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Offline Brookielover

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looking for a trail gun
« on: March 29, 2004, 04:35:35 AM »
I am looking for a small pistol to carry on me when I am hiking or fishing. Something fairly accurate and reliable and under $600. I also want to be able to carry it in a pack without there being any chance of it going off and shoting myself or someone else. Any reccomendations? Thanks
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Offline Daniel61

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2004, 12:19:16 PM »
My favorite is a Smith 60 357 with 3" barrel. Stainless, light weight and packs a punch.
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Offline Daveinthebush

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What trails ya wandering down?
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2004, 02:49:09 PM »
What trails ya wandering down? Because it all depends on the situations that might arise out of the trip.  The minimun that I carry close to town is a .45 1911 with 230 grain hollowpoints.  Farther away, it is a 6" .44 mag. stuffed to the hilt for grizz or my 870 stuffed with Brennekes.  Back east I usually carried a Colt Woodsman .22.

I would say that back east you might be looking for a lightweight .357 mag with a 4" barrel.  You can practice with .38 Specials and stuff it with stout loads for the possible black bear situation or person.  I  love my Smith & Wesson and if you are concerned about safety, leave one chamber empty.

A Ruger .22 Single six is light and reliable. You can pack 50 rounds in a very small space and the .22 mag. cylinder packs a punch and is flat shooting.  

Lots of options. And as I stated, it all depends on your situation.
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Offline daddywpb

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2004, 02:05:09 PM »
If a .22 is enough gun for your needs, I can recommend a Ruger Bearcat. Mine shoots great, and you'll forget that it is even there.
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Offline Litefoot

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2004, 07:46:58 PM »
Might want to also consider the 10mm. THey're being loaded commercially today significantly hotter than a .357 mag. Look specifically at the Glock 29. It would give you more rounds, more power and better controllability than a .357 revolver.

I am not knocking the .357, it's a grand workhorse and will be in more packs than a 10mm will ever hope to. I just like 10mm better.
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Offline Dusty Miller

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« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2004, 04:58:53 PM »
Don't walk mountain trials in the PRC without something along the power of a .357 mag.  We have these "endangered" species out here that've gotten into the habit of attacking and eating people.  Better yet, don't walk in the mountains ALONE.  Make sure both of your are armed and STAY TOGETHER.  I think that PETA should be required to supply all PRC mountain cats with all the Friskies they want!
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Offline NYH1

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2005, 09:01:52 AM »
Quote from: Daniel61
My favorite is a Smith 60 357 with 3" barrel. Stainless, light weight and packs a punch.
I know I'am about a year and a half late on this, but my father bought a S&W model 60 357 with 3" barrel. I'am not a revolver guy myself, but this is a really nice pistol. My father has been shooting it like crazy and really loves it. If I was to get a revolver for any type of carry use at all, this would be the one!
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Offline Savage .250

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #7 on: September 02, 2005, 01:09:01 PM »
You said in part, " looking for a small pistol". Does that mean small in size or small in caliber?  I`ll go with small caliber.
    Not knowing what you plan to use it for and where your trailing area is
    i`d go with a 22 cal, maker ...your choice. Better yet go to a local Gun Show and have a look around. Bet you find exactly what you want/need. IMO.
 
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Offline outdoorman

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Re: looking for a trail gun
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2005, 03:27:04 PM »
Quote from: Brookielover
I am looking for a small pistol to carry on me when I am hiking or fishing. Something fairly accurate and reliable and under $600. I also want to be able to carry it in a pack without there being any chance of it going off and shoting myself or someone else. Any reccomendations? Thanks


Since you mention concern about it going off and shoting yourself, I suspect you have limited experience with handguns.
I suggest getting a revolver and getting proper instruction and familiarity through a course at a gun range before taking it anywhere outdoors.
Caliber choices depends on what you could encounter in your area.
If it's against snakes and small varmints, a .22 would be fine
If it's to defend against human or bigger predators, .38/.357 magnum would be my choice.
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Offline Ahab

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2005, 03:35:25 AM »
My trail gun is a Taurus Titanium .357Mag, 2" snubby. Is amazingly accurate and light. Had it for several years now with no problems shooting heavy loads frequently.
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Offline PA-Joe

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2005, 03:37:32 AM »
Bulgarian Makarov under 200.00
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Offline FishHunt

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looking for a trail gun
« Reply #11 on: March 28, 2006, 06:41:35 AM »
For a low cost trail gun I'd look at a used S&W model 10. You should have less than $250 in the gun and holster. You can shoot 100gr wadcutters for small game and keep 158gr swchp loads in it for denfense.

<><Fish
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Offline Almtnman

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Re: looking for a trail gun
« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2006, 01:20:17 PM »
I'd have to second FishHunt on this one, a fairly nice S&W model 10 can be bought reasonable and is an accurate pistol. I carry one myself and sometimes I carry an old Ruger single six which has spent many days out in the woods with me and taken much game with it.
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Swampman

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Re: looking for a trail gun
« Reply #13 on: November 23, 2006, 03:29:22 AM »
Don't waste your money on pea shooters or semi-autos.  Get a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt.

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Offline victorcharlie

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Re: looking for a trail gun
« Reply #14 on: November 23, 2006, 10:43:22 PM »
Taurus Tracker, .44 mag w/4" barrel.

It's stainless steel, and relatively small for the caliber.

It should be available for around $420.
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Offline navyneil

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Re: looking for a trail gun
« Reply #15 on: December 21, 2006, 01:57:12 PM »
Stick with a S&W revolver, caliber of your choice.  You won't regret the decision.  If you decide to change your mind, it will hold its value much better than many other manufacturers will, and out of the box, its tough to beat.
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