Your recommendation is requested. I do a lot of extreme hiking in wilderness areas, often above 10,000 feet, so every ounce I carry is important. I've been open carrying a Keltec P32 semi auto because it only weighs 6.6 oz, but while it shoots ok while clean, just a little dust or dirt makes it unreliable. Plus accuracy isn't great because of its small size. I always try to avoid trouble but worst case I would need defense against a very rare mountain lion, black bears, rabid coyotes or two-legged predators.

I'd like to move to a lightweight revolver for reliability and a 3" or so barrel for accuracy. I looked at the S&W 317 at about 12oz, but even its 8 rounds of .22 lr may not be enough. The .38 Spec +P j-frames are nice but those 1.875" barrels aren't great for accuracy.

Any recommendations for a revolver with a 3" barrel, preferably 18oz or less?

Roberto:

They haven't been made for a while, but look for a Model 396 Night Guard "L" Frame chambered in .44 Special. Weighs 24 oz. unloaded. I can carry it around all day & not feel the weight, although not at 10,000'. Very accurate with a 2 1/8" barrel.

Smith did make a NG in 44 Mag. & I think in 45 Colt (?maybe 45 ACP), but they are "N" Frames & no doubt slightly heavier/larger.

Best Of Luck, Hank M.

Might I suggest the S&W Model 60 (J frame) 3", it's a .38/.357 mag

It weighs 23.2 oz

I really like the one I have and think it might be what you are looking for.

I hate to go here on this forum, but how about a Ruger LCRx with a three inch barrel. They're very light weight, and shoot pretty dang good.......

325 PD with Hogue grips.

Check out the new M66 & M69 2.75" from S&W It might be worth waiting a month or two.

I 2nd this suggestion. With the right grips, it can be pretty manageable with the hot stuff. Or you can go with some mild .38s. The shotshells are pretty effective, too.

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Because of the metric system?

Maybe a 4" model 12?

If you are going into bear country then why would consider anything but a big bore? One person said the model 69 2.75" is worth the wait. I believe he is right. Carry it in a good shoulder holster and it shouldn't be a problem. It's my next purchase and I already have 5 big bore snubbies. The lightest you might want is a Smith lightweight 44 sp. I have a Charter Arms 44 sp 2.5" that I would carry, but that might be the smallest I would risk with bear.

A second on the 19 ounce Charter Bulldog in .44 Special, or a slightly heavier current Pug in .45 ACP. But borrow or rent one prior to buying; if you are used to a .32 ACP pistol and considering a .22 revolver, the recoil of one of these would be...vigorous.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

S&W 396 Mountain Lite 44sp.

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AKA- Da Plummah
CANCER SUCKS!

You can sometimes find one of the special orders (from a distributor) M-60's with a three-inch barrel. I'd sure stay with a stainless gun, although the M-36-1 is otherwise the same gun.


I'd probably use my M-60-4. I think the .357 is too much cartridge for a J-frame. The Ruger SP-101 in a barrel a hair over three inches is my smallest .357, and I wouldn't want lighter. I don't have the specs in front of me, but the Ruger site will give weight. Maybe 27 oz.?


I think 9mm is a good backpackers cartridge, low ammo weight for power. But a good 9mm will weigh more than you want. I'd take a CZ-75B in that role and just live with the weight. But CZ has some alloy frame compacts that I haven't tried. And there are are Ruger and S&W 9mm revolvers.


I doubt if it's worth the effort to locate and use a 9mm revolver, especially if it has a weird extractor.


Overall, I think your answer is a J-frame .38 with three-inch barrel, preferably in stainless steel. You could buy a Model 37, but those light alloy frames often crack and the recoil will be grim.


S&W made some .32 Magnum guns that otherwise look like .22 Magnum Model 63's with four-inch barrels. I think they take .32 S&W Long as a light load, for small game, too. But I'd want at least a .38 Special.


