Author Topic: Backpacking .41 mag (Read 5168 times)

baitwaister · « **on:** February 06, 2007, 05:35:08 AM »

After many years of hiking with each other, my wife wants me to get a handgun to take along for protection.. We have never had a problem, but the entering grizzly bear habitat signs are getting to her. I also have been carrying bear spray for a couple of seasons, but she still would feel better if I had a pistol. I have TC contender in .41, 30-30, 45/.410, 375 Win but no revovlers. I want to go with a .41 because I already handload for that and have some dandy 265 grn LBT cast bullets using H110 that I love to shoot Black bears with. What I am looking for is a reasonably lightweight revolver that can still handle some pretty stiff handloads (no use just making the bear mad). Any opinions or help are appreciated.

handi243 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 06, 2007, 05:45:28 AM »

I would carry a double action for fast follow-up shots somthing in a 4-5" gun. Smith or ruger(don't know if ruger makes a 41?) Taurus makes some good guns check this link out they are all 41 mags good luck.http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm

myronman3 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2007, 06:02:19 AM »

either a ruger blackhawk or a smith, i am not sure how stout your loads are for use in the smith. the only bad thing about the blackhawk is you can kiss a quick reload goodbye. as far as taurus, you would do well to avoid them. ruger did make the redhawk in 41, but i doubt it is a light gun.

southern utah · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2007, 07:24:16 AM »

I sometimes pack my 657 3". I load it with factory 170gr silver tips or my 170gr soft points. Haven't tried heavier loads.

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2007, 09:02:08 AM »

The 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk is a great hiking gun. It weighs less than 40 ounces. I carried one for years. I found that the old CorBon 265 hardcast had pretty much the same penetration as my 320 grain 44 magnum loads. Another good choice would be if you could find a used S&W 41 magnum Mountain Gun. I know they have made some over the years.

S.B. · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2007, 12:15:50 PM »

Sounds to me like your asking for a S&W model 357PD. Titanium framed N frame in .41 magnum. Light weight, powerful and oh so handi, and American made.
Buy American. Keep America working, to pay all these taxes and support all the other countries.

Old Griz · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2007, 02:30:23 AM »

I have heard (but not experienced) that the 357PD is not punishing to shoot like the 369PD. I'm sure, however, that anyone can roll their own and come up with a bone jarring load.

My basic travel/wilderness gun is a 4" 57 with night sights, loaded with Winchester 240-gr. Platinum Tips. If I were in Grizzly territory I'd probably take my 4" Anaconda with 300-gr. Federal CastCores. The N-frame and Anaconda are not light guns, but I've been backpacking since the early 70s, and I've learned that there are some things you can compromise on, and some things you can't.

I'm a big single action fan, however, in this kind of situation I prefer to have a DA gun that can easily be fired with one hand. I may need to use my other arm for something, or something big and furry might be chewing on it.

I'm glad you have the pepper spray, too. Some folks around here laugh at that, but the products at www.udap.com look pretty darn good.

Bullseye · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2007, 06:38:15 AM »

Sounds like a good application for a S&W Mountain Gun. 4" tapered barrel makes it fairly nice to carry. They made them in 41 last year, if there are still some around.

S.B. · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2007, 07:26:46 AM »

Bulleye, I agree, if you can find one?

LEO · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2007, 11:45:35 AM »

I too vote for the S&W Mountain Gun, I am one of the luck few to own one and absolutely love it. It is light enough to carry comfortably in the woods but heavy enough that when you shoot a true 41 magnum load in it the recoil is not punishing. I have sprayed black bears with bear spray, not one charging but problem bears in dumpsters and such, it will definitely put a hurting on them but I don't know about a bear that was charging because obviously their drive is different. You are much easier to put on the ground when you are eating supper than when you are mad and ready to fight. With that said, if you are shooting a charging/attacking bear your only real chance is a central nervous system hit, ie brain or spine, of course if you are shooting at a bear from the side you have the option of trying to break the shoulders, a higher probability shot. The point being you only have a couple of seconds to stop the bear and you must be able to make your shots count. My experience is with black bears but any real 41 magnum load would be fine, I think with brown bears though you would be better off with the hard cast bullets, because your bullet has to not only hit the right spot but penetrate enough to do the job and comparing the bone structure of blacks to browns, the browns are much heavier built. I am a firm believer though that if you are going to plan on a firearm for defense, either 2 or 4 legged predators, a lot of practice is required to be proficent so reloading is about a requirment for anyone shooting the magnum revolvers. Good Luck

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2007, 01:43:21 PM »

like was said either a 4 inch smith 57 or a 4 5/8s blackhawk are about as good as they get

Turk · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2007, 08:39:39 AM »

Let me say first off my personal favorite wheel gun for whitetail hunting and self-defense is the Smith 57 while I’m in the Pennsylvania woods. I also know a 44 mag. will do a little better. If weight was the major consideration then I’d opted for the Smith Model: 329PD, this 44 mag. weighs in at 26 oz. Compare this to my 629 Classic at 45.5 oz. Buy the dies and get a 44. The 629 Classic is what I carry out in the Rockies but I’m considering the 329PD. And if I were in an area where there is major Griz or Brown bear activity I’d think my thoughts would be the same as for self-defense “If I know I’m going to a gun fight I’ll take a rifle or shotgun” My choice would be my 9.3X62 or a 12 ga. And if a long gun wasn’t an option I think I’d want a 454 C. Also go to the Alaska hunting forum and ask the same question.

