What caliber for woods gun?

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BsChoy

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I want to get a wheel gun for the woods as a hunting companion. I was wondering about the overall opinions (realizing opinions are very subjective) about a few guns and calibers. My choices are as follows:

1. the new S&W 620 7 shot 357 mag.
2. the S&W 520 also a 7 shot 357, but in scandium
3. Taurus Tracker in 41 mag 5 shot
4. or if I can find a new or great used one a S&W Mountain gun in 41, 44 or 45 colt.

This is to be used as a finishing gun/defense gun on my families land and if the opportunity arises a close cover go to gun. The obvious objective is a light, handy hip gun. I have a 642 now so practice 38 ammo is always on hand.
 
I guess it depends on what you are actually going to be hunting. I carry a .44 629 Mountain Gun during deer season and killed a doe with it last year that came so close as to make my rifle seem unsportsman-like. I also finished off a rifle-shot deer with it, although I believe another rifle shot is a much more practical solution. I carry a K-Frame Model 66 in .357 magnum at other times of the year for varmints. It shoots really flat with 125 grain hollow points and has enough power for a long range coyote.

If you are considering using the handgun for small game during big-game season, by all means carry a good .22 and use the rifle for the big stuff.
 
I like the 45colt, low pressure and report. It works off the weight of the bullet rather than velocity and is a lot of fun to shoot.
 
Definately go with the 620 in 357. Try to get a ported barrel its lighter and less recoil for faster fallow up shots. You might also look into a S&W arlight if you dont want to lug around a heavy revolver.... Then it could dubble as a carry gun.

- Gunslinger15
 
Personally, I would advocate against a muzzle brake on a .357. The increase in muzzle noise is liable to be uncomfortable.

By the way, why does it have to be a wheel gun? All the ones you listed would be fine, and I've carried both a 686 .357 and a Redhawk .44 magnum as woods guns in the past, but have you considered autoloaders? The Glock 20 is my new favorite--10mm is every bit as potent as a .357, and you have 15 rounds instead of 6. Also, my Glock 20 is lighter and easier to carry concealed than my 686 (4" barrel). A win-win situation, as far as I'm concerned. (Let me reiterate though that any of the guns you listed would be great)

frayluisfan
 
The blackhawk was a consideration but I want a swing out cylinder...I was tired of the slow process of the ruger....I had a super Blackhawk a while back and was tired of getting deafened when I touched it off...I want the wheel gun because I carry a glock 19 off duty and I just want something new..I love my glocks believe me
 
I'm a big fan of the .41 mag. I have a 4 5/8" blackhawk in this cartridge. My bud has the 4" tracker in .41 mag. It's a good shooter and seems to recoil less than my blackhawk. The only thing with the .41 is that you almost have to load for them to use one. You can't get shells from wally world and they are pretty expensive. Plus I don't know about you but I don't allways want or need full bore magnum loads. I like a 210 gr cast bullet at about 1000fps for everyday use.
 
After a cylinder or two Im sure the deer should be close to dead...lol I am looking for more power..I do reload but pistols seem so much more complicated to load.
 
I have the hots right now for a titanium tracker in .41 mag. I would say, to take full advantage of the caliber, it's best to be a hand loader. But, the .41 is a GREAT caliber, near .44 mag power, and the Taurus revolvers have smooth triggers and great built quality and are well priced. I'd carry that gun some IWB, too, if I had one.

I love the .357 caliber. It was my first handgun center fire caliber in a Security Six and I have a Blackhawk and a Taurus M66 now. But, the .41 would be a step up the power level in my case. I do have a Blackhawk in .45 colt and the comment about not "doing it with velocity" only applies to the Mountain Gun which can't handle the .44 mag like power of the Blackhawk. I prefer the stronger single action for that caliber, but since you're also talking self defense gun, that pretty much rules out single actions. Not that I wouldn't use one for such, just that the DA is better for the application.

Anyway, my vote is for the Titanium Taurus Tracker in .41 Mag.
 
I despise the ported and alloy framed revolvers. If you plan to do any amount of shooting, I would suggest a all steel version such as the 4" L-Frame 686P(7-shot). Add some speedloaders and you ready to go. As far as ammo goes.

125gr ,158gr or 170 JHP's for self defense and woods carry.
I favor the 158gr loads.
I use BB 180gr LFN's for Deer, Hog, and Black Bear hunting.
Yes the .357mag is more than capable of hunting these animals.

In .44mag, I favor the 5" 629 Classic.
It is perfect for hip carry with open sights, and can easily be mounted with a holosight.
Light .44mag loads for woods carry. 240gr for deer and 310gr Hammerheads for Elk.


While I like the .44mag, theres nothing in the Eastern United States that the .357mag will not take care of. The 686P is my favorite.
From your list, I would suggest the 620.
 
I despise the ported and alloy framed revolvers.
Click to expand...

