I know there have been threads and polls like this before but these are the 3 handguns I am deciding between for a weekend hiking, very easy hiking BTW, and camping trip. This will be in Northern Arizona so I know that grizzlies will not be an issue. I just want some protection with me as I am sure you would as well.
Which would you choose?
- Thread starter MikeJ
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10-Ring
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I prefer the SP101 vs. the Gp100, I prefer the P228 over the P229 in 40 S&W and I just don't fit the S&W semi auto grips. If I had to choose from your list, I'd probably go w/ the Ruger...no matter what you might say, Ruger makes a mighty fine & robust 357 magnum
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
"weekend hiking, backpacking, and camping"~! 
Looks like the 3" Ruger GP-100 too me~! Good for putt'in
meat on the table.
Looks like the 3" Ruger GP-100 too me~!
Good for putt'inmeat on the table.
Phil DeGraves
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Only one on the list that I own is the Smith and I like it fine.
1000!
1000!
Devonai
Member
I was split over the P229 and the 5906 until I thought about price, and I chose the latter.
I've also made the mistake of buying a pistol that I found to be too pretty, and it became a safe queen. With a used 5906 you may be less concerned with sweating all over it, getting it dusty, or exposing it to a rain shower.
I've also made the mistake of buying a pistol that I found to be too pretty, and it became a safe queen. With a used 5906 you may be less concerned with sweating all over it, getting it dusty, or exposing it to a rain shower.
freakshow10mm
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A Ruger .357 Magnum is as classic as a S&W .44 Magnum.
Definitely the GP100. That's what that gun is made for!!!
Accurate, light enough to carry but heavy enough to tame the recoil of DT's 158gr. .357mag load.
And completely indestructible. You wanna kill GP100? You'd have to nuke it from orbit.
Accurate, light enough to carry but heavy enough to tame the recoil of DT's 158gr. .357mag load.
And completely indestructible. You wanna kill GP100? You'd have to nuke it from orbit.
Levan9X19
Member
I vote for P229 (read my signature ) and I am die hard semi auto fun.
and also you must always include at least one Glock in such vote or its unfair.
) and I am die hard semi auto fun. and also you must always include at least one Glock in such vote
or its unfair.
cluttonfred
Member
GP-100
Kind of a wide range for a question, since the price and type of gun varies so widely, but for general purpose field use, not just self defense, I don't see how an autoloader can compare with a revolver.
Snakes, squirrels, rabbits, birds, coyotes, deer, even bears, can all be taken with the right ammo, as well as defense against two-legged predators, and it's unlikely ever to jam.
Since you're going to be carrying the gun while hiking, I'd suggest a short underlug model to save a little weight, but Ruger doesn't make them anymore, though you can find them used. I'd definitely consider the 3 1/16" SP-101 if you want to save quite a bit of weight (36 vs. 27 oz empty).
In other revolver options there is also the S&W Model 60 which is only a little more expensive, has adjustable sights, and weighs 24 oz. On the low end, for a gun that might well get scratched abused, you could go with a Taurus or Rossi.
Overall, I think the SP-101 would be an even better choice that the GP-100 for most uses.
Kind of a wide range for a question, since the price and type of gun varies so widely, but for general purpose field use, not just self defense, I don't see how an autoloader can compare with a revolver.
Snakes, squirrels, rabbits, birds, coyotes, deer, even bears, can all be taken with the right ammo, as well as defense against two-legged predators, and it's unlikely ever to jam.
Since you're going to be carrying the gun while hiking, I'd suggest a short underlug model to save a little weight, but Ruger doesn't make them anymore, though you can find them used. I'd definitely consider the 3 1/16" SP-101 if you want to save quite a bit of weight (36 vs. 27 oz empty).
In other revolver options there is also the S&W Model 60 which is only a little more expensive, has adjustable sights, and weighs 24 oz. On the low end, for a gun that might well get scratched abused, you could go with a Taurus or Rossi.
Overall, I think the SP-101 would be an even better choice that the GP-100 for most uses.
The Bushmaster
Member
Another vote for the GP-100...I would try to find one with a four inch barrel though...(like minds
)
I, also, prefer revolvers in the wild as there less that can go wrong with them as far as debris messing them up is concerned and if it does, easier to remedy...
)I, also, prefer revolvers in the wild as there less that can go wrong with them as far as debris messing them up is concerned and if it does, easier to remedy...
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
I prefer revolvers and would choose the GP
Thanks for the input so far. Just to let you know I already own these guns and they are the 3 out of my collection that I am considering. To my buddy, Ala Dan, I won't need to put food on the table; I'm bringing plenty of food along in coolers.
nwilliams
Member
I would choose a revolver for hiking.