How much water do you pack, and how? That's a heavy necessity.


Any .44 ammo is too heavy in any quantity and a short-barreled .44 is hard to shoot well. Some people who answer questions like this don't think well, or don't read the question well.


Study bear and cougar anatomy well before you may need to shoot one. Your most likely need to shoot will be a feral dog, a raccoon or skunk that may be rabid, a snake or a human.


I think .38 Plus P will do those jobs, but learn to shoot well. And even .38 Plus P is a recoil problem in very light guns.


Overall, if you can locate a M-60-4 full lug gun, I think the weight and target sights will amaze you with the potential accuracy. Mine have both thought they were target revolvers!


I use older Pachmayr two-piece Presentation Compac grips. But Uncle Mike's grips came with these guns and are also good. The rubber grips don't scratch or abrade from contact with brush and cut recoil effect.

The 15.7-oz 3" Ruger LCRx, 5-shot SA/DA small frame revolver in .38 Special.

I "worked" high country, and was issued a Smith& Wesson model 19,4"bbl,
.357 caliber, 158 grain ammo.
Shoulder holster rig keeps the weight off the belt,makes climbing easier.
I found this comfortable.

Makes a lot of sense, and I love my M-66-3 four-inch. But this guy specifically wants a small, light .38, & he is walking, carrying a heavy load, and wants minimum weight.

I think Lobster Picnic is giving you some good advice, particularly with the LCRx in 38.

If you want to option of placing a shot with the utmost accuracy look at conventional double action revolvers. Quite a few of the small revolvers with 2 inch barrels are double action only which is great for up close self defense in a city. But if you need to take a shot a longer ranges being able to cock the hammer before pulling the trigger helps a lot. Guns with a 3 inch barrel are usually not DAO but be sure to check. The LCRx and S&W 60 both give you the option of single action shooting.

If it was me I would look at single stack 9mms too.

60-10... 3" J-frame .357.......... micro 686

You should consider a M337-1 AirLite TI. Aluminum frame, Titanium cylinder, 13 oz. unloaded. Product code 103055, adjustable sights, 3 1/8 inch barrel, made in the late '90's early 2000's, 5-shot .38 Spl, +P rated. Would carry like a feather, and hit like a hammer.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

My 3" 31-1 was reamed from 32 Long to take 32 H&R Magnum. Buffalo Bore offers a +P load that puts a 100g JHP bullet out the 3" barrel at over 1200fps, for about 330 ft lbs of energy. This is beyond the power of a 158g 38 Special +P, in a small, 6 shot, dead nuts reliable package. Buffalo Bore has advised that this +P load is safe for unlimited use in the reamed chambers.

As far as accuracy is concerned, if you haven't tried a green Crimson Trace laser grip in daylight you're in for a real experience. That green dot is visible, even in bright sunlight, beyond any distance you'd take a shot with a handgun. And of course you can adjust it to match precisely the ammunition you're carrying.

If protection from bears or mountain lions is a real need, I'm with others who suggest something a bit bigger might be in order. Although I understand not wanting to haul 3 pounds of gun around the wilderness all the time. (Don't forget that 6 rounds plus reloads, all with 200+g bullets, start to add up.) FWIW, Buffalo Bore does offer another +P load in 32 H&R, with a 130g hard cast lead bullet designed expressly for deep penetration. I've never shot that load, but its specs look like it would have about the same energy as the 100g load.

I have spent over 35+ years hiking, backpacking, exploring etc. in what is probably a lot of bear and mountain lion country and other than a few orientation shots by 'babes in the woods' and TWO draw downs on dogs (both called back by the owners) I have never had to use my gun for defense. It bothers me how many reference the need for 'bear and mountain lion' defense when these creatures are more afraid of humans than WE should be of them . If fear of these animals is an issue then maybe it's best those afraid of them stay out of the woods because they are not not the most dangerous things out there.

You hint that you want a big bore revolver but 18oz. kinda rules that out.

