Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
You are using the old Black Responsive theme. We have installed a new dark theme for you, called UI.X. This will work better with the new upgrade of our software. You can select it at the bottom of any page.
I went with a S&W 686p, as where I spend my time I am unlikely to see anything larger than a feral hog or black bear, and 357 is enough gun i think. If you're going where you'll see the big bears I would think about something larger.
Unless you absolutely need the magnum's fire, roar, and recoil, how about a .44 Special?
A S&W 396 Mountain Lite holds 5 rounds of .44 Special and mine weighs 18oz empty. A pleasure to carry and surprisingly controllable to shoot. It might be difficult to find one for $600 though...
A Rossi 720 is made of stainless steel, has a 3" barrel, weighs 30 oz, and also holds 5 rounds of .44 Special. They can usually be found on GunBroker or GunsAmerica for $250 to $300. Mine is dead reliable (and might be the best "pickup gun" ever made).
I don't think that the judge would stand up to the hot 45colt loads you would want for your purposes. Unless, you are simply wanting it for snakes you may come across.
I own Tauri,..and I love .410's and .45 LC. But I can tell you,..any sidearm I would carry back country,..wouldn't be the Judge......period. Just my take,...ymmv
Depending on where you are, nearly any decent quality .357/.41/.44 Mag will get it done. If you are partial to Single Actions,..look at the Rugers,....I favor a .44 Mag Ruger Super Blackhawk in 4 5/8 barrel myself,...and occasionally carry others,..including a 4 inch .357 Taurus Tracker.
357 mag in a ruger GP-100 would be perfect, the 357 mag is the most versatile cartidge i think out there. single actions i would go with ruger for sure, double actions id go with taurus or ruger.
Its the first and only 44mag that I have fired, so I can't really compare it to others. The first time I shot it I could not wipe the smile off of my face, and pretty much everytime since then too. I am not a great shot, but it seems to be very accurate for me. I have not yet purchased a holster or speed loader for it. After some searching on forums I found a speed loader that works with it, can't remember which one at the moment. There is not a huge holster selection, but you should be able to find some for it. The porting helps with recoil, but it is a very loud gun. I got mine for 471 shipped from budsgunshop.com, I think they have a used one now for 419.
Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8". 45 Colt/ 45ACP. With 200, 225, 250gr bullet you can approach the 44 Mag AND you have a forty five. The versatile Ruger convertible allows the owner to play with a lot of toys.
Ruger Blackhawk in your barrel length of choice. For carrying around a lot in the woods, I'd probably go with the 5 1/2". Caliber wise, I'd go with the .357, .45 Colt or .41 Mag. They make it in .30 carbine, but I'm not a fan, you may be. Can't beat a Ruger IMO.
A used Blackhawk in .357, .44 Mag., or .45 Colt might work for you, but I would only recommend .45 Colt if you reload. I find my BH to be fairly mild in recoil, while sending a 255 grain SWC out with quite a bit of force. It penetrated seven gallon milk jugs of water and kept going. My only regret was not having more jugs with you that day. This is a modest handload, but it works for me. The .45 "LC" is very pricey in factory loads, however.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.