Your Choice in Field Revolvers

[Scott B.]

I have worked for quite a while completing my collection of revolvers for field use. I have other handguns for social work, but the two S&W 629's below are what I use when in the field in areas with big critters (grizz or moose). I use .357's (other than S&W) for areas where black bears are the biggest critters. Each one serves a different purpose in my lineup (although they can overlap if needed). All of my field revolvers are stainless steel for weather protection. Although my collection has revolvers other than S&W, I would like to hear which S&W revolvers you bring with you in the field.

Taurus 970 6.5" Stainless .22 (Primary small game hunting revolver)
Ruger SP101 4" Stainless .22 (Utility farm/camping tool)
Ruger GP100 3" Stainless Wiley Clapp TALO .357 mag (Utility camping/hiking revolver in areas with boar/black bear/mountain lion)
Ruger GP100 6" Stainless Unfluted TALO .357 mag (A hunting 357 that can handle the hottest Buffalo Bore 180gr. rounds for black bear and big pigs)
Dan Wesson 7.5" Stainless Ported .357 mag (A hunting 357 that is used with 158gr. JSP - mostly for coyotes and deer)
Smith and Wesson 629 Classic 5" .44 mag (Utility camping/hiking revolver for Big Bear/Moose medicine)
Smith and Wesson 629 7.5" Performance Center Stealth Hunter .44 mag (Hunting 44 for bigger critters than deer or black bear)

I found the hunting length revolvers were a bit long for utility work so I added a shorter .22, .357, and .44 to the mix for utility/camping/critter defense as needed). What are your choices in the field and what made you choose that particular tool in your toolbox?

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

S&W 631..4 inch 32 mag...turtle murderer
Ruger Bearcat...22....same as above
Charter Arms old model 3 inch 44 special....walks to the mail box
Colt SAA...3 1/2 inch 45 engraved with steerhead ivories...general inside the gates gun, Gets shot ALOT
If I need more than these I take a rifle.

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

As you pointed out, with the exception of brown bear territory, I've always liked 357 Magnum, 4" to 6" barrel, for trails, hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, and any "wilderness" outings. I like the spectrum of different loads available in 357 for just about any problem that may stroll in, four-legged or two-legged.

 

[jtcarm]

Unfortunately, I don't hit the field much anymore. Texas is pretty much all private land, and the family ranch that we're my stomping grounds for 45 years was sold last year.

When I did, it was either a 4" M24 or 5.5"
Ruger SBH. When actively hunting big game with a handgun it was a 7.5" Bisley BH.

I never had to worry about bears in TX but feral hogs were always a possibility, plus deer or turkeys in season. Coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions (though I never saw one in North Texas.)

Almost forgot the wabbit/squirrel killer, 17-3.

 

[Goldstar225]

S&W 60-15 Pro 3" .357 takes care of my field and fishing needs.

 

[nachogrande]

Ruger security 6 snub, first 1-2 chambers with snake shot.(cuz that's what I own, & many 2-3" types would work) A 45acp semi sees field carry as well. The most actually fired in the field was a 22.

 

[lunger]

S&W 60-15 Pro 3" .357 takes care of my field and fishing needs.

Same here only standard model not pro.

 

[Cal44]

Same here only standard model not pro.

I take my 60-15 3" 357 mag.

 

[ColbyBruce]

"S&W 631..4 inch 32 mag...turtle murderer"

You will likely catch some flak for this statement; but people who aren't from around these parts just have no idea how dangerous Southern turtles can be.

 

[Arik]

S&W model 13 for game hinting, utility, mountain lion, black bear, camping, hiking.

That being said. If I'm camping and hiking in black bear country the primary self defense firearm has 30 rounds of 7.62 and 30 more as backup

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Arik]

"S&W 631..4 inch 32 mag...turtle murderer"

You will likely catch some flak for this statement; but people who aren't from around these parts just have no idea how dangerous Southern turtles can be.

Big turtle population in Atlanta?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Black Knight]

Instead of telling you which of your guns would be good I'll just generalize my response. In my opinion a 3-6 inch barrel stainless 357 Magnum with a minimum of 6 shots would be nearly ideal. There are many others available that will also work but I am looking at the whole spectrum. That includes the cost of ammunition, availability of ammunition, cost of the holster and holsters available. You want something that is reasonably economic yet enough to handle whatever danger you come across. A black bear with cubs nearby can be nearly as formidable as a grizzly if she believes you pose a danger to her cubs. My grandpa was chased up a tree by one in Virginia. All he had was a single shot shotgun with birdshot. A few birdshot to the face and the black decided to go elsewhere. Also in today's society a bear may be the least of your troubles. The criminal element can now be found in the woods as well as the street corner. Also while I don't like the idea of putting down a dog there are more dogs around than bear. Some are sweet and friendly, others can be vicious, and others can be rabid. Use good judgement no matter what you carry in the woods.

 

[GTBL]

"The criminal element can now be found in the woods as well as the street corner."

Very true! I am more concerned about running into the boys from the "Deliverance" than I am a rabid dog or Bear.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

It's not often these days that I am out in an area where there is any threat at all other than human or canine, so my carry choice is usually .38 Spl +P, 9mm or .45ACP, in that order. On those rare occasions when I am in an area where more than one bear has been alleged to have been sighted within the last two decades, I usually carry a *** x" M*** loaded with ********** *********s in a DeSantis OWB holster, although I know that only my A5 with Brenneke's gives the least chance of survival. Of course, a belt revolver is probably sufficient to repel allegations, if not boarders, so I don't feel all that uncomfortable.

 

[TAROMAN]

Don't do much field work any more. Worn out legs.
But if I were to go, my 681 whold fill the bill nicely.
Everything I need, nothing I don't:

 

[InTheWoods]

I carry a number of revolvers into the field including a 60-15, a no lock 629 mountain gun, a 686+ 3 inch, and a 63 no dash. Just depends on what I am doing and where I am. I do agree, though, that the 60-15 is about the perfect field revolver. A change in sights and grips has made mine my favorite:

 

[Muss Muggins]

Big turtle population in Atlanta?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I'm gonna guess you've never met an unhappy alligator snapper . . .

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

S&W 340PD purely for personal defense.

 

[PR24]

"S&W 631..4 inch 32 mag...turtle murderer"

You will likely catch some flak for this statement; but people who aren't from around these parts just have no idea how dangerous Southern turtles can be.

Y'all don't have the lumbering desert tortoises down there like we do....(they're harmless & protected). If someone gets bit by a Gopherus agassizii, they're either incredibly stupid, drunk, stoned or a combo of all three.

What you southern boys have are armor plated pygmy gators!! My grandmother was from E. Texas. She never had any love for those ill tempered, ugly reptilian anachronisms from the Cretaceous period.

On topic, I carry a Beretta 96A1 in the sticks. However, I'm in the process of buying one of the new 586 'Classics' which is LNIB. That too will have some field use.

 

[Lostaro]

Always a toss up for me for a "woods" gun....either the 3" GP100 or a 4" 686.

The 686 is more of a hunting gun for me...with adj sights I can try different loads as it suits me.

The GP100 really likes light bullets so it's not perfect for larger stuff.....but it's a long time companion and I shoot it very well, so never feel under-gunned carrying it hiking/camping etc.