As mentioned, the Night Guards come in big bore varieties & are pretty lightweight & their Ti cylinder "relatives" are even lighter.

.

Night Guards: 325-329-357-396 (below, L->R)

- all are 2-1/2" bbls except the 325NG which is 2-3/4"

- the 396NG is the lightest (24oz.) & the 357NG the heaviest (30oz.)

.



.

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Waiting for the break of day

Thanks for all of the responses. The M337 Airlite looks like the idea option; the challenge will be to find one since they are out of production. Also the Ruger LCRx 3" .38 Special +P interesting, but I've always been a S&W guy and don't have experience with that composite revolver. Probably a Model 60 3" would fit the bill, probably loaded with .38Sp +P . It is a little heavier than I'd like but I like the durability. Plus I have a Model 63 in .22lr and it is about the same size so I'm familiar with the frame. I'll also take a look at some other suggestions. Thanks again.

There were a couple of comments about back country hiking. We have coyotes who won't attack humans, but will lure dogs away to be attacked by several coyotes. In this area there are no grizzlies but the black bear males are around 250 pounds and the females about 150. The mountain lions are about 150 pounds for males and 90 pound females. While they are rare, they are around. In fact a woman running in a marathon in a national park here was recently mauled by a female black bear when she unwisely but unknowingly got between the female and her cubs; I know, why did the park service allow a marathon in bear country? Anyway I've both hiked and been on horseback in precisely the place she was attacked. I'm a zoologist and am acutely aware of both mountain lion and bear behavior, including the fact that they usually shy away from humans, but in the back country things can happen. Even some of the places where you leave your vehicle can attract some unsavory types. I guess we all have our opinions on whether .38 special, .357 mag or .44 mag is needed. But it is better to be prepared for even unlikely events than leave that handgun in the truck.

Texas Star thanks for all of the suggestions. To answer your questions I use a water bladder from REI in a backpack with a drinking tube and always pre-hydrate. At 2 pounds a liter, I usually bring about a liter per 1 1/2 hours of planned hiking at altitude. The good news is it gets lighter as you go along. I'm not crazy about using filters for stream water because I used one and still got Giardia. And believe me, you don't want Giardia.

Was short on time yesterday ......................

This has been my "Kit Gun" for the past 10-12 years in Penn's Woods.......loaded with +P.38 HP.......

at least a speed strip for one reload......

Note: an MIM "Ammo Wallet" will hold 12 extra rounds...... 5 .357s.... 5 .38s and 2 shot shells

I was going to recommend the exact same gun. I have one that goes along with me when I'm hunting and hiking and in a shoulder rig you forget it's there.


BTW, Kernel, is that your gun in the picture? If it is, can you tell me how tall that front sight is - mine has a black blade and I'd like to replace it with one like yours.

I'll also toss my hat into the ring and recommend the Model 60 in 3".

Mine is a 60-15 carried IWB in a Milt Sparks VMII; everything you need and nothing you don't.......

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I agree with this statement, but only to a point.
Yes, needing your gun for defensive purposes in the wilderness is unlikely.
But when you're in the middle of nowhere, you're on your own. Better to be prepared, right?

I have also found a .44 revolver helps me sleep better in the great outdoors But maybe that's just me.

ETA: OP...a model 66 might be worth checking out. Yes, they might weigh a bit more than you would like, but they can take 158-gr .357 ammunition and that should do the trick in most situations, I would think.

I was not aware of the 3" Model 337. I think this would be the perfect .38 Special for the backpacker, except for the expense of finding one and the subsequent decision whether to expose such a rare bird to the rigors of the trail. I had a similar dilemma when searching for a stainless .22 Magnum kit gun. The S&W 650 and 651 were rare and expensive. I found an Interarms 515 for $275 that fits my needs perfectly.

There's also the 360SC with a 3" barrel that's just like the 337 except it's .357 Mag.

