we are going hunting out west and my buddy said to bring a side arm. What is an adequate size for a side arm? I have a 9 mm.s&w., but have been looking at a 44 mag. What is a good range for a hunting sidearm. Is there a good size for both home defense and a hunting side arm? You seem to lose a lot of compacity and speed going to a relolver, is there any other options. Anything on the taurus tracker line?
sidearm question
- Thread starter cozyc
- Start date
- Status
armedcitizen
Member
What are you carrying it for? Are you going to take game with it or are you carrying it for snakes, kill shots on game that you've dropped with your rifle, personal protection?
If you're planning to hunt with it, forget the 9mm. I wouldn't take big game with less than a .44. A .357 may be sufficent for medium game, depending on the distance.
If you're carrying it for snakes, kill shot and personal defense, take what you're used to.
If you're planning to hunt with it, forget the 9mm. I wouldn't take big game with less than a .44. A .357 may be sufficent for medium game, depending on the distance.
If you're carrying it for snakes, kill shot and personal defense, take what you're used to.
If you are planning to use it for hunting big game, you need to check the regulations of the state in which you intend to use it. For example, in Wyoming you cannot shoot a big game animal (even for a "finisher" shot) with any handgun that does not have 500 foot pounds of energy remaining at 100 yards using published data. That rules out a lot of handguns. I believe that other states have regulations as well, some of which may vary from this. BTW, it's no fun lugging a large handgun when you also are lugging a rifle and survival gear and doing a lot of mountain hiking.
ny32182
Member
No expert in this area, but 10mm with hot loaded heavy FMJ is probably the best bet in an autoloader. Most will probably recommend something bigger in a revolver.
iamkris
Member
I agree with the question "What are you going to use it for?" Hunting, backup 4-leg/2-leg defense, finishing shot, snake protection, plinking?
All that said, a 45 Colt (or 357 Mag, 44 Mag) single action will fill all those slots with different loads available.
All that said, a 45 Colt (or 357 Mag, 44 Mag) single action will fill all those slots with different loads available.
Some side issues cozyc.
A revolver is generally considered a good outdoor companion in the wild spaces. I believe your stated concern about losing capacity and speed may not be as big as you may think. A bigger concern (defense wise) with the revolver would be attaining some basic D/A skills that are truly needed for effective use. That said, I would feel best with several choices (semis/revos) available to cover your multiple and diverse circumstances.
W
A revolver is generally considered a good outdoor companion in the wild spaces. I believe your stated concern about losing capacity and speed may not be as big as you may think. A bigger concern (defense wise) with the revolver would be attaining some basic D/A skills that are truly needed for effective use. That said, I would feel best with several choices (semis/revos) available to cover your multiple and diverse circumstances.
W
I think "D/A" is double action. I only own semi's but have shot revolvers. The gun I am looking at is DA/SA so I think you could still rattle them off if you have to. I am not necesarily looking for a hunting pistol. They just said the area we are going they recomend a side arm. This is for four leg protection, but I would like to be able to use it for two leg protection also.
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
I've always had some sort of handgun around camp, but I've never had any need for one while actually hunting. I got a rifle and spare ammo and a knife...
A handgun is convenient if two-legs get hostile when you're not actually hunting; less hassle to have on your warm, precious body. But you're supposed to see the Bad Guys before they see you. People don't hide nearly as well as Bambi...
Snakes? Why bother them? The only place a snake might be a problem (Isn't it usually sorta too cold for snakes during hunting season?) is around camp--and a walking stick is as good as a gun. In a permanent camp, you can't beat a garden hoe as the Ulitmate Snake Killer.
So if somebody tells me to bring a handgun, I figure they have reason for concern about self-defense. To me, that means bring whatever I'm best in using...
Art
A handgun is convenient if two-legs get hostile when you're not actually hunting; less hassle to have on your warm, precious body. But you're supposed to see the Bad Guys before they see you. People don't hide nearly as well as Bambi...
Snakes? Why bother them? The only place a snake might be a problem (Isn't it usually sorta too cold for snakes during hunting season?) is around camp--and a walking stick is as good as a gun. In a permanent camp, you can't beat a garden hoe as the Ulitmate Snake Killer.
So if somebody tells me to bring a handgun, I figure they have reason for concern about self-defense. To me, that means bring whatever I'm best in using...
Art
sm
member
Art,
While I agree with you on all points -
I do carry a sidearm even tho I have a rifle, or more likely a shotgun in hand.
I live in a slightly more populated area than you do.
Yes we are to see the BGs before things get serious. I keep a low profile ( I ain't even wearing camo to advertise hunting or guns ) , Since I often am out and about alone, getting to and fro , well I am just used to having a CCW. If out with like minded folks, I don't have to worry so much about them, or them me - we are watching out for one another.
A new person, say a lady, or a kid - ( both ) invited to hunt birds - well a bit more advertising might occur, they may not have the awareness skills just yet - learning if you will. Me being the Southern boy I am...
Plus it kinda neat to take a rabbit with a J frame or somesuch because $5 says you can't .
While I agree with you on all points -
I do carry a sidearm even tho I have a rifle, or more likely a shotgun in hand.
I live in a slightly more populated area than you do.
Yes we are to see the BGs before things get serious. I keep a low profile ( I ain't even wearing camo to advertise hunting or guns
) , Since I often am out and about alone, getting to and fro , well I am just used to having a CCW. If out with like minded folks, I don't have to worry so much about them, or them me - we are watching out for one another.A new person, say a lady, or a kid - ( both ) invited to hunt birds - well a bit more advertising might occur, they may not have the awareness skills just yet - learning if you will. Me being the Southern boy I am...
Plus it kinda neat to take a rabbit with a J frame or somesuch because $5 says you can't .
- Status
