Lightweight 3" revolver recommendation

[BLUEDOT37]

You hint that you want a big bore revolver but 18oz. kinda rules that out.

As mentioned, the Night Guards come in big bore varieties & are pretty lightweight & their Ti cylinder "relatives" are even lighter.

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Night Guards: 325-329-357-396 (below, L->R)

- all are 2-1/2" bbls except the 325NG which is 2-3/4"

- the 396NG is the lightest (24oz.) & the 357NG the heaviest (30oz.)

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[RobertoDeNuevoMexico]

Thanks for all of the responses. The M337 Airlite looks like the idea option; the challenge will be to find one since they are out of production. Also the Ruger LCRx 3" .38 Special +P interesting, but I've always been a S&W guy and don't have experience with that composite revolver. Probably a Model 60 3" would fit the bill, probably loaded with .38Sp +P . It is a little heavier than I'd like but I like the durability. Plus I have a Model 63 in .22lr and it is about the same size so I'm familiar with the frame. I'll also take a look at some other suggestions. Thanks again.

 

[RobertoDeNuevoMexico]

There were a couple of comments about back country hiking. We have coyotes who won't attack humans, but will lure dogs away to be attacked by several coyotes. In this area there are no grizzlies but the black bear males are around 250 pounds and the females about 150. The mountain lions are about 150 pounds for males and 90 pound females. While they are rare, they are around. In fact a woman running in a marathon in a national park here was recently mauled by a female black bear when she unwisely but unknowingly got between the female and her cubs; I know, why did the park service allow a marathon in bear country? Anyway I've both hiked and been on horseback in precisely the place she was attacked. I'm a zoologist and am acutely aware of both mountain lion and bear behavior, including the fact that they usually shy away from humans, but in the back country things can happen. Even some of the places where you leave your vehicle can attract some unsavory types. I guess we all have our opinions on whether .38 special, .357 mag or .44 mag is needed. But it is better to be prepared for even unlikely events than leave that handgun in the truck.

 

[RobertoDeNuevoMexico]

Texas Star thanks for all of the suggestions. To answer your questions I use a water bladder from REI in a backpack with a drinking tube and always pre-hydrate. At 2 pounds a liter, I usually bring about a liter per 1 1/2 hours of planned hiking at altitude. The good news is it gets lighter as you go along. I'm not crazy about using filters for stream water because I used one and still got Giardia. And believe me, you don't want Giardia.

 

[BAM-BAM]

60-10... 3" J-frame .357.......... micro 686

Was short on time yesterday ......................

This has been my "Kit Gun" for the past 10-12 years in Penn's Woods.......loaded with +P.38 HP.......

at least a speed strip for one reload......

Note: an MIM "Ammo Wallet" will hold 12 extra rounds...... 5 .357s.... 5 .38s and 2 shot shells

 

[Triggernosis]

You should consider a M337-1 AirLite TI. Aluminum frame, Titanium cylinder, 13 oz. unloaded. Product code 103055, adjustable sights, 3 1/8 inch barrel, made in the late '90's early 2000's, 5-shot .38 Spl, +P rated. Would carry like a feather, and hit like a hammer.

I was going to recommend the exact same gun. I have one that goes along with me when I'm hunting and hiking and in a shoulder rig you forget it's there.


BTW, Kernel, is that your gun in the picture? If it is, can you tell me how tall that front sight is - mine has a black blade and I'd like to replace it with one like yours.

 

[MetalMan]

I'll also toss my hat into the ring and recommend the Model 60 in 3".

Mine is a 60-15 carried IWB in a Milt Sparks VMII; everything you need and nothing you don't.......

 

[mod29]

I have spent over 35+ years hiking, backpacking, exploring etc. in what is probably a lot of bear and mountain lion country and other than a few orientation shots by 'babes in the woods' and TWO draw downs on dogs (both called back by the owners) I have never had to use my gun for defense. It bothers me how many reference the need for 'bear and mountain lion' defense when these creatures are more afraid of humans than WE should be of them . If fear of these animals is an issue then maybe it's best those afraid of them stay out of the woods because they are not not the most dangerous things out there.

I agree with this statement, but only to a point.
Yes, needing your gun for defensive purposes in the wilderness is unlikely.
But when you're in the middle of nowhere, you're on your own. Better to be prepared, right?

