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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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Old 05-15-2020, 04:41 PM
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What do you carry when camping? I have begun thinking that a short barreled .357 may not be any more than a hotly loaded .38 Special, maybe a little more. I have several calibers to pick from, but for most of my camping needs I think I will opt for my 6" 586 carried in a Guide's Choice chest holster. Biggest threat I may run into in Missouri/Kansas would probably be wild dogs. I do get to Colorado, but think I would still take the 586 with a 180 gr. hard cast load from Buffalo Bore or Double Tap.
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Old 05-15-2020, 04:48 PM
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S&W Mountain gun fits the bill for me.

44 Special will handle most dog & human problems.

44 Mag can be loaded with hard-cast SWC to deal with bigger threats.

44 Shot shells for the no-legged vermin.

And the Mountain gun series are round butt and have a tapered barrel profile to help reduce weight.

You could do almost the same with a good 357. Barrel length from 2.5-4" will pack nicely.
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Old 05-15-2020, 04:52 PM
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Over the years I’ve tried Pythons, Smith M29’s and 19’s but long ago settled on a Colt 1911 with hard cast H&G #68 200 gr SWC at about 1000 fps.

The 1911 is plenty for anything here in Colorado, is much more pleasant to carry than a magnum revolver and is much, much quicker.
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Old 05-15-2020, 04:52 PM
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...we used to tent camp all over the western half of the country...

...with a 12 gauge pistol grip shotgun loaded with 00 buck...and a 1911 in the tent with us...
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:15 PM
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S&W Mountain gun fits the bill for me.

44 Special will handle most dog & human problems.

44 Mag can be loaded with hard-cast SWC to deal with bigger threats.

44 Shot shells for the no-legged vermin.

And the Mountain gun series are round butt and have a tapered barrel profile to help reduce weight.

You could do almost the same with a good 357. Barrel length from 2.5-4" will pack nicely.
I had the chance to get the 4" 586 but got the 6" instead and have no regrets. I did buy the 2.5" Model 19 also and don't regret that either. Kinda have the best of both worlds with the 6" and 2.5" Both are very good shooters but the 586 can easily handle some of the "hotter loads". There are better choices, but I wouldn't shy away from taking a deer with the 586.
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:18 PM
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.22Mag. Dump a box of ammo into your pocket and go. It’ll stop all kinds of dogs.
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:18 PM
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Over the years I’ve tried Pythons, Smith M29’s and 19’s but long ago settled on a Colt 1911 with hard cast H&G #68 200 gr SWC at about 1000 fps.

The 1911 is plenty for anything here in Colorado, is much more pleasant to carry than a magnum revolver and is much, much quicker.
A 1911 is quicker than a magnum revolver? Please, explain this to me. Like... in what way?
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:50 PM
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A 625-7 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. What else would anyone want to carry?
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:51 PM
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A 1911 is quicker than a magnum revolver? Please, explain this to me. Like... in what way?
I know of one way...much quicker to lose all of your brass.
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:59 PM
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Camping choice is the same as for woods walks back home, 3" 686+, carried concealed.
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Old 05-15-2020, 06:34 PM
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My camping days are pretty much over but if I was still camping my choice would be my Governor. Anything will pretty much work but I've become a believer in the Governor which I used to condemn as the dumbest revolver S&W ever built. With the range of 410 loads available it will eliminate snakes/rodents/etc. (killed a skunk at about 40 feet with it) and would definitely discourage the dogs you mention. With a few stiff Colt 45 loads included you can stop just about anything in North America if you have to. A big plus is the light weight; at 30 ounces (unloaded) it can be carried all day comfortably. I've tried about everything else and there are many good choices but the Governor has been a real positive surprise.

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Old 05-15-2020, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by THEmodelof1989 View Post
A 1911 is quicker than a magnum revolver? Please, explain this to me. Like... in what way?
Quicker in that it can be presented from the leather and accurately fired in MUCH less time than a magnum revolver with a comparable length barrel.
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Old 05-15-2020, 07:52 PM
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Quicker in that it can be presented from the leather and accurately fired in MUCH less time than a magnum revolver with a comparable length barrel.
Apparently you are not in the company of revolver men very often.

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Old 05-15-2020, 08:01 PM
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My 317 with CCIshot shells in the first two
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Old 05-15-2020, 08:14 PM
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Depends on the camping...tent camping out away from it all I will have a full size revolver of some sort...357 or .41mag

Nowadays my camping is "glam-ping" in our 30' travel trailer. A campground full of aluminum sided RVs filled with people is a real concern.

