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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 11-05-2017, 10:48 AM
Sixgun100 Sixgun100 is offline
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Default Field Carry Revolver Advice

I am in the process of buying some property in the N.E. I would like a new revolver to carry while out on the property. I would like it to be:
1. Light weight
2. Minimum of .38 Special +P
3. Three inch barrel
4. Adjustable sights to accommodate my aging eyes
5. Easily obtained
So, I know of the various three inch J Frames that meet my criteria, and the three inch Ruger LCRx, but what else is out that is not some special edition revolver that would be hard to find? Thank you for your thoughts!
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Old 11-05-2017, 10:59 AM
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My OD gun... 3" M66-2 doubled as my trail gun on foot & horseback. They are hard to find these days.
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Old 11-05-2017, 11:07 AM
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Reading your criteria I was actually going to suggest the LCR. Seems to have all of the features that you are looking for and finding one shouldn't be difficult or break the bank.

I'm not at all familiar with the northeast but where I live I actually prefer something in 357 or larger caliber with a four inch barrel due to the slim chance it might have to be used against a black bear or a mountain lion. The animals don't really concern me much though as they tend to avoid people for the most part. It's the two legged vermin that might be encountered miles from anything that concern me more.
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Old 11-05-2017, 11:07 AM
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Why look any further than a 60-15, standard version or Pro?

This would seem to check all of your boxes and is easily carried either IWB or OWB.
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Old 11-05-2017, 11:09 AM
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Your number one criteria pretty much eliminates anything other than J-frames (even the Model 60 3" seems to contradict that one) so I'm at a loss to offer much help.
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Old 11-05-2017, 11:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetalMan View Post
Why look any further than a 60-15, standard version or Pro?
That's what I'd be looking for, if I didn't want to go to the trouble to find a 60-4 or 60-10.
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Old 11-05-2017, 12:27 PM
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I second the four inch barrel.
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Old 11-05-2017, 12:46 PM
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I'm going to imagine that property in the NE will have large 4 legged predators such as bear, mountain lions, and probably some other kinds western PA doesn't have.

For that reason, the smallest caliber I would carry is 357mag, preferably 44mag. My mountain/hiking gun is the 3" 629, but I feel comfortable with 357mag on occasion.

I don't really understand the "weight" issue to some folks or the barrel lengths. Now for conceal carry, that stuff makes sense, but for outdoors/property carry that can use a good OWB holster it shouldn't matter.

I'm only 5'8" and won't even say what my weight is because it's slightly embarrassing, but I have been that way since HS. The weight on the 629 snubby doesn't bother me at all OWB, and I even toted 8" Anaconda before. The proper gear makes a difference.

My suggestion would be to decide what the biggest threat you may encounter is, then decide what "minimal" gun you need to stop that threat.
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Old 11-05-2017, 12:55 PM
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For woods carry I’ll second/third etc the 357 and up advice.

I think a near perfect woods gun is the 329pd. Can be loaded w/ 44 specials or lighter shooting factory loads and it’s manageable, or handle full strength 44 if your up to it. This is a big jump up in gun from what you mention (j frames) but it meets all your criteria, and they are readily available. Many can be found used and minimally shot too
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Old 11-05-2017, 01:29 PM
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Default Firearms for property carry.

Being from Maine and having extensive time in the woods for both hunting and hiking over the last 50 years, you should look at what you will be doing. If it is just around the house in a 2 or 3 acre area and not going hiking etc. in the deep woods than you listed some acceptable guns. BUT if you plan at anytime to go into the woods, the minimum revolver should be a 357mag with a 4” bbl. I carried a S&W mod 19 with hunting loads or a 41 mag single action Ruger. I have run across a black bear that was killing dairy cattle and did not pursue. Fortunately the bear did not come after me. There are some VERY dangerous animals out their. Better to have a gun that can handle ALL the situations than one that MAY handle SOME. Enjoy the NE.
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Old 11-05-2017, 01:54 PM
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Default Thank you

Thank you for all the responses. The property is in Vermont. It will mostly be around the 3 acres at the house. I have numerous .357 magnum handguns and a Model 58 .41 Magnum, so I can go larger. Like both the 3 inch Model 60 and the LCRx. Thanks again!

