Hello Everyone,
This is my first post so please bear with me.
I'm in the market to buy a revolver for concealed carry while hiking. I live in Colorado so I want to carry a revolver that can shoot .357 but I need to consider weight. I've done a lot of research and have come down to a couple possibilities, though I'm open to suggestions.
I'm trying to decide whether to buy/carry the Model 60 with the 2.125'' barrel or the 686 PLUS with the 2.5'' barrel. I used to own a 4'' 686 (sold it when I was young/dumb) so I know what shooting .357 is like in the L-Frame revolvers but haven't shot .357 in the J frames. I know from having had a 686 they are heavy and I wonder if this will make the 2.5'' 686 harder to conceal/carry while hiking?
The Model 60 seems best for carrying concealed but I'm concerned about being able to shoot it accurately in .357 given it's lower weight and shorter barrel. Is the lower weight than much of a difference from the 686 2.5''?
I've also considered buying the Ruger SP101 as it's a bit heavier than the Model 60 but I've never owned a Ruger and don't know if it's better/worse than the Model 60.
Thoughts/Suggestions?
Thank you for your time!

I have owned both Smiths you described and have handled/fired the Ruger as well. I am in the same situation in SE AZ. Possible threats in my area are two-legged (drug mules, illegal alien criminals) and four-legged (black bears, mountain lions). For my outdoor carry, I went in a different direction.

I still own a 4" 686. Love it, great shooter and I do carry it sometimes, but it is a load. I sold my 2" model 60 in .357. It shot 110 and 125 grain bullets well, but hot 125 grain bullets were like a bomb going off. After 20-30 rounds with the gun wearing a boot grip, my right thumb joint was usually bleeding from rubbing on the cylinder release (big hands). 158 grain bullets impacted too high to be of service outdoors. I sold it and found the K frames to my liking.

My EDC is a 2 1/2" model 66 with 145 grain Silvertips. For outdoor carry I usually tote either a 4" model 19 or my 4" Security Six with a stout 158 grain handload. I prefer the longer barrel in the woods. Since we have Constitutional carry in Arizona, I don't usually conceal the 4" when hiking or hunting.

Just my 2 cents.

Assuming if your hiking in Colorado, you are reasonably fit. You should have no problem with weight or concealment, as long as you use a good holster belt and holster.

On woods walks, my husband carries a 3" 686+, and I tote a 2 1/2" 686+. We both use Galco SB2 belts and Combat Master holsters.

We're seniors, and not particularly fit, but our EDC's are on the heavy side, and these don't feel much heavier.

These are my carry rotation. The far right is the 3" 686+, second from right is my EDC, a CZ PCR. No real hardship to carry either one.

The little Ruger is quite heavy for it's size. The J frame recoil is stout.

I personally carry either a S&W 65-3 or 65-5 when I carry a revolver hiking.


May I suggest you look at a Glock 29 10mm or a Sig P239 .40 S&W too? About the same over all size and weight as the L frame snubbie with more firepower.

Any of what you listed would be fine I'm sure. Really a matter of how much weight you feel is worth the squeeze, and that's really something only you can answer. Personally, I have a 3" SP-101 loaded with Underwood 180gr hardcast .357 when I'm in black bear country, and either a Glock 26 or a 3" 65-3 everywhere else.

I'll add that a good holster can allow for the carrying of more gun than you'd think, opening up more options for some folks.

Recently I had the same idea as you. I went to the LGS fully intending to purchase a 3 inch model 60 for woods carry. Here in Northeast PA a good .357 is a reasonable choice for a trail gun and my model 29 is heavy.
Instead I left with the Ruger SP101 with the 4.2 inch barrel. The short fat grip feels like a boot grip and controls magnum recoil effectively. You also get full .357 performance from the longer tube. I have never had a fiber optic front sight and find that it is effective. The kydex chest holster is from Gunfighters Inc. I am currently carrying Hornady Critical Defense 125 gr FTX ammunition for the penetration. I think it is a great trail gun. As an added benefit I have found that it carries very comfortably inside the waistband because of the long barrel, short grip and five shot frame. Now I still have to save up for that model 60.

