[Cleric]

I'm looking for some recommendations on a carry/HD revolver. My primary intended use for it is hiking/camping/hunting protection against the wild beasts. Thus, I am looking for something with more whallop than a 9mm. I'm thinking 38, 40, 357... I'm open to recommendations on caliber also.

I'm mainly experienced with semi's, so all the revolver experts can beef me up on any info they have!

Price range: $500 and under... the more under the better, but I'm not afraid to pay a bit to avoid garbage.

Thanks in advance!

Any responses which don't take the time to make an attempt at using semi-proper english will be ignored. You know who you are. :wink:

 

[wwb]

Try a 3" Ruger SP 101 in .357 Mag.... put on a set of Hogue grips, and you have a very carryable, very shootable, tough-as-a-Mack-truck wheelgun.

 

[txvashooter]

what he said. i've got one. it's stout with a full house 357 load, but gets the job done! sp101, great gun!

 

[Cleric]

Thanks for the recommendation. After looking around a bit, that certainly appears to fit the bill. I saw on a couple of sites that it has been discontinued by Ruger... is this true?

 

[Pistolero]

If you are experienced with semi's why would you want a revolver?

You could opt for one of the subcompact semi's in .357 Sig or .40 S&W. The advantage to one of these over a revolver is:

1. You have experience with semi's, but not revolvers.
2. Size of compact/subcompact semi's is smaller that revolver.
3. More available rounds to fire without reloading. 9, 10 or 11 rounds for the semi vs. 6 for the revolver.

Look at the subcompacts made by glock or Springfield Armory's XD series.

 

[Cleric]

Pistolero - Thanks for the response. I figured this would come up. Three reasons, neither of which are very strong or genius-insipred:

1. If I am out and about and have use of the pistol, I don't want to be picking up brass. Finding half-rusted brass is a serious bone I have to pick with many of my pistol-toting friends.

2. I want to try something different. Never owned a revolver and haven't fired many modern ones. Just expanding my knowledge and familiarity.

3. I thought that one might get more "bang for the buck" in terms of the durability and strength. It appears this might not be the case.

I hope I addressed a few of your excellent points. Clip size isn't as much of a factor for me for this use, another thing that prompted me towards a revolver.

 

[GunRunner]

I think I would put a third vote for that 357 ruger. I have never liked short revolvers, or short guns for that matter, but if I had to choose one I would definately go for something like that. Very reliable, simple, - tried and true.

 

[wwb]

If you are experienced with semi's why would you want a revolver?

(1) For a comparable quality level, a revolver is less expensive.
(2) A revolver is far more reliable than an auto.
(3) For comparable $$$, a revolver is almost always more accurate.
(4) if you're interested in packing a real whallop.... show me an autoloader the size of the SP 101 that can match a .357
(5) If it isn't a 1911-style action, the trigger on an autoloader stinks to high heaven.

I've shot 'em all, and I'll take a wheelgun every time.

 

[Pistolero]

(1) For a comparable quality level, a revolver is less expensive.
(2) A revolver is far more reliable than an auto.
(3) For comparable $$$, a revolver is almost always more accurate.
(4) if you're interested in packing a real whallop.... show me an autoloader the size of the SP 101 that can match a .357
(5) If it isn't a 1911-style action, the trigger on an autoloader stinks to high heaven.

1. no arguement.
2. won't argue, but will make the point that auto's are more reliable nowadays than they used to be, imho.
3. Any handgun is only as accurate the person shooting it.
4. Sig-Sauer 239 in .357 Sig.
5. out of the box double action revolvers and double action auto's are about the same.

 

[wwb]

Pistolero -

Item 3 - True, but if you're up to what the gun is capable of, I'll stand by my first statement. Take a look at typical Ransom Rest groups from Wheelguns and autos in the same price range. A $1500 race gun is a different matter, though.

Item 4 - You win that one!

Item 5 - My DA and DAO autoloader experience is with Berettas (92 & 96) and Ruger P-series guns. Their SA pull has a mile and a half of take-up that isn't there on a revolver when fired SA, and their out-of-the-box triggers are nowhere near as crisp - they can be made better, but it's not a job for Joe Sixpack, Average Dude. The DA pull is about the same weight, but, again, not as clean, and they don't "stage" like a good wheelgun.

The obvious solution to this difference of opinion is for me to buy a half-dozen assorted autoloaders and for you to buy a half-dozen assorted SA and DA wheelguns. After a feww thousand rounds each, we'll have to meet and re-evaluate our opinions.

Want some suggestions ?? You need an early (Pinned Barrel, Recessed cylinder) S&W 4" Model 19, a 3-screw .357 Blackhawk, a .44 Mag S&W Model 29, a .44 Mag Ruger Super Redhawk, and a Colt Python .357. Try 'em..... you'll like 'em.

