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I carry my old 4" M19 with 125gr golden sabers in the woods with a spare speedloader of the same.
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  #36  
Old 12-06-2009, 07:48 PM
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I carry,in the woods,a S&W 640-1 with .357 Magnums in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake holster.
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  #37  
Old 12-06-2009, 08:13 PM
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Wink Get a K frame

If you want to carry a .357 mag, I would consider a K frame S&W revolver....... to handle the recoil. A J frame is suitable for .38+P, but I think that .357 can be a handful. A 19/66 or similar revolver is slightly bigger and heavier, and can easily handle .357.

I have a M-66 2 1/2" , and it's in a quality holster. (Bianchi Shadow Pancake) It doesn't seem to be heavy or too large, at all. A quality gun belt helps, too! It's much easier to shoot .357 Mag in it. You will have better control over the revolver, too. The J frames can be harder to shoot accurately. (It's important...... when you use a gun in an emergency situation. ) Bob
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  #38  
Old 12-06-2009, 08:29 PM
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Default It depends on the area and how far into the woods you are going.

We have "nature trails" in several suburban parks in the area. I always carry my Ruger LCP or my Browning Hi-Power on these jaunts...mostly due to two legged preditors (sic).
However, when I am in the back country or on a particularly long hike, I carry my LCP (which I have named my "American Express Card" and my "survival" gun; a two and half inch early 80's vintage Charter Arms Tracker with two CCI .38 shotshells up first, one .38 158 RNL, one .357 Magnum 158JHP and finally a hardcast 158 RNL .357 load.
It's light, compact. powerful and effective for the job. Last time I went on a hike, I ran into an "unfortunate situation" and resolved NEVER to go on a dayhike unarmed again.
If I am WAY out from civilization, it is usually my 4" M28-2 in a shoulder holster if I can't carry a long arm.
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  #39  
Old 12-06-2009, 08:33 PM
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A M60 with 3inch barrel is excellent choice. I almost did that but, M60 with 5 inch barrel was much cheaper and I had reasons for wanting a bit longer barrel. I ended up with Pachmayr Gripper grips on mine to provide needed level of field accuracy at longer ranges (50-100 meters).

I carry mine in one of Desantis holsters made for S&W and on the belt intended to be used. I put this on over underclothes but under my outer pants, with just grip above beltline, with jacket, vest, etc. over pants. Easy draw, highly comfortable, gun out of way and protected. This fall I spent about 8 days wearing this rig all day each day while hiking/hunting and found it very comfortable and no one with me or that I encountered seemed to even notice I had it (l have CCW for states I was in). This is also my standard carry rig.

My concern was feral dogs, rabid animals and 2-legged varmits. No concern about bobcats or coyotes (they avoid unless rabid) or pumas (they avoid tough old guys, in favor of tender, tasty young folks). No snake loads for me either -- a nice walking stick and snake chaps, plus watching where step is all I have ever needed.

Niklas
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  #40  
Old 12-06-2009, 09:28 PM
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I once had occasion to be stalked by a pack of coy/dogs... I was mounted on my quarter horse with 2 young 'ums (8 & 10 years old) on ponies. Depite the coldness of the day, I unsnapped my vest to allow access on my 3" 66 carried high in a self made thumb snap holster (similar to Bianchi 5BHL) with our dept issue load of WW Silvertips, backed up with 2 speedloaders in my pockets. The critters hovered on the edge of our sight in the think brush surrounding the trail, moving with us for a couple of miles. I had the children go in front of me so I could observe them. The horses were skiddish at being trailed but thankfully did not spook. I was glad when we emerged on a gravel road & our shaddows left us.
I was confident... and probably would not have had a more bulkie arm with me. The role of the pistol is to react to unexpected problems. If you anticipated an issue you would be better armed or even better avoid entirely. Military & Police excepted, of course, whose job is to remove threads for the safety of all. Thankyou.
Russ

