need hepl deciding

[ryan q]

I'm concidering a short barreled revolver that will double as a carry gun and a backup when hunting. Probably a 2 1/2" 5 shot gun. I won't carry it as my primary hunting gun but I'd draw it when I sling my rifle to climb through a large section of blown down trees, climb steep banks or hills, or track wounded game in thick brush. I'm back and forth between a 44special and a 357mag. I'm leaning toward the 357 beause ammo is easier to find, but I like the bigger hole the 44 leaves. So I'm asking those who have shot both for your thoughts. Any big differences in recoil or performance on game at bow hunting ranges? 

[Scibaer]

go with the .44 mag
get a Ruger

[southernutah]

S&W 44 mag 629 Mountain Gun. 4" barrel. Lighter than the Ruger. use 44 specials or mags. Ammo everywhere.

[JASmith]

southernutah has it right -- one caveat, however -- shoot that sucker a lot! 

You can get cowboy loads for the 44 Mag from more than one manufacturer -- these will work fine for most of your practice or plinking and you'll get to where that's your favorite shooting gun!

If you or a buddy reload, you can load 44 Mag cases with 44 Russian level or lighter loads -- your plinking targets won't know the difference out to even 50 yards. 

Shoot just few full-house (44 Spec or Mag) at the distance and target size you want the back-up gun for so you become confident that the point of impact is close enough.

[Redhawk1]

44.............

[Lloyd Smale]

if you want the ultimate in a carry gun that you wont notice you have until you need it look at the smith nightguard line. They make it in an L frame 5 shot 44 special. I had the old 396 which is about the same gun and it would take some pretty healthy loads and was as light as feather. they also make it in 357 and 44mag (n frame). Be prepared to ding the plastic though as there not cheap but then either is a 4 inch N frame anymore.

[shot1]

It all depends on what you need protection from in the woods. If any kind of bear is involved FORGET THE 357 mag. Like others have said, a 4" 44 Mag at the least.

[luckydawg13]

44 mag or 45LC DONT GO SMALLER

[shot1]

I love my Ruger black hawk 5 1/2" 45 Colt with a good dose of H-110 or 296 and 250 Hornady XTP or 255 hard cast. Great medicine for anything from black bear to 2 legged critters that prowl where I hunt, hike and live.

[wyozx]

41 mag!!!

[roger460xvr]

I;d go with a 41mag or a 44magnum...

[Old Griz]

It depends on what's out there. Griz? Cougars? Black bear? Angry coons? Rabid squirrels? Unless you are in danger of running across big, nasty, brownies a .357 (loaded properly) will handle most anything. I just feel better with something that starts with a 4. No griz in my neighborhood, so I like to have my .41 with me loaded with 240-gr. Platinum Tips. They're extremely accurate in my model 57, and are plenty powerful enough to handle anything I'm gonna meet. But a .44 Special will do the job as well. Now if I ever do run across a griz, I'm gonna wish I had an AA-12 . . .

[millwright]

     My hunting revolver is a 44 mag SBH but my carry gun for hiking or fishing is a 44 spec. with 3 in barrel.  I live in Maine and I feel I am adequately protected.  I only like revolvers.  I have a Dan Wesson 357 with a 2 in barrel but that is my nightstand gun.                                                                                                         


                                                                                                    Millwright

[shot1]

If you want a small carry gun that is easy to conceal and packs a punch get a Charter Arms 44 Bulldog. It is a 5 shot 44 special with a 2 or 2 1/2" barrel and is not much larger than a J frame S&W.

[Daman]

I really like the 44 special bulldog. I don't own one personally, but have had the opportunity to shoot a buddy's and few times and they are nice.

Daman