Trail Gun

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In east Indiana. Here onnthe farm I don't really carry s trail gun. More of a farm gun...either my CA bulldog in 45 Colt ( first couple of shot nrounds are shot not so much for snakes as critters in the barn ) or a 1911 with a Kimber 22 conversion on it.
 
My first "trail gun" was (is) a Colt Government 1911 - 45 ACP w/fixed sights.
It was fine (for me) but I began to bench it after I bought a 3.5" Charter Arms 5 shot 357/38 revolver w/adjustable sights.
The short barreled revolver is lighter & the 357 Magnum is just as effective as the 45 ACP.
The only drawback to the 357 is that I don't wear ear protection on the trail & the muzzle blast of the 357 Magnum is brutal.
 
Here in NY, where the biggest thing is a black bear, I feel confident carrying a Single Seven in 327 fed mag. Without having to handload(which I still do), it can go from 22lr power level with 32s&w and s&w longs, to full house 327s that get into 357mag territory. I wouldn't use it to hunt bear, but it would serve to make a black bear change his mind about his dinner plans.
 
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For wandering the woods, I'll typically carry a S&W 329. Not a plinker tho'.
 
Like many of the other replies my trail gun is sometimes a ccw gun and other times a outside the waistband holster rig.

S&W 442 in my pocket on hikes in southern states.
Taurus 415 41mag out west hiking. At times I carry both.
A woods walk may find my 686+ 3" on my hip scouting and getting ready for hunting season.
 
Out of my collection, I favor two trail guns -- a Colt Woodsman, made in 1938, and a Colt New Service, made in 1906. I cut the barrel of the latter gun to 5 1/2", mounted adjustable sights and added Herrett grips.
 
For here in Florida, I like my 3-inch stainless Taurus 941 (.22WMR.) But, almost any handgun easily carried on a belt would suffice. Even either of my Heritage Rough Riders would work nicely.
 
For this use I'm liking the 4" S&W Model 66 .357 that I picked up last year, riding in a Tex Shoemaker belt slide holster. That will make the perfect trail gun to get me to the fishing hole and back.

Stay safe.
 
Well let’s see I have a s&w trail boss 44 magnum. It has a three inch barrel and an nonfluted cylinder. I also have my colt 22 Auto with a bull barrel. I also have my 92s that I’m about to rework a m9 holster into a chest rig for walking and kayaking. It’s all about the season and location. The big gun is for piggy hunting. 9 is for some random trips. 22 was typical for fishing our scouting on my land.
 
Most trails and camping a g20 is what I prefer.
If I'll be way out there and won't have a rifle or shotgun, my 5" 454 casull comes along. Yeah, I know- heavy gun to carry especially if there's no big bruins around but it's a versatile gun with some heft, I can empty a cylinder of warm 45 colt loads pretty darn fast , not very many things will stand up and take that. I'll bring 12 or so full power 454 rounds in case I need more zap. it's a peace of mind thing and yes, it's overkill.
 
Most trails and camping a g20 is what I prefer.
If I'll be way out there and won't have a rifle or shotgun, my 5" 454 casull comes along. Yeah, I know- heavy gun to carry especially if there's no big bruins around but it's a versatile gun with some heft, I can empty a cylinder of warm 45 colt loads pretty darn fast , not very many things will stand up and take that. I'll bring 12 or so full power 454 rounds in case I need more zap. it's a peace of mind thing and yes, it's overkill.
My Glock 20 is one of my favorite pistols .. and with Underwood ammo ... it is a great choice ..
the 20 is on my hip while hunting
 
In my "neck of the woods" you might run into a pack of coyotes, one or two feral dogs (probably some feral cats too), and the occasional, decent sized woodland snake! Years ago I use to carry a Rossi Model 88 in .38 Special and then later a Ruger Speed Six as my Trail Gun of choice.

Unfortunately both of these guns are long gone and if I were choosing something today from my current collection of revolvers I would go with my Ruger Blackhawk in .357 Magnum or else my Flattop Blackhawk in .44 Special. I would have no doubt either gun would serve me very well as my trailside companion.

If I wanted to take something in a double action then my S&W M&P revolver would likewise work just fine and be a welcome addition along for the backwoods hike!
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I carry my S&W 651 in 22 Magnum. It has served my purposes well. Of course, a larger caliber would also work but with more weight. Life is full of choices, having one in any caliber when needed is better than not having anything at all. If I lived in Montana or Alaska I would carry something larger for sure.Around m area, this has worked well for me.
 
I bum around in Northern MN.

Started with a 4" S&W 629 - decided it was overkill and not a lot of fun with magnums. Plus it's heavy. Sold it.
Moved to a 686+ - shooting it's great. Carrying, even with a good belt and holster, not super great.
Got a 4.2" SP101 and that's what I usually have on me up there. Man it's loud.
More and more, I just end up carrying my G43 and give more thought to the work at hand than the gun I'm toting.

My G43 (pierce magazine extention) holds 8. It's super lightweight and slim.
Druggies and weirdos are my primary concern. The only bear I've ever seen were hauling ass away as quickly possible. I think 9mm carry loads are plenty for the "feral dogs" sometimes encounter.....

Edit to add - The G43 has been 100% reliable with any ammunition.

Now - at camp, we just keep an old 12g 870 and a can of bear spray ready to go.
 
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