I usually have a revolver with first couple rounds being a shot cartridge....for snakes and such.

If someone/something were to come into the camper their first "greeting" would be from our German Shepherd....I'll back him up
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Old 05-15-2020, 08:48 PM
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Quicker in that it can be presented from the leather and accurately fired in MUCH less time than a magnum revolver with a comparable length barrel.
Um...no.
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:09 PM
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A 625-7 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. What else would anyone want to carry?
well now theres one more im gonna have to look for. classic time tested calibers cant be beat! rekon they was good nuff for the trail back then they otta still do the job nowadays. in general...
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:12 PM
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A 1911 is quicker than a magnum revolver? Please, explain this to me. Like... in what way?
Being comfortable with both a 1911 and a revolver, I would suggest that against a traditional (6 shot) magnum revolver, a 1911 can be:
1. Emptied faster
2. Carry more rounds; hence, neutralize a threat faster, and
3. Reloaded faster.

In most instances, if I were camping out West (tent or camper), I would prefer either a 41 Magnum, 44 Special/Magnum, or a 45 Long Colt. I would expect that my greatest source of concern would be either poisonous snakes or 2 legged vermin.
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:29 PM
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I’m with Rpg.When I carry it’s a government model with the same loads. The biggest threat around here other than ticks,mosquitos,lightening,hypothermia and avalanches is a protective mama moose in the spring.Dont piss off mama lol

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Old 05-15-2020, 09:29 PM
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Depends on where and when I am camping. Usually a small case of handguns goes along. A big bore revolver and a 22lr are always going to be there. I can always add to the pot with a 22. Set around camp and shot some cans. Set some bread crumbs outside the tent a night while playing cards, then have a hit the crumbs with a big light and blast some field mice.
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:31 PM
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I carry a m-18 or a m-617 .22’s here in Iowa. They’ve taken care of a few feral dogs, and a few sick critters that weren’t afraid of my bird dogs . Sometimes I admit I do like to carry my lite weight m-329 with lite 44 mag reloads . Carry what you shoot and feel most comfortable with confidence !
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:44 PM
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Either my EDC, a 642-1 .38 Special +P or my M&P .45 auto.
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:48 PM
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Honest to goodness, a 460sw.
When Im camping all my buddies want me to bring it for $#!+$ and giggles.
During deer season hunters hate us for the forest clearing thunder.

Everyone else I camp with bring plastic or 1911’s

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Old 05-15-2020, 10:45 PM
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I've backpacked all over the world and the US west coast and Canada. I found great comfort in carrying my S&W 629-4 with a 5" barrel. I started out with my Model 65-1 .357 in my early 20's, however I felt under gunned in a few incidence. lrrifleman makes a lot of sense with his 1911, for car camping. Deep bush I'll carry my 629-4 loaded with Federal 310gr hard cast Hammerheads, for all big critters and UFO's.

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Old 05-15-2020, 10:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lrrifleman View Post
2. Carry more rounds; hence, neutralize a threat faster.
Since when does more rounds guarantee the threat gets neutralized any faster? I'll answer this one for you so my rhetorical questions don't continue to get answered; since never. Extra capacity is no substitute for accuracy.
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Old 05-15-2020, 10:58 PM
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Here in the East the issues are a bit different. Wild dogs, wild hogs, coyotes, venomous snakes, rabid skunks and raccoons, and feral humans are the norm. Black bears and the very rare panther are also occasionally encountered. A Ruger 3" SP101 in .357 with a mix of two rounds of CCI snake shot and three rounds of .357 158 grain JHP's. will handle the fauna issues. The SP101 weighs less than 30 ounces loaded, has enough weight to make shooting .357 manageable, gives decent velocity from a three inch barrel, is extremely durable, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. You won't like losing it if you have a mishap in the woods (it can be replaced), but it won't upset you as much as losing a treasured S&W. You can also easily take down an SP101 without tools should it get a dunking.

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Old 05-15-2020, 11:08 PM
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S&W 60-14 .357 & whichever .22LR is my current favorite is.
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Old 05-15-2020, 11:25 PM
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My favorite camping/hiking gun is my 60-4. Small, light, easy to carry and doesn't get in the way. .38 Special+P will handle pretty much anything I might run into. Honestly, I'm much more concerned about two legged critters than anything Mama Nature wants to send my way.



On the rare occasion I venture where black bear or boar may hang out, I switch to my 696 no dash. .44 Special goodness.
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Old 05-15-2020, 11:48 PM
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You'll notice I'm new to the board, and have a few initial posts on the Victory Model database.

