I've developed an itch to buy a revolver

[HoLeChit]

Just as the title says, I have developed a bit of a problem. Now my ever expansive list of things to purchase has well, gotten a little bigger.

Simply put, I want a revolver that fits some criteria:

1. First and foremost, it needs to have utility. I want to be able to concealed carry it when I feel like the XDs should stay at home. I also want to be able to carry it (most likely open carry) while I am hunting. Mostly for snake shot and things of that nature. Other vermin.

2. As stated before, I want to carry it. So I feel the need to lean towards larger calibers. Namely, .357 and .44mag. However, is there anything even remotely manageable in 44mag that is concealable without wearing a parka and a holster the length of your leg? Also, should short revolvers, 2" barrels and such; be within my realm of possibility for what I need for hunting sidearm/snake shooting?

3. I want a stainless gun/wood grips. I love the look.

I don't have much of a brand preference, trying to stay under the $700 mark, and I refuse to buy a Judge.

Advice, I'm looking for it. I've only shot a revolver once or twice in my life. I've always been a semi auto guy. Anything you got. I get tired of reading mall ninja tactical handbooks on google of why I should buy a certain revolver. I want real life advice. Thanks in advance guys!

 

[becker_atc]

Legal to hunt with needs be a 4" in the hunting regs I believe. 4" smith 66, 65 (fixed sights) or a 686. All of which is 357 but the 686 is a bit heavier duty.

As for 44 mag... Never been the biggest fan but the new smith 69 looks neat but a 5 shot. Friend of mine has the 329 that's crazy light. Not fun to shoot.

My main woods pistols are a 6" model 66 and a 4" model 57 (41 mag).

Ruger also makes some great revolvers but really only shot the single actions very much. Very solid wheel guns though.


Sent via message in a bottle

 

[dennishoddy]

.44 mag Alaskan covers about all of your wants except for the price. Load up some .44 special loads for plinking, and buy some shot shell loads for snakes or what ever.

Some will say .38/.357. I HATE the sharp muzzle blast of a .357 full power load. You may be ok with it.

 

[HoLeChit]

Legal to hunt with needs be a 4" in the hunting regs I believe. 4" smith 66, 65 (fixed sights) or a 686. All of which is 357 but the 686 is a bit heavier duty.

As for 44 mag... Never been the biggest fan but the new smith 69 looks neat but a 5 shot. Friend of mine has the 329 that's crazy light. Not fun to shoot.

My main woods pistols are a 6" model 66 and a 4" model 57 (41 mag).

Ruger also makes some great revolvers but really only shot the single actions very much. Very solid wheel guns though.


Sent via message in a bottle

I might not have articulated this very well, but i am looking to take the gun out hunting for pest control, as in a sidearm snakes and dogs and such as I am in pursuit of other game... Maybe a last ditch defense against bears and Mountain lions if I can find the time to go out to my buddies ranch in Northern Cali or his family land in northern Michigan. (however unlikely it may be). Is there still a minimum barrel requirement for this sort of thing?

 

[HoLeChit]

.44 mag Alaskan covers about all of your wants except for the price. Load up some .44 special loads for plinking, and buy some shot shell loads for snakes or what ever.

Some will say .38/.357. I HATE the sharp muzzle blast of a .357 full power load. You may be ok with it.

Price wise, I have seen some .44mag Alaskan's going for high $700 range, which i might be able to justify. What is your opinion on the Taurus Raging bull models?

One Reason why I have considered the .357 is because I can put 38sp in them, and still be able to have more horsepower when I can handle the abuse. I can be a sucker for abuse, however, with my work tearing up my hands and my arthritis (I'm 26 FML) I have my moments where I prefer to stay away from the abuse at least at the range.

 

[becker_atc]

Not sure on those states. For bumming around the woods might be ok. But if during deer gun season and hunting (in Oklahoma) I would want the 4" barrel and 357 or larger caliber to stay out of a ticket.

Also feel though 4" has nice balance and be easy enough to hide


Sent via message in a bottle

 

[dennishoddy]

Price wise, I have seen some .44mag Alaskan's going for high $700 range, which i might be able to justify. What is your opinion on the Taurus Raging bull models?

One Reason why I have considered the .357 is because I can put 38sp in them, and still be able to have more horsepower when I can handle the abuse. I can be a sucker for abuse, however, with my work tearing up my hands and my arthritis (I'm 26 FML) I have my moments where I prefer to stay away from the abuse at least at the range.

I recommended the .44 because the .44 special or just down loading the .44 mag to .44 special specs is very mild. If you reload, Speer makes the shot cartridges so you can load your own shot shells for it. I have a hundred pack left from some I bought.

The raging bull is a great gun. 45-70 rocks.

 

[HoLeChit]

Not sure on those states. For bumming around the woods might be ok. But if during deer gun season and hunting (in Oklahoma) I would want the 4" barrel and 357 or larger caliber to stay out of a ticket.

Also feel though 4" has nice balance and be easy enough to hide


Sent via message in a bottle

Good thought, havent really considered that. I think mostly from an upland game perspective, however, I do feel the need to try and go track down a deer.

I also didn't think of the 4" being not too much bigger than my XDs. My XDs is something like 6.3", while the Taurus Tracker with 4" barrel is about 9". That's not too big of a difference really. IMHO

 

[HoLeChit]

I recommended the .44 because the .44 special or just down loading the .44 mag to .44 special specs is very mild. If you reload, Speer makes the shot cartridges so you can load your own shot shells for it. I have a hundred pack left from some I bought.

The raging bull is a great gun. 45-70 rocks.

I just tonight spotted an article about the Speer Cartridges, I love the idea.

 

[dennishoddy]

I just tonight spotted an article about the Speer Cartridges, I love the idea.

The factory recommended load is 6 grains of Unique. I put reclaimed shot in mine. Its a mix of 6-9 shot.