Hunting Season Side Arm?

[NavySCPO]

Even at my advanced age, I still enjoy hunting, well... truth be told I just enjoy being in the woods in the fall and winter.

While in Georgia, there are not that many predators to worry about, I still think it's wise to carry a sidearm along with my rifle. There are times when the 3 rounds in my 7 Mag, and the difficulty of handling a long gun with a scope and no iron sights up close are not practical. Many if not all of my revolvers are much too nice for carry in that environment.

So my question is this, what would be the most reasonably priced 38/357 'K' frame revolver for woods sidearm carry? What comes to mind in a 6 shot, 4 to 6" blue or stainless model that I could pick up for around $300-350? Given my somewhat meager experience with revolvers I've shot and own, a Model 19 would seem perfect, but at my price point probably not a likely find.

Your comments are much appreciated.

 

[THEmodelof1989]

For the $300 price point, charter arms would be the brand to look into. I do not have much experience with them.

I'd personally save just a little bit more and buy s&w beater if I were you.

 

[cgt4570]

I carry my 3" Model 60 .357 J frame target. It disappears on my hip.
I know it doesn't fit your 4" K frame requirement, but it's my suggestion.
I found myself on my hands and knees helping track a wounded black bear years ago and realized that there was no way I'd be able to swing a rifle in that laurel thicket. I have carried a sidearm when hunting ever since then.

 

[bigggbbruce]

So my question is this, what would be the most reasonably priced 38/357 'K' frame revolver What comes to mind in a 6 shot, 4 to 6" blue or stainless model that I could pick up for around $300-350?

Your comments are much appreciated.

Guess you haven't bought a used S&W lately..

A beat up Model 10.. or 13 if you happen across one at that price..

 

[B_Still]

if you do an advanced search on Gunbroker and select the tab for "completed sales" on Model 65 (stainless steel), you'll see the well-used "shooter" grade guns going near your price range.

keep an eye on Aim Surplus. They have recently had batches of police surplus Model 64 and Model 65. I think the 65 listed right at $400, maybe $429 or so depending on condition.

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

 

[NavySCPO]

I carry my 3" Model 60 .357 J frame target. It disappears on my hip.
I know it doesn't fit your 4" K frame requirement, but it's my suggestion.
I found myself on my hands and knees helping track a wounded black bear years ago and realized that there was no way I'd be able to swing a rifle in that laurel thicket. I have carried a sidearm when hunting ever since then.

Yes sir, my point exactly. I own a 686-1 and 60-9, but prefer not to carry them like that, although my 60-9 is my current EDC.

 

[NavySCPO]

Guess you haven't bought a used S&W lately..

A beat up Model 10.. or 13 if you happen across one at that price..

Well yes actually I have, but to your point is it possible to get a beater at that price point or a little more? I know I can buy Charters and Rossi's in that range, but my preference would be S&W.

 

[bigggbbruce]

but to your point is it possible to get a beater at that price point or a little more?

Depending on your area of travel.. you may go a season or two before you find one..

 

[Invictus357]

For that particular role? A 3" GP100 with compact rubber grips, loaded with gold dots. yes sir!

 

[silentflyer]

Check Gunbroker you might find a Ruger or Dan Wesson for less than a S&W, but a 300$ S&W is going to be hard to find.
Now days a 500$ S&W is a good deal.

 

[NavySCPO]

Check Gunbroker you might find a Ruger or Dan Wesson for less than a S&W, but a 300$ S&W is going to be hard to find.
Now days a 500$ S&W is a good deal.

Not sure I would agree with that, I can buy Model 36's pretty much any day for $400-450, I'm just thinking of a well worn 38/357 for a hunting side arm, just don't know if that's a Model 10, 64, or similar.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Join theoutdoorstrader forum and search the ads. You will find semi autos in .40 S&W to be a better buy. A .40 S&W Shield or Walther PPS with heavy hard cast bullets will serve you well. Plenty of old LE trade-ins to pick from as well.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Take a drive to Butler, GA and visit Barrows.

 

[Texas Star]

Don't see why you can't use the M-686. Good holsters protect guns well, and you shouldn't have any strenuous use for the gun.

I have never owned a "beater" gun and don't see the need. I've always taken care of my guns, and don't see why you can't. How do you hunt?

Model 64 is .38; Model 65 is a .357.

You might also look at Rugers, but they're not cheap, either.

 

[raljr1]

surplus city guns has police trade in model 65s for $375

 

[JayFramer]

I'd get a used 64 or 10 police trade in and stoke eem with Buffalo Bore .38 outdoorsman's.

Then get some of them old Pachy camo goodyears. I'd also carry it in a Bianchi .mil style flapper. I think the Bianchi makes a good fieldsman's holster and the Pachys would blend in.

Would make a cheap, highly effective and packable rig.

 

[BigBill]

The ruger's super blackhawks in 44 mag can be found affordable. I'm thinking about hunting with just a sbh in 44 mag.

 

[biku324]

I use a Ruger Security Six 4" for exactly that purpose as well as for hiking and horseback trail-riding. Enough gun even to put down a badly injured horse, but not a big deal if it gets battered by going off a horse or taking a fall on foot. These aren't that cheap anymore, either, but mine was at the time I swapped for it.

 

[alwslate]

Police trade in Glock mod 22 .40 cal semi autos can be bought for $299.
I'm not a .40 cal fan but these are screaming deals for a rough duty
outdoor or any other use gun.

 

[brucev]

Re: OP. A nice heavy barrel .38 Special loaded w/ Underwood or Buffalo Bore 158 gr. LSWC ammo would be about ideal. Used Glocks can be found at attractive prices.

Have always carried a pistol when hunting. Have carried everything from 1911's to various Ruger and S&W revolvers. Cannot ever remember damaging a handgun while hunting, even when during the course of a day's hunting I slipped or even fell. Once had to get mud out of a M-1 Garand after a slip/fall. My handgun was fine. After wiping and cleaning out the barrel, the M-1 was fine. Didn't need a finisher later that morning when I shot a doe. Sincerely. bruce.