Whenever I go for a hike I stick my Ruger Service Six into my pack and leave my 229 at home. Revolvers just seem to be better suited for the great outdoors where simplicity is an advantage.
Whenever I go for a hike I stick my Ruger Service Six into my pack and leave my 229 at home. Revolvers just seem to be better suited for the great outdoors where simplicity is an advantage.
txoilman
Member
Thank you, I was sure this was another "bear" question. There sure seems to be alot of Davy Crockett types on these sites. You know, "is a XX mm or .454 big'enuf for a griz?
For hiking in AZ I would choose the revolver even though it's not a usual carry choice for me. The reason? Snakes. I'd like to have a shotshell loaded in the first chamber just for those times when Mr. Rattler doesn't like my intrusive stomping. Pure and simple, that's my choice here.
For hiking in downtown Tucson, I go back to my .45.
Good luck!
SRT
For hiking in downtown Tucson, I go back to my .45.
Good luck!
SRT
wheelgunslinger
Member
Any of those will do fine.
Revolvers have the rep of being better woods guns, but really an auto will do fine as long as it isnt a pile.
I even like something like a CZ52 for woods use. It's got a hot round and good penetration. It's cheap and if it gets lost it'll not be a huge loss- cashwise.
But, I personally live, thrive, and survive with a 357 in all situations. And, I'm an avid hiker/backpacker/hunter.
So, there you go. No help at all, right? I voted for the smith, just because.
Revolvers have the rep of being better woods guns, but really an auto will do fine as long as it isnt a pile.
I even like something like a CZ52 for woods use. It's got a hot round and good penetration. It's cheap and if it gets lost it'll not be a huge loss- cashwise.
But, I personally live, thrive, and survive with a 357 in all situations. And, I'm an avid hiker/backpacker/hunter.
So, there you go. No help at all, right? I voted for the smith, just because.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
There's nothing like the reliability of a revolver, especially a good revolver like the Ruger GP-100. There are some good used S&W revolver on the market that would make a good woods carry too. (like the M65 which are abundant from Police turn-ins)
FMJMIKE
Member
The Ruger GP-100 is the most accurate shooting handgun that I have ever fired............
ArchAngelCD
Member.
In almost every one of these thread someone will choose the pistol over the revolver and state as the reason for doing so the number of rounds held by the pistol.
IMO, if you shoot a handgun very well and it holds only 6 rounds it's better than shooting a pistol which holds more rounds just because it holds more rounds. Shot placement is much more important than number of rounds. Far too many shooters are tempted to use the spray-n-pray method just because they have a pistol loaded with 17 rounds. I'm not accusing anyone here of doing that, it's just a statement from observations.
I got the impression the original poster was looking to protect himself from 2 legged critters in the woods. Since the .357 Magnum is a prover 2 legged critter stopper it's probably a good choice IMO. There's nothing wrong with the 40 S&W but for reliability in the woods a revolver is probably your best bet and the .357 Magnum will certainly do the job if necessary. (again, just IMO)
IMO, if you shoot a handgun very well and it holds only 6 rounds it's better than shooting a pistol which holds more rounds just because it holds more rounds. Shot placement is much more important than number of rounds. Far too many shooters are tempted to use the spray-n-pray method just because they have a pistol loaded with 17 rounds. I'm not accusing anyone here of doing that, it's just a statement from observations.
I got the impression the original poster was looking to protect himself from 2 legged critters in the woods. Since the .357 Magnum is a prover 2 legged critter stopper it's probably a good choice IMO. There's nothing wrong with the 40 S&W but for reliability in the woods a revolver is probably your best bet and the .357 Magnum will certainly do the job if necessary. (again, just IMO)
I voted for the Sig, based on the choices offered. But, like others who posted, I'd opt for the SP101: this would be my first choice. Why: revolver reliabilty. Based on the activities that you mention, I'd be inclined to select something even lighter, though. Perhpas something along the lines of a 6/442? If weight is the most important criterion, the SP101 is still a bit too heavy for me. Good luck; always lots to consider.
I appreciate the replies but once again I am not considering buying a new gun. These are the guns from my current collection that I have narrowed it down to. I am leaning towards the GP100 but the 5906 has its appeal as well, since I am not overly concerned about four legged adversaries nearly as much as the two legged variety.
RustyShackelford
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tough choices...
Depending on the uses, target, protection, duty, etc... I'd go with a SIG P-229 in .40S&W. The Ruger looks good too but a semi auto is a smart choice.
Rusty
Depending on the uses, target, protection, duty, etc... I'd go with a SIG P-229 in .40S&W. The Ruger looks good too but a semi auto is a smart choice.
Rusty
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