1911 in 45 ACP or Ruger GP-100 357 mag for Walk in woods

[Robert357]

........ or the ruger gp100 6" barrel in 357 mag......Which in your opinion is the better choice. 

357 Mag!   I like the versatility of the 357 Mag.  I shirt pocket 10 round cartridge carrier with 4 full house 357 magnum loads, 4 38 special loads, and 2 38 special shot filled caps, plus six in the cylinder provides a lot of of alternatives.  Where I live you can shoot grouse, and a variety of other small game while out deer hunting (the shot caps and the 38 specials) for augmenting your camp meals. 

I originally purchased a 357 Mag handgun after deer hunting one year when I laid my 30-06 rifle against a tree and started cleaning my recently shot deer and then heard a pack of dogs in the distance, and realized that my rifle was not within reach.  It was a bit un-nerving to stand up with bloody hands, pick up my rifle and lay it on the ground next to the dead deer.  Since then I have always gone hunting with some kind of fire arm.

While the 45 M1911 is fine handgun, I don't think it has the versatility that a 357 Mag does

[alien319]

In the woods I'd go with a .357, more versitle. Even though I am a 1911 fan.  I also like the .357.

[Tom W.]

The worst thing that we have in our woods is coyotes, wild dogs, feral hogs and snakes, both with and without legs. When wandering through the woods I'll carry either a 4" stainless Ruger Security Six and two speedloaders, or a Colt Government model with an extra magazine. Or, like jrhen said, I may take two different handguns.

[woodguy]

The biggest reason I am not going for a 1911 "now' is becuase of the price.... Even the cheapo Taurus 1911s run for about $420+, and I am 100% sure they are good and reliable, but I just think the GP100 with a 6" for 300 is unbeatable.

And, In my opinion, I think the 357 has a bit more penetration

Where can you get the GP 100 for around 300 they're even 400 at Buds and they are generaly the cheapest around?

[Robert357]

Not sure about the price of a GP-100, but I just picked up a Ruger Security Six in 357 Mag in very good condition for around $250 with a holster. 

[IMshooter]

I've used both a .45 acp and a double action .357 for woods carry.  Here in Missouri we do not have to worry about bears.  Twice while in the woods I have had problems with packs of stray dogs.  And both times I was unarmed!  Copperheads are fairly common to encounter and I did have to shoot one once although I usually just leave them alone.  One in a while one bumps into a timber rattlesnake and that species is big enough to really do you some harm.  When hunting deer and turkeys I do not bother carrying a handgun as my long gun is far superior.

But the most dangerous animal in the woods is man.  Dope growers and meth cookers love to use our national forests for  thier trade.  Either of your pistol choices will be fine.  It is just a matter of what you feel comfortable with.

[Dale53]

Now that the gentleman has chosen a Ruger .357 revolver, it is time to discuss how to carry it along with a long arm. I find that when bird hunting with a shotgun (also applies to "still hunting" with a rifle") that a strong side carry revolver will just beat your long gun stock to death. I don't care for shoulder holsters due to lack of comfort and interference with back packs. That leaves a cross draw holster. A good cross draw holster solves most of the problems. It is relatively comfortable and doesn't interfere with mounting the shotgun or rifle. I did a lot of hunting where LOTS of walking in rough country was the rule. This set up just flat WORKS.

Dale53

[IMshooter]

Dale,

You are correct about the advantages of the crossdraw holster. 

[LEO]

I too use the cross draw a lot of the time.  An option that I also use is a thigh type holster, it gets the gun completely out of the way of your long gun, a pack or whatever.  Once you get used to them they are comfortable to wear and don't seem to snag as easily as holsters on your waist.  I originally started wearing them at work to get the handgun below the body armor and other assorted raid gear but they do transition well to the outdoors although you may get some odd looks from other hunters.