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I agree that a full .357 going off in a J frame is somewhat akin to a bomb going off in your hand for many people, myself included. Others report that it is just "stout." The 686 is quite a bit bigger. If you really want to conceal, that is going to require a cover garment of some size. All that may prove to be a problem if you are also carrying a day pack or fanny pack like I do in the Colorado outdoors. I like the compromise of a Model 66 (stainless) or 19 (blue) in snub length. My 19 handles .357 just fine, although I typically load it with .38 Special +P in town. If I am seriously thinking moose, bear, or lion I carry a .44.

I would highly recommend trying to find a M60 in .357 to try out before you buy.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

While I do not own a J-frame .357 (one of the few classes of weapon I do not own), I believe that IAhunter's answer is about right.

For me, most of the more or less classic weights are correct. While I carry my 2" M15 mostly because of the speed of acquisition of its sights (compared to a 10 or a 12), I notice that it is also more accurate, and certainly more comfortable. This may be partly due to the Rogers grips, but you might note my fifty years' experience which lead me to believe that the weight of the M15 is the deciding factor (the M12 grips are pretty good, also).

Where I live, even an M15 with FBI loads is probably OK, although a 686 would be better. In NH, a 629.

To answer your question, 686. Be sure you have a good belt.

Thank you for your reply. The Model 60 does seem like it would be difficult shooting hot loads of .357. Even though I'd only do this if a bear was charging me, I'd still want to train with .357 at the range in case of this occurrence and the thought of doing so regularly sounds painful.
We can open carry in Colorado too but I personally don't like to draw attention to myself, even when hiking. But, I totally respect your decision to do so.

Thank you for your reply.
I've never fired a 10mm, is it similar to the .357?
My concern with carrying a semi-auto would be the potential to jam. In my limited experience, revolvers don't usually jam. Is my concern unfounded? The extra firepower would be nice to have in bear country...

My suggestions are the following.

Unless you are more concerned about concealment than utility for the purpose you stated, I would suggest a Model 13 or 65 with a three or four inch barrel. These are six shot revolvers with steel frames, but with a good OWB holster mounted on a good double thickness leather gun belt, they are easily carried. With the right grips, they can be concealed easily underneath a long tailed outdoor shirt or jacket. There is also the option of carrying these IWB, but again, you need a good holster to do so. There is also the option of one of the chest type holsters made for the purpose.

If a four inch barrel is too much to suit you, then I'd recommend either a Model 19 or 66 with the 2.5 inch barrel. Again these are steel framed and a bit heavier, but they are easily carried as described above. Six rounds available and the additional weight will make these guns all much easier to shoot well with full bore .357 ammo, and you should be covered for about any need you will have for the purpose you state.

I own some J Frames in .357 mag caliber. All of them are steel framed, and I do not want anything less. My favorite is a Model 640-1 with a 2 1/8 inch barrel. It shoots pretty well with mag loads for me, but even a three inch barrel is more slightly more efficient with slightly less muzzle blast when fired. Any .357 mag loading is LOUD and has a very noticeable blast when fired. The sound is a very sharp and loud report which will cause you to flinch moreso than the actual recoil if you have a set of grips that fit your hand well to reduce perceived recoil in any of these guns. I love the .357 mag loading, but it just works best and shoots best in a heavier gun with a bit more barrel length. There are suitable ways to carry any handgun afield, even the heavy and long barreled ones. Having carried a 4" barreled Model 19 for a great many years every day while on duty, I can say that even though it, like any handgun, is a noticeable load on your belt, it was not a burden to carry afield.

My suggestion is that if you wish to settle on a J Frame, then a Model 60 or Model 640 with the 2 1/8" or better yet a 3 inch barrel would be what you need to look for. The best compromise in my mind is the K Framed revolvers with the 2 1/2", 3", or 4" barrels. The Models 13 and 65 are a bit lighter and slimmer in profile than the L Frames with their full lugged barrels. Remember that velocity is important especially if you want to be best prepared for a bear among all these suggestions. Even then, that bullet has to go where it REALLY needs to go before things have a chance for a successful outcome. Your followup shots will be easier and quicker with the heavier frames and four inch barrel. You might just want to use the first five rounds available and hold that last round in abeyance for yourself if the first five don't have the desired result! I say this last with tongue firmly in cheek. Don't ever give up, regardless of what kind of predator you might face. Good luck with your decisions! Any of these suggestions will be exponentially better than nothing available. And don't forget to get you some snake loads to carry along, maybe with one or two first up in your cylinder when walking in snake country!!