Last edited by Sixgun100; 11-08-2017 at 09:52 AM.
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Old 11-05-2017, 02:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 686-380 View Post
I second the four inch barrel.
Agree, for a field gun that concealment is not a factor the four inch just makes sense. Opens up a lot more options to.
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Old 11-05-2017, 02:09 PM
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If your definition of N.E. is Maine? My son owned 20 acres up there and never visited it without
his .44 along, there are bears and plenty of moose up there. Both can be dangerous if you get
between them and their young.
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Old 11-05-2017, 02:28 PM
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Groo here
How about a 325 thunder ranch.
Light weight, 4in, 6 shot ,45acp /ar AND 45 super.
Plus ,for SD moon clips.
Second, M-69 2 3/4in 5 shot 44 mag...

Last edited by Groo01; 11-12-2017 at 12:58 AM.
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Old 11-05-2017, 02:29 PM
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I would go with a 357 for your needs. I know you are looking for a special model, but the Model 60 with a 3 inch barrel would be my choice. I would swap out the front sight blade with Hi Viz sight and let that dog hunt!
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Old 11-05-2017, 02:41 PM
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You already have a .41 Magnum, which will do almost anything you could need. Invest in good carry gear for it. Belts make a huge difference - my latest two are from Mean Gene and are excellent. My favorite holster for my N frames is the Kramer "MSP Paddle", which works well and is amazingly concealable. I've considered the DD Chest rig, but don't really need it enough to justify the money. I'll admit that there is nothing about any J frame that would make it appealing to me as a woods gun; they are just barely adequate as a BUG.
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Old 11-05-2017, 02:46 PM
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I have 23 acres, my Les Baer UTC 45 auto, has been my most used. The last year , has been my s&w 57, 6". The Baer, is carried in a IWB Ritchie leather holster, and the 57 is carried in a Ritchie, field shoulder holster. The shoulder rig is nice because I can throw it on, and everything is included. A jacket, or coat, and everything, Is protected. Coyotes, are my biggest problem, the 45, has been used on , coyote, deer, Fox, raccoons, and one black bear. All with complete satisfaction
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Old 11-05-2017, 03:16 PM
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I know it's not following your criteria but a lot could be said for a four inch M-66.
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Old 11-05-2017, 05:08 PM
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Look into the 3-inch M&P M360 and the the 3-inch M337. Adjustable sight Air Weights - scandium frames and titanium cylinders (M337) and blackened stainless (M360) .

Both are out of production, but the M337 was made in fairly large numbers over a number of years. There were a couple of 3-inch M337 in the classifieds here within the last month.

The earliest M337's were made without the lock.

A couple of links....
ARCHIVE: Model M&P360 | Smith & Wesson
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Old 11-05-2017, 05:25 PM
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I've spent close to 50 years hiking, camping and hunting Maine, Vermont and NH...there really isn't much out there that is looking to "get" you.

Black bear, bobcats, coyote and the few cougars we have do everything possible to avoid human contact. A rabid animal is more likely to cause you problems rather than a big one. Moose can be a problem but again it doesn't happen very often.

That said I have never been without a gun in or out of the woods. One of my favorites is the S&W 60-10 3" .357. It can be had today as the 60-15. I use it while fishing, canoeing, backpacking or mountain hiking...lightweight, compact and very accurate...

Bob
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Old 11-05-2017, 05:35 PM
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I was making the same decision a short while back. After a good bit of research ,I went with a 60-15.

Very happy with it . Fits your criteria and carries very well. I feel well armed with it in western Pa.
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Old 11-05-2017, 05:45 PM
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A 60-15 might work. My Pro Series is light enough to carry everyday and has adjustable sights. I just don't know how .357's out of a 3" barrel would work for the big critters you might run into.
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Old 11-05-2017, 05:55 PM
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For hiking/hunting I prefer a 6” M 19/66. That extra two inches of barrel gets me better sighting and doesn’t weigh that much. Maybe a few more FPS too.
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Old 11-05-2017, 05:58 PM
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Default Property Carry

Answer this question, if you will: Which caliber will make you feel completely safe should you run into any unfriendlies (man or beast)?

My probably answer would be the 629-6 in .44 mag with the 3" barrel. Since you carried a service weapon, you know that in 10 minutes you'll be used to this N-frame asap. Either carrying .44 mags or .44 spl, you'll never want for anything.

Enjoy the freedom of your own land!

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Old 11-05-2017, 09:19 PM
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S&W 640 pro. A bit short on barrel but ability to use 357 mag. Ability to get night sites.