Really TexaStar? Study the anatomy of a bear or a mountain lion? If one is running after you, you don't have time or the ability to place your shot. I read it very well, that's why I recommended a light big bore. As far as big bore ammo, I carry Blazer Gold Dots with aluminum cases. Five in the gun and ten in 2 speed strips or two speed loaders. Not a heavy carry. To tell someone to go in to bear or mountain lion country with a small bore is insane.

I know people who've spent over 35+ years living in the city and never had to shoot an attacker. But, they still carry.

I've also had, for years, mountain lion sign on my (rural) property, up to my back steps. They have killed and injured neighbors dogs and one neighbor has shot at and missed.
We're not afraid of them. We are prepared for them.

I'm curios why you mention "fear" so much.
Do you carry a firearm in the the wilderness?
Do you carry one in town?
Do you keep one handy in your home?

I think the scandium/titanium revolvers are tailor made for hiking, assuming you shoot them with effect.

If you are looking for a lightweight 3" revolver chambered in 38 Special +P, I'll echo several posters above and recommend the Ruger LCRx 3".

I know this is a S&W forum, but they quit making a lightweight 3" revolver around 2000. The Ruger is currently available in stores. It doesn't have the aesthetic lines of a S&W, but it can be had for under $500.

I bought mine to fill the same requirements as the OP... I wanted a lightweight "kit" gun for backpacking.

Lightweight (15.7 oz); 3" barrel gives a longer sight radius and increased velocity over a snubbie; good adjustable sights allow you to accurately aim the gun and adjust them to a variety of loads; and 38+P is powerful enough to protect the OP against the threats in his woods and can take small game if needed.

Maybe S&W will bring back their 337 someday, however until then Ruger is the only one making a gun to these specs.

On Edit: Ruger has a lightweight leather Mitch Rosen belt holster for this revolver. Recommended...

Edmo

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TRUTH: Don't delete my posts!

That really looks like a fine revolver. I'm looking for one on line but they seem to be somewhat rare. Thanks for posting.

I would decide what caliber is required first, then decide what gun is needed. You say you have black bear, mountain lion, coyotes, etc. I would go for larger caliber, 357mag+.

I go for 7 miles hikes with my beagle and GShepherd in Forbes State Park which has many black bears, along with mountain lion, coyote, etc, even though they claim lions aren't here. I still take a 44mag over a 357mag. Weight is important to me too, that is why I went with this S&W. It would be perfect if the barrel wasn't full lug and the cylinder was fluted, as that adds weight, but it is still nice with the 3" barrel.

You can easily make a pound or so 'disappear' with the correct holster too. Don't skimp out on leather. My Bill Jordan design holster is great for hiking.

It's just a picture I gypped off the internet. I don't have a M337.

If I had one with a Hi-Vis sight I'd trade you. I'd rather have a black ramp.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I've carried a concealed handgun for many years. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need one.

I have a fire extinguisher in my truck. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need one.

Have homeowners insurance on my house. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need it.

Have a first aid kit in my hunting and camping gear. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need it.

The reason to chose a gun suitable for the task at hand is not for what HAS happened, but for what MAY happen. Just as it is better to have a gun and not need it as opposed to needing a gun and not having it, it is also better to err on choice of caliber towards more than you need than less than you may need.

If I'm carrying a centerfire rifle in the woods, I generally carry less handgun. If I'm carrying a rimfire in the woods, I generally carry more handgun. I have the luxury of being able to chose from several different handguns. If I had to chose one and only one handgun to do everything, it would probably be at least a .357 Mag since it is the most flexible cartridge for almost all purposes. Size of the frame and barrel length would then become the next choice, dictated by use (concealed carry, target use, plinking, hunting, exposed holster on belt, etc.)

