pistol question

[ferris bugler]

I'm interested in getting a revolver, but I'm not very familiar with pistols. Can you guys give me some suggestions about what to look for? I'm looking for something that would go in a backpack while camping or be lightweight to travel with. Thanks in advance.

[RichM]

In my opinion a small 357 revolver is a good compromise between power, weight, simplicity and reliability.
I'm fairly comfortable with a snub nose 357Mag (Ruger sp101 3" stainless) for the lower 48 in my pack. I don't expect to come across anything worse than an angry black bear where I camp. The weight isn't bad compared to a fully loaded semi-auto pistol. The power is there for said black bear or two legged aggressor. It's simple and darn near foolproof.

I have a Colt Delta 10mm auto that I put a ton of money into thinking it would be a good camping pistol but found out that my girlfriend couldn't load it and she was a lot more comfortable shooting the revolver. It was important to me that she be able to use it in case I wasn't around or worse.

If go someplace where I"m worried about a grizzly or packs of large timber wolves then I'll sling a rifle.

All that being said, Bear spray may be a better option if predator attacks are your primary concern. From what I have read bear spray has been shown to be incredibly effective against most predators because their olfactory senses are so much more sensitive than a humans.

[pointysticks]

I want a 686p +. Smith and Wesson 357. 7 shot revolver.

[Swede]

I think Rich's advice in its entirety is solid. I am not sure what protection a pistol in your pack is providing. Of coarse I am not sure how much protection is warranted either. I like a 357M revolver as I can load it light for just shooting and load it with the 357M ammo if I want to. All guns take up too much space and weigh too much for me, to just pack for no good reason. I would rather pack an extra sandwich or sack of nuts.

[LckyTylr]

What Rich said

snub nose 357Mag (Ruger sp101 3" stainless)

[ferris bugler]

Thanks guys. That's the info I was looking for. Not really worried about having it for protection or anything like that. Just love to shoot and interested in something that would be good to take along.

[pointysticks]

last time in idaho..i let a bunch of folks freak me out about wolves.

i brought a glock. gah..that thing was bulky and heavy. i opted to let a buddy carry it, because it was HIS wife that freaked me out the most... in the end, my buddy didnt want it either.

i was okay. my brother is a SWAT cop. he always carries. i felt safe with him. he has the tiniest 357 5 shot revolver as his conceal carry. he brings that now. me..i know i am faster than my one buddy. way faster. especially when we shoot him in the leg with the snubby.

[Elkduds]

I carry a Taurus Titanium 357 7 shot w 2 1/2 in. barrel. weighs 2 lb w nylon holster. Had it for years. Light, powerful, always goes bang when directed to do so.

[husky390]

SP101's are very nice. I'd also try to find an old Smith and Wesson model 19 or a Ruger Security Six with a 4" barrel that hasn't been shot to heck. I had a Taurus 415 Titanium, 41mag that was very lightweight, good gun, but not really a beginners revolver especially if you don't reload.

Though it's a semi-auto, a Glock 20 isn't bad either. Plus you can buy a .40S&W conversion barrel to plink with.

[idahoghost]

My question would be, what are you protecting yourself or loved ones from. People or bears?

[Njdiverdan]

I carry my 4" S&W .500 most of the time when I am in the woods. It's heavy, but being a very big guy to begin with I don't count ounces in my gear.

[ferris bugler]

I'm not interested in protection. I just want a lightweight revolver thats easy to pack and carry. Something to shoot while camping or whatever. I want a pistol but don't want something that is going to weigh me down like Dirty Harry.

[WapitiTalk1]

Bugler, are you stead fast on getting a revolver? I sure like my little Ruger LC9. Very compact for CCP and it packs enough wallop to stop a bad guy. RJ

[husky390]

I forgot to add get what feels most comfortable in your hand and points naturally. That is the most important aspect of handguns that I think are overlooked. My brothers Gen 3 G21 feels like I'm holding a 2x4 yet he can't stand how my XD45 feels but for me, the XD45 is the best feeling gun aside from a CZ. Lot's of good options given here but I would spend some time at a gun shop and ask to look at every gun that catches your eye. Pay attention to how it feels and when it is safe to do so, point it straight out as if you were going to shoot. When you do, where is the front sight in relation to the rear sight? Do you have to point it up or down to get them to line up. If you don't have to move the gun, and it feels good in the hand, then you know you have a keeper. For me, a 6" revolver and the XD45 is perfect. Your results may vary.

[Bowhunter]

Is anyone familiar with the Ruger LCR357? The 5 shot pistol has a 2" barrel and weighs 19oz. I was thinking of one because it is so light but still has some power behind it. I have carried a couple other handguns that were heavy and ended up leaving them in the truck. I have read some reviews abot the LCR357 and it is still pushing a 158gr bullet at 1300fps through a cronograph. That seams like enough for me. The short barrel might hinder accuracy but I am not planning on shooting it unless someone or something is up close and personal and tends to do me harm.

[husky390]

Is anyone familiar with the Ruger LCR357? The 5 shot pistol has a 2" barrel and weighs 19oz. I was thinking of one because it is so light but still has some power behind it. I have carried a couple other handguns that were heavy and ended up leaving them in the truck. I have read some reviews abot the LCR357 and it is still pushing a 158gr bullet at 1300fps through a cronograph. That seams like enough for me. The short barrel might hinder accuracy but I am not planning on shooting it unless someone or something is up close and personal and tends to do me harm.

It's definitely not a bad option. I used to carry a Smith 642 in the woods but preferred something with a little more ooomph.

[elkaholic]

A 357 would be a great choice. Myself I like Glocks, so I carry a .10mm in a model 20. I stagger the 15 rounds between solids and hollow points. The rounds themselves almost weigh as much as the gun..

[elknturkey]

I carry a Taurus titanium 41mag. Light and powerful

[Trophyhill]

Taurus .44 mag snubby for me.