[PlayboyPenguin]

This actually a two-step question.

I am about to spend the last of my dispossable cash for firearms that I will have for awhile and I have a decision to make.

I want a gun that would be a good camping/hiking gun. I am having trouble deciding if I should stick to the SA revolvers I have or would a DA/SA revolver be an asset in the woods if something went wrong. If the SA would be fine then I have it covered and will just spend my money on a nice Remington Marine 12 gauge. If DA/SA would be an advantage then the rest of the question is as follows.

I have some revolvers that might fit the bill but are wrong for one reason or another. For example...

.44mag Ruger SBH Hunter / 7 1/2" --- too big/SA only
.44mag Ruger New Model SBH/ 4 5/8" --- SA only
.357mag Ruger Vaquero Sheriff's Model / 3" --- SA only
.357mag Ruger GP100 / 6" --- barrel to unweildy
.357mag Ruger SP101 / 2 1/4" --- Too small a barrel/DA only
.357mag Taurus Model 65 / 4 1/2" --- Good size but like to keep it for HD only

If I decide to get another DA/SA revolver I cannot decide whether to get a medium sized .357mag or go up to a .44mag revolver.

My .357mag choices would be either a Ruger SP101 w/3" barrel, a Ruger GP100 w/3" or 4" barrel, or a S&W S&W Model 620 w/4"
http://ruger.com/Firearms/images/Products/49L.jpg
http://ruger.com/Firearms/images/Products/53L.jpg
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/164301_large.jpg

If I decide to move up to the .44mag my choices are the Ruger Redhawk w/5.25" barrel or the S&W 629 w/3" or 4" barrel.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/287L.jpg
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/170279_large.jpg

I welcome all input. Please be specific when you say which you think would be best. I want to conider every aspect and who knows what factors I have or haven't considered.

[Standing Wolf]

Be scientific. Get both.

[PlayboyPenguin]

Be scientific. Get both.

Standing Wolf,
Sounds good to me...mind spotting me a few buck to do that? I am good for it.:D

[Euclidean]

IMHO...

Unless I was worried about a particularly huge critter (See the various, partly educational but largely entertaining bear threads), I'd be most worried about two legged threats even in what is supposed to be the wilderness.

When the .357 Magnum was introduced, Smith and Wesson sent someone across the country and they literally killed every critter you can imagine with it as a promotional stunt. I can't imagine that it wouldn't be sufficient protection from rabid beasts for most of us.

Heck, some people in Alaska carry .357 Magnums, and the critters up there can swallow you whole.

If you're really worried about it, get nice stout Ruger and some thermonuclear hot Buffalo Bore loads.

If you don't already have such a gun, a 3-4" barreled L frame sized .357 Magnum is a great gun to have just because. It could be your only handgun if it had to be. If I had no compelling reason to have a .44 Magnum, I'd probably go this way.

OTOH...

The .44 Magnum cartridge can do everything the .357 can do only better, it's even more powerful and even more diverse. Super soft shooting .44 Special loads and incredibly potent magnum loads are both possible. Also, Smith and Wesson N frames are class. IMHO they represent the best S&W has to offer. Only downsides are its a bigger gun to carry and more expensive. If I already had a .357 I was happy with, I'd probably go this route.

In general...

If it's supposed to be an expedient protection gun, I personally would very much want DA/SA, and something I could personally handle in rapid fire.

[Majic]

If others are going to be home while you are out in the boonies then why can't one of the DA rugers do HD duties while the Taurus do boonies duty? If no one is going to be home then what's the purpose of a HD gun? Personally I would carry one of the single actions out in the wild with me.

[Standing Wolf]

Standing Wolf,
Sounds good to me...mind spotting me a few buck to do that?

How about I just mail you a spare credit card, eh?

[shermacman]

Picture porn. I just drooled all over my keyboard. I love having trouble making decisions like this!

[real_name]

How about I just mail you a spare credit card, eh?

Yes.

His email is real_name@comcast.net

Thanks.