 

[Pistolero]

The obvious solution to this difference of opinion is for me to buy a half-dozen assorted autoloaders and for you to buy a half-dozen assorted SA and DA wheelguns. After a feww thousand rounds each, we'll have to meet and re-evaluate our opinions.

You don't have to try to convert me, I'm a long time revolver man. Didn't carry an auto until the late 80's when everybody started transitioning to the "Wonder 9's".

The reason I suggested he stick with an auto is that I have noticed shooters who learned on the autos many times can't shoot revolvers all that well. We have a whole generation of law enforcement officers out there who have never carried a revolver and even after spending many hours on the range with them, they can't shoot a revolver as good as their auto.

I am just the opposite. I shoot PPC, both revolver and auto classes, and my revolver scores are always a couple of points higher than my auto scores, even shooting a S&W Performance Center PPC9.

I think it all boils down to which ever one you've shot the most, that is the one you will shoot the best, that is why I suggested he stick with the auto.

 

[wwb]

..... We have a whole generation of law enforcement officers out there who have never carried a revolver and even after spending many hours on the range with them, they can't shoot a revolver as good as their auto.....

The son of a friend is a local sheriff's deputy. I spent some time at the range with him - very likeable fellow.

Regarding the above quote.... he didn't know how to operate a single-action revolver (Colt type where you need to go to half-cock before the loading gate will open).

Given the opportunity to shoot my 6" Model 19 target gun, he fired it before he was anywhere near the target.... to him, it was a "hair trigger", even though it actually breaks at just about 2 lb.

That day with my old single-six .22 and the S&W was the first time he had ever fired any revolver. Once he got a feel for the lighter trigger, he did very well, though.

 

[Fuelburns2]

I'll also cast my vote for the Ruger SP101. I know a guy who carries his regularly and it's a great little gun. His is .357 with a 2" barrel. The grip is very comfortable IMO and the Ruger frames are among the strongest available. I'd like to get one for myself in the not too distant future.

 

[huntswithdogs]

This may sound a little funny,but check out a single action in 45 LC. A buddy of mine totes a short barreled Bisley for his CCW and a longer barreled one for general purpose(Hiking,fishing ,etc.). The short one is loaded with some serious HP loads and the other one has some hard cast lead FPs.

HWD

 

[txvashooter]

This may sound a little funny,but check out a single action in 45 LC. A buddy of mine totes a short barreled Bisley for his CCW and a longer barreled one for general purpose(Hiking,fishing ,etc.). The short one is loaded with some serious HP loads and the other one has some hard cast lead FPs.

HWD

That's a stout load, HWD, and btw, welcome to the forum, wondered when you'd mosey over here! I've got a Ruger VAQUERO in 45LC, 250 gr fp right now in it for target shooting. It's a pleasure to shoot, and amazingly enough, not too much kick!

TXVa

 

[Mike 44]

I would go with either the S&W mod 60, or the S&W 19 with 2 1/2" barrel

 

[JoePistol]

For your use, backpacking, camping, hunting, I would look
at some heavy duty revolver. I have had many of these and
many fill the bill. When I make a recommendation though
I don't always choose what I like best. I believe a heavy
duty revolver is best for you, considering the intended
purpose. The one that keeps coming to my mind is the
Taurus 8 shot 357. These are dirt cheap, and the quality
is good. They even do a little extra on the trigger tuning
and pull on these models because they are up against the
Smith & Wesson performance center worked over 8 shot 357.
The Taurus can be bought in 4, 6, and 8 inch barrels and
all have porting giving a very nice shooting 357 comfortable
feel even with the hottest loads. I have seen the 4 inch
model in a store in my area for about $370. For some reason
they charge about 40 extra for the two longer barrels. If
you want to hold down the cost and want something new these
are pretty good choices. If money is no object, then you
can get a Smith & Wesson performance center model, but
the cost goes up a lot. Also if money is a factor you
can often get some good deals on used stuff. You can find
various S&W used models at pretty good prices at times.
Ruger has some good stuff available used also. I just
bought a very nice GP100 with 6 inch barrel in perfect
condition a few weeks ago for only $275. You also have
the single action Rugers available and plentiful. You might
look for some of these in your area and see what suits your
fancy.

 

[Seymour Hiney]

Pistolero - boogerhook?

 

[Fuelburns2]

Pistolero - boogerhook?

Finger.

 

[Eyemissum]

Hi everybody, my favorite carry gun is a little Ruger SP101 in 32 H&R mag. with a 4" barrel. A different caliber I know but I like it. Good shooting little gun an accurate too.