Part of the reason I got the gun is because the Victory Model has a lanyard ring. My camping trips often involve fishing, meaning wading and boats, and the lanyard is insurance against dropping a gun overboard. Plus, it can handle a shot cartridge if need be, and even offers some defensive capability.

It isn't a gun for bears, but at that point you're at the "gun or bear spray?" question. It's worth researching. There are pros and cons to each, and having both is certainly advisable. You're 586 in 357 sounds like a decent choice, so long as it's black bears.

I might also add that a good deal of my non-camping fishing excursions are entirely on dry land where the big threat is being attacked by aluminum cans. For these, I often carry a heritage rough rider in .22lr.

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Old 05-16-2020, 12:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THEmodelof1989 View Post
Since when does more rounds guarantee the threat gets neutralized any faster? I'll answer this one for you so my rhetorical questions don't continue to get answered; since never. Extra capacity is no substitute for accuracy.
As a proficient rifleman, I subscribe to the one-shot, one-kill philosophy. I don't believe in throwing more lead than necessary to neutralize a threat, but I don't discount the potential of multiple threats, especially when considering two-legged vermin.

Personally, I find when engaging multiple threats on a combat range (true, paper targets don't shoot back) I can engage multiple threats faster with a semi-auto than I can a revolver.

Typically, a 357 is usually 6 or 7 rounds (yes, but not everyone has or can afford an R8), while a 41/44/45 is 6 rounds against a 1911 (45) can be 7, 8, or 10 +1.
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Old 05-16-2020, 07:40 AM
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Watch Jerry Miculek sometime if you think revolvers are slow to shoot or reload. Another thing, when I draw a revolver I don't need to waste time disengaging a safety.

If you want an under powered field gun that automatically throws your brass away a 1911 is a good choice.

Really the chances of needing more than 6 rounds in a hurry while camping is highly unlikely. Should be able to seriously disable 3 different threats before empty. 3 Bears, 3 moose, 3 cougars, 3 mad campers? Maybe a buffalo stampede, but then the 1911 is going to go empty to soon too. Just where do you plan on going camping anyway?

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Old 05-16-2020, 08:31 AM
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I based my choice on what has happened to me in the past. During one trip we were sitting around the campfire when Bullwinkle came for a visit. Having a full grown male moose stomp out of the brush right into your camp grabs your attention. Thankfully nobody even twitched, so Mr. Moose stood there, stamped and snorted, and returned into the brush after a short spell. At that point I was wishing I had brought an M2! Those are somewhat imposing animals when only 5 yards separate you.
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Old 05-16-2020, 08:41 AM
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Ya, they are pretty big. I had one wonder into my camp once while I was a little ways away fishing in the creek. As he walked around my tent I just hoped he didn't get tangled up in the ropes. In some areas moose are a bigger concern to me than bears. But, also probably more apt to spook off with noise. One of my brothers spend a couple hous on top of a big rock with a couple moose around it. He didn't think his fly rod would be that much help.
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Old 05-16-2020, 09:06 AM
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Set some bread crumbs outside the tent a night while playing cards, then have a hit the crumbs with a big light and blast some field mice.
We used to call that going on "Rat Patrol". Remember the show?

My EDC is a snubbie. But I bought a 9mm for times when I'm out all alone and a bunch of drunks, druggies, etc might come upon me while I'm out communing with nature. So my camping gun is a 9mm with 17 NATO rounds in the mag and one up the spout. I like stainless because its a camp gun. We ain't got no bears or mooses around here so the 9 should be plenty.
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Old 05-16-2020, 09:08 AM
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An old model 19 most of the time.
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Old 05-16-2020, 09:17 AM
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We used to call that going on "Rat Patrol". Remember the show?

My EDC is a snubbie. But I bought a 9mm for times when I'm out all alone and a bunch of drunks, druggies, etc might come upon me while I'm out communing with nature. So my camping gun is a 9mm with 17 NATO rounds in the mag and one up the spout. I like stainless because its a camp gun. We ain't got no bears or mooses around here so the 9 should be plenty.
If you are camping around East St. Louis I imagine it could get pretty sporty.
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Old 05-16-2020, 09:27 AM
Shark Bait Shark Bait is offline
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For a .357 magnum in would go with my 686 in either 2.5 or 4 inch. But my go to gun for outdoor activities has been the model 69 with a 2.75 inch barrel. With Buffalo Bore heavy. 44 Special or .44 Magnum it packs plenty of punch and it carries well. Another advantage is that is a modern S&W and I wouldn't mind it getting tossed into an evidence room as much as I would my older guns.
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Old 05-16-2020, 09:34 AM
Sixgun100 Sixgun100 is offline
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Default Ruger Single Seven