Turk

baitwaister · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2007, 05:00:41 AM »

Hey guys thanks for the info. To answer a few concerns:
1. If I were actually worried about a bear incident- I would carry a 18" mossberg with a pistol grip and loaded with buckshot and slugs alternating(Alaska guide method) in a back sling.
2. This is to make my wife feel better and to get myself a revolver with out much hassle.
3. I love my Contender in a 10" 41. mag for still hunting and will stay with that because I have the dies and handload.

What I am wondering is how easy it is to find one at a gun show or just buck up and go new. Sounds like SW Mountain gun or 357 Pd are the way to go.

JOE MACK · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2007, 01:21:49 PM »

The S&W357PDs are out there if you look. I've got two LNIB, one for $605 and the other I'm getting for @$500. I either pack a Ruger OM Blackhawk or a S&W 657 Mountain gun in the outdoors. They always have nothing lighter than a 220gr.WFNGC at @ 1000fps. I've taken quit a few black bear with the load. They penetrate really well and go through and through on most shots. I'm also looking at either of the Taurus Trackers in .41Magnum.

JOE

djw · « **Reply #14 on:** February 14, 2007, 03:01:41 AM »

Quote from: JOE MACK on February 13, 2007, 01:21:49 PM

The S&W357PDs are out there if you look. I've got two LNIB, one for $605 and the other I'm getting for @$500.
JOE

Joe,
Now that you've got yours

, where are you finding these for that price? I've only seen them for $800+!!
Don

JOE MACK · « **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2007, 04:43:37 PM »

Quote from: djw on February 14, 2007, 03:01:41 AM

Quote from: JOE MACK on February 13, 2007, 01:21:49 PM
The S&W357PDs are out there if you look. I've got two LNIB, one for $605 and the other I'm getting for @$500.
JOE

Joe,
Now that you've got yours , where are you finding these for that price? I've only seen them for $800+!!
Don

I scan alot of classifieds on different forums including this one. I've gotten lucky and been on at the right time. I see something I want at a good price, I don't hesitate. Good luck in the hunt.

JOE

Lives2hunt · « **Reply #16 on:** February 24, 2007, 11:26:36 AM »

I own a S&W .41 Mag. Mod. 57 with a 6" barrel. I just don't like the shorter barrels myself. Wouldn't want to have to defend myself against a griz but I wouldn't feel undeerpowered with a good .41 Mag. and corbon ammunition.

Happy hiking!

Raging480 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 27, 2007, 04:30:38 AM »

Another .41 mag fan chiming in. At close range, and I'm talking black bears, not brownies, a hard cast bullet doesn't need to be hotrodded to penetrate adequately. Load it moderately, and you may be able to shoot it more accurately. My 250 grain hard cast load is warm at 20 grains of Li'l Gun and a CCI mag primer, which I hunt with in my 657 CH II. As for packin, my 657 Mt Gun eats 215 grain hard cast swc at about 1100-1150 fps, which still penetrates alot.

rockbilly · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2007, 05:31:18 AM »

I won't jump in and recommend a .41, I have been a .41 fan for more years than I care to remember, it is a good choice, and should do the job if it is fed the right ammo. Makes no difference what gun you choose, DON"T FORGET THE PEPPER SPRAY. I have hunted in several areas where big bears are frequently seen, most of the guides in these areas recommend using a pepper spray before using a gun. There are several brands on the market today that are very effective from a distance of 10-12 feet, (maybe even more). Most often, when sprayed with the pepper spray, the bear will leave. Shoot only as a last resort, keeping in mind an injuried bear is bad medicine, so a deadly shoot is necessary.

And always remember, try to position yourself with the wind to your back. The pepper spray will also do a job on you if the wind blows it back in your face. Course, the bear may not eat you if you are covered with it...........

paul105 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 27, 2007, 05:56:06 AM »

I find it unlikely you can manage both pepper spray and a hand gun when a bear is 10 t0 12 feet from you. If you hit him with pepper spay and he comes for you, you'll never get the gun in action. What are the chances the wind will accomodate you? I think Larry Gibson said it best -- people let bears get to close -- fire a warning shot and try to keep the bear as far away as possible. If it's within 10 - 12 feet, you better have already made up your mind as to your weapon of choice.

FWIW,

Paul

y

S.B. · « **Reply #20 on:** February 27, 2007, 05:59:27 AM »

paul 105, I agree with your thinking.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #21 on:** February 27, 2007, 06:06:38 AM »

For a backpacking .41 Mag., I recommend the Ruger Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel.

rockbilly · « **Reply #22 on:** March 01, 2007, 06:52:54 AM »

I agree that an individual may have a problem handling both a can of pepper spray and a gun at the same time, but most often hikers in the back country are in groups of at least two, in this case both should have pepper spray and a gun, or if they can't handle a gun, at least the spray.

