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Finally--a wheelgun

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barneyfife.357

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Dec 16, 2007
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84
Location
Missouri
I have finally decided what my next gun is going to be, a revolver. I want something that I can hunt with, hogs and other rodent repellent, as well as maybe a deer at super close range, but mostly a back-up for the field gun of choice shotgun or rifle. I live in a rural area, and carrying a revolver seems more sensible than carrying a 9mm autoloader. SO I would like to get something 3-5 inch barrel, nothing compact but not too heavy since I will carry often. I like 357's, but 44's are also excellent calibers. Can anyone lead me to the right direction for such a purchase?
 
As a general woods bumming gun, its hard to beat a 4" S&W model 66 .357. It's fairly light with nice balance and it easy to pack. If you intend to hunt with it, I would look at a larger calibre with a longer barrel.

Just my $.02
 
You might also look into the S&W 686 and the Ruger GP-100 for .357. Some may disagree but I have had really good luck with my Taurus Tracker .357 and My raging Bull 44 Mag. The Taurus revolvers can be very well made (my 444 has a better fit and finish than most Smiths) but you have to check the specific firearm before you pay for it. The revolver check out sticky has alot of good info as well. Just a couple other places to look into...
 
thanks for the input there, those look like interesting guns, maybe one of each? Does anyone have trigger time with the smith model 627 5 inch?
 
A 627 5-inch will be heavier than most guys like to regularly pack for a holster gun. Might be OK if you put wheels on it and towed it behind your vehicle. ;) Seriously, while I like the 5" 627, I would not want to carry it for long periods. I have not owned one, but have toted an M58 .41 mag, which for a while was both my duty sixgun and my carry gun when off the clock. I have briefly toted a 5.5" Redhawk, and found it to be a bit much.
 
Every choice has positive and negative factors affecting it's utility and effectiveness. If you're serious about hunting hogs, whitetails etc., I'd choose a 41 or 44 mag double action. The 4" Redhawk is a good economical choice in a 44 mag. I prefer Smith revolvers for this duty. The Smith & Wesson Mountain guns would also be a good choice. Pick the caliber preference as they came in 357, 41 mag, 45LC, 44 mag. For a pure hunting handgun, a 6" or longer barrel is better overall, just harder to carry.

If you prefer a revolver for less hunting applications (or as a backup to a rifle in the field), then the 357 is probably the choice I'd make. GP100 comes to mind as do any of the larger steel framed Smiths. The 357 mag probably makes a better general purpose revolver caliber. Ammunition is cheaper and you can blaze away with 38spl loads for plinking.

Good luck.
 
You should refine your criteria a bit before you make the decision. Here are some things to consider:

1. One reason people carry handguns is that they are easy to carry. Too heavy or bulky a handgun can defeat your purpose.

2. Will you be using it for self-defense? In such cases, a DA is probably best.

3. Will you be using it for deer hunting? If so, a .44 is probably better than a .357. And a single action is no disadvantagee.

4. Will you be using it for small game hunting? A .357 gives you a fine platform for light .38 Special loads, which are ideal for squirrels and rabbits.
 
What Vern said. Still...I would recommend the Ruger GP100 in .357 mag. This is the perfect "all around" side arm.
 
SInce you stated Hogs/Rodents & Deer up close as well as it being
secondary to a long gun, but not too heavy it kinda rules out
the N-frame S&Ws which is the afrementioned Mountain gun platform.
Seems a .357 Magnum with a 4" Bbl. Len. is appropriate I have
the 686P ( 7 shot cyl. ) 4" Bbl. with a good field/range holster
the 200AW from MIlt Sparks. A good bullet choice in a 158 gr.
bullet weight is one of the best all around loads, but you can also
go 125/140gr.or up it to 180 gr.

That said I've also shot the GP100 and was impressed - accurate
and seems to have saem strength as the L-frame S&W. The
L-frame 686P is only 3-4 oz than the K-frame with equal Bbl. Len.
but the L-frame was beefed up because of durability issues with
the K-frame and a steady diet of full house loads.

Is a .357 Magnum in a long gun, say a Marlin 1894 legal for deer in
MIssouri? Same ammo as the sidearm.
 
for missouri hunting the gun must only hold 5 shots in a magazine and it must be center fire last I checked. However, down the road I look at getting a "hunting revolver" this I plan to just carry with me almost everywhere I go. I am a "fluffy" guy, nearly 250 so the weight of the sidearm has never affected me that much, with that said I have never carried all of the time. usually I just carried when hunting, but it was a 9mm auto.

thanks for all the advice--I am going to check the local gun shops next week and see if I can't pull a few triggers
 
I looked for a long time for my first revolver. I finally found it a week ago with the Ruger Redhawk KRH-444 4" Stainless .44 Mag. I HIGHLY recommend this revolver. It locks up beautiful and shoots like a dream. Smooth trigger, and accuracy to boot. I picked mine up for 599.99. It is small enough to carry, accurate enough to hunt with, powerful enough for predator protection, and in a caliber that offers reasonable ammo prices. Can't beat it in my opinion. Plus it's a Ruger, so it's a little tougher than a Smithy and you can get by with a little hotter loads from what I hear.

Good luck!
 
Wheelgun

Barneyfife357, I'm from west central Missouri and am not aware of the 5 round limit. I believe the limit is 10 rounds.

Anyway you might check out the new Rugers, 50th Anniversary 357 or New Vaquero 357 or 45 colt.


My stainless New Vaquero 45 colt with SBH hammer and American Holly grips.

100_3473.gif

My 50th Anniversary 357 with AAAA walnut grips and my Browning B92 357.

100_3213.gif

Both should take any deer that Missouri has to offer and if I was going after a ferral hog, with a rifle, I would take the 45 colt as a backup.
 
stormspotter, maybe your right on the 10 rounder, I wasn't sure I usually only take a 3 round rifle magazine. Anyways I like that 50th anniversary gun, maybe in the future i will have to add a nice single action wheel gun, I think that for now I am looking for a DA. But that one makes me look twice for sure
 
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