I have also found a .44 revolver helps me sleep better in the great outdoors But maybe that's just me.

ETA: OP...a model 66 might be worth checking out. Yes, they might weigh a bit more than you would like, but they can take 158-gr .357 ammunition and that should do the trick in most situations, I would think.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I was not aware of the 3" Model 337. I think this would be the perfect .38 Special for the backpacker, except for the expense of finding one and the subsequent decision whether to expose such a rare bird to the rigors of the trail. I had a similar dilemma when searching for a stainless .22 Magnum kit gun. The S&W 650 and 651 were rare and expensive. I found an Interarms 515 for $275 that fits my needs perfectly.

 

[Triggernosis]

There's also the 360SC with a 3" barrel that's just like the 337 except it's .357 Mag.

 

[Topsarge]

Really TexaStar? Study the anatomy of a bear or a mountain lion? If one is running after you, you don't have time or the ability to place your shot. I read it very well, that's why I recommended a light big bore. As far as big bore ammo, I carry Blazer Gold Dots with aluminum cases. Five in the gun and ten in 2 speed strips or two speed loaders. Not a heavy carry. To tell someone to go in to bear or mountain lion country with a small bore is insane.

 

[JTMcC]

I have spent over 35+ years hiking, backpacking, exploring etc. in what is probably a lot of bear and mountain lion country and other than a few orientation shots by 'babes in the woods' and TWO draw downs on dogs (both called back by the owners) I have never had to use my gun for defense. It bothers me how many reference the need for 'bear and mountain lion' defense when these creatures are more afraid of humans than WE should be of them . If fear of these animals is an issue then maybe it's best those afraid of them stay out of the woods because they are not not the most dangerous things out there.

I know people who've spent over 35+ years living in the city and never had to shoot an attacker. But, they still carry.

I've also had, for years, mountain lion sign on my (rural) property, up to my back steps. They have killed and injured neighbors dogs and one neighbor has shot at and missed.
We're not afraid of them. We are prepared for them.

I'm curios why you mention "fear" so much.
Do you carry a firearm in the the wilderness?
Do you carry one in town?
Do you keep one handy in your home?

I think the scandium/titanium revolvers are tailor made for hiking, assuming you shoot them with effect.

 

[Edmo]

Your recommendation is requested. I do a lot of extreme hiking in wilderness areas, often above 10,000 feet, so every ounce I carry is important. I've been open carrying a Keltec P32 semi auto because it only weighs 6.6 oz, but while it shoots ok while clean, just a little dust or dirt makes it unreliable. Plus accuracy isn't great because of its small size. I always try to avoid trouble but worst case I would need defense against a very rare mountain lion, black bears, rabid coyotes or two-legged predators.

I'd like to move to a lightweight revolver for reliability and a 3" or so barrel for accuracy. I looked at the S&W 317 at about 12oz, but even its 8 rounds of .22 lr may not be enough. The .38 Spec +P j-frames are nice but those 1.875" barrels aren't great for accuracy.

Any recommendations for a revolver with a 3" barrel, preferably 18oz or less?

If you are looking for a lightweight 3" revolver chambered in 38 Special +P, I'll echo several posters above and recommend the Ruger LCRx 3".

I know this is a S&W forum, but they quit making a lightweight 3" revolver around 2000. The Ruger is currently available in stores. It doesn't have the aesthetic lines of a S&W, but it can be had for under $500.

I bought mine to fill the same requirements as the OP... I wanted a lightweight "kit" gun for backpacking.

Lightweight (15.7 oz); 3" barrel gives a longer sight radius and increased velocity over a snubbie; good adjustable sights allow you to accurately aim the gun and adjust them to a variety of loads; and 38+P is powerful enough to protect the OP against the threats in his woods and can take small game if needed.

Maybe S&W will bring back their 337 someday, however until then Ruger is the only one making a gun to these specs.

On Edit: Ruger has a lightweight leather Mitch Rosen belt holster for this revolver. Recommended...

Edmo

 

[RobertoDeNuevoMexico]

I was going to recommend the exact same gun. I have one that goes along with me when I'm hunting and hiking and in a shoulder rig you forget it's there.