[SoCalShooter]

You look like you have made your choice on manufacturer and its a good one. Super Redhawk or Redhawk DA/SA are great!
Such as:

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=6&variation=Blued&bct=Yes&type=Revolver

[Zen21Tao]

Can't decide between 44 magnum and .357 magnum? Why not conpromise and get a .41 Magnum? Length wise you seem to want to stay between 3" and 5.25".

Here some .41 Magnums that S&W and Taurus make. I bet that Ruger also has something in a .41 magnum that would fit your needs.

S&W Model 29 Mountain gun. Offered in .41 mag, .44 Mag, .45LC and .45acp
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/163604_large.jpg


S&W 625 offered in .41 mag, .44 Mag, .45LC, and .45acp
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/160936_large.jpg

Taurus 425 4" .41 magnum
http://www.taurususa.com/images/imagesMain/425SH4C.jpg

[mnrivrat]

Actualy I think you have the job requirments covered. But if your looking for another revolver here is my answer to your question:

The Tracker size is that of a L-Frame S&W and it can be had in stainless or blued, .44 mag or .41 mag. Extra power without extra bulk or weight.

[Bob F.]

I really like the 3" bbls on most moderate size revo's. But, my state, and others, require a 4" for hunting. My pick ($$ no object!) was a custom I saw, can't remember the maker, Cornwell or something similar. Ruger GP-100 redone to .44Spl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay safe.
Bob

[skwerl]

I agree with the tracker in .44...... Heck if you can have a .41 or 44 in the same size package, why go with a .41? Myself, I'm a fan of the GP100. I shot this 168lb deer the other day, and it went about 50 feet before it stopped and dropped. 158gr and it went through it. I hunt in some thick Carolina woods, and there is rarely a time I could shoot more than 30 yards, and there isn't much a .357, 4 or 6 inch, won't take care of at that range.

I'm kind of convinced that a lot of the time the deer only run from the noise of the gun. They are already dead many times when hit. I've seen several go over a hundred yards with their hearts blown out.........and it's strictly on fear and adrenaline.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f131/catfishe/thebuck4web.jpg

[Zen21Tao]

Heck if you can have a .41 or 44 in the same size package, why go with a .41?

Less recoil that allows for quicker follow up shots. I agree that if the pupose of the gun is to hunt then yes the added umph from the .44 mag would be you best bet. But, if you goal is to unload quickly on a wild animal that is getting a little too close for comfort then I think the .41 mag may have its advantages.

[highlander 5]

redhawk 44 mag then Mag Na Port the beast

[Barr]

I would get a 5.5" Ruger Redhawk in SS .44 mag. Accurate and can be loaded as hot or mild as you want.

[skwerl]

It's nice that you mention a short barrelled .44 special. That's exactly what I'm carrying concealed in that picture. Right behind the Ruger holster is where it resides. With full house maximum saami loads the .357 is still waaaaay more comfortable to shoot than the Bulldog. I had no idea when I went for my CWP that I'd have to fire 50!!!!! rounds!!! My hand hurt like heck for two days afterwards, and it almost flipped out of control and my grip (August in Carolina heat, just a wee bit o' sweaty palms). Just from shear "that hurts like heck", I'd say the .44 Bulldog is a very affordable option for your situation.

[461]

I can narrow the field pretty easily, I'm for the GP-100 or the Redhawk. I love both rounds a great deal so choosing one would be tough but as an all arounder the GP-100 is a pretty clear winner unless there is dangerous game or you plan to hunt with it.

The .41 is a winner too if you are a reloader, but for the casual shooter on a budget trying to use factory ammo is going to be tough. I reload so have no cost issue shooting my .41 Blackhawk but wouldn't touch it without the reloading gear.

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Your conditions seem to favor the SP 101 or the S&W 620. First, ammo for these are just about everywhere you go.

No rear sights mean one thing less to reach out and grab onto something in your camping/hiking kit. You won't always be carrying it on your person so you'd want it to come to life quickly and reliably.

I think biggest threat out there is the 2 legged animals, okay maybe a cat. A 3 or 4 inch barrel in .357 would do well I think. You can always pick up a .357 lever action to assist the shorter barrel of the revolver.

