This is good information of course, but I never let the law usurp my desire/right to live, versus taking the life of any animal.
Point me to a recommended Model .357 mag
- Thread starter KeithNyst
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This is good information of course, but I never let the law usurp my desire/right to live, versus taking the life of any animal.
jtcarm
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That has absolutely nothing to do with educating yourself and following your state's laws regarding reporting a self defense killing of a possible protected animal... not sure what state the OP lives in.
Considering he has more of a chance of getting killed or injured driving to his hunting location than by an actual wolf, I would say this is a non issue. The big issue here is what 357 revolver to spend his money on, and the debate rages on.
flagman1776
Member
Horseback revolver...
Many years ago, my horse & I often rambled as far away from civilization as possible. One day I found myself still afield as the light was dimming and being stalked (probably) by a pack of Eastern hybrid coy dogs. I could hear them but no clear sightings at the limits of visibility in the thick brush at the edges of the trail.
I unzipped my lined vest to give access to my OD gun, a 3" M66 with Federal LSWC .357. The pack trailed us for a few miles until we were out of the woods & on the dirt road home.
I saw a lot of wild life that way... as long as I sat quiet & was on quiet ground, deer would let us walk up quite close until the horse's shoe hit a rock... making a not in nature sound.
Many years ago, my horse & I often rambled as far away from civilization as possible. One day I found myself still afield as the light was dimming and being stalked (probably) by a pack of Eastern hybrid coy dogs. I could hear them but no clear sightings at the limits of visibility in the thick brush at the edges of the trail.
I unzipped my lined vest to give access to my OD gun, a 3" M66 with Federal LSWC .357. The pack trailed us for a few miles until we were out of the woods & on the dirt road home.
I saw a lot of wild life that way... as long as I sat quiet & was on quiet ground, deer would let us walk up quite close until the horse's shoe hit a rock... making a not in nature sound.
wheelgunguy
Member
686 would fit the bill nicely.
You mentioned a 6" GP 100. If you could accept 1.8 inch shorter barrel. I would take a look at the GP100 Match Champion. You can stay under $700 delivered brand new and shed almost a half a pound. With the upgrades over the standard GP100 I think it's a nice package.
You mentioned a 6" GP 100. If you could accept 1.8 inch shorter barrel. I would take a look at the GP100 Match Champion. You can stay under $700 delivered brand new and shed almost a half a pound. With the upgrades over the standard GP100 I think it's a nice package.
Okay: to OP; get a model 28 or 27.That has absolutely nothing to do with educating yourself and following your state's laws regarding reporting a self defense killing of a possible protected animal... not sure what state the OP lives in.
Considering he has more of a chance of getting killed or injured driving to his hunting location than by an actual wolf, I would say this is a non issue. The big issue here is what 357 revolver to spend his money on, and the debate rages on.
And remember that your life is more important than the life of any animal!
Tom_R
Member
A .357 will take care of any wolves, in fact, it may be overkill.
But if you want to have a revolver because of versatility, a .357 is a must have first revolver. The Ruger is a damn good offering. It will last a lifetime.
If you want a S&W there are a lot of ways to go.
I do not know if I would go with a 6"er for a trail gun though, which is what this is. I would go with a 3" or a 4".
A 3" or 4" model 65 is a good choice.
A 4" model 66 is a good choice. (A 3" model 66 is over a grand)
A 3" or 4" model 686+ that holds 7 rounds is a Great choice
But if you want to have a revolver because of versatility, a .357 is a must have first revolver. The Ruger is a damn good offering. It will last a lifetime.
If you want a S&W there are a lot of ways to go.
I do not know if I would go with a 6"er for a trail gun though, which is what this is. I would go with a 3" or a 4".
A 3" or 4" model 65 is a good choice.
A 4" model 66 is a good choice. (A 3" model 66 is over a grand)
A 3" or 4" model 686+ that holds 7 rounds is a Great choice
Kframerbluvr
Member
Look for a fixed sight GP-100 with three or four inch barrel with the old style Lett insert grips. I have a .38 special 4" blued half lug ex-security gun that shoots great and will eat any heavy .38 load made. Buffalo bore "heavy" .38 loads would work well.
I agree with the shorter barrel.....
I don't think you need a 6" barrel. I'm much prefer to carry a 3-4". Unlike hunting, whatever you engage (or engages you) is going to be close.
I don't think you need a 6" barrel. I'm much prefer to carry a 3-4". Unlike hunting, whatever you engage (or engages you) is going to be close.