My camping is on the East Coast. My Camping Gun is a Ruger Single Seven in .327 Federal Magnum with Big Dot Front Sight. I can load it with Federal 100 grain SP or BB 130 HC ammunition.
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Old 05-16-2020, 10:33 AM
mikerjf mikerjf is offline
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<<Maybe a buffalo stampede>>

Having actually been in a buffalo stampede, I would say no to pretty much anything short of a vehicle-mount minigun.
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Old 05-16-2020, 12:27 PM
gerhard1 gerhard1 is offline
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My choice would likely be a 610 or one of my L-frames, probably my 681.

Carried in a Hunter holster, on a military web belt, it is very comfortable.

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Old 05-16-2020, 01:29 PM
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Depending on what type of camping I’m going to do. This will dictate my gun choices . I type this reply from a parking lot campground in SC. So my choice here is my sig365. More often than not it’s my 696 44spl or 3in model 13. I’ve run into black bears plenty of times at home.They are more apt to run than fight. I respect them and give them their space. The same with rattle snakes. But it’s the dirt bag humans or their dogs that are always the problem.

Ps. If grizzly where a concern I’d carry a lever action trapper model 45/70.
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Old 05-16-2020, 01:37 PM
mtgianni mtgianni is offline
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In thick pine and bear country a 44 DW revolver. 22 contender or similar in camp.
In the sage flats 357 and or 22 lr DA revolvers.
River bottom 38 special 4" or 2" first two snake loads.
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Old 05-16-2020, 01:46 PM
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I canoe camp here in the East. I usually tote a .45 SAA with hard cast and snake shot.
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Old 05-16-2020, 02:05 PM
Smithboomer Smithboomer is offline
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My trusty old Charter Arms .44 Bulldog is all I have ever wanted to lug around on a hike.
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Old 05-16-2020, 02:15 PM
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Neversink n Klapperthal Neversink n Klapperthal is offline
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If something bad is coming at him I doubt that a few lost cases will be of great consequence
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Old 05-16-2020, 03:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Neversink n Klapperthal View Post
If something bad is coming at him I doubt that a few lost cases will be of great consequence
It will certainly be “mission accomplished” then.
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  #47  
Old 05-16-2020, 03:55 PM
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My camp rig would be my 1026 with some 200gr Underwood hard cast.... along with an 1895sbl in .45-70gov, 430grn +p hard cast gas check...
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Old 05-16-2020, 05:15 PM
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This almost turned into another BEAR THREAD.
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  #49  
Old 05-17-2020, 03:04 AM
Bill Lear Bill Lear is offline
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Default Camping Gun!

I grew up with revolvers and for years owned and carried many different .44 magnum chambered models out in the woods - or wilderness. In it's day the .44 magnum was top shelf and is still as capable today, but I don't carry one out in the field any more.

My updated field carry is the Springfield Armory MilSpec fitted with a Wilson Combat beavertail and Clark .460 Rowland conversion! Additional mods are a .460 Rowland "Tougher buffer" SS guide rod with flat-wound, dual recoil springs in 20/40# pound rating, plus flat bottom slide stop. I also run Chip McCormick Powermags, and for field carry opt for a 10 round version.

While I hand load for it, factory numbers are most impressive using Underwood ammo. Hard cast 255 grain average 1,300 fps/959 fpe, and 230 gr Nosler average 1,391 fps/988 fpe, which is actually more powerful than factory .44 mag from a 4" or less revolver barrel. Both will easily bring down ANYTHING on the North American continent! [My 6.61" Glock .460 conversion averaged 1,522 fps/ 1,183 fpe with the Underwood 230gr load but I prefer the ergos of the 1911)

With the brake up front, and 1911 ergonomics, felt recoil is amazingly mild with excellent control. The gun can be fired as rapidly as a standard .45 auto - maybe faster due to such low muzzle rise. Ten shots versus six, none of the torquing, palm-slamming recoil of a 4" barrel .44 revolver, and reloads are much quicker.
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Old 05-17-2020, 03:53 AM
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I haven't camped in years. "Roughing it" for me is when the wifi at the resort goes out.

But I'm in the woods a lot, and I carry the same thing I'd carry if I was camping: a Ruger Redhawk, with full-tilt 240 gr. ammo.
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