Vick

[Gaucho Gringo]

If you are considering SA revolvers and are considering Taurus you have missed one: a Taurus Gaucho SA in .357\38sp. I have one that I bought quite by accident and I like it. It is a well balanced SA that is well fitted and works well. It is a keeper and I don't intend giving it up until I die. For the money I paid for it($380.00) I consider it a good buy. It is also in .45 Long Colt for the same price if you want .45 Long Colt.

[Geronimo45]

.44 mag or .45 Colt.

[strambo]

Your 2 suitable SAs are perfectly fine for that role if you are practiced with them. Now, if you really want a DA/SA, then the .357 SP101 would be small for lighter backpacking trips, usefull for CCW too if your in a revo mood.

If you think you will be in an area with really big critters (or really big jerks :scrutiny: )...well just take the .44 blackhawk you already own on that trip.

[PlayboyPenguin]

If you are considering SA revolvers and are considering Taurus you have missed one: a Taurus Gaucho SA in .357\38sp.
That is a very nice weapon, but I am not considering another SA revolver. I already have a...

.45Colt Ruger Birds Head Vaquero / 3 3/4" (case hardened)
.45Colt EMF/Uberti Hartdord / 5 1/2" (case hardened)
.45Colt EMF/Uberti Hartdord / 5 1/2" (case hardened)
.44mag Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter / 7 1/2" (stainless)
.44mag Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk/ 4 5/8" (stainless)
.357mag Ruger Vaquero Sheriff's Model / 3" (gloss stainless)

As you can see, I loves me a nice SA revolver. :)

[earthworm]

Looks to me like your 4 5/8" SuperBlackhawk or 3" Vaquero'd fit the bill:nothing wrong with a SA woods gun.I'd say get the shotgun altho I'd choose Mossberg over Remington(not trying to start a "Mossy vs Remmy" war:just stating an opinion*G*).
What kinds/sizes of critters you dealing with? 4-legged or 2-legged?(The latter is obviously a different situation.)
Of what you list my choices in order would be the 4" GP100,the 3" GP101 then the 5" Redhawk.If you're hiking more than camping go with the GP101:I know how much an ounce feels after 5+ miles!

[PlayboyPenguin]

I did think about a .41mag but can't fine one t o fit the bill. I am wanting someting in stainless, DA/SA, and with a 3" or 4" barrel.

I am not finding the 625 in .41mag and the mountain gun does not come in stainless.

[jibjab]

I'd go for the GP 100 3" or 4" it will be adequate for a hiking side arm in most places. You'll be packing a extra 11-15 Oz's with the Redhawk , and the GP 100 will handle those hopped up 180-200 grainers.

[Zen21Tao]

I did think about a .41mag but can't fine one t o fit the bill. I am wanting someting in stainless, DA/SA, and with a 3" or 4" barrel.

I am not finding the 625 in .41mag and the mountain gun does not come in stainless.

How about Taurus. Buds has a 425 Tracker SS 4" for $368.67:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_50_494/products_id/31747

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/31747.jpg

If you are willing to do without Stainless, Buds has a Scandium S&W 357PD 4" .41mag for $734.43. It may not be SS but it will be a powerful light weight gun.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_72/products_id/18167

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/18167.jpg

You can also try Gunbroker and GunsAmerica.

[PlayboyPenguin]

Skwerl killed Bambi!!!:what:
Thanks for turning my thread into a pit of carnage and bloodshed.:evil:

Seriously though, this is being a very hard decision. Every time I think I have made a final decision I find myself second guessing it two minutes later.

I think I have decided that if I am ever going to be in bear country my .44mag Ruger SBH will do just fine. I can shoot a SA about as fast as most people can shoot a high caliber DA.

Otherwise I think a good .357mag will suffice. Not to just narrow it down to which one. The SP101 is a great size but has a kick. The GP100 handles recoil well but is a bit bulky for a .357mag. The S&W is a great size but I am not sure how it will handle and if it can take as hot a load as either of the Rugers.

[strambo]

Skwerl's thousand yard stare belongs in the "game face" thread in the Strategies and Tactics section!:D Nice looking buck.:cool:

[LAK]

I can recommend the Ruger Redhawk .44 with the 5.25" barrel; having shot a number of very heavy loads in the 300+ grain category I can say that it is not that difficult to master. I would also suggest you consider the .41 Magnum, also a great cartridge. I've had two S&W 57s in the past and deeply regret parting with them a long time ago. In .357 you could do no wrong with a GP100.