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So long ... Ken

Hello, and welcome to the Forum.

My woods gun is a Model 60-15 in .357 with a 3" barrel. Makes for a great CCW revolver.
I put Pachmayr Compacs on it, which widen the grip a little, but do wonders for recoil. I can comfortably shoot full-house .357s in it, but I keep the practice sessions short.
145-gr Silvertips are my CCW load, which are replaced by 158-gr. JSPs when I'm out in nature. Usually with a shotshell in the first hole.
I think the Glock 29 would make a great woods gun, too. Or any hot 10mm.

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Because of the metric system?

Here are three for hiking.

If the protection also applies to dangerous game my choice would be the 327 TRR8. Conceals fine with a light jacket, but not so well if it is hot. Has a scandium frame so the whole gun is only 35 ounces and is therefore a very easy carry (see picture 2). Is an 8 shot. Handles very hot loads with no problem whatsoever (550 - 750 ft. lbs. of .357 Magnum). With the two minute installation of the lower rail it can take a Streamlight 800 Lumen weapon light (and laser) such as the TL-2 HL G which can super light up the woods. Drawback is you're going to pay Simply Rugged $190 for a holster that accommodates that weapon light (I know) or accommodates an optic.

If you're only needing protection from other humans: the 627 or 586 L-Comp. Both weigh in at 37 ounces and can easily handle .357 Magnum 540 ft. lbs. (I was shooting just such American Eagle today) which is probably too much for human concerns. The 627 is an 8 Shot the 586 a 7 Shot.

All three have numerous holster options from companies like Galco and Simply Rugged.
All three are cut for moon clips.
All three are highly accurate.
I also use the 627 with CCI Shot in the Summer for reptiles.

For a woods and weapon light I choose the Surefire 2211 X. A small 300 lumen weapon light for your wrist that puts the beam right where you need it when you're support hand is on the weapon using a normal two-handed grip. Takes a battery, the 123A for 90 minutes run time on high and 13 hour run time on low. There is also a USB rechargeable version that has a much lower profile since it doesn't need the housing for the 123A, the 2211. It has the same Lumen ratings, but 60 minutes on high, and still 13 hours on the same low (be careful not to buy the older 180 lumen version of the 2211). I wear the 123A version on duty and no longer have a back-up flash light on my duty belt, just my primary.

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The Glock 29, IMHO, is easier to control than a J frame .357 magnum. I wouldn't worry about a Glock pistol jamming, as they are fairly reliable.

I have both Model 60 and SP101 but I prefer to carry the SP101. It is
a little heavier than the Model 60 because it is built like a tank. Get a
good holster and belt with either of the two and I don't think you will
have a problem with either. I'm glad to hear you are considering these
two instead of some of the ultra-light models. Other opinions may vary
but I don't think recoil is bad at all. I use Remington Golden Sabers
125-Gr. .357 Magnum JHP loads.

Here is a photo of my EDC (Every Day Carry)
The SP101 is the concealed hammer model.
Stocks are Crimson Trace Laser stocks.
Holster is Price Western's version of Chic Gaylord's Combat Speed Scabbard.
Belt is by Milt Sparks.
Knife is Kershaw's Junkyard Dog II.
Good luck!

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In Omnia Paratus

The K/L frame grip is easier to fit to a variety of hand sizes/finger lengths.
Problem with the Glock 10mm is that the grip is fat and blocky. Too much so, for me to comfortably shoot.
Unless you're going with original power-level 10mm ammo, you're just as well off with a .40 S&W.

I'd go with a 4" 686.
My woods revolvers for hunting season are: 4" 586, 4.2" GP100, 4.75" Blackhawk .45 Colt, 4" Taurus 44, and 7.5" Redhawk .44 mag.