Black Knight
Member
Having carried a 6" Colt Python for several years on duty I can say unless you plan on using a shoulder holster a 4" revolver will do just fine. In the S&W line I would recommend a used model 27, 28, 581, 586, 681, or 686. In the Ruger line any of the Six series or a GP100 will do just as well. These are the only 357 DA revolvers I would trust. In SA I would recommend the Ruger Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
When it comes to .357's there's an "embarrassment of riches". The high operating pressures and stresses exclude cheap-o guns. And, with rare exceptions, they're always revolvers. There is no bad choice, really.
at_liberty
Member
However, many calibers have been forced into guns small enough to be really punishing to shoot, making it nearly standard procedure to shoot the lesser caliber of which the gun is capable of shooting. To get a real 357 and be committed to shooting the caliber that is stamped on the barrel, the 4" and larger, medium frame or larger, guns are the best platform for handling 357 Magnum. If the primary premise is concealed carry, that is a different discussion.
at_liberty
Member
Come on now...you testified to Smith versus Ruger problems. Your lack of issues with Ruger has no effect on the sad experiences of others except to point out exceptions that never belie the point that there is indeed a problem.
eveled
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This is true for me as well. The Sp101 is just too big for a 5 shot gun. It fits in the same holsters as a 6 shot Colt. I carry my GP, more often than my SP, but my Jframes see the most carry. A five shot revolver should fit in your pocket, if a good holster/belt is required, I want something bigger.
My question to the OP, is what do you use for CCW now? Maybe a new gun is not necessary? Ed
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flagman1776
Member
I bought my 3" M66-2 new in 1986 for $285 + tx. I made my own 3" holster for it, a blend of features of the thumb break Bianchi 5BHL & Safariland... that I was carrying that day & others. My horse was trained to firearms but I'd prefer not to subject his ears to the muzzle blast if avoidable.
I recall encountering a hiker with an (illegally) unleashed and agressive dog. I dismounted & opened my coat that day too. I dismounted so my horse could (better) kick the dog if he felt threatened & the dog kept trying to get behind the horse in a hamstring position & the horse kept circling to not let him. I warned the owner (idiot) to hold her dog "because my horse will kick him"... belatedly the woman did.
My horse was not prone to kick under normal circumstances & my ex's old collie-shepard cross would accompany us when we rode from the house... sometimes I would hold my breathe the dog was so close to getting stepped on but he never did.
But any horse will bite, any horse will kick, any horse will step on you give the right set of circumstances. Yes, all 3 have happened to me... A friends Appy mare bit me from behind. My ex's horse kicked me (right below the belt buckle). My horse stepped on me (broke my toe).
I recall encountering a hiker with an (illegally) unleashed and agressive dog. I dismounted & opened my coat that day too. I dismounted so my horse could (better) kick the dog if he felt threatened & the dog kept trying to get behind the horse in a hamstring position & the horse kept circling to not let him. I warned the owner (idiot) to hold her dog "because my horse will kick him"... belatedly the woman did.
My horse was not prone to kick under normal circumstances & my ex's old collie-shepard cross would accompany us when we rode from the house... sometimes I would hold my breathe the dog was so close to getting stepped on but he never did.
But any horse will bite, any horse will kick, any horse will step on you give the right set of circumstances. Yes, all 3 have happened to me... A friends Appy mare bit me from behind. My ex's horse kicked me (right below the belt buckle). My horse stepped on me (broke my toe).
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
You're projecting your own likes and feelings on to others. Many owners of light weight and ultra light weight guns shoot full house magnums. You (and I) may think they're crazy, but that doesn't stop them from doing it.
In any event, these .357 Magnum guns are really well built high quality items. The engineering is amazing, when you think about it. (The small ones even more so). Which was the only point of my "embarrassment of riches" post.
somebrains
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I'd go buy a Glock 32.
The fireball and report alone is a deterrent.
The fireball and report alone is a deterrent.
I am the OP. Today I had a chance to handle 4 Rugers: SP101 4.2", GP100 6", GP100 4.2" and the GP100 Match Champion 4.2". I certainly now understand all the comments on the 4" ... just felt and balanced better than the 6". The Match Champion is a very nice pistol.
I have not found a S&W (19, 66, 586, 686) to checkout. Not in a rush. All the feedback has been very helpful.
Thanks, Keith
I have not found a S&W (19, 66, 586, 686) to checkout. Not in a rush. All the feedback has been very helpful.
Thanks, Keith
silentflyer
Member
You mentioned 100 yards, at that range the 8 3/8" barrels have a huge advantage, and don't forget the Dan Wesson's super accurate at the longer ranges.