Any of these would be fine IMO, but I would strongly suggest an absolute minimum barrel length of 3" - and steer clear of any barrel porting. The ideal barrel length IMO is right in the 4" to 5" range for a trail piece.

--------------------------------------

http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

[Tom C.]

You haven’t mentioned what your concerns are: large or small 2 or 4 legged creatures. If you are in the lower 48, then, with the right ammo, the .357 should be able to handle your needs. In Alaska, then a properly loaded .44 or 45 might be more appropriate.
Another factor will be the weight and bulk you can tolerate for your adventure. The 3” SP101 is around 27 oz. The 4” GP100 is around 40 oz. The 5 ½” Redhawk is 48 or 49 oz. The Redhawk is obviously the heaviest and bulkiest. Then there is the weight of ammo. Here is a list of guns with one load and 10 or 12 rds. of spare ammo:

3” SP101: 27 oz. 15 rds of 158 gr. ammo: 8.25 oz. Total: 35 oz.
4” GP100: 40 oz. 18 rds. of 158 gr. ammo: 9.9 oz. Total: 50 oz.
4 5/8” .357 NMBH: 40 oz. 18 rds. of 158 gr. ammo: 9.9 oz. Total: 50 oz.
4 5/8”.44 SBH: 44 oz 18 rds. of 240 gr. ammo: 15.7 oz. Total: 60 oz.
4 5/8” .45 NMBH: 36 oz. 18 rds of 250 gr. ammo: 16 oz. Total: 52 oz.
5 ½” .44 Redhawk: 49 oz. 18 rds. of 240 gr. ammo: 15.7 oz. Total: 65 oz.

The Blackhawks listed are blued, with aluminum grip frames. Whether you prefer a single action or double action will depend on how much you shoot with either or both. As a cowboy shooter, I shoot more with single actions than anything else. I feel very comfortable with them. I would be very comfortable with a single action revolver for an extended trip. You may feel differently.

In the end, if you don’t really need an excuse for a new gun the SBH would work fine. If you really want something new, then you will probably include in your requirements your intended use after you return from your trip.

[Majic]

I am not finding the 625 in .41mag and the mountain gun does not come in stainless.
The M625 is not a .41 caliber revolver. It's a .45 caliber revolver. The M57/657 is the .41 caliber revolver and a M657 (stainless) Mountain Gun was made in the past, but you don't see them on the used market very often.

[PlayboyPenguin]

After listening to what people are saying, I am felling much more confident that a good .357mag round would be able to handle most anything I would run into in Oregon/Washington (from angry black bear on down to rabid chipmunk).

I am also more confident that my Ruger SBH .44mag will be sufucient for any time I need something stouter.

I am also thinking since this gun will be primarily for trail carry it should be as light as possible but still be able to fire stout .357mag rounds. It is not going to be a range gun so it does not need to be comfortable enough to shoot all day. I have guns for that already. I will just need to fire a box of ammo out of it every month or so to stay used to it.

It comes down to either the Ruger SP101 w/3" barrel or a J frame S&W w/3" or 4" barrel.

I am kind of leaning towards the Ruger (even though I already have the 2" barrel spurless version) because I think it may be a little less polished than the S&W but it could probably handle stouter rounds with less recoil and less wear&tear on the gun.

Make sense? Sound stupid?

[roscoe]

3" SP101 was my choice as well for similar criteria. The fact that it handles the Buffalo Bore type rounds so well was the clincher.

[Legionnaire]

I'll vote for the SP101, but wonder what advantage will be gained by the extra inch over the two inch model you already have. Don't get me wrong! I really like my two inch SP101 and hope to pick up a three inch model before too long. But I don't see there being sufficient difference to conclude that the three inch one will be able to do things your two incher can't already do ... unless you really want one you can shoot DA.