The secret to comfortable carry is a thick/stiff belt and holster.
You need a belt that is specifically designed for carryng a handgun in a holster.
I use a concealed carry belt from Bullhide Leather. It's about 1/4" thick. It's still as stiff as when I bought it around 2012. It's very comfortable.

More options would be to use a shoulder holster, or get some of the padded workmen suspenders intended to hold up a tool belt.

Light weight gun in magnum cartridges is not a recipe for accurate, controlled, rapid shooting. Regardless of how you perceive recoil, it is still there. Muzzle flip is still there. Less weight will increase the time it takes to get back on target.

If a Glock 10mm fits your hand, get one and load it with Buffalo Bore full power 10mm ammo. It's more powerful than .357, but less than .41 mag. It is a potent round.
I would NOT go with any short-grip, compact auto or revolver.
Short grip and recoil control are polar opposites.
You want a full-sized grip and the longest barrel you can carry.
Better control, higher velocity, and longer sight radius are your friends.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

You might want to consider a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 special.

I have two revolvers I carry. For woods use, my choice is a 4" Model 686-3 loaded with three .38 Special snake loads and three 158-grain JHP .357 rounds. For other carrying purposes, I go with a 2-1/2" Model 66-4 loaded with 125-grain JHP .38 Special +P rounds.

For hunting, I feel even a .357 Magnum can be a little weak for deer unless the yardage is fairly short so I use a 5" Model 629-3 Classic DX with 240-grain JHP rounds.

Ed

A runaway steer is easier to control than a J frame .357 Magnum.

A 10mm brings some serious hurt; but it's a 10mm. And, generally less than half the selection of .357 Magnum on a store shelf. For example, Midway USA carries twice the number of .357 loads than it does 10mm, plus another 130 in .38 and .38+P. That is a heck of a selection for one weapon.

" . . . as they are rarely reliable" ? Don't think that's what he meant. :-)

I'll come out on the side of a Model 60 for your trail gun. A 3" Model 60 with Hogue Monogrips allow me to shoot full house .357 loads with no problem. The 158 grain variety shoots to point of aim in my 60 Pro. In the interest of full disclosure I don't think I'm too recoil sensitive, so that might be different if you are.

The 60 weighs about a pound and a half fully loaded this way. Hope this helps!

When I first started hunting and hiking in bear and cougar country in the Cascade mountains, I carried a 4" 686+ with 158 grain JSP hunting loads. It needed a 2" belt to carry comfortably. But, after a while I noticed that I was seeing very little bear or cougar scat and tracks and more dog, coyote and people sign. So, I shifted to a 3" Model 60 with the same 158 JSP loads. Much easier to carry for the likely threat. The Model 60 is comfortable for me with the 158's, but I am considering the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator loads for the slight chance of a bear encounter. If I were to resume using the 686+, I think I would buy a Trail Packer holster and attach it to the kidney belt on my day pack to ease the load while still providing concealed carry. Hope this helps a bit in your decision making.

I'm a fan of the S&W K frames. Carrying a 2 1/2" through 4" on a good gun belt in a quality OWB holster in the woods is my preferred firearms system. If you must be discreet (or politically correct with the granola crowd) a light field vest or untucked shirt in warm weather should suffice.

I'd like to see the new Model 66 offered in a 3" barrel and then I might even give it a try. We'd have to see if the younger set would get behind a new line of revolvers though, before Smith and Wesson will start giving us more options in their wheelgun line-up.

Revised: The exciting news is that S&W is bringing out the new Model 66 in a 2 3/4" version. That would be worth a look at least.

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I had a 649-? in 357. I traded it for a 31. I have a 60, 649, and 642 in 38 special and am very happy with them (the 642 is my main off-duty carry gun). If I feel the need for a 357 smaller than my 686, I will carry my SP101. I have SP101s in 357, 327, 22lr. (Never say never) You will never be able to break it. Worth every penny.

My woods and water revolver is a M69.

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Foster Positivity.

Overall, for the OP's stated use - hiking - .357 Magnum is an excellent choice east of the Mississippi. West, I prefer a .44 Magnum. Either is effective against two and four legged predators, the latter marginally effective for large bears.

