semperfi71
US Veteran
Ruger Vaquero .44 Magnum loaded with the Hornady 240 grain FMJ loaded to about 980 FPS.
Which is the better woods gun?
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Ruger Vaquero .44 Magnum loaded with the Hornady 240 grain FMJ loaded to about 980 FPS.
Did somebody say bear? Oh, no bears - I must be in the wrong thread. I have shorter bbl'd versions of those .357s (2.5, 3, & 3.5") and 3 and 4" .44 mags. I honestly can't tell that much difference in toting a 2 1/2" M19 in a crappy holster vs. a 4" M29 in a decent one - it all depends on the leather and season (clothing). The difference is only half a pound. I carried a 4" M29 from Sept. through Dec. (for hunting season) this year (we DO have blacks, griz, cougars, and wolf, as well as moose, coyotes and tweakers). I feel fine with a .44 Spl loaded like the other posters mentioned (240 @ 950-1000).
BobK
Member
.357
I feel comfortable carrying a M-36 2" (.38 Spl. with 125 Gr.+P ammo) around the southern area of New England. Out in the "wilds" of the Berkshires, I move up to a M-66 2.5" with 158 gr. JSP ( Med Vel .357 mag.). If I had a M-629 2.5" .44 Mag., like the one pictured (nice one C&L), I would carry it (for sure!!!), instead of the M-66. I prefer lighter, smaller, snubby revolvers. For me, they shoot as good, if not better, at the closer ranges, required in self defense situations. From what I've heard.....you don't notice the recoil, or hear the blast, in an emergency situation. I have never been in that situation.
To answer your question.....bigger is better! There's no such thing as overkill!!! Bob
I feel comfortable carrying a M-36 2" (.38 Spl. with 125 Gr.+P ammo) around the southern area of New England. Out in the "wilds" of the Berkshires, I move up to a M-66 2.5" with 158 gr. JSP ( Med Vel .357 mag.). If I had a M-629 2.5" .44 Mag., like the one pictured (nice one C&L), I would carry it (for sure!!!), instead of the M-66. I prefer lighter, smaller, snubby revolvers. For me, they shoot as good, if not better, at the closer ranges, required in self defense situations. From what I've heard.....you don't notice the recoil, or hear the blast, in an emergency situation. I have never been in that situation.
To answer your question.....bigger is better! There's no such thing as overkill!!! Bob
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Of the three mentioned, I would go with the Model 19, since both the gun and ammunition are lighter. When I am out in the sticks, I like to be able to shoot. Lugging around a box or two of .44 ammo adds weight quickly.
I agree that the biggest concern in my area is aggressive bucks (and then probably humans). I have had an encounter or two with bucks who almost seemed to be daring me to continue along my chosen path. It is a little unnerving to find yourself with nothing more powerful than a .22 revolver. Forty years ago or so, when I first started woods roaming as a youngster, this sort of thing was unheard of, here in Indiana.
I agree that the biggest concern in my area is aggressive bucks (and then probably humans). I have had an encounter or two with bucks who almost seemed to be daring me to continue along my chosen path. It is a little unnerving to find yourself with nothing more powerful than a .22 revolver. Forty years ago or so, when I first started woods roaming as a youngster, this sort of thing was unheard of, here in Indiana.
do not beat me up guys , I love my S&W revolvers, but the best woods gun in my opinion is a glock 20 with a 15 rd magazine where legal of hot 230 grain hard cast bullet anmmo from doubletap ammo. Same ballistics as a 41 magnum. There was a 600 Lb. black bear taken near my house this year. I never feel undergunned when wearing my glock 10mm when I walk the woods.
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buckeyeshooter1
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either of the N frames, I'm not a K fan.
Kent J
Member
For me I prefer the 29 4" loaded with .44 specials. With this combo you get a heavier bullet but you keep the velocity out of high ear damage range. You can always keep a handful of magnums in your pocket. I totally agree that bucks are becoming more of a problem. We live in a rural area and last year I had one challenge one of the dogs to the point of coming right up on the patio with me standing there yelling. You can run into ferrel dogs or sick / extremely hungry yotes almost anywhere.
Tweekers growing pot and / or cooking meth are everywhere now. In this case the bark of a .44 mag load carries alot of weight in discouraging conflict unless they have been sampling too much of thier own product. I also agree avoidance is always the best game plan. However don't rule out the importance of carrying GPS to note location of any "finds" so you can direct the proper authorities to them.
I also agree that finding the right carry rig is extremely important. This will help balance out the weight issue of carrying an N frame. As to the question of extra weight I used to regularly carry weapon, ammo and camera on my treks. My thoughts were always that if I wasn't in shape to handle the extra weight that maybe it would help with conditioning.
Tweekers growing pot and / or cooking meth are everywhere now. In this case the bark of a .44 mag load carries alot of weight in discouraging conflict unless they have been sampling too much of thier own product. I also agree avoidance is always the best game plan. However don't rule out the importance of carrying GPS to note location of any "finds" so you can direct the proper authorities to them.
I also agree that finding the right carry rig is extremely important. This will help balance out the weight issue of carrying an N frame. As to the question of extra weight I used to regularly carry weapon, ammo and camera on my treks. My thoughts were always that if I wasn't in shape to handle the extra weight that maybe it would help with conditioning.
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