[Confederate]

Well, if you can latch onto one of the new 4-inch Redhawks, I'd certainly give that a good thought. A 4-6-inch Smith 629 also would be on my short list. A final thought is to do a bit of searching and see if you can get a primo Ruger Security-Six with a 6-inch barrel or even a Smith 66 with 6-inch barrel.

[ChristopherG]

Seeking a gun with similar criteria, I eventually ended up going with an option not listed--a Ruger Security Six.

The 3" sp101 is a fine choice, to be sure, and my outdoor gun for situations where I want to be able to easily conceal is a 2.5" S&W 66, which is about the same size; but for me, an ideal camping/hiking gun is open carried, and if I don't have to hide it, I'd definitely prefer the extra sight radius and velocity of a 4" barrel. The Security Six is every bit as stout as the SP101 (some would say it's as stout as the GP100, for all practical purposes; it was not discontinued because of any particular weakness, as was the k-frame), not much heavier at all, and gives you a full load of six. And, they're still available reasonably cheaply (though prices have been climbing).

This thread has a pic:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=223120

[Striker]

I have both the 2 1/2 and 3 inch 357 SP 101s. I generally carry the short barrel as a CC piece and the 3 inch as an open carry "out in the woods" gun. The 3 inch is more muzzle heavy and balances a bit better, but both are great. I also have a 3 inch .22 that is my "go to" .22 revolver.

Bottom line is that you won't be disappointed with a SP in what ever barrel length you choose.

[.41Dave]

These are my choices for a good camping/hiking gun:

.357 Magnum S&W Model 686-5 Mountain Gun
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid203/pc3e0b1e66c11bfd9b7b9585a932a0325/efa1d62c.jpg

.41 Magnum S&W Model 657-4 Mountain Gun
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p4b13469d50c83667bb30d7c096394672/f52a1c9d.jpg

.45 Colt S&W Model 625-6 Mountain Gun
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p79d58710e7c39f782dea3fbb2a75b0ac/ef88b2cc.jpg

.41 Magnum S&W Model 657 3"
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid216/pebac5f127389456d843f6a20a79d9d98/ec8b7e0e.jpg

[The Real Wyatt]

You might also want to consider a S&W Mountain gun in .45 Colt. A really sweet gun with plenty of power. Go to your local gunshop, pick one up and fondle it. Feels just right, don't it?

[rtl]

I think a 4" GP 100 would fit the bill and be a nice addition to your collection.

[22-rimfire]

From what you have said, I would go with a 3" Ruger GP100. You don't seem interested in 44's. I like 41mag myself. You would never go wrong with a 4" Model 57 mountain gun, but it is not stainless. Heavier than GP100 though.

[Shawnee]

Gosh... You have lots of confidence in the SA - why not a stainless .357 Ruger Blackhawk in 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 in barrel? :confused: :)

[earthworm]

PlayboyPenguin-go with the Ruger;if you think the GP101 hurts wait'll you try the J-frame Smith! Maybe the 3" GP100 as a compromise?
I'm envious of ChristopherG's Security-Six!

[Stainz]

The 625's are all SS .45's. The standard full-lugs are 4" & 5" in .45ACP, with the latest such offering, the 625JM pictured earlier, another 4" .45 ACP. I have had my 625JM since 2/04, and it has been super. The last .45 Colt offerings were the SS 625 and blued 25 Mountain Guns. A 625MG would make a great 'woods gun' - and is my choice, as I reload. The latest S&W 'Mountain Gun' offering, which was recently still available new, is the .41M blued 57MG.

I believe I would opt for a 4" 629, if I didn't have one. While I owned a 629MG for years, the plus's for the standard 4" made me choose it as a replacement for my 629MG last April. It has a w/o rear and rr front sight, as well as a larger hammer and trigger than the MG. Adding the full size barrel, still partially-lugged, and it weighs but two ounces more. The features make it match my 6" h-l 629, except for barrel length. Add the Hogue .500 Magnum grips, available from S&W Accessories for $35, and you'll have recoil control (Try the same grips, actually stock on new .460's & .500's, for fit.). My local pusher has a LNIB 629MG for $500 in the case now. Many folks buy the 4" 629's, and don't like the recoil... the grip change eases that!

Stainz