CW Spook
US Veteran
How about a Commander-size 1911?
Help me pick a woods gun, please
- Thread starter Triggernosis
- Start date
Hard to beat a .22 for killin' bunnyrabbits. Maybe a .22 mag, like a 351PD.
If you are feeling the weight, I agree with the point made about a good, solid gunbelt. Makes a world of difference.
Still not enough relief? Add some Perry suspenders to the gunbelt. Perry Suspenders
If that doesn't do the trick, maybe better stay home!
Still not enough relief? Add some Perry suspenders to the gunbelt. Perry Suspenders
If that doesn't do the trick, maybe better stay home!
Texas Star
US Veteran
I'm leery of relying on a .22. A nasty dog, porcupine, or pig might make you regret the small caliber. And I'd really feel better about shooting some snakes with a heavier load, not to mention alligators.
I particularly have the large resident population of Burmese pythons in Florida in mind, but even a big rattler makes my blood run cold.
Didn't look to see where the OP lives, but some members have those considerations in mind, or should.
I particularly have the large resident population of Burmese pythons in Florida in mind, but even a big rattler makes my blood run cold.
Didn't look to see where the OP lives, but some members have those considerations in mind, or should.
quneur
Member
How bouts a SA revolver in 45LC with cowboy loads? It just feels right. Buy a Stetson and you will look good while milking them cows.
Kel-Tec P11 9mm
Might look at these - 20oz fully loaded - 12 in the mag, 1 in the pipe - +P is OK - new under $300 OTD - used with a Galco belly band you will forget your wearing it. Takes out small varmints post haste. Makes a good truck gun as well, since it's already ugly. About the same size as a P232 (I have it as well) about the same weight, but less cost up front, holds more rounds and is 9mm instead of .380 - more bang for the buck.
Pete99004
View attachment 53935
Might look at these - 20oz fully loaded - 12 in the mag, 1 in the pipe - +P is OK - new under $300 OTD - used with a Galco belly band you will forget your wearing it. Takes out small varmints post haste. Makes a good truck gun as well, since it's already ugly. About the same size as a P232 (I have it as well) about the same weight, but less cost up front, holds more rounds and is 9mm instead of .380 - more bang for the buck.
Pete99004
View attachment 53935
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GatorFarmer
Member
Were it not for the weight issue, the easiest thing to do would be to simply get any 4" K frame in .38 special and take it along. But that would be heavier than you want. The Model 12s are of course nice guns, but can have the same problems as other airweight .38s in terms of user friendliness.
A Walther PP Super in 9x18mm Ultra would probably work well for you want, but they are not exactly commonly found...
I don't know the weights off the top of my head, but it might be worth taking a look at the single stack alloy frame 9mm autos, classic examples being the 3900 series and the Sig P225.
A Walther PP Super in 9x18mm Ultra would probably work well for you want, but they are not exactly commonly found...
I don't know the weights off the top of my head, but it might be worth taking a look at the single stack alloy frame 9mm autos, classic examples being the 3900 series and the Sig P225.
You might consider the model 30 or 31 in 32 S&W long. They both are listed as being around 18 oz with the 4". Quite a bit lighter than the 631 4". It is possible that the weights listed in the book are incorrect, it's happened before. I see them around often in the $300-400 range. The main drawback may be the fixed sights.
Personally, for a nice adjustable sight woods revolver, I like carrying my pre-model 34 4" kit gun. The .22 caliber J-frame variants are great. The model 63 stainless version would be hard to beat. 22 shot loads are worthless though if that is a requirement.
I don't know if the 32 long or magnum cartridges are available in shot shells loads. It would be great if they did as I think they are both underutilized rounds with great general use potential.
John
Personally, for a nice adjustable sight woods revolver, I like carrying my pre-model 34 4" kit gun. The .22 caliber J-frame variants are great. The model 63 stainless version would be hard to beat. 22 shot loads are worthless though if that is a requirement.
I don't know if the 32 long or magnum cartridges are available in shot shells loads. It would be great if they did as I think they are both underutilized rounds with great general use potential.
John
OP
Triggernosis
Member
Is there an aluminum-framed version of the 34/63?
A Glock 23 , a Smith M&P in 40 cal or a Springfield XD in 40 cal should handle any of your needs. If you prefer a revolver there are a series of lightweight revolvers such as the Night Guard, that are lightweight and yet still pack a punch.
You've just come full circle Tom.
John
Nowadays that would be the Kit Gun version of the 317. Has a 3" barrel with adjustable sights. However, there is also the older model 43 Airweight Kit Gun made from 1954 to 1974. Some were made in 2" but most had the 3 1/2 barrel. Weight was around 14 oz. There's a couple of shooter grades guns listed on GB for between $450 - 600. Similar price range to the steel frame model 34. Although I believe that the .22 cal airweights do not have the frame cracking issues of the larger 38 cal guns, in my mind, the 4 extra oz of the steel frame is a small price to pay for the extra durability. But to each his own, it's what makes this country great!
John
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The Cold Steel knife is okay. I only used it on one deer and it worked as good as any other. The holster is from S&W and fits really good. Most J frame holsters are for 2" or 4" barrels. I love the Pachmyer Compacs.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
yes, there is. It's called a 317. See my previous post.
thndrchiken
Member
For a woods gun my minimum would be a 4" 357 with a 44 preferable.
G.T. Smith
US Veteran
I think, (but that don't hold water), that you had the right idea to start with. The 37 is light and effective. If you shoot standard pressure loads and practice, you will like it. I put mine in a crossdraw for driving, and an OWB for woods bumming. For hunting I carry a 4" K frame .357.
I love my little 37 no dash. It's kind of rough but tight.
Peace,
gordon
I love my little 37 no dash. It's kind of rough but tight.
Peace,
gordon
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