The other requirement is concealment. The easiest way to conceal is with an IWB holster. The maximum practical barrel length is 3", so that or a 2-1/2" would be appropriate. In steel, these S&W revolvers weigh about 40 oz, which with hand-filling grips handle even the stiffest .357 recoil with ease. A 3" 66 would weigh about 35 oz, also ample mass for recoil control, but on the $$ side for starters.

There was also a scandium framed .357 Night Guard, now discontinued. At 25 oz recoil gets to be a factor, but not like in a 15 oz J-frame.

I use a Sparks VM2 for mine. It has a wide back which spreads the weight well. Worn it all day with the 3" and almost forgot it was there. I also have an Alessi shoulder holster, which is comfortable and easily concealable under a light vest or jacket. You need an open front for accessibility. I've used it with a backpack, and for driving (for accessibility). You can't really conceal a tanker type holster. The butt is right in front and sticks out a bit.

I conceal even where open carry is allowed, so that the bed wetters on the trails don't get excited.

Small and light has always been a draw for me. Doesn't matter if it's phones, guns, etc. I've always appreciated "micro" technology and thought if you could do the same with less why not?
Now having said that I'm a big proponent of define the Job and let that dictate the tools. Military/LE folks seem to say something like "mission dictates equipment".
In your case weight seems important but size less so. Why not a 386xl, hunter. It's a bit rare but I'm sure they are out there. 357 in a light weight 6 shot revolver. 6" for sight radius/ ballistics, proven 357 caliber, all in a full sized grip and light weight.

I spend a lot of time wandering around the hills to the west of me, normally carry a 60-15 (3"), sometimes a 60-14 (2.125"). I have a 66 2.25" but its a bunch heavier.

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SWCA #2817

How about the 640 pro? Compact, 5 shots of .357, stainless, full grip, night sights...


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360sc is an older model that goes for under 500$
12 oz 5 shot .357; carry in a pocket holster and forget about it
Or the more modern 340pd/360pd
Liberty 357 ammo is very light " 50grain & 2000 fps

When I'm out and about in the Colorado mountains, I carry a Colt 1911 45acp loaded with the handloads I use for everything from sd to target shooting.

I've shot a few fairly large animals that with this setup with sucess.

To me, the 45acp in a 1911 will solve any problem I might encounter while being much, much more pleasant to carry than any of my revolvers (except the M 34 or M 38, nether of which is as useful against Colorado black bear or mountain lion as the 1911) regardless of frame size.

Speed is paramount in encounters with large predictors. They move much more quickly than most folks can imagine and can get to you in a flash.

For me, the 1911 is the quickest handgun to deploy and get good hits with. Don't imagine that you can dawdle with large carnivores.

I sure wouldn't select a 357 j frame unless I shot hundreds of the mag ammo each month for a while and could demonstrate both speed from the holster and quick hits.

If you can locate a range with a 'charging bear' target set up ( bear comes at you at 30 mph over 50, then 25 yards) you might be shocked about what you can't do.

Pick a defensive system, master it, don't mess with a 'rotation' of hand guns: stick to one and master it.

Model 19,66 or 15 with 4" barrel

^^^^what he said. Solid advice. I would simply suggest that you select the gun with which you are most familiar and the most comfortable. Although I don't really like it, I always choose my Model 67 when qualifying for my CCW: I have fired almost 19,000 rounds through it. I just point it and allow it to shoot itself. Never fails.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I live in Georgia and frequently go hiking in the GA/NC mountains. In the past 15 years I have completely worn out 3 pairs of boots. If the area I was planning to go to was not on fire I would be in the woods right now. For most of that time I never carried but a few years ago while hiking quietly by myself I surprised a feral pig nursing her young. The sow responded much more aggressively than the few black bears with cubs have walked up on and I decided that if ran across an aggressive criminal, pig or bear again I wanted something more than sharp stick. All the pig did was make threats and it did not have claws or long sharp teeth but in my defense it must have weighed 250-300 pounds. While the pig is what prompted me to start carrying by far the biggest threat here would be walking on two legs so if all I can carry is something big enough for criminal threats but too weak for bears and pigs it is still worth carrying.