The whole problem here is if you get into a face to face situation with a bear, then likely you have not take the propere action to deter bears in the first place. Most often a bear attack is provoked when the animal is startled. While walking through the woods in bear country it is a good idea to have a small bell attached to your pack to warn the bears that someone (something) is there, it is also wise to talk, sing, or make some kind of noise. Normally, a bear will flee if you do this, in most cases, a bear wants to avoid a human, as mush as you want to avoid them. The exception to this is a sow with cubs. Dealing with a sow and cub is like dealing with explosives, they may go off at any time for any reason, but it is just her survival instinct, and the motherly protective mode that sets her off. Given an excape route, they often leave.

At a remote Alaska site four of us were asleep in a tent, we were woke up by a noise, looking out we saw four bear destroying the lean to where out cook site was set up. (The first thing a backpackers should learn is never take food into their sleeping area, stow it in a tree, set up a cook site away from the sleep site,bury, or burn any thing that is to be thrown away) To make the situtation worst, all of the guns were locked in the truck, The only weapon was a big knife. We remained in the tent, started shouting and watched them as they ate everything they could, they then walked around our tent and left. I learned a very important lesson that night, afterwards I always took a .44 mag to bed with me. The point is, I think we avoided an attack by making the bears aware that we were there.

We are planning another trip to Alaska soon, but today I sleep in the confort of my 5th wheel trailer, and don't venture too far from the beaten path, but I will have a .44 tucked under my belt next to a can of pepper spray just in case.

S.B. · « **Reply #23 on:** March 01, 2007, 07:36:40 AM »

Do you think a bear couldn't get into your camper(fifth wheel)?

HappyHunter · « **Reply #24 on:** March 01, 2007, 08:13:48 AM »

A big aggreement on the 657 Mountain Gun. I really like mine.

Now to brag on my latest 41: Found a 657 6 inch with box in very good conditino for $402 otd yesterday at Gander Mountain.

I am a sucker for 41 magnums.

Fred

S.B. · « **Reply #25 on:** March 01, 2007, 10:03:51 AM »

Then trade me your 657M/G for my four incher in the box with docs?

rockbilly · « **Reply #26 on:** March 01, 2007, 05:04:24 PM »

S.B. No doubt, a bear can get in if it wants to, but it is a lot safer than a tent, been there done that for more years than I care to remember. The fiberglass walls on the 5th wheel make it fairly safe. The windows are too high and too small to worry about a window entry, The weak point is the alumimun door, but before it can breech that, my dog will alert me, and I will have time to arm myself and prepare a welcome for it.

Hunting the Carson National Forrest out of Cimarron, NM back in the late sixties, we were camped near a pop-up camper. At the time I had a cabover pick-up camper, about 2-3 in the morning the night before season opening all hell broke loose, a black bear had got inside the pop-up, no one was seriously hurt, but the camper was nearly destroyed. I think most of the damage was done by the people getting out, not by the bear getting in. The bear (or another one) took an ice chest from under my camper, and drug it about a quarter of a mile down the road. The contents of the cooler were spread along, but I didn't loose a single beer, I guess they couldn't find the opener in the dark.

The reason the bear wanted in was the day before these people had caught several cut throat trout, they had cleaned them, fryed several strips of bacon, then cooked the fish in the bacon grease. They left the pan of grease on the stove top, an open invitation for the bear. During this same period, it wasn't uncommon for a kid to be mauled every year at the near-by Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, most often they had Cracker-Jacks in their tent.

Bottomline, dealing with bears is just using common sense, let 'em know you are there, keep food, snacks, etc. away from sleeping areas, but be prepared in necessary.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #27 on:** March 02, 2007, 01:18:35 AM »

S.B.

I will keep my MG thank you. It is my backup hunting revolver. Deer hunting is made for the 41.

Besides I already have a 4 inch 57, (but not a no dash).

Have you ever seen a 57 mountain gun?

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #28 on:** March 02, 2007, 04:47:19 AM »

personaly even though I recomended a 57 id step up to a 4 inch 629. Load it with a stiff load and a 300 grain hardcast. The 629s cant take a steady diet of them but you surely could shoot enough to get one sighted in and use for a carry load in the bush. If you want real light and powerful look at a 329 but find someone else to work up the heavy loads for it as there brutal!

S.B. · « **Reply #29 on:** March 02, 2007, 05:25:54 AM »

Quote from: HappyHunter on March 02, 2007, 01:18:35 AM

S.B.

I will keep my MG thank you. It is my backup hunting revolver. Deer hunting is made for the 41.

Besides I already have a 4 inch 57, (but not a no dash).

Have you ever seen a 57 mountain gun?

.

Yea, your right. Why would I want to part with what I've dreamt about owning since they came out. Pinned and recessed, and NO LOCK, I'm old fashioned and would probably be disappointed in one of the newer guns. Nothing succeeds like success