I need a lightweight "woods gun" and all-purpose gun...

[Triggernosis]

..something that I'll actually carry with me most anywhere.
Something along the lines of the 637 w/ 2.5" barrel in .38 Spec. or Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Spec..
I do not need a .357 Mag. in such a lightweight package as I know from experience that shooting one would be no fun.

I just can't seem to make up my mind..... Any suggestions for options?

 

[Larry from Bend]

The gun that answers that "actually carry almost anywhere" call for me is a Model 38-2 that I've had for many years. Its shrouded hammer makes it great for pocket carry yet preserves the ability to shoot at small targets in single action mode, if I so desire - and I do. I carry it with 135 grain +P Gold Dots, which impact very close to point of aim. It's an Airweight model, which weighs around 15 oz unloaded. It has a 2" barrel (maybe 1 7/8").

 

[Dale53]

I have done serious amounts of back packing in rough country. However, for me, that often meant it was desirable to take small game for the pot (rabbits and grouse as a for instance). That requires a good set of sights and because there is a certain amount of precision needed, I have ALWAYS opted for adjustable sights and a barrel long enough for a decent sight radius. I have demonstrated to my self, many times, that I can shoot smaller groups with longer barrels.

The shortest barrel that I have been able to effectively use in the scenario I have suggested is my Model 60 Chief's Special Target (3" underlugged barrel with target sights in .38 Special). Frankly, when I got it I was surprised at how well it held and how well I could shoot it. While it certainly was not optimum for small game hunting, it worked pretty dern well. It is steel but is NOT a burden in any way, shape or, form:

It also represents a decent self defense caliber and revolver.

Generally, I find myself carrying much larger revolvers in the field (Model 624 in either 4" or 6.5" in .44 Special or a 4" 686 .357 magnum). I don't find a "duty weight" revolver to be a particular burden, even when back packing.

Now, if you need a lightweight revolver for strictly self defense, then an S&W 642 will do for short range. However, the Body Guard design might be better for your uses. That becomes a personal choice.

YMMV
Dale53

 

[Frailer]

...Model 60 Chief's Special Target (3" underlugged barrel with target sights in .38 Special)...

This deserves a big +1.

 

[Triggernosis]

I'm liking y'all's recommendation. I've got a WTB post in the classifieds here.
If you know where I might find one, please drop me a line.

 

[tennexplorer]

I'd suggest a Model 15 with the tapered barrel. There are a fair amount coming in as law enforcement/security company turn-ins. They have adjustable sights, four inch barrel and are not that much heavier than an underlugged J Frame. Also you have one more round. The turn-ins are not that expensive. Most have been carried a lot and not shot much. Finish may not be that great but if you're in the woods, who cares. Can also be round-butted if you like that. Be careful of serial number though.

 

[Triggernosis]

4" barrels just get to be too much for me. I know it's only 1" more than the 3", but they're K-frame and just seem to hog too much space on my hip.

 

[Birddog2]

Op stated a need for a lightweight "Woods Gun" and an "all purpose " gun.
"Ltwgt "woods Gun" = 325 NG
"all purpose "gun = 442 or 642

 

[Blaze]

I carried a Model 34 4" Kitgun for many years (38 yrs) while woods walking. It worked out fine. However, in more recent times I find myself carrying my Model 60-4 3" adj sights 38Spl as my go to gun. Accurate, two onces lighter than the .22 Kitgun (walnut Jay Scott grips), much more power. A very very good companion.

 

[bronco45]

I would go with the Model 60 3" 38 or 357 and carry it in a crossdraw rig to keep it out of the way of a backpack frame. If you're not wearing a Backpack then a straight draw rig.

I have a Model 60-4 in 38 with adjustable sights, and I call it my 38 Kit gun. Great woods companion, that morphs to a great CC weapon in an IWB holster.

 

[one eye joe]

I HAVE A 2 1/2" 686-3 IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH A S&W HOLSTER THAT MIGHT WORK FOR YOU. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, E-MAIL ME AT [email protected]

 

[balldboy]

This deserves a big +1.