I am still searching for the best carry option. Like you I prefer to carry concealed. Even though open carry is legal here in 2000 miles of hiking I have only seen a couple of hikers and a few hunters open carrying and would rather not draw attention to myself. Concealed carry with a pack is harder than it sounds. Particularly when it is too hot to wear a cover garment of some type.

What I carry most often is a Glock 19 which fits into the big enough for criminals but too weak for 400 pound animals category. In an IWB holster at 3:30 it is slim enough to not be very noticeable and just barely clears the straps on my pack. A Glock 29 is thicker but has a similar profile and is a lot easier to conceal than a big revolver. I have considered buying one but while Glocks are normally extremely reliable 10mm ammo varies so much in power even Glocks can have trouble when loaded with the hot ammo you would want for bears. Search "What RSA for a Glock 29 with Underwood ammo". And while a hot 10mm is about as powerful as a 357 a 44 is a big step up in power. I still might buy one despite that. I have shot a friends G29 with hot ammo and it is much more controllable and less painful to shoot than a lightweight 357 snubby.

Nearly 2 years ago I bought a S&W 69 which is a L frame, 5 shot 44 magnum with a 4.25 inch barrel. It is much harder to conceal. About the best I can do is "concealed enough" carry with it. If anyone is looking it is obvious I have a gun but the people most likely to be upset with that are also the least likely to notice. The best carry option I have found with a gun that size is an OWB pancake holster at 3:00 which means unless it is cool enough for a cover garment I cannot carry it concealed. When I ordered my holster I got loops to allow IWB carry but the grip of the gun always got hung up in my pack straps. I also tried the Hill People gear bag but found getting the gun out was slow and it is uncomfortable in warm weather. Going back to the pig incident that prompted me to start carrying I was surprised how fast the whole thing happened. An encounter with a criminal would probably be just as sudden

BTW, I really like my 69. If you decide to go with a big gun it is definately worth a look.

Short answer for a CCW hiking kit gun. 442, 637, 642 are your best options, hands down. If caliber isn't a big concern, a 317 would be my choice, and might be anyway . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I agree with the 3" L-Comp. 7 rounds of 357 from a large frame is ideal. This is my recommendation. It handles recoil well, it's accurate and it has a high capacity.

4" and 5" barrels are better suited towards a shoulder holster.

My 7.5" Performance Center 629 44 Magnum carries well in a Bandolier holster.


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For a woods/trail gun I carry a 625-5 4" .45 Colt bought specifically for defense against black bear and anything smaller in NC, GA, & FL. I pack it with Buffalo Bore .45 Colt ammo, standard pressure, 255gr. gas checked soft cast bullet rated at 1000 fps with a M.E. of 566 ft. lbs.

When my grandson and I venture off the beaten path, which isn't far, I carry a 3" M60 with the first 2 rounds 38 shot shell and the other 3, 38 +P Hornady CD. We usually don't encounter too big of critters hiking outside the city limits. No bear sightings yet.

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"Happiness is a warm gun"

Handgun carry in the woods for me can be broken down into several categories: 1) Carry for plinking & small game; 2) Carry for two-legged critter defense; 3) Carry for four-legged critter defense or big game hunting.

Category 1 - I would take something chambered in 22LR. My choice for this category is my Ruger MkII.

Category 2 - Here I would opt for one of my EDC handguns, likely an auto. If I want to blur categories 1 & 2 a bit, I might choose to carry a revolver in 38 Special or 357 Magnum which can shoot both self defense ammo and light target loads. Why a revolver? They function with a wider variety of ammo when compared to an auto. This includes shot shells.

Category 3 - I would take a revolver in 44 Magnum. My choice is my 629 Mountain Gun.

It has been said before and it still holds true, "ounces equal pounds when hiking". Therefore, if I feel safe leaving my big heavy revolvers at home I will.

Below is my Ruger LCRx 3" chambered in 38 Special +P. At approximately one pound, it makes a light weight option. As a bonus over my snubbies, the 3" tube gives more velocity for my +P defensive rounds and the increased sight radius makes it easier to shoot accurately at small game.

