opinions

[257WM_CDL-SF]

I have decided to go the revolver route.I have narrowed it down to the 2 the Ruger GP 100 357 with 6 inch barrel. Or a Redhawk 44 with a 5.5 barrel.
I am mostly looking for something to carry when hiking and in mountains looking for seng.and home defense also are these barrels long enough for the intended cartridge,Any advice on which to choose I can get the gp100 for 529.00 not sure but guessing around 650'00 or so for the Redhawk

 

[cz85cmbt]

Either revolver will get the job done, and the barrel lengths are long enough to get what you need out of both cartridges. I'm not sure where you live in the country but barring that you live in grizzly, brown, or polar bear territory the .357 is a much better choice. Humans, pumas, dogs, and black bears can be taken with the .357. Regardless of whether you reload or not, shooting .38 and .357 will be cheaper than firing .44's which means more practice which makes you a better marksmen.
The thing that I will say you've gone a little off course is the 6" barrel. It is too long for most of your applications. 6" barrels are better for a hunter who is being offensive with his shooting. At 6" most handgun accuracy tests show that groups at 25+ yds tighten up as the sight plane has increased, also a 6" does have more velocity potential but a 4" will give you plenty of velocity. The problem with a long sight radius is that they take longer to align and the longer barrel makes the revolver front heavy and unbalanced. 4" inch barrels still pack plenty of .357 punch, are quicker to align the sights, easier to pack, and quicker to get out of a holster. My advice would be to get a 4" gp 100 or better still gunbroker has the older and better security six for around 300 bucks.

 

[woad_yurt]

Personally, I'd rather have a .44 as .357s are just too loud for me. I like my hearing.

Have you thought about buying used? Redhawks and GP100s should be get-able in the$450 (or less, somethimes!) range if you prowl Gunbroker for a while.

 

[257WM_CDL-SF]

I'm trying decide I like the 357 that ammo is cheaper and can practice with 38's but like the 44 that it has extra power I did call about a new gp100 357 ss with 6 barrel for 529$ does anyone have a idea of what a stainless redhawk goes for

 

[Evil One]

I would look at that redhawk in a 4" barrel... same with the GP.
For myself... I would look at the .44, especially of you would be willing to reload it.


Jim

 

[Big Mike]

Redhawk.

 

[cz85cmbt]

If you don't reload 257 than a .44 is absurd especially if you are starting out hanguning or revolver shooting. The .44 special loads you'll buy are not going to have the stopping power of even mild .357 loads and the .44 mag loads will be way too much for HD, CC, and even most things you'll shoot if used as a trail gun. The .357 revolver is the most versatile handgun you can buy, but head towards a 4". Like I said, a security six or a gp 100 can be found on gunbroker for as little as 300 bucks in great shape.

 

[dairycreek]

What you ought to carry depends on what you might meet in the woods or on the trail. I have been carrying in the woods for over 50 years and the idea of bear gets my attention. Any kind of color or bear can be a highly formidable and dangerous animal in the woods. They are often strong and tenacious and doggone tough. It is true that, most of the time they will go the other way, but when they don't do that - you can be in deep trouble. I had that happen only once in 50 years but had I not had my 44 magnum - I would have been in deep, deep trouble. That is why I always carry a Redhawk with the 5.5 inch barrel.

 

[257WM_CDL-SF]

Dairycreek I am seriously considering that exact same gun.I hunt Ginseng and have saw some critters but all have ran off so far.It would just be comforting to have a pistol with you.Plus id like something to shoot with also My weatherby is to expensive to have fun with