CCW Revolver for Hiking

[Murse07]

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!

 

[IAhunter]

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.

 

[bigwheelzip]

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?

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.

 

[ColbyBruce]

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.

 

[JK-linux]

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.

 

[K Frame Keith]

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.

 

[Peak53]

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.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

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.

 

[Murse07]

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.

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.

 

[Murse07]

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.

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...

 

[kthom]

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!!

 

[petepeterson]

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.

 

[dwever]

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.

 

[ColbyBruce]

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.

 

[crazyphil]

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!

 

[Jaymo]

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.

 

[Backlighting]

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

 

[AveragEd]

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

 

[dwever]

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 rairly reliable.

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.

 

[Bill In Texas]

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!