Ruger SP101 3”. Again gives option for 357 but has fixed sites

Kimber K6s in 3” barrel and gives a 6th round of 357 mag. Has adjustable sites and even night sites are available!

New model S&W 66 in 2.75”.
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Old 11-05-2017, 10:43 PM
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My woods walking gun most likely doesn't meet all of your criteria but I would like to share my thoughts on this. I most often carry a Ruger SS old model Vaquero "Sheriff" in .357 Mag. Has a 3.75" barrel and can handle the heaviest of loads. My reasoning and choice is very simple on this, SS, 357 Mag, short barrel, no sights to knock loose, no safety's, handles heavy loads and just a plain nice revolver to carry! I have never felt under gunned with this beauty!!
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Old 11-05-2017, 10:58 PM
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I have a small farm in Maine and when I'm working outside, which is practically every day, I carry either a 4" Ruger GP100 Match Champion .357 or a custom 3" .41mag 28-2. They're both plenty accurate and pack plenty of punch and with good gear they're easy and comfortable to carry. Weight isn't much of an issue with belt carry plus I often wear suspenders when I'm working because of all the kneeling and bending, etc.. They help to keep things in place and support the weight of the gun, knife, tools, and so on. Sometimes, when a handgun on my belt is going get in the way, I'll take a rifle out with me and keep it on the tractor or someplace close at hand.

I agree with Doug M. - the OP already has appropriate guns for the job - just needs to gear up for the task.

[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Hi0pfYR-bi-QH1UMB5m2G2zEGFf1YagRLTEpw_LNKE1YqR4to-CBas1wA2-Hr0LKb4qy93n4RImlXSejvww0OhJEEOmQLcwMbT40s043P6vAIkDS_IR_Rxsob72dPbmBPT_0XjvarLX6YJ_RVoMtzEgQ0e7yJ2o_xoVoZ6eHfcn1qM5hfEqlaBq6pUfWyacZO5U-mF7lRvH4I4M8-BsCkHoaZNuc7sPu_I5f1UQgayNCYQSJu2kCugmV4mp3ZB3s1Ti7K1Z2cqkaHEg7pCcDGPuXEgsVJ9_71hTAPVOeWeXpwY1**j6YLy6MBtb2mHoOM6p0tQSyao3BEf4FktLa-weUtgL858_BnE_3HMzKABaqtcpTFVYZ44vLyla3rpQyttPZq3UIyRr1gHQL6dFbUHVmOz2XyEVkO2d1fq6kwlbISJUY7fyXt7MkUYAMRLr_6aZl2ueZz_wVnsaZr7S2TROYwb0u7FKIzGhtwPtDyWzqoRyKivHm0bsxUXHoUP_Z81Vb6e051J55TEiqBkNbR3k9hopsbMa5HZ9R_dvrkMLaN8ZWJd6cpZbaXcyNG9fVYCsDAwviItlRv5p-y1gtrW75gYZCzGj-MUANZ85AbyM=w1279-h650-no[/IMG]
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Old 11-05-2017, 11:28 PM
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SW mod 686+. 4” barrel. 7 rounds of 357/38 spc. My fav revolver.
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Old 11-06-2017, 12:55 AM
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This guy is sweet,, and at least in my area all the well stocked gunstores have them.
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Old 11-06-2017, 07:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixgun100 View Post
I am in the process of buying some property in the N.E. I would like a new revolver to carry while out on the property. I would like it to be:
1. Light weight
2. Minimum of .38 Special +P
3. Three inch barrel
4. Adjustable sights to accommodate my aging eyes
5. Easily obtained
So, I know of the various three inch J Frames that meet my criteria, and the three inch Ruger LCRx, but what else is out that is not some special edition revolver that would be hard to find? Thank you for your thoughts!
Friend,
By being so rigid in your specifications, you've boxed yourself in a pretty tight corner, and excluded many good or superior choices. Just an observation. Not much fits your criteria. (Speaking as a an experienced field biologist, I'd not worry about big cats in the NE; black bears are rarely are worry, either, and then best handled by a .41 magnum and up.)

