Trail gun: I need some input!

[DatGuy]

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:

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[regalsc]

You could look at the 327 night guard. About 27oz 8 shot 357mag. Prices vary in the ballpark of $1k less or more depending on condition & where you buy. There is also a 327pd 4" but hard to find.

 

[ankona]

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.

 

[petepeterson]

I was going to suggest a 3" J-frame, like a Model 60 with adjusatable sights, but I imagine it's prettycompaable to an SP101. I tote it in the woods, however, and the weight is not a factor for me. It's a comfortable revolver to shoot.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I think a lot of a stout .357magnum becomes flash and bang out of a short (<4") barrel.

My Penn's Woods trail guns have been a 3" or 4" model 66 since the early 1980s..... but more and more a 3" Model 60-10 .357 magnum ....think micro 686..........gets taken.

First consideration is to have a gun that will always be with you!

 

[RaginRog]

Have you considered a 686 with 2.5" barrel and 7 round capacity?

 

[Green Frog]

I have one of the late, lamented Model 60-4 guns... 3" full lug barrel, adjustable sights and 38 Special... I'm leaning toward that for a casual carry around gun. If I wanted to go for the possibility of hunting as well, I'd break the mould a bit and go with my http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/260686-project-616-a.html, but if I hadn't already built that, just a plain old Model 66 with 3 or 4" barrel would be really hard to beat! JMHO, of course and everyone has to decide for themselves what is comfortable and of sufficient power for the job at hand.

Froggie

 

[phonejack]

A 4" SP101 works for me but I'm just as apt to carry a M66 or a Lipseys 44 special.

 

[Bobthegod]

If it's extra rounds you want, I'd try and find a Ruger GP100 in .327 Magnum, it holds 7 rounds. I have one and love it. You could also go with the Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum, they come in 2" 3" & 4" barrels and can handle the hottest loads. I have a 4" and 6" which also work for me well. The Ruger's cost a less but are built like tanks and will give decades of service.

 

[medicdave]

I'm not a big fan 357's in general, but especially not in short barrels. To much muzzle flash and noise. I have a couple favorite woods walkers. Big heavy bullets staying subsonic helps a lot while still delivering a lot of energy.

Sacralige for the site first but this is my favorite in the woods. 310gr at 1000fps doesn't get shrugged of by much.

Lipseys 3.75" super Blackhawk with a few embellishments.





If I'm more concerned with two legged varmints this guy gets the nod. 21 oz disappears untill you need it. Tweaked 325pd throwing 230gr hp or full wadcutters around 900.



Xs big dot front, Bowen shallow v rear

 

[Pointblank2U]

I opted for a Glock 27 (.40 caliber) loaded with Buffalo Bore 200 grain hard cast "Outdoorsman" loads. It's light and gives me 10 rounds. If I want to go the .357 route I can just use a .357 SIG barrel in it. Either way it kicks a lot less than any small, powerful revolver.

 

[Matt Hooper]

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.

^^^^^This^^^^^ You could even get away with a 4"

 

[Rpg]

I carry a Colt 1911.

Plenty big enough for anything I'm likely to encounter on the lower 48, more comfortable than a revolver of comparable power and the same platform I carry daily.

My second favorite field handgun is a kit gun.

 

[Invictus357]

3" 686 or 3" GP100.

180gr Buffalo Bore

Guides Choice Holster

Guides Choice Chest Holster, Original Alaskan Holster

 

[nipperdog]

I have carried many Revolvers into the Woods from a 6" 629, to a little S&W M60. I have found the right gun for my needs. A Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special. It weighs 21ozs,holds 5rds of 240 grain Ammo, and will handle anything from Snakes to Scoundrels. I have owned it for 7yrs and it is as reliable as the Sun coming up every day. Not bad for a $350 gun.

 

[Ranger514]

Not sure what you've been using for a holster, but if you've been carrying on your hip, a lot of people neglect to match the quality of their holster with a strong, supportive belt. It can make a lot of difference in carrying a heavier handgun. You also might look into a Tanker style chest holster, which will spread and center the weight over your upper body. I heartily endorse the Diamond D Leather Guide's Choice chest rig another member posted. On the other hand, if you're bored and just want a new handgun, I'm what you might call an "Enabler." My new trail gun is a 3-3/4 inch barrel .357 mag. Ruger Montado. Good luck making your selection.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Perhaps a four inch M-19 in a shoulder or chest rig would fit the task at hand.

 

[Pizza Bob]

A 386PD or Mountain Lite should work. But I've always been a fan of big bores, so I'll go outside the box and suggest a 329PD. You get a 4" barrel, light weight and you can carry it with hot .44 Specials - or if you're a masochist, full-house magnums.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Do you walk, ride a horse, atv, trail bike etc.
Do you use a backpack,day pack,sholder bag etc.
For the walking,carry a lot, the lightest[not necessarily the smallest]
package [ gun and cart.] would be best.
First revolver or auto, your choice.
Next what shell , if just 357 ok.
Last how much?
A light weight revolver,in 357 ,is easy.
Just be sure it has at least a 3in barrel. [ that is where most rounds turn on]
The larger the shell the shorter the barrel can be and still work.
If you can stand the thickness, an S&W 325 is one of the best.
Fast reloads, ammo at fair prices and can shoot up to 45 Super loadings.
If you want more shots then go with an auto.
There are only three in my book: 357sig [ with 147 gr bullets]
10mm [ nuff said]
45acp +p [ look at the 250gr cast]
You must weigh and choose.

 

[petemacmahon]

I have carried many Revolvers into the Woods from a 6" 629, to a little S&W M60. I have found the right gun for my needs. A Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special. It weighs 21ozs,holds 5rds of 240 grain Ammo, and will handle anything from Snakes to Scoundrels. I have owned it for 7yrs and it is as reliable as the Sun coming up every day. Not bad for a $350 gun.

I'll second the choice of 44 spl. Can be loaded to hit harder than a .357 if your worried about bears and so can handle pretty much anything your going to run into in the lower 48. My constant companion has been my S&W 696 tuned DAO. It has killed deer, ground hogs and squirrels (before I figured out that PA made it illegal to small game hunt with anything bigger than .224 )

A three inch .357, loaded to deliver the same kind of performance on the target as a hot loaded 44 spl using 240 Kieth style lead bullets will be a flame thrower by comparison.

Not sure what mine weights. But if you have your heart set on a .357 I would go with one of the L frame S&Ws with a 3 or 4 inch barrel. You could always opt for a model 19 if you can find one as they are built on the smaller k frame.