I now live in Arkansas where four-legged threats are very rare so the light LCRx is my choice for the hiking trails and as a companion to my hunting long arms.

Edmo

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Small, thin, light with plenty of punch up close. I sometimes carry my Glock 19 & 31 in a small of the back holster with a daypack and it is comfortable, though it would not work well with a full size backpack. Try a cross draw holster.

I hunted and more importantly fished all over Alaska for several years. I tried every method of concealed carry while doing so possible. Why carry concealed? It was because of the constant rain and wet brush conditions playing havoc with my blued handguns. While hiking you are going to face the same conditions. And, wanting to stay concealed appeals to me also. BUT, there could be the requirement to make a quick presentation to either a four legged critter or a two legged bad guy. I fished among the grizzly population and found that I wanted my S&W M 29 protected from the wet conditions but still accessible. I settled on wearing an extra large light rain coat over everything else with the M 29 in a shoulder holster by Bianchi. It is spring reinforced around the cylinder and the grip was in a perfect position for drawing.

I suggest two options for the handgun of choice; the S&W M 640 Pro in .357 mag or the S&W M 66 in .357 mag with the 2.5" or the 3" barrel. Try them with the Bianchi X-15 Small holster under a extra large (for you) windbreaker. Keep the top of the windbreaker unzipped down to about heart level and the handgun will be available for quick presentation. Carry at least one H&K speed loader on your strong arm side in a pocket of the windbreaker. I would have at least one more speed loader in my backpack.

The handguns suggested are both of stainless steel. But most of the internal parts are not stainless. Under any sort of coat the handgun will be subject to moisture. So, when you are in camp, the grips should come off and a slight spritzer of lube oil should go into the handgun thru the gaps leading inside. Then wipe every thing off and put the grips back on and you are good to go. The Uncle Mike's Boot Grips are an excellent choice as they are easily removable and provide a great ergonomic grip (at least for me). When I fished Alaska, I carried the smallest can of WD-40 that I could find as every once in a while me and my M 29 would get soaked while doing some foolish thing or another. Spray the dunked gun inside and out with WD-40, wipe it off and take care of it as soon as possible back in camp or at home. My M 29 went swimming with me twice with no resulting rust or other complications.

There is one other possibility for a ccw gun while hiking; S&W made one with a titanium cylinder in 44 Special. It is the Model 296. I personally think it is a candidate for first prize in "The Most Awkward Looking Handgun" category. But, it is light, powerful, very moisture resistant, but it has a five shot capacity.

My first choice would be the M 640 Pro because of size, light weight, Tritium night sights, and is .357 Mag. Practice and you will be surprised at how fast it can be reloaded using speedloaders. IMHO, this is the ideal handgun for concealement and to be carried on high altitude mountain hiking.

My second choice would be the M 66 or the M 65 with a 3" barrel. A little heavier, but with six shots.

For a person that is a little bigger and heavier than usual, I would recommend the M 296. Why, because the recoil is going to be substantial when loaded with heavy grain weight self defense loads.

I recommend that you travel around the Denver area and go to every gun shop that has a range and rents handguns. Try everything out that you can find that comes close to your requirements. ........... Good luck. ............

I'd choose a 3" K frame... in my case, I'd bring out my 3" 66-2... my ex-GF declined to sell the 3" M13 back that I'd bought for her but it was a fine gun. But I know these are rare & there are other similar options. I wouldn't hesitate to carry a 4" or fixed sight if that's what you have.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

Short barreled 686 is a great choice. The Glock 29 10mm is also a fine choice. I have both and they are easy to carry with a good belt and holster. The recoil of the G29 is somewhat lighter than the snub 686 with full power 357 loads... more of a push like a 45.

For large bears, the best use of any pistol is to try to get the weapon in your hand and put it point blank in the mouth or between the eye and ear of the bear, then pull the trigger repeatedly. The bear taking you down and treating you like a rag doll is the probable situation you'll be in, if you are charged by a large bear and decide to use a pistol to end the attack. Hopefully you'll survive.

