Pick a Caliber

[Savage]

In my state probably 70% or more of the hogs taken are killed with .22 rimfires. So, yep, a well placed heavy solidbullet in 357 will do the job. Stay away from light HP and SP bullets and get close enough to place your bullets well.
Savage

[Matt3357]

Hogs killed with .22 rimfire?  What range? What State are you in?  I know farmers and butchers use them to kill huge boars and bulls and such, but hunting at a distance?  Doesn't seem like quite enough gun.  Not saying it wont do the job, just not sure its such a good choice.

Matt


Oh and about hunting with a 4" barrel.  From everything I have read, they suggested a 6" barrel for sight length but if you get close enough I see no reason why it wouldn't work.  Just know your gun and your limitations.

[WolfTrap]

WolfTrap,

I'm 22.  Just still in college and my guns are still at home, well most of them anyway. 

I have decided to start looking for a Model 686 in 6" used pre-lock. 

thanks,
Matt

You're over 18...well, that's out of the way.
Matt...686 is a very good choice.
Will handle just about any ammo sold out there.
If possible, look for a long barrel between 6-8 inch barrels for a better sight (Hunting) radius.
If you're really lucky........8 inch barrel with 4 position front sight!
Good luck,
WT

[Mohawk]

  All of my deer killed with the .357 and .38 were from 4" barrels. It does fine. Just keep within archery ranges for better accuracy and you will be field dressing the deer withing minutes. 

[Hook686]

.357 magnum is a great caliber. If you got the extra funds, a S&W 627PC, 8 shooter, is a very fine choice. It gave me an extra 25 yards over the 6" 686, which is also a fine revolver. I personally think the S&W Performance Center is worth the extra few hundred dollars for an 8 shot .357 magnum.

[Old Griz]

I like the .44 Spl/Mag combination the best, HOWEVER, a good .357 is hard to beat. I have 3 Rugers, 1 Colt, and 2 S&W in .357. For deer just keep it in bow range and you'll do fine. My vote is for a pre-lock S&W 686, 6" for hunting and plinking.

I'm encouraged to see so many .357 fans.

[Mohawk]

 My newest one is a S&W 627 4". Stainless version of the old classic and still a game killer and protector. I want to couple it with a 4" 29 or 629 in .44 Mag for larger critters than deer, bear, elk, etc. Though the mountain gun versions with the tapered barrels look attractive........

[Matt3357]

I went to Cabela's today and they just so happened to have a 686 with a 6" barrel.  It felt amazing in my hand.  I tested it against a Ruger GP1000 and a couple of others and it just felt like it belonged there.  The price there was crazy outrageous.  it was $729 new or $700 used.  Don't really understand that?!?!?!?!?  I am going to a gun shop back home to see what kind of used stuff they have and compare their prices.  So I am definitely locked in on the purchase of a 686 with the 6" barrel 6 shot.  Now just to choose the bullets and powder, oh and the small thing of getting money. 


Matt

[Mohawk]

  The 686 is definately a winner. Classic feel of a K frame with more durability being an L frame. 

[Rutin2tin]

I agree with everyone that an S&W 686 is a fine gun, and also .357 magnum is a great all around caliber, along with .38 spl as a practice/plinking round.

The 357 magnum will down a deer, but then I've seen big whitetail bucks take one or two 12 gauge slugs in the boiler works, and run for another 100 yards or more. My point is, don't count on the .357 as a great big game cartridge. I've taken a couple deer with .357, however, shot placement is absolutely crucial.

Also, if protecting the homestead, a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot is a vastly superior weapon, and requires less concentration on the part of the defender. Plus, a shotgun is much more intimidating than a revolver, because the intruder knows that He's in serious trouble, should the defender use it.

Just My .02