What's your pleasure?

[Reddog]

Which of these beauties would you choose to carry on a woods hike in an old flap holster? I realize two of them have the unpopular lock, so most will probably choose the blue Mod. 58 in .41 Magnum. But, let me hasten to say that I've never had a single problem with either of the locking versions! The stainless 625-8, Michulek, in .45 ACP is one of my better shooters. And, of course the nickel 21-4 in .44 Special is everyone's favorite cartridge! But, I think I would pick the .41 Mag. loaded down to around 800 FPS and carry 4 or 5 shells loaded hotter, just in case I ran across a deer or maybe some varmint at longer range. That cartridge has been very accurate for me in four or five different guns over the years! A 220 gr. RCBS cast bullet over about seven grains of Unique or Herco for plinking, and nine grains of the same powder for the heavier loading. I didn't choose the .45 ACP because of the inconvenience of the moon clips and the power level. The .44 Special would be hard to pass up, but it just can't do what the .41 mag. can! Besides, that nickel plated look just doesn't seem like a woods gun to me? What do you think!
Dick

 

[Cal44]

I really like the 625 JM. I have a new one and it's becoming a favorite.

Buffalo Bore sells autorim +P cartridges that have the power to deal with just about anything short of an Alaskan Grizzly.

HKS even has speed loaders for autorim ammo so you don't need to deal with moon clips.

 

[Reddog]

That's good to know, Cal!
I may check with Starline to see if they have some autorim cases. But, I may not because I have a Remington 1911-R1 that I use these shells in, too. Not many bears left in Kansas, anyway.
But, I think I will take the original S&W stocks off the 58 up and put on some larger aftermarket stocks.
Dick

 

[Neal39]

Hey ! I would gladly carry all three. One is never enough, two is marginal, but three is just about right.
Neal39

 

[nawilson]

Any of those three cartridges should do, especially for the handloader. The Sierra manual lists some pretty hot "revolver only" loads for the 45 ACP. They list a 240 gr JHC bullet at something like 1100 fps, which is definately a hot load. If you're concerned about one of those finding its way into a 1911, load it in 45 AR brass.

 

[M29since14]

Those things are heavy!

I don't do a lot of woods tramping any more but in my hey-day I always relied on lighter weight pistols. Here in Indiana, there is nothing much bitey or scratchy that calls for a big gun. My three main choices were the one-and-only Model 19 (possibly my favorite revolver of all), the Model 34, or my .38 Super or .45 Commander. Given my mentality about objecting to too much weight, I would probably pick your thin-barrelled .44 Special.

 

[fyimo]

When doing longs walks in the woods any of the three would work fine. To me if I'm going to carry the weight I would get a S&W M&P in 40 S&W with 12 shots and it would still weigh the same as the guns you mentioned.

 

[Neumann]

I'd have to drive over 100 miles north to find bear, but there are zombies everywhere. I'm partial to .45, and .45 ACP will do in a pinch. Moon clips take no more room than speed loaders, and you can always carry a dowel or pencil if you want to forgo the clips, and perhaps use speed strips. 230 grain +P packs plenty of punch in a 4" barrel.

Full flap holsters slap around on your thigh, in addition to being slow. If that floats your boat, so be it. I think a pancake with a hammer shield provides enough protection (e.g., Alessi CQC), more comfort with a 40 oz handgun, and quicker access.

 

[DR505]

Since I have had three bears taken off my property this summer already, I'd opt for the .41 magnum...and I did. I often carry a 3" 657 around here (my property is next to a large tract of National Forest).

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Which of these beauties would you choose to carry on a woods hike in an old flap holster? I realize two of them have the unpopular lock, so most will probably choose the blue Mod. 58 in .41 Magnum. But, let me hasten to say that I've never had a single problem with either of the locking versions! The stainless 625-8, Michulek, in .45 ACP is one of my better shooters. And, of course the nickel 21-4 in .44 Special is everyone's favorite cartridge! But, I think I would pick the .41 Mag. loaded down to around 800 FPS and carry 4 or 5 shells loaded hotter, just in case I ran across a deer or maybe some varmint at longer range. That cartridge has been very accurate for me in four or five different guns over the years! A 220 gr. RCBS cast bullet over about seven grains of Unique or Herco for plinking, and nine grains of the same powder for the heavier loading. I didn't choose the .45 ACP because of the inconvenience of the moon clips and the power level. The .44 Special would be hard to pass up, but it just can't do what the .41 mag. can! Besides, that nickel plated look just doesn't seem like a woods gun to me? What do you think!
Dick

The answer is quite obvious to me. Put those diamond magnas in the box and carry the 58 for daytime use. Use the JM for nighttime use. Yes, Auto Rims and speedloaders work great. Use the .44 SPL for Sundays and such.

 

[JWS3]

Very nice looking revolvers! I'd be hard pressed to make the decision as well.

I'm going to say the 625 JM. The reason is simple: it's a .45 and is stainless.

My selection of woods guns is limited as I only own three revolvers. When the woods bug hits me, I venture forth with a Model 25-5 6" in .45 Colt in a cross draw rig.

 

[Reddog]

I appreciate all the comments!
Bud, I do intend to put the diamond magnas away and put on a set of aftermarket wood stocks. I like a little larger stocks on my N frames.
Dick

 

[Jebus35745]

How you been Dick? I'd use the 625, just kinda partial to them. Couple of loaded moon clips are easy to carry. Larry

 

[Cleandean]

My choice... Mod. 58
Because I'm just that different, (Odd & rare)

 

[mkk41]

Gotta vote for the Mod.57 because it's a .41 Mag , and because I have one.



If there's critters around that are bigger and hairier than myself , it would be loaded with Rem 210gr JSPs or my 220gr hard cast SWC handloads.

 

[Nframecollector]

Any of them would work for me!

 

[mg357]

my choice would be the S&W Model 625JM

 

[Reddog]

How you been Dick? I'd use the 625, just kinda partial to them. Couple of loaded moon clips are easy to carry. Larry

Everything's fine, here, Larry!
I answered your last PM but never heard back from you? I've been meaning to write to you, but? I like the 625JM, too, but would like a little more range so would pick the .41.

Mark41, Your gun looks just like mine! In fact, I may use a set of Herrett's on it. Also, I load it with a home cast 220 gr. RCBS bullet, too!
Greetings, All!
Dick

 

[loc n load]

Decisions - Decisions

All three are great guns and great calibers.....but I would strap on the 58....I have carried and shot one since 1981....carried one as a motor cop....still carry one concealed when the mood strikes me.....I shot the 41 mag in met sil. comp from 80-85, and have harvested several deer with the 41 as well....as much as I like the 44spl, and 45acp....the 41 mag is much more flexible in loading options.....I can carry my mid range load of a 220 gr SWC over a charge of Unique or go "full throttle with a JHP over a load of 2400.....all good.
Since you already have all three...just rotate them...quandary solved. Good shooting.

 

[Reddog]

Herret Shooting Stars!

Here it is with the Herrett's! The diamond magnas are boxed up and put away! I'm headed out to the range, now! Later, I'll post a target with the 210 JSP and one with the 220 lead SW.
Dick