I live in TN .... Black bears ... Dogyotes , coyotes and two legged predators... My Charter 44spl .. is agood choice for me .. But yesterday while stomping /romping in the woods .. I carried my Taurus PT145 45acp
stoked with 200gr LSWC .. 10+1

My old, trusty Model 19 is on my hip in this pic. Have carried it hiking and hunting since the early 1980s whenever I've belt carried a handgun, save for a few times when some of my collector S&W's have gone afield. For pocket carry, I usually go with a Model 12.

I think one would be well served by a fixed sight Model 13 (blue) or a Model 65 (stainless), or adjustable sight Model 19 (blue) or 66 (stainless) with either a 3" or 4" barrel. One of the best features of a 357 Magnum revolver is the ability to use 38 Specials for practice. A revolver is not picky about bullet design or power level. This is one reason why I prefer a revolver in some areas. In the pic above, I'm in an area fairly active with rattlesnakes, so the first two charge holes have snake shot in them.

The 10mm auto packs a lot of power, but has a range of power levels that might need tuning via springs on an auto (as I did on my Colt Gold Cup 10mm). This is because 10mm loads range from 40 S&W levels to loads somewhere between the 357 and 41 Magnums. Glock makes 10mm handguns in various sizes, and for being in the woods after dark, night sights are a nice feature. Recoil is brisk but manageable. As with all guns, the smaller the Glock, the more recoil.

I WOULD GO WITH THE 4" MODEL 629 MOUNTAIN GUN IN .44 MAGNUM, FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE LARGE AND DANGEROUS CARNIVORES, THAT YOU MAY RUN AFOUL OF IN COLORADO. ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT YOU MUST ADDRESS IS THE ABILITY (OR LACK THEREOF) TO PUT REPEAT SHOTS RAPIDLY ON TARGET, OUT OF A WILDLY RECOILING, LIGHT WEIGHT, BIG BORE HANDGUN---WHEN TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. TO STOP THE CHARGE OR ATTACK OF A BIG CAT, OR A BIG BEAR, ARE TWO INSTANCES THAT COME TO MIND.......

THE MOUNTAIN GUN CAN EASILY BE CARRIED IN A SHOULDER HOLSTER FOR CONCEALABILITY, COMFORT, AND A GOOD LEVEL OF PROTECTION. CARRY A HEAVY HARD CAST BULLET, THAT CAN PENETRATE, AND SMASH BIG BONES, AND YOU SHOULD BE FINE......

Attached Images

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I agree with one eye joe-
I carry a 4" 629, in a modern military belt and holster for the that type of pistol.
They have a bale lock and are very secure.
You can also used the standard Berreta model 92 magazine holder. Take out the plastic and you can put two speed loaders for the 629 in it.
In Colorado I want the .44 mag for Bear and Moose/Elk.

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT, colkid. BEING FROM NEW ENGLAND, I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THOSE HUGE MOOSE AND ELK......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

The last revolver I had that I carried and concealed was my Ruger SP-101, I was surprised at how much I liked the gun and just how pleasant the gun shot. I don't have it now, but eventually when I can count enough pennies I plan on another .357 Magnum, maybe an SP-101 with a 4 inch barrel this time.

My main carry gun this year on the trail was my Beretta Nano because it was so concealable, I ran into many hikers this year while I was out with my son and none were aware of it (we have a lot of downstate hikers who you'll meet miles back on a trail in flip flops and yoga pants with no gear at all, not even so much as a compass). I sold the Beretta recently as it was replaced with what will most likely be my warm weather gun, my Makarov PM. I got this one for $350 and that's the price you can get some of them at very easily.



If you want something even easier to conceal, the Polish P64 in 9mm Makarov isn't bad and you can get them for under $300 all the time, $265 usually for a really nice one.

My other trail gun which no one ever seems to notice or bother with, is my Smith & Wesson Model 39. These are the best of the early Smith & Wessons semi autos, are easy to conceal and are in 9mm, not a bad gun for being out and about. After a while you never even know its there.

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Vaya con Dios

There is nothing around here that would be considered "woods" what we do have nothing more than a stick or a rubber band is needed. Just in case a squirrel or rabbit decide to make you it's lunch.
However, when I do go camping in the mountains there are black bears and mountain lions. I'll have a handgun as backup but my main self defense is a rifle



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