1. Why exclude a longer barrel - give up a better sight radius for aging eyes when making a quick shot?
2. Have you considered a M14 (my pick), M15, or M19? Or even a model 10? Or what are essentially their stainless steel counter parts? Or look at some Ruger single actios?
3. Sling your handgun on the waist strap of a daypack, and let your shoulders take the weight. Then size and weight will count for less.
4. Shoulder a lightweight, inexpensive but dependable shotgun like a Mossberg Maverick occasionally and irregularly. If two-legged critters are watching you, keep them guessing. That's a good day to pocket a j-frame as well.

Good luck, and enjoy your days afield.
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Old 11-06-2017, 08:58 AM
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You might consider the 69 with a 2.75 inch barrel or a Governor. Either would serve your purpose well.
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Old 11-06-2017, 09:23 AM
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Default Thank you

Thank you again everyone for your valuable insights. Seems the S&W Model 60 with the 3 inch barrel is a strong contender. I will also heed the advice, and pull from my current inventory, for now. I currently have a Ruger GP-100 3 inch that will fit the bill nicely, until a new acquisition comes my way! Best wishes.
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Old 11-06-2017, 09:54 AM
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Default 3 ACRES NEAR YOUR HOUSE.

My most common need for a handgun in NH was for a grouse that needed shooting, and an accurate 22lr worked fine & has been the most actually USED handgun in NE & everywhere else I've been. A shotgun is better yet & a variety of ammo (bird shot - slugs) makes it the most versatile. In need of more punch in a handgun? You have them, just load some hard cast boolits in one of your 357's or 41 mag (+++). Enjoy the gun laws (or lack thereof) & all the other goodness of VT, & hope you don't end up toting a snow shovel most.
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Old 11-06-2017, 09:56 AM
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Against something like bear or moose I would not feel well equipped with a .38 Spl., +p or not. Rattlers, 'yotes, even cougars yes, but not bear or moose---or even big hogs.
Stay safe!
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Old 11-06-2017, 10:23 AM
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If you don't mind searching for used guns, Gunbroker etc, I would look for a 396 ti airlite, or 386 PD, Etc, then you have power and lightweight. I just picked up a 296 Ti and like it so much I want a 396 now, and there were no lock ones made, I just missed one on Gunbroker yesterday.
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Old 11-06-2017, 11:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixgun100 View Post
I am in the process of buying some property in the N.E. I would like a new revolver to carry while out on the property. I would like it to be:
1. Light weight
2. Minimum of .38 Special +P
3. Three inch barrel
4. Adjustable sights to accommodate my aging eyes
5. Easily obtained
So, I know of the various three inch J Frames that meet my criteria, and the three inch Ruger LCRx, but what else is out that is not some special edition revolver that would be hard to find? Thank you for your thoughts!
My 3" Bull Barrel M65 loaded with 180 grain Buffalo Bore HEAVY Hard Cast LSWC is what accompanies me when I am in the field. Where I wonder is Black Bear Country and while the .357 may not be the perfect Bear load, for the Black bears in the area it should perform adequately if called upon. The M65 is small and light enough to always be with me and still manageable even with the really powerful BB ammo I carry in it. Out of a 3" tube the BB 180 grain will do over 1350 fps and pack around 800 ft. pounds of energy. That should be fine for Black Bear - and I hope I NEVER have to find out - just being prepared. No adjustable sights but I don't care for them on a carry Revolver. The vintage M65's are still around and available if you look. The M13 is the blued version.

Last edited by chief38; 11-06-2017 at 11:57 AM.
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Old 11-06-2017, 12:06 PM
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I saw a 586 L-Comp under the glass at my LGS a while back. Boy was that a tempting looking package with it's 7-shot capability, 3" barreled L-frame and nice durable finish (edit: the one I saw looked like Melonite). Methinks it would be great for the OP's needs if we're just talking a woods-BUG...but then that's just my biased and relatively inexperienced opinion.

Last edited by 500SNW; 11-06-2017 at 12:12 PM.
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Old 11-06-2017, 01:40 PM
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When out and about in the wilds of Az , I carried my S&W 58 ( 41 magnum) in a shoulder holster rig . The 4" barrel and fixed sights in the shoulder holster rig made a good combo for me and I never felt " under gunned " .
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Old 11-06-2017, 02:17 PM
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I would recommend either of these a 24-3 in 44spl, or the Alaskan Backpacker IV which is a scandium frame 44mag. The backpacker IV is VERY lightweight but keep in mind however, shooting 44mag out of it isn't a lot of fun. But it IS VERY LIGHT! You can carry it all day long with zero issue. The 24-3 is a very nice revolver, one of my favorites, and it looks good too!
Here is the Backpacker:

Here is the 24-3:
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Old 11-07-2017, 11:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vulcan Bob View Post
I know it's not following your criteria but a lot could be said for a four inch M-66.
I live on acreage in PNW bear country. This is what I carry.