Titanium is not an alloy, it is an elemental metal. It is strong as steel, almost corrosion proof, and lighter than aluminum (or close, not for sure, but a lot lighter than steel). It's so hard, though, that's it's tough to machine. It is perhaps perfect for handguns. But, big magnums need weight for recoil control, the point of the porting. If you plan to shoot it a lot, and carry it a little, steel guns are fine. I'd actually carry the Tracker, though, at 24 ounces unloaded. It's a full size gun with a J frame weight. I can carry a K frame size gun IWB, but if it weighs 40 ounces, forget it!

An outdoor gun, though, need not be as light, but it sure is nice to carry when you're out all day. I know that Blackhawk gets heavy after 8 hours of walking the ridge lines out west spotting mulies.
 
MCgunner,
I have no use for several options on revolvers.
1. Sub nose contraptions.
2. Scandium(Alloy) framed thing's. Such as the 520 he asked about.
3. Ported revolvers.
4. The Ungainly,ultra heavy 20ft contraptions some prefer.

The perfect revolver is an all steel version with a 4" barrel as the shortest, and 6.5" the extreme max.

Yes I am set in my ways, But I know what I prefer.
 
I do reload but pistols seem so much more complicated to load.
Click to expand...

not at all. yeah you have to flare the cases, which is one more step with a seperate die, but spend a extra few bucks for carbide dies and you don't have to lube them, which more than makes up for the flaring in my book.

anywho, i have a 4" tracker in 44mag and love it. i don't think you would be dissapointed with one in 41mag. (that was actually my first choice, but i couldn't find one.)
 
I'll add, if you get Lee's powder through expander dies and disk powder measure, you flare the case and charge the powder in the same step! You can use volume measured charges safely. You can do that with rifles, too, of course, unless you're bench resting (accuracy requires weight measurements) or pushing the limits of pressure. But, a volume powder measure for rifle loads is harder to set up. To me, reloading handguns is much less pain than a rifle round, though I load for both.
 
Excellent info gentlemen....the purpose is to carry alot and shoot alittle...meaning not as much as my G19 of course at 200 rounds a session..seems to be alot of 357 fabs out there for hunting...I figure they wouldn't make the 170 and 180 grain offerings if they didn't work on something right...
 
Blacklabman, I don't know about the Scandium stuff either, not sure I trust it. Titanium is some miraculous stuff and I want a titanium tracker. They also make one, not ported don't think, in .357 mag, but I want the .41. I've liked that caliber, or the idea of it, for a while now, though I'm all set up with pet .357 reloads and I'd have to get into loading for the .41. But, I like new projects.:D

As for snubbies, I love 'em. I have a couple and shoot 'em well enough to take small game with 'em from time to time. They can to some mighty impressive shootin' in the hands of a good shooter with good eyes. My eyes are failing, I'll admit, but I carry an aluminum framed M85UL a lot, a gun that'd probably make you puke. It's easy to carry, shoots under 3" groups at 25 yards, and I have no doubt that it'd stop a fight if and when I need it. Snubbies have a purpose in the asphalt jungle. They're not really about outdoor use. They're about killin' two legged predators, about bein' there when you need a gun for that. I don't carry 35 ounce K frames daily, won't fit in my pocket and weigh my belt down. If a bad guy intends to do bad things to me, he's gonna find himself starin' at a 2" barrel, or a 3" 9mm, perhaps.:D I even use that snubby when I'm shark fishing. I find 158 grains of lead makes a dandy shark tranquilizer.:D

But, to each his own.

And, yeah, the .357 can take care of about anything you wanna do in the lower 48 shy of griz. I do like the caliber. A good medium frame revolver in that caliber is about as versatile as it gets, especially if you don't reload.
 
Ruger GP100 .357 would be perfect, although it's not a light gun. What about a Smith Mountain Gun in .41 or .44 Mag?
 
Hi,

It depends on the area, time of year, whether you are hunting or not, etc.

If you live in big bear country, a 3"-4" N frame in either .44mag or a .45 Colt (loaded HOT) would be a good idea.

For deer season, I hunt with a 6" S&W Model 29 anyway so that's a no brainer for me.

During small game season, I take my 10 shot, long barrel Ruger MkII ,22LR target model, with a holosight. If an occasional coyote were to attack, or a wild dog (both extremely rare) I'd have no worries about the Ruger .22/holosight combination.

In the off seasons, while scouting or hiking, you'll usually see me with my Kimber CDP Ultra, an aluminum framed, Officer's size .45ACP . . . loaded with 230 gn Hydra-Shocks and an extra mag topped with several rounds of rat shot for snakes. My goal in the off-seasons is a light weight, potent handgun.

In non-bear country, an aluminum framed 1911 style .45 auto like this, or a Glock 40S&W, 45ACP or 10mm would definately protect you against your biggest risk . . . the two-legged type. I prefer the short 1911 style handgun in this regard since it conceals better for the occasions when concealed carry is your only option!
 
Titanium is not an alloy, it is an elemental metal. It is strong as steel, almost corrosion proof, and lighter than aluminum (or close, not for sure, but a lot lighter than steel). It's so hard, though, that's it's tough to machine.
Click to expand...

