Hunting Season Side Arm?

[BAM-BAM]

I spend quite a bit of time in Penn's Woods...... and generally have a handgun....... for the past 30-35 years my preference has been a 3" stainless K-frame revolver in .357 ....... carried in a Bianchi 111 Cyclone cross-draw or in the winter a shoulder holster ( pull the zipper down and you have easy access to a dry/warm gun )

Bought most of mine back in the 20th Century in your price range ...... my options include 3" 65 and 66s as well as a 3" 60-10 .357, think micro-686

Your price point could be an issue..... I'd try to add a few buck and go with a used Smith or Ruger..... for "back up" a 5 shot Ruger SP101 or Smith Model 60, 64 or 65 would be ideal.......

don't forget a reload..... or two ..... check out an "ammo wallet" for pocket carry

 

[max503]

"Many if not all of my revolvers are much too nice for carry in that environment."

Oh heck. Take one of those safe queens out and give her a little honest wear. I'm getting up there in years, too - but I still hunt a little.
Can't see congratulating myself on my deathbed for having kept my precious S&W's in pristine condition.
Here's my well-used Model 15. She's killed many a coon, et al.

 

[max503]

I'm seriously considering using my Model 19 for deer this November. Think about it. It can serve as my hunting arm, my CC piece, and my small game/camp gun as well.

 

[stansdds]

You are in Georgia, what's the black bear, mountain lion, feral dog and wild boar situation there? I'd opt for a revolver in 357 Magnum and one with fixed sights is fine for a woods back up firearm. You'll pay a little more, but it gets you the option of loading 38 Special or 357 Magnum. Personally, I don't think I'd want to try to fend off a wild animal with a 38 Special. Just sayin'.

 

[hung-up]

I carry a Uberti 45 colt when I hunt, 4.75 barrel, they also come in 357mag. Around 400+or- . Been carrying it and beating it around for 6 years now and have not hurt it yet.

 

[murphydog]

At noted above, you will occasionally find a 4" model 65 LE trade-in in the $350-400 range. That said, there seem to be large numbers of Glock .40 S & W trade-in pistols in the $300-350 range with the mass migration back to 9 mm. Light, flat, 15+ rounds and probably equally effective to .357 for your needs.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

"Many if not all of my revolvers are much too nice for carry in that environment."

Oh heck. Take one of those safe queens out and give her a little honest wear. I'm getting up there in years, too - but I still hunt a little.
Can't see congratulating myself on my deathbed for having kept my precious S&W's in pristine condition.
Here's my well-used Model 15. She's killed many a coon, et al.

Sometimes we forget that they are made to be used

 

[Invictus357]

Take a drive to Butler, GA and visit Barrows.

As someone wise once told me:

When you first visit Barrows, leave your cash and cards at home. You will want to buy everything you see!

Browse and enjoy this amazing place (people come in from all over to buy guns here).

Sometimes when it's busy you will hear some amazing southern rural dialects from the customers. Once I overheard two old boys and one said something like "yes suh this is a fahn rugaah faaa-aaahm"

After you go home, decide on the gun, go back to Barrows (don't look at any other guns , haha!), buy your gun and leave!!

In the past I've had the old man himself sell me guns, as well as his lovely (married) daughter. The other staff are equally great.

 

[Jerry_B]

Always carry when hunting even though I'm holding a rifle or a shotgun. Had a LCR 3 inch that was nice and light, but only 38 special, I wanted something with a bit more punch and more than 5 rounds. Traded away for away for a Glock 30. Revolver is nice as snakes are a real concern where I am and snake shot can prove useful.

This year I likely will carry one of my auto loaders as I am down to one revolver, 357 Blackhawk, which pairs nicely with my lever action, but is a tank of a gun to carry. Likely going with my MP 40c. 10+1, easy to carry and plenty of punch for where I live.

I have purchased two Charter Arms in the last couple years, 32 HR, and been pleased with both, for whatever that's worth.

 

[GaBoy45]

Keep an eye on Gunbroker. I picked up a used Model 10 for $275 and a Model 15 for $285. Worn but in good condition. They're out there just have to keep an eye out.


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[snowman.45]

I would strongly consider paying a bit more and getting a 66-8 in either the 4.25" or 2.75" model. I have a 2.75" and find it's very accurate and rugged. May cost you double your target price for a new one, but it is worth it, in my opinion. I have no fear of using any loads up to 180 gr. in mine.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I picked up a very nice Model 13.. $400..

I had placed an ad to buy guns... this came with a 25-9...

 

[Jim1247]

NAVYSCOP

I found a SW19 4 inch on GB in good condition for $620

Look for a used 686 plus under $600

My favorite 629 Classic in 5 inch-awesome trigger and larger round for the task at hand

 

[LLOYD17]

Carried my 27-5 44mag last year. Not sure which I'll take this year. It got a full buff and reblue when converted but is aching for some holster wear.

 

[The_Truth]

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

Those 4" Model 65s fit the bill perfectly and at $375 you're getting a hell of a gun for not a lot of money.

This gets my vote.

 

[dmthomp32]

Here is one today that would have met your goals and intended use!

S&W - MODEL 65-6 - CAL. 357 MAG - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 827949343

$350 for a stainless K frame isn't bad, especially since the finish is easy to clean up.

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[NavySCPO]

"Many if not all of my revolvers are much too nice for carry in that environment."

Oh heck. Take one of those safe queens out and give her a little honest wear. I'm getting up there in years, too - but I still hunt a little.
Can't see congratulating myself on my deathbed for having kept my precious S&W's in pristine condition.
Here's my well-used Model 15. She's killed many a coon, et al.

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated!

The point about using our guns really hit home. My Model 60-9 357 is a fine firearm, already have several good holsters, and a few speed loaders. A 357 with 158 grain hollow points and 15 rounds should handle anything that comes my way.

Good advice, when I'm dead what difference will it matter how nice my guns are.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated!

. My Model 60-9 357 is a fine firearm, already have several good holsters, and a few speed loaders. A 357 with 158 grain hollow points and 15 rounds should handle anything that comes my way.

My 60-10 micro 686 is prefect in the back up/ always there in the woods gun.........hunting,hiking, riding ATV/SXSs and even things like cutting wood.

Along with the cross-draw holster I have a nice little kydex IWB holster and a Safariland "Split 6" speedloader pouch and a 12 round (2 snake shot, 5 158gr soft point .357s and 5 125gr hollow point .38s) ammo wallet in that rides in my vest or back jeans pocket

 

[gr7070]

... I could pick up for around $300-350? Given my somewhat meager experience with revolvers...

With that budget and lack of revolver experience why not just go with a used auto?

 

[NavySCPO]

You are in Georgia, what's the black bear, mountain lion, feral dog and wild boar situation there? I'd opt for a revolver in 357 Magnum and one with fixed sights is fine for a woods back up firearm. You'll pay a little more, but it gets you the option of loading 38 Special or 357 Magnum. Personally, I don't think I'd want to try to fend off a wild animal with a 38 Special. Just sayin'.

Any and all, my Model 60-9 ought to be just about right, thanks!

15 rounds of 158 grain Critical Defense Hollow Points.