My first choice!!!
Just added an old school 36 in 3"

 

[feralmerril]

I like this 3" model 36. Its a LOT easier to pack than my 4" M&P. My 2nd choice might be my ruger s six in .32 mag. I am showing the 36 with factory and pachmyers. The rubber ones feel good.

 

[Jimmymac46]

For the light carry, I would agree with most here.........Model 60 3inch. Heavy enough for control, adjustable sights for ammo variety, light enough to carry all day, stainless steel for out of doors ease of care, and accurate enough for most uses. It IS the perfect 'Kit' gun in my view.

As for the 'all purpose'.........A 'K' or 'L' framed 357 with 4 inch barrel. Lots of choices here: Model 19,66,586,686 and probably others I have overlooked. All carry well in a modest holster and work well standing, walking or seated. In my opinion, an all purpose needs adjustable sights with the expectation of using a variety of ammo.

 

[PattonTime]

Model 60 Three inch

I can't believe how many of you are smart enough to agree with me !!!
Just kidding, but I have the same Model 60 as shown and a nice Desantis holster that I bought direct from Smith because I am a sucker for logoed products , in guns and accessories that is , I couldn't give a hoot whose name is on my clothes.

Good Luck to all who walk the Woods !

Chris "Pattontime"
P.S. I imagine it is nearly sacrilege to say it here, but my new to me Diamondback would not be too shabby for this purpose either.

 

[Harryo]

I stumbled into a 386PD. This is a great woods gun. Weighs in around 17oz and has 7 rounds of 357mag. Should be good against smaller 4 legged critters and personal defense as well. Doesn't kick as bad as expected either. If it didn't have the lock it would be near perfect.

 

[Krull]

I don't see bears and even big kitties as a problem,wild dogs or strays...geeze in twenty years in WV I've had two run-ins with them,this more then anything convinced me to always have a handgun with me when I walk out the door since I live in the back country.

Honestly I feel great with a good .45 auto loaded with some JHP ammo,let me be clear on one thing I mean the older kind of JHP that has a rep for not expanding and punching holes in things...tried FMJ-it sucks.

Basically find a JHP that over penetrates so much it makes a self defense instructor wet themselves and go with that for woods use in a .45 i.e. Hydrashocks and the like.

As for "all around use" haven't found one,getting a NAA Mini Master to go with the .45 so I can,with a good large knife,have an all around combo for the woods.

Of course if for whatever reason you want a real cannon for woods carry get a good .44 Mag like my 629 back that up with a mini .22 mag and you can do anything in the woods.

 

[noah228]

I agree that the Model 60 with a 3 inch bbl. and adjustable sights is a great woods/all purpose gun. I have a variation of that model, the 60-18, which has a 5 inch bbl. While it is obviously longer, its still compact enough for easy carry and fairly light at about 28+ oz. and I carry it cross draw. Very accurate with that long sight radius with adj. sights and handles recoil very well. Handles any 38+P and up to mid-range 357 loads with ease. 38 special 148 wad cutters are very accurate and ideal for small game. Some think the 5 inch bbl. on the J frame looks goofy but I added Pachmayr Deaccelerator grips and I think they balanced the look of the long bbl. J frame. My 60-18 is my "kit gun" of choice for woods roaming.

 

[PeterCartwright]

Now people, there's something unseemly about the way you're all flaunting ownership of those perfect 60-4s. You've already bragged about how well they shoot. Pretty soon, you'll be reminding us all that they were only made one year. Then, you'll be telling us how you stumbled into ownership for far less $ than they're worth. It's all in rather bad taste.

I, on the other hand, purchased mine for the noblest of reasons (for my wife). Never mind that she doesn't care a fig about guns, it was the thought that counted. And if I found a like new in the box 60-4 with its original box and cleaning rod for $300 less than ten years ago, well, that's just the way it is. And while I also think it represents about the perfect kit gun for town or field, I would never go on and on about it the way you folks have.

I'm just say'n. (smug grin)

PC

 

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, PC.