What centerfire handgun for loafing in the great outdoors?

[444]

A few years ago, I had the same dilema. I owned a number of handguns, but I wanted an extremly versitile, rugged, powerful handgun to be mine "go-to" woods gun. Something that I could take deer hunting and have it ride in a holster for up to two weeks with rain and snow while living out of a tent. I wanted it to shoot flat, and be able to take down a big game animal if I wanted to.
My choice wa the Ruger GP-100, 4", full lug, stainless. It has served in that role with distinction. It has also become my faviorite .357 revolver. I have no complaints with it. One of the biggest plusses of the GP100 that is seldom mentioned is that it came be taken completely down to the frame EASILY. After being exposed to dirt, and moisture for a week or two, it gives me great piece of mind to KNOW that the lockwork and internals are clean and dry before I put it away.

The problem with most of the guns mentioned are that they are very loud. When I am rambing around in the back country and want to do a little impromptu plinking, I don't want to carry ear plugs, and I don't want to permenently damage my hearing. For that reason, if I was camping, or canoeing or something like that, I would be inclined to carry a .22. Yes, prolonged exposure to a .22 handgun will damage your hearing, but I think the damage would be minimal for the occasional shot. It would also attract less attention from others.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Hiking to me is hiking, hunting is hunting and defense is something else."Impromtu plinking" sounds a bit like shooting at roadsigns of oppurtunity, rather than following good safe handling. IE don't unload a cylinder of ammo at a pop can in the center of a hiking trail.

Now I hope none of us would do such a thing.

If I've a mind to plink I'll find a nice backstop, like a dry creek bed or riverbank to shoot into. And plinking means I drove the jeep up there. Might be shooting anything.

If I'm just walking around minding my own business in the back country you can bet I'll be packing something. These days its likely stainless a .357 snubby loaded heavy. If I'm hunting, up my sidearm to a 44, because 357 is not big game legal where I hunt.

 

[444]

Dr. Rob, I am not sure if that comment was directed at me or not but since I used the phrase impromtu plinking, I will assume it was. Note that I live in a very large state with a population so small that "they" conducted above ground nuclear testing here. My idea of enjoying nature, is getting away from people. I consider any trip into the outdoors marred by seeing a single person. It is not unusual for me to drive off road in areas that are 50 miles from the nearest house. One of my faviorite areas to enjoy the outdoors is the most sparely populated county in the Untied States. Don't make sweeping generalizations about impromptu plinking or about safe gun handling when you know nothing about the circumstances involved. I have never shot a roadsign in my life and if you are talking to me, I strongly resent the comment.

 

[Legionnaire]

My outdoor "loafing" handguns are:

1) stainless 6" Ruger GP-100 (38/357)
2) blued 4" Taurus M44 (44 spl/mag)
3) 3" S&W 317 Kit Gun (.22LR)

When I'm not "loafing," it's a Glock 23.

 

[Smoke]

1911 (your choice)
Ruger Vaquero

if rimfire will work

Ruger Single six
Ruger 22/45

 

[goon]

My Model 28 when I get it back.
It will work for general woods carry and also to hunt with if I ever feel the need to.
I would also like to get a .357 snubby.

 

[Dr.Rob]

444 relax, I'm not singling you out, just reminding us all that the 4 rules still apply no matter if you plan on running into anyone else or not.

Stay safe.