By your criteria, I'd go with the model 60 or a 3"-ish 686. Not as light, but life is full of compromise.

Or, I would tearfully abandon the revolvers, and carry a Glock 29. At least it isn't upsetting when it gets scratched.

Last edited by mtnmike; 11-07-2017 at 11:52 AM.
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Old 11-10-2017, 04:48 PM
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There is much to be said for a 10mm Glock as a woods gun. I kept my old duty holster and 3 mag pouch for the 21 in case I ever buy a 20. For the limited set of circumstances in which I would open carry, the duty holster and its security features are valuable.
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Old 11-11-2017, 11:16 AM
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Essentially a centerfire 'kit gun'. The 3" M60 .357 pretty much fills that description.
Woods carry is something I've devoted way too much thought to, and have used it as an invented excuse to procure much hardware over the years.
Everything from a M63 4" to a Brazilian M1937 .45 revolver, which is an early/primitive 'Mountain Gun'.
Many examples work for most applications, short of living in Alaska.
Good luck.
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Old 11-11-2017, 11:41 AM
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For a drag-around-the-woods revolver, I would (as already recommended) go with the more versatile 357, (and in stainless steel).
Going 357 over just 38 is all upside here, with virtually no down sides.
I also concur with the recommendations to consider bumping it up to 4". For an urban self-defense gun, you're largely looking at sub-15 foot distances, at very big "targets", and hopefully never needing to do more than produce the weapon to end a situation. But out in the woods, you're much more likely to use it, and at smaller targets, and more likely to be firing from greater distances, and that extra 1" is significant.
Unless money is no object, rather than a S&W, I would probably hunt down a used Ruger Sp101 (though a 3" is more commonly found than 4").
The SP101 is a fairly petite gun, but built like a tank, and not so "nice" that you'd hate scuffing it up. The GP100's are great, but they're a real boat anchor on the hip.
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Old 11-11-2017, 12:34 PM
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My W. Pa. Allegheny Mts/Laurel Highlands "Kit Gun" is a 3" 66-10...... micro 686...... shot shells to wadcutters to .357s.

It's small and light enough that you never have to leave home without it!

That said...... I'm more often than not I'm carrying a 3" K-frame 65 or 66.....357
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Old 11-11-2017, 12:55 PM
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You've got a model 58, get a chest rig and use that.
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Old 11-11-2017, 01:08 PM
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surprised that the 2 3/4 inch model 69 is being mostly ignored.

Best of all worlds if you reload. The only thing I changed after I got it home was to put a set of night sights on to fill in the evening hours or dark days in the woods.
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Old 11-11-2017, 01:33 PM
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New Model 66 2.75" adjustable sighted 357. Good holster and stout belt and you're good to go.
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Old 11-11-2017, 02:38 PM
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Your needs may be best filled with a 386NG, 327NG, 325NG or my two absolute favorite woods guns the 327 TRR8 or PC627 2 3/4". The TRR8 is light and has all kinds of accessories options while the 627 is concealable under a coat or shirt. Neither man or beast has much of a chance against 8 rounds of hornandy 158gr critical defense!
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Old 11-12-2017, 09:40 AM
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Yeah, I agree with what rickjones said about the 627. I dunno why I didn't recommend the 627 PC in my previous reply to the OP. The 627 PC snub is my personal CC/SD gun at this time. Great choice - especially if fitted with a good set of Pachmayrs and fiber optic sights.

Last edited by 500SNW; 11-12-2017 at 09:42 AM.
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Old 11-12-2017, 12:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixgun100 View Post
Thank you again everyone for your valuable insights. Seems the S&W Model 60 with the 3 inch barrel is a strong contender. I will also heed the advice, and pull from my current inventory, for now. I currently have a Ruger GP-100 3 inch that will fit the bill nicely, until a new acquisition comes my way! Best wishes.
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Heck, that 3" GP100 is perfect for what you want!! Unless your just looking for an excuse to buy another gun I say you find some ammo and gear you like for the GP100 and call it good.
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Last edited by WC145; 11-12-2017 at 12:14 PM.
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