Trail gun: I need some input!

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

If you're going to include bear, even black bear, as a consideration, I would go with what I have, which is a 3" 629. Ignoring bear, I consider .45ACP to be at least as good as .357. With the right grips, a 325PD is comforting and comfortable, and certainly easy to carry. Barring that, a 1911 is about the easiest for me to carry.

Those are my first choices. If you consider the .357 to be the best cartridge, which could easily be defended if you use a good 158gr load, I'd go for a decent barrel length and weight and a good holster and BELT.

BTW, medicdave's first choice is obviously also excellent if you like SA revolvers. His second choice ain't so bad, either.

 

[Kid44]

3" 686 or 3" GP100.

180gr Buffalo Bore

Guides Choice Holster

Guides Choice Chest Holster, Original Alaskan Holster

Nice setup!

 

[Cpo1944]

The perfect pocket pistol: RUGER LCR with Crimson Trace Laser Enough said!!!

 

[Voyager28]

Since a close encounter of the 3rd kind with a Black Bear my trail gun is now, and forever shall be, a Model 69, .44 Mag. Trust me, when you hear that snort and huffing you will want to biggest gun you can get your hands on.

Bob

 

[BuckeyeS&W]

I like my new 66-8. It can handle hot 357 mag loads if that suits you.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Given what you are looking for it sounds like a 327 Night Guard would be the ticket. I have a 627PC 2.6", which is the same gun but all steel. It is heavy (42ozs loaded), but it is my current EDC, and i wear shorts every day (South Florida) and it doesn't bother me a bit.

 

[ridgewalker]

I want a new trail/woods gun and I cant make up my mind.

I'm looking for a more lightweight and easier to carry revolver that can shoot hot and heavy loaded .357 Magnum to replace the big and heavy S&W 627 Pro I have now. I don't live near moose or brown/grizzly bears so my main concern is big cats, wolves/coyotes, black bears, and trail thugs/hobos.

The S&W 327 PC Carry is a thick revolver and only has a 2 inch barrel. The price is high too. But it has 8 rounds and weighs the least.

The Ruger SP101 3 inch is smaller and cheaper, but it only has 5 rounds and it still weighs in at 2 lbs.

What do you all think? Here's a picture that sums up my dilemma:

​

Many fine suggestions by other posters above.
I would say don't be so fast to dismiss the 627 Pro that you already have. To me it is a very versatile and excellent gun. The 627 Pro is only a few ounces heavier than a 686 Plus but provides 8 instead of 7 rounds. I have Pachmayr Decelerator grips on my 627 and feel very comfortable shooting it. The 627 can handle the "hot and heavy" 357 magnum loads that you say you want to shoot. I use it for my trail gun carrying it in a Diamond D Chest holster. There are other fine makers of chest holsters that you can find with a bit of research. I chose a chest holster because I often carry a pack when out on the trails and a chest holster doesn't interfere with the pack. I have 2 speed loader holders on my rig providing easy access to 24 rounds of 357 and/or 38 special. You can carry different loads in each speed loader if you wish. The chest holster distributes the weight very well and I can carry it all day without it feeling like a burden.

 

[BE Mike]

This is my favorite all around revolver, a S&W 60-10.

 

[Brasky]

For .357 get a 686 3 inch barrel and carry in a good holster. With the correct belt & holster weight should be a non issue especially for a trail gun.

+1 with a good belt and holster I forget my 6" 686 is by my side. I carried it for miles deer hunting last year and had no problems.

Personally I would not want a short, light revolver for in the woods where fast follow up shots might be needed. I can shoot no where near as accurate with my 2.25" SP101, which is why the 686 goes with me anywhere that concealability does not matter

 

[murphydog]

You really haven't made clear what your priority is - capacity, cost, size/weight, or just having a new toy - or if you are considering other options.

Of the three, you already have the 627 Pro so that would be the easy choice; as others mentioned, if you don't have a solid belt or variety of holsters those would be cheaper than a new gun. The SP-101 is a good smaller/lighter choice, and chances are if you haven't settled a problem with 5 shots 8 may not do the trick either. It would also be a good motivator to learn fast reloads. 2" lightweight .357s (even N frames) don't do much for me, especially at that price.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[ColbyBruce]

The 3" heavy barrel, round butt K frames, like my S&W 65-3 here, work well as a trail gun.

 

[DatGuy]

Whatever I pick, I'll be taking this revolver on long hikes and camping trips. This is all really helpful info. Thanks a lot folks, I'm taking notes here!

 

[LimaCharlie]

Glock G20 10mm with fifteen plus one rounds of .357 magnum energy level rounds.

 

[mc5aw]

For my trail walks and hiking, I have cycled assorted Js, Ks, and Ls loaded with a variety of .38s to .357s. I ultimately settled on the 624 snub in .44 Special, then the Ruger Alaskan in .44 Mag. Both carry well, and in my humble opinion give me more bang for the buck with half a dozen .44s than any .38 or .357 chambering. If I were to go lighter weight (which is always a consideration) for woods carry, I would choose the 329 PD loaded with .44 Special HPs. Not much difference weight-wise than a Model 65 or 686 snub, and more horsepower.

 

[helilogger]

Just to add, if not in the woods with a rifle, I carry one of the following:

357------SP101 4", Blackhawk 4 5/8", 28-2

10mm---Colt Delta Elite

44 Spcl--696-1 3"

44 Mag--629-4 4"

These are my minimum for carrying in the woods. Any of these can be carried comfortably with the proper belt/holster. Good luck!

Dave

 

[Seraphim]

Have you consider a chest rig for whatever you carry?

 

[one eye joe]

Whatever I pick, I'll be taking this revolver on long hikes and camping trips. This is all really helpful info. Thanks a lot folks, I'm taking notes here!

DatGuy ANYTHING THAT YOU PICK IS GOING TO BE A COMPROMISE. I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A 2 1/2" OR 3" 686+. CLEAN USED 2 1/2" VERSIONS ARE PLENTIFUL, 3"--NOT SO MUCH. A NEW 3" WILL NOT BREAK THE BANK. RELATIVELY COMPACT AND EASY TO CARRY, WITH MANY EXCELLENT HOLSTERS AVAILABLE, IT HOLDS 7 ROUNDS AND CAN SHOOT ANY KIND OF .357 MAGNUM AMMO…..

BELOW IS MY 2 1/2" (PURCHASED USED) SET UP FOR EDC, AND WEARING PACHMAYR COMPACS FOR FIELD USE, IN THE PICTURE WITH ITS 8 1/2' BROTHER. MINE IS A GREAT SHOOTER--NICE TRGGER, VERY ACCURATE. IMHO, THE 686 IS THE BEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION IN THE WORLD, FROM THE STANDPOINT OF QUALITY, AND VERSATILITY…………….

 

[ColbyBruce]

We have a home in north Georgia and do some hiking. When the weather gets cool enough to wear a cover garment, this S&W 1006 10mm and a spare magazine provide comfort and security.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

The 3" heavy barrel, round butt K frames, like my S&W 65-3 here, work well as a trail gun.

Fine looking bones hanging on that 65-3! I've never owned a 3" K-frame .357. Someday perhaps.

 

[Chukar60]

With Bears on the list of potential nastys, the 357 dropped from the criteria. Black bears have a thick.hide, heavy bones and lots of muscle. Far more resilient than a human threat or a whitetail deer.
When in an area that I am concerned about black bears, I pack my 4" 629. The added weight and mass are a small concession for the peace of mind extra power provides.