Woods Gun

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Shooter X

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Feb 17, 2008
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Bucks County, Penna
Hello all,
I am new to this forum. Alot of good info and advice in here. I am looking for opinions on a "woods gun". I have read that the S&W .44 Mountain Gun in 4" would be an ideal woods carry gun. Not for the purpose of hunting, but a general purpose "just in case" gun while hiking, scouting etc.. I have read that the S&W MG loaded with some quality cast ammo would handle most any situation that could arise. I already own a Ruger GP100 4" in 357 mag. My question is, is there a substantial difference between the two for this purpose? or am I just looking for a reason to pick up another gun:rolleyes:

Comments appreciated
Thanks
JC
 
Welcome to THR, Shooter X!

For your first post, you've managed to hit a topic that is frequently discussed...don't be surprised if you get a "use the search" response from some folks.

It would be helpful to know where you are in order to make a recommendation. My first reaction is that your GP-100 is probably ideal, but I don't know if you live amongst Brown Bears (that's another lively topic).

The more detail you can give us the better our replies can be.

Thanks,
DFW1911
 
Thanks for the fast reply.

Most of my woods time will be in Northeast Pa. Hiking or scouting alone. Some nighttime predator hunting. If my GP100 is adaquate could you recommend some ammo while traveling through know bear (black) areas.

Thanks again for the reply

JC
 
I would feel perfectly safe with a .357 in black bear country. Any of the quality defense rounds (Speer Gold Dots etc.) would be fine. Black bears are typically about the same size as humans so equivalent ammo should work fine. As far as getting another gun, maybe man was made with two hands and two hips for a reason. :D
 
I like the Corbon 200 grain HC and 180 grain BCSP, but they may be a bit much for just strolling through the woods.

Then again an aggressive and angry Black Bear is something to pay close attention to, and I'd feel more "comfortable" knowing my GP-100 is loaded w/ the 200 grainers.

Have fun,
DFW1911
 
Thanks for the replies fellas

I'll stick with my GP100 and check out some of your ammo recommendations.

As far as getting another gun, maybe man was made with two hands and two hips for a reason.
Click to expand...
-Harvster

LOL

Yes Harvster I have a feeling I wanted to be talked into a "must have for safety reasons" purchase. I know me. I've seen me do it before. Haha

Anyway thanks again
Have a good one
JC
 
Shooter X said:
My question is, is there a substantial difference between the two for this purpose? or am I just looking for a reason to pick up another gun
Click to expand...
The only reason you need to buy a new gun is:

Hey—it's Wednesday!
 
if .40 S&W works well on a 350 pound tiger, I can't imagine that a 150-200 pound black bear would outclass your .357. although if you aren't married to another revolver, why not check out the tangfolio/ eaa witness in 10MM?
15+1 rounds of 10MM will certainly dominate any predator in PA if they are on target. you could even get a semi-compact model to lighten the load a little bit.
 
Haha Ruger Wednesday. I like that.
I agree a RedHawk would balance my stride
I am easily swayed.

As I write this my uncle is on his way over to show me a "reasonably priced" as he puts it blackpowder rifle that apparently I can not live without(I am not into blackpowder guns at this time, but he wants me to be :rolleyes:)
This should be interesting.


Thanks for the comments and advice on the GP and the 44

JC
 
if .40 S&W works well on a 350 pound tiger,
Click to expand...

I don't think it did. I think if I'm not mistaken that 3 cops emptied their duty weapons at the tiger. I can't seem to find the old news articles right now. I don't know how many times they actually HIT the tiger, but I seem to remember feeling like the .40 was not quite enough gun in that situation.
Not that it didn't put the tiger down in the end, and I am not doubting its effectiveness as a SD round, and I would even trust it with heavy JHP as a woods gun.
 
Feel safe carrying your ruger in the the woods of NE PA. I have carried both a S&W 28-2 .357 or a SIG P220. The .357 is loaded with doubletap 180gr flat points or S&B 158gr SP's. The .45 with +P 230gr flat points FMJ's.
 
While in the SW PA we don't have very many Black Bears (I did have one rip my garbage can apart a few yrs ago) I'd feel very well armed with your Ruger .357 revolver.If I were to venture into Bear country(like up your way) on a regular basis I'd get a Ruger Super Blackhawk with a shorter bbl. in .44 mag. caliber and load some nice warm hard-cast SWC ammo for it and call it a day.YMMV.tom.:cool:
 
No gun works just fine

You don't need a gun for the woods. I work in the woods and sometimes I carry, but often the only gun I have with me is my tree paint gun for marking trees. However, I do carry a .45 when my primary concern is other 2-legged varmint potential and my .22 LR when I'm after the birds during the fall opener.

I am in the market for a pistol that is a compromise between the two, but I'm not a big fan of revolvers or double actions of any type.

My dream gun is a STI 2011 with an integrated 1913 rail in 9x23 winchester, but the next gun I will buy will likely be a Witness polymer in 9mm with a .38 super top for conversion to 9x23 winchester.

I think .357 magnum is the ultimate all-purpose round. Don't screw with the .44 if you already have the .357.
 
glock 20 in 10mm with some double tap ammo.


16 rounds of Thor's mighty hammer coming down on anything that could bother you.
 
Woodsman, for as compromises, why I love the .357 revolver is it has the power to take down black bear/deer, yet with a .38 wadcutter, many hunts I've killed rabbits for the camp. Out of a good .357 revolver, you can group .38s into an inch at 25 off a bench, about as accurate as it gets, squirrel huntin' accurate. Yet, a little sight elevation adjustment, and I'm ready for a hog or a deer if I get the opportunity and depending on season.

And, I don't know about yours, but my revolver is DA, but can easily be fired SA by cocking the hammer. The trigger pull is divine in SA mode. IMHO, there is no finer woods trompin' sidearm than a good .357 K frame for its versatility and light weight on the belt. My canteen outweighs my sidearm, at least when it's full. :D That GP100 is heavier, but still about the best choice for woods duty in an area that harbors nothing bigger or more of a danger than black bear. I've packed one all over the Guadalupe mountains of SE New Mexico, taken rabbits with it. Always been rifle hunting or scouting off season there when carrying. But, the jacks are everywhere out there with the occasional shot at a cotton tail. Makes a fine small game gun.
 
I love my M/G and to your question, is there much difference, YES the .44 mag is a very capable of handling anything in my area but, you didn't say where your from?

My 629-4 Mountaiin Gun, it no longer wears the Herretts now it got the Hogue 500s on:

18410Herrett_s_4.jpg
 
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