357 or 44...which one?

[Blackgun1]

As part of the CCW in CA, you need to list three guns you are allowed to carry. I have two already decided on but I am torn on the last one. I have it down to my two N frame snubbies:

629 PC
627 PC

I wanted this gun to be able to use while hiking/camping for animal defense, and be able to use it in rural areas too. So should I go 629 and use 44 mag in the mountains, and 44 special in town, or 627 with heavy 357 loads in the mountain, and SD 357 rounds in town? I get 8 shots with the 627, but 44 mag would be better for big and angry animals. Thoughts?

 

[petepeterson]

Kinda depends on the other 2 you listed.

I'd lean towards the .44, provided you have two other viable options on your permit.

Now if you've listed a .500 mag and a flintlock, then the 627 seems like a better choice.

 

[Blackgun1]

LOL! Thanks! The other two are a Kimber 1911, and a Sig P938.

 

[therewolf]

Kinda leaning towards the 44 myself.
But I am a big guy.

 

[Blackgun1]

I am too, but two more shots is nice to have...hmmm....

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

It sucks that you have to list them, and can only have three to choose from.

 

[Blackgun1]

It sure does! I'd have a lot more options!

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I carry a 629. Almost religiously. But I'm a fan of a big slow heavy bullet I use 44 special. But have the option to carry mags in the woods. It comes down to what you want or need. But I'd vote 44. My 2 ole pennies.

 

[petepeterson]

I am too, but two more shots is nice to have...hmmm....

If it's for animals, I'm not sure there's a big difference between 6 and 8 rds. They don't typically coordinate their attacks. Unless you're Jerry M, you're not getting 8 shots off at a charging gerbil.

 

[Blackgun1]

I'm a bigger and slower fan too, but I have a 45 on the list already. I'm leaning towards the 44 though!

 

[Blackgun1]

If it's for animals, I'm not sure there's a big difference between 6 and 8 rds. They don't typically coordinate their attacks. Unless you're Jerry M, you're not getting 8 shots off at a charging gerbil.

LOL Yes...I was just hoping to utilize it for bad guys too. You have a good point.






Wait...what about wolves and hyenas!

 

[Harrydale]

Are you saying that you list three guns and that's all you can CCW? You can carry no others other than the ones listed?

 

[Blackgun1]

Are you saying that you list three guns and that's all you can CCW? You can carry no others other than the ones listed?

Yes...Correct.

 

[Blackgun1]

I carry a 629. Almost religiously. But I'm a fan of a big slow heavy bullet I use 44 special. But have the option to carry mags in the woods. It comes down to what you want or need. But I'd vote 44. My 2 ole pennies.

One other thing I am wondering...which round is better through a 2 5/8" barrel.

 

[petemacmahon]

I'd go with the 44

It gives you more versatility on the animal side of the equation. You have the two footed urban concerns well covered with your other two. Granted, if you're only worried about Mountain Lions, the 357 would do just fine there. But if you're hunting anything bigger you will need the 44 and when you're done hunting you can just jump in the car and go.

 

[Culina]

the .44 is more versatile and might even weigh less than the .357 depending on barrel configuration and length.

 

[SLT223]

.357 is going to do everything you will need to defend yourself against a human being. I'd rather have the extra two rounds of the 627PC.

I'm by no means poo pooing the .44. It's my favorite caliber, it's what got me into reloading, and my .44's get shot more than my other guns.

That being said, I would prefer the high capacity...8 rounds of .357 gives me a feeling of comfort.

 

[Blackgun1]

the .44 is more versatile and might even weigh less than the .357 depending on barrel configuration and length.

Both are exactly the same...this is my 44 in the photo.

 

[Blackgun1]

.357 is going to do everything you will need to defend yourself against a human being. I'd rather have the extra two rounds of the 627PC.

I'm by no means poo pooing the .44. It's my favorite caliber, it's what got me into reloading, and my .44's get shot more than my other guns.

That being said, I would prefer the high capacity...8 rounds of .357 gives me a feeling of comfort.

Yeah...that's why I'm kinda on the fence with this.

 

[shocker]

If it's for animals, I'm not sure there's a big difference between 6 and 8 rds. They don't typically coordinate their attacks. Unless you're Jerry M, you're not getting 8 shots off at a charging gerbil.

Or, since we prep for every contingency on this forum, escaped velociraptors from Jurassic Park would coordinate their attack.

Ex grizzly bear either would be fine. Maybe I would pick the 44 since an effective load could be had at lower pressures and if you shot the gun your ears might not ring for 3 days afterwards.