Umm, not exactly. In a firearm all your metals are alloyed. Titanium being the primary mteal in that particular alloy. It is not tough to machine because it's hard, it's tough to machine because it is very abrasion resistant. Unless very carefully alloyed - and I have no idea what alloys to use - titanium becomes brittle when tempered to the same hardness as steel. This is why titanium and aluminium frame revolvers have steel bbl inserts; the lighter primary metal (titanium, aluminium) cannot be tempered hard enough to hold the lands and groves without becoming brittle, depite titanium's superior abrasion resistance. This abrasion resistance also makes titanium nitride a very popular coating for high speed metal cutting tools. Other wise yes, titanium is stronger than steel and almost as light as aluminium for the same size. It is virtually corossion proof as well. Another advantage is that titanium, unlike steel, has a minimal magnetic field. It is rumored that the magnetically inert property of titanium was one factor in the special forces requirement for a titanuim blade version of the Emerson CQC-7. Ok, my titanium rant is now over :evil:
 
I've used a 4" model 19 or 66 .357 as a woods gun for years. It's taken lots of small game with FMJ .38 target loads and a couple of deer with .357 180's. That's pretty versatile. The FMJ seem to do less damage to rabbits than a hyper velocity .22.
I recently bought a 629 mountain gun in .44. I've been shooting it frequently and like it. I'll probably try it this year as a carry gun during big game season but I don't see it replacing the k-frame .357 full time. I use a pancake style holster and I can almost forget I'm carrying either one until I need it.

Out of the choices you listed, I'd get the 620 first (or a 4" 686). If it was me, I'd go find a used 4" model 66. Get a .44 later, if you feel the need. I have a 7.5 inch Ruger SBH, so I certainly didn't "need" the .44 MG. I sure wanted one, though, and I'm glad I got it. It's a pre-lock 629-2 and it's trigger rivals the ones in my k-frames. It kicks a little harder than my SBH but it isn't uncomfortable with standard 240gr factory JSP's. It's actually pretty pleasant with 180gr JHP's. It's a much handier package than the SBH, too.

I also have a 4" model 17 .22 that's a good shooter and a joy to pack. During the off season, a .22lr handgun is the biggest gun you can legally tote on state managed gamelands in NC, so this one's it. Anywhere else I like something bigger.

Have Fun
 
A ton of good choices aren't there ?

You mentioned the .41 mag Tracker but why not the .44 mag tracker ? I like the .41 mag myself ,but bought the .44 for it's ability to shoot .44 Spl .

You can handload the .41 mag of course ,but it you aren't a handloader then the .44 mag becomes more practical I think , with a wider range of loadings to choose from. The tracker in .44 magnum 4 inch is like carrying a S&W 686 only with more power available. So for a woods gun, I didn't see why I would carry a .357 when I could have the .44 in the same basic package.
 
First, the 66 is a K-frame. The 620, which replaced it, is actually an L-frame - and more like a 686+ than a 66. It has the same width forcing cone and frame of the 686 - and the 686+'s seventh hole in the cylinder. I'd sub the backstrap-enclosing Uncle Mike's combats that came on the K-frames, either rounded or squared, your choice, for the typical open backstrap Hogue's delivered on the 620. The S&W Accessories-only $35 .460/.500 Magnum Hogue grips are a great improvement, recoil-wise, for any K/L or N-frame (They fit all sizes!). The 620 is a great choice. I have 2', 5", & 6" .38/.357M's... that 620 will be my 4" .357M... some day!

Don't discount the 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt, available again this year - actually pictured in the '06 catalog. It is fully capable of some decent, albeit not TC/Ruger-level, loads. In fact, Buffaloe Bore makes a 300/320gr LWFN round designed for 900+ fps from S&W 25/625 - suitable for a half ton critter. You really need to reload .45 Colt to make it's use fun and affordable. You can load up some 200gr LRNFP cowboy 'poppers' - or some 900+ fps 255gr LSWC 'stingers'... and grip it with pretty wood stocks - or those functional .500 Magnum-style Hogue grips.

Don't port a revolver... they are loud enough!

Stainz
 
I spend alot of time in the woods (trapping and snowshoeing). The biggest things we have around here are black bears (one has taken up residence that stakes a territory that is about 200 yards out my back door) and wolves (lots of them). We also have cougars, but I haven't seen one behind my home yet.

While I own a super black hawk in .44 mag and a black hawk in 45 Colt, as well as a 6 inch Mod 57 (41 mag) and numerous .357s, my favorite woods gun is a S&W .45 Colt Mnt Gun. I load it with the 270 (SAA) semi-wad cutters at just over 1000 fps for my woods carry. These are heavy hitters and will kill anything in our area (Michigans Upper Peninsula). However, it is said that extensive shooting with them (at this pressure) will shorten the life of my beloved Mnt Gun, so I shoot regularly with the standard Keith 250 grn semi wad cutter loaded at 900 fps. This is very comfortable, accurate and powerful enough for anything (but maybe bear). It kills deer well and has the same P.O.I. as my heavy woods carry load, but will never wear out my Mnt Gun.

My woods load is a carry often and shoot only sometimes load. My regular load gets shot every few days (I have a range in my back yard) for fun and blowing off steam.

If you hand load, I'd vote for the .45 Colt Mnt gun...it is wonderful!
 
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