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  #41  
Old 12-06-2009, 11:50 PM
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K or L frame is too big for the niche i am looking to fill.
I guess a J frame is better than nothing. The glock is likely better still (more bullets). My opinion is that you are undergunned with a handgun anyway; why not stack the deck a little more in your favor. If you ever need it, you'll want all the gun you can carry. Being prepared isn't about convenience.
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  #42  
Old 12-07-2009, 12:25 PM
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I once had occasion to be stalked by a pack of coy/dogs... Thank you.
Russ
I have had similar experiences now and then. One duck season a group of coyotes would finish their night's hunting in area I walked through predawn on way to duck blind. Many mornings they would accompany me for a half-mile or so at some distance away on dry ground. Gave added dimension to those hunts. Yes, I loaded shotgun on those trips. Never did see them,

One morning, just at daylight, I started ski trip alone in a major national park and was immediately accompanied by a howling pack of coyotes for a half hour or so. Never saw them. Rather an exciting way to start the day!! Presume they had finished their night's hunting in area I passed through and were curious/playing.

Don't know that I would call this stalking. However, if pack of feral dogs, I would have been really concerned.

Niklas
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  #43  
Old 12-07-2009, 02:38 PM
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Everyone has their own reasons for carrying a particular "woods gun" .... without going into my reasons I will simply state that I usually carry either a 3 in. M-13 or a 4 in. M-586 as my woods walker. Both are easy/light to carry and have enough "bang" to deal with whatever I'm likely to need them for.

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  #44  
Old 12-07-2009, 04:22 PM
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I'm a big believer in enough to do the job, so with that in mind, I carry a 3" 629 with cast 265g SWC over 22g of W296 whenever I walk in the forests of Northern California.

Plenty of cougar and bear here, I've seen several of each repeatedly, so while I've never dropped the hammer on one, I've been close to it. Happily we all went our separate ways.

I make a snake load using gas checks and 7 1/2 shot. My friend used one and found it effective.

This post is about your needs, so let me say that whatever you carry, make sure you can control the second shot and have the horsepower to completely penetrate the target.
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  #45  
Old 12-07-2009, 10:09 PM
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I highly recommend a 60-10 loaded with 158 gr. Speer Gold Dots. My favorite round for 2 and 4 legged animals.
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  #46  
Old 12-10-2009, 12:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cowboy117 View Post
I carry,in the woods,a S&W 640-1 with .357 Magnums in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake holster.
This!
I carried one while fishing and backpacking frequently.
My father-in-law has on and uses it for fishing and when he is hunting in snake-infested lowcountry. Two snake-shot followed by 3 Speer 158gr Gold Dots.
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  #47  
Old 12-10-2009, 01:14 AM
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Coyotes and bobcat protection, and not worried about bear and such?

A .357 or .45ACP would do quite fine, as would a .40S&W.

I don't like toting more weight than I have to, so in this case I'd probably be strapping on my aluminum framed Kimber Ultra CDP in .45ACP or my 3" Model 65 in .357 . . . and probably the Kimber since it is lighter. It has been in the GA woods with me many times outside of hunting seasons in this trusty Bianchi 105 "Minimalist." This is actually the SECOND one I've had, after wearing out the first one toting either 5" or 3" 1911s.

Coyotes are starting to stalk folks on rare occasions around here, and a person in Georgia got attacked last year. The open top belt slide affords me a really fast draw if necessary.

I've only had to draw it on the trails one time, when confronted by a German Shepherd in the deep interior of our hunting club. It blocked my path and growled menacingly. The dog was wearing someone's collar, and surely running a deer far from his home.

That day I was toting my 5" Colt Combat Elite and drew, wiped off the safety and centered a steady hold between the eyes. In a calm, relaxed yet forceful voice I said, "Buddy, don't make me have to kill you."

He seemed to realize that I was not a threat to him, nor that I was afraid of him either. He backed off and returned to what he was doing, thank goodness. I don't want to shoot someone's dog unless it is a danger!

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  #48  
Old 12-10-2009, 10:12 AM
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I have a 3 inch m-13 S&W and also a few other revolvers. For reasons of weight, round capacity, and ruggedness my first choice is my Glock 29 with Double tap ammo for any woods walking, trail riding and outdoor fun.
Be safe, carry what makes you feel best.
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