Fishinfool
Member
Renegade-
Lots of good advice and opinions so far. I do a lot of handgun hunting, so I will throw a couple of my own out to you-
The 686 with a 6 inch barrel tends to be slightly muzzle heavy. Personally, I like that, as it seems to hang steadier in my hand, with the added benefit of longer sight radious and slightly higher velocity. Most folks find a 6 inch easier to shoot well compared to a 4. Unless concealed carry is a big concern, I would look at a 6 inch in whatever you choose. Best thing is to handle, and shoot if possible, both barrel lengths before you buy. See what feels better to you. A good cross draw, or across the chest holster makes carrying a longer barreled six gun a snap.
The 357 will kill deer. So will the .22lr. Personally, I would look for a model 629 (.44 mag.) Since you reload, you can load cast lead mouse fart loads that are great for range use, or small game. Mid range loads will give you the stopping power of a full power 357 without the blast and snappy recoil, and full power loads will hit with a lot more authority, especially with less than ideal shot placement. When reloaded, there is little difference in cost between the 44 mag and the 357 mag.
If you think you might one day want to mount a red dot sight, or scope, consider a more recent model that is factory drilled and tapped.
Pretty wood grips look great in a classic S&W revolver, but most folks find that rubber grips provide a better grip, and help reduce recoil.
Speed strips work well for hunting - a little slower than speed loaders, but a lot less bulky to carry in your pocket
For hunting in the dark woods, you might find a set of fibre optic sights may help you get on target quicker.
I own about a dozen 44 mag revolvers in various flavors. My favorite all around hunting choice is a 6 inch 629 Classic Hunter with the 686 style full lug barrel. I attached a pic - sort of the 686's big brother...
Larry
Lots of good advice and opinions so far. I do a lot of handgun hunting, so I will throw a couple of my own out to you-
The 686 with a 6 inch barrel tends to be slightly muzzle heavy. Personally, I like that, as it seems to hang steadier in my hand, with the added benefit of longer sight radious and slightly higher velocity. Most folks find a 6 inch easier to shoot well compared to a 4. Unless concealed carry is a big concern, I would look at a 6 inch in whatever you choose. Best thing is to handle, and shoot if possible, both barrel lengths before you buy. See what feels better to you. A good cross draw, or across the chest holster makes carrying a longer barreled six gun a snap.
The 357 will kill deer. So will the .22lr. Personally, I would look for a model 629 (.44 mag.) Since you reload, you can load cast lead mouse fart loads that are great for range use, or small game. Mid range loads will give you the stopping power of a full power 357 without the blast and snappy recoil, and full power loads will hit with a lot more authority, especially with less than ideal shot placement. When reloaded, there is little difference in cost between the 44 mag and the 357 mag.
If you think you might one day want to mount a red dot sight, or scope, consider a more recent model that is factory drilled and tapped.
Pretty wood grips look great in a classic S&W revolver, but most folks find that rubber grips provide a better grip, and help reduce recoil.
Speed strips work well for hunting - a little slower than speed loaders, but a lot less bulky to carry in your pocket
For hunting in the dark woods, you might find a set of fibre optic sights may help you get on target quicker.
I own about a dozen 44 mag revolvers in various flavors. My favorite all around hunting choice is a 6 inch 629 Classic Hunter with the 686 style full lug barrel. I attached a pic - sort of the 686's big brother...
Larry
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