BTW, Kernel, is that your gun in the picture? If it is, can you tell me how tall that front sight is - mine has a black blade and I'd like to replace it with one like yours.

That really looks like a fine revolver. I'm looking for one on line but they seem to be somewhat rare. Thanks for posting.

 

[iPac]

If you are going into bear country then why would consider anything but a big bore? One person said the model 69 2.75" is worth the wait. I believe he is right. Carry it in a good shoulder holster and it shouldn't be a problem. It's my next purchase and I already have 5 big bore snubbies. The lightest you might want is a Smith lightweight 44 sp. I have a Charter Arms 44 sp 2.5" that I would carry, but that might be the smallest I would risk with bear.

I would decide what caliber is required first, then decide what gun is needed. You say you have black bear, mountain lion, coyotes, etc. I would go for larger caliber, 357mag+.

I go for 7 miles hikes with my beagle and GShepherd in Forbes State Park which has many black bears, along with mountain lion, coyote, etc, even though they claim lions aren't here. I still take a 44mag over a 357mag. Weight is important to me too, that is why I went with this S&W. It would be perfect if the barrel wasn't full lug and the cylinder was fluted, as that adds weight, but it is still nice with the 3" barrel.

You can easily make a pound or so 'disappear' with the correct holster too. Don't skimp out on leather. My Bill Jordan design holster is great for hiking.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....BTW, Kernel, is that your gun in the picture? If it is, can you tell me how tall that front sight is - mine has a black blade and I'd like to replace it with one like yours.

It's just a picture I gypped off the internet. I don't have a M337.

If I had one with a Hi-Vis sight I'd trade you. I'd rather have a black ramp.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

I have spent over 35+ years hiking, backpacking, exploring etc. in what is probably a lot of bear and mountain lion country and other than a few orientation shots by 'babes in the woods' and TWO draw downs on dogs (both called back by the owners) I have never had to use my gun for defense. It bothers me how many reference the need for 'bear and mountain lion' defense when these creatures are more afraid of humans than WE should be of them . If fear of these animals is an issue then maybe it's best those afraid of them stay out of the woods because they are not not the most dangerous things out there.

I've carried a concealed handgun for many years. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need one.

I have a fire extinguisher in my truck. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need one.

Have homeowners insurance on my house. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need it.

Have a first aid kit in my hunting and camping gear. Never had to use it. Apparently this is proof I don't need it.

The reason to chose a gun suitable for the task at hand is not for what HAS happened, but for what MAY happen. Just as it is better to have a gun and not need it as opposed to needing a gun and not having it, it is also better to err on choice of caliber towards more than you need than less than you may need.

If I'm carrying a centerfire rifle in the woods, I generally carry less handgun. If I'm carrying a rimfire in the woods, I generally carry more handgun. I have the luxury of being able to chose from several different handguns. If I had to chose one and only one handgun to do everything, it would probably be at least a .357 Mag since it is the most flexible cartridge for almost all purposes. Size of the frame and barrel length would then become the next choice, dictated by use (concealed carry, target use, plinking, hunting, exposed holster on belt, etc.)

BTW, I have been in very close proximity to bears and coyotes while hunting and hiking. Twice with bears, one time covering one with a handgun at only a few paces. The bear decided to leave. Coyotes several times while hunting them. Turkey hunters here have called in cougars. Hikers were stalked by a cougar on the Ramona Falls trail. A friend calling coyotes used a fawn in distress call and wound up with a very angry cow elk almost in his lap. So while incidents like this may not be common, they certainly are not rare.

 

[lunger]

Was short on time yesterday ......................

This has been my "Kit Gun" for the past 10-12 years in Penn's Woods.......loaded with +P.38 HP.......

at least a speed strip for one reload......

Note: an MIM "Ammo Wallet" will hold 12 extra rounds...... 5 .357s.... 5 .38s and 2 shot shells

I recently purchased a 60-15 for the same purpose. Very happy with it so far.

 

[sgc]

I use my 60-15 with a 3" barrel for all of my hiking & dog training.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Hello, I say a 629-4,3" until I recently got a new CA 44 bulldog, 44 spl 2&3/4" SS, @ 20oz. A tad bigger than a J frame. I wish SW made something similar
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