BTW, I have been in very close proximity to bears and coyotes while hunting and hiking. Twice with bears, one time covering one with a handgun at only a few paces. The bear decided to leave. Coyotes several times while hunting them. Turkey hunters here have called in cougars. Hikers were stalked by a cougar on the Ramona Falls trail. A friend calling coyotes used a fawn in distress call and wound up with a very angry cow elk almost in his lap. So while incidents like this may not be common, they certainly are not rare.

I recently purchased a 60-15 for the same purpose. Very happy with it so far.

I use my 60-15 with a 3" barrel for all of my hiking & dog training.

Hello, I say a 629-4,3" until I recently got a new CA 44 bulldog, 44 spl 2&3/4" SS, @ 20oz. A tad bigger than a J frame. I wish SW made something similar
SEMPER PARATUS

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CPO

3" barrel at 18 oz or less...Maybe a Model 37 3". Won't help you with a bear though...unless your plan is to off yourself before the bear can do it.

Incidentally, I've shot plenty of +P out of older Airweight J frames...no problems.

Finally some one mentions the old model 37! With most people wanting a snubby these can often be found pretty reasonably

Finally someone mentions the 37! As most j frame people look for snubs these can often be found at a reasonable price

I used to have a 37, a fine gun, but the lack of adjustable sights just didn't work for me as a woods gun.

Here you go, Alaskan Backpacker, super light 44mag fun! Keep in mind the 44mags are stiff coming out of this light frame!

I carry the 396 (on the right) in the woods and hunting all the time. Don't even know it's there. And I keep a few .44 shotshells in my pocket for snakes, etc. It is by far my favorite for that purpose.

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GO NAVY!

I agree the animals mentioned would run if they saw us and it would be cool to see them. We hiked the Smokey Mtns this year around Gatlinburg every day we were on vacation. We wanted to see a real bear, not the ones in a zoo. We watched one in a tree eating cherries in Cade's Cove, there was a crowd there. When the bear came down, it ran into the woods. We hiked a few trails that no one was on (quiet trails) for abt a mile one way, then back to the car. The trails were open enough that the animals would have been at a distance. In a few spots I was afraid of being face to face with one. I hiked with a 386 mountain lite with a 3 1/8" barrel. The first shot would have been in the ground, had 6 more if needed. Larry

After reviewing your recommendations, I tried to find a Model 337 Airlite (out of production), but was unable to find an acceptable one. I also checked the local gun stores and was unable to get my hands on the new Ruger LCRx 3" to try. So even though it weighs 9 ounces more than those two, I went with a Model 60 Pro 3" barrel.

I took it on a long hike, and at 24 ounces it is more noticeable than the 7 ounce Keltec P-32 I used to carry, but after a while you get used to it. I'm looking for a good OWB open carry holster with a thumb break and possibly covered trigger guard, if anybody knows of a good one.

At the range (actually an arroyo out on BLM land) the Model 60 3" is surprisingly accurate. Shooting .38 Specials was a breeze. Then .38 Spl +p had slightly more kick but very manageable. But shooting .357 magnums on a chilly day, no gloves, was downright uncomfortable, especially with these factory wooden grips. Don't get me wrong, the wood grips looks nice, but don't do much to soften the jolt. For now I'm going to hike loaded with .38 Spl +Ps while the bears are still hibernating, but I'm thinking about changing the grips. I'm considering the S&W synthetic J-Frame grips that they put on some of their J-frames at the factory, and also the Hogue and Pachmyr, so if you have any recommendations, please fire away.

Thanks again.

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This 3" Model 37 no dash 38 special weighs about 15 oz.

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For balance between comfort and reasonable size, it's pretty hard to beat the Pachmayr Compac grips. Room for all your fingers but nothing more, and decent padding. (But 357 Magnums still won't be any fun.) Unlike the Hogue's I've tried, they're held on with a single screw. Downside is that they're fairly heavy for not so large grips.

For pure padding, the larger Pachmayr Decelerators are the cushiest grips I've ever used on a J frame. But they're BIG.