Which revolver for a woods/bumming gun?

[Brad Cayton]

Ok fellas,
Looking for some help deciding on a 38/357 woods gun. I'm looking for a 5 shot revolver with adjustable sights and trying to decide between between the S&W model 60, 3" or the Ruger 4" SP101.
I'm thinking Kit Gun, shooting 38 wadcutters 90% of the time but able to shot 357 mags if needed. Lighter weight than my 4" GP100, 4" Smith 69 or New vaquero 45.
Between the M60 or Sp which would you choose?
Thanks

[mpkunz]

Adjustable sights on a 3" barrel ? What for ?

[stubshaft]

Mdl. 60! Adjustable sights are great when the fixed sights don't hit point of aim!

[marlin39a]

I'll vote for the S&W 60, 3". I have a 60-4 with full lug, and adjustable sights. Light, easy to pack. I carry 100 gr wadcutters afield for rabbits.

[osteodoc08]

Depending on what you may run into either a 4” 629 or 69 or a 4” 686. The 329 is also a fine piece but brutal to shoot hot loads out of

[Petrol & Powder]

Those are both good choices for a "Kit Gun" type revolver.

The S&W Model 60 with a 3" barrel is 7.5" overall and weighs 23.2 oz per S&W.
The Ruger SP101 with a 4.2" barrel is 9.12" overall and weighs 29.5 oz per Ruger.

Both guns are stainless, both guns have adjustable sights, both guns are chambered in .357mag, both guns have DA actions.
I like the Ruger but the heavy full under lug makes that 4.2" barrel heavier than it needs to be.
The S&W gives up a bit of sight radius with the 3" barrel but it also gives up some weight. The S&W has the internal lock but that's not a deal breaker.

The SP101 will probably tolerate magnum loads a bit better over the long run but for a gun that will primarily be used with 38 wadcutters, that may not be an issue.

As much as I like the Ruger, the S&W has a 6 ounce weight advantage. If Ruger would trim that barrel down, I would go with the Ruger no question.

[Rick Hodges]

For exactly the same purpose I purchased a Ruger LCRx-3 in 38sp.+P. Unless you are dead set on .357 mag. it is worth a look. 3"bbl. adjustable sights and weighs next to nothing. I am still working up loads for it, but is seems reasonably accurate with a decent trigger.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I would pick the SP I have the 3" mine will shoot to POA with some reloads

[Dale53]

I have had a 60-4 since they were first offered. At the time, and for a long time after, I did a LOT of woods walking and bird hunting. When grouse hunting (with a shotgun) in both Eastern Ohio and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I carried my 60-4 with full charge wadcutters (3.5 grs. Of Bullseye behind an H&G #251 dbl.ended W/C). I took many a sitting cottontail or snowshoe rabbit as well as the occasional sitting or wounded grouse.

I was, frankly, amazed how well I could shoot that 60-4. The heavy dbl underlug barrel actually holds better than my Model 631 (4” target sighted .32 Magnum) and it is no slouch. I regularly shot in the nineties at 25 yards with that piece.

So, I can reccommend the 60-4 without reservations. The target sights are not only adjustable, but give a DANDY sight picture that translates to HITS! A full charge wadcutter is not only a FINE small game load but is also an effective self defense load.

Dale53

[RogerDat]

If your going to carry it with 38 WC ammo it doesn't make sense to have the extra heavy pistol. I like the Ruger but that is because except for plinking it would be loaded with 357 mag loads, not wrist breakers but +P range.

Really depends on what you are going to carry it for. Accidental wondering into a woodland meth lab or bunny thumper for the pot? Bear or feral hogs. Some places that last one is an ever present possibility and I'm think that warrants the .357 but not sure what you have in WV. Here in lower Michigan bears are possible but not all that common, coyotes but they leave no matter what you shoot at them with. Leaving boneheads who think your campsite is the free table at a garage sale if you go out to scrounge a bit of firewood. WC are ok with camp thieves because having to shoot them twice is probably going to just be twice the satisfaction.

Really like any tool it comes down to what job do you have for it.

[Outpost75]

I am old school dinosaur, but would opt for something with a minimum 3" barrel, preferably a 4" barrel, which makes a BIG difference in both sight radius and ballistics. If you plan to shoot standard pressure .38 Special loads and not +P then seek out an airweight S&W Model 12 with 4" barrel or a Colt Cobra with same and you get a light gun which is accurate and shoots well.

Among the current production .38s and .357s all of them run on the heavy side, but an SP101 with 4" barrel would do it, or maybe an LCR with 3".

215434

[bob208]

I carry a ruger security-six stainless 4inch barrel loaded with 358429 in .38 cases and a heavy dose of unique.

I will say this if you are carrying for self-defense against large animals both 2 and 4 leg. carry with the hot stuff, if needed you will not have time to unload and reload.

[Petrol & Powder]

OK, if we're going to deviate from the two choices offered by the OP..........:-o

A 4" pencil barrel S&W model 67 would be an excellent choice.
OR how about a pencil barreled S&W model 10 with a Robar NP3 finish? You really don't need the adjustable sights and that thin model 10 barrel is light weight.

[Brad Cayton]

Thanks for your insight so far fellas.
RogerDat,
We have black bears and coyotes but not seeing them as a problem. Methlabs, yep, but a fella never knows. I want a light, small game/plinker to carry here on my place while out and about. I pack a shooter while bush hogging on my tractor for the occasional target of opportunity.
I carried a 5 1/2, 44mag SB for years but the older I get the more my hips and back start screaming at me when I pack a larger gun. I picked up a Smith model 69 a while back and really like it. I shoot Skeeters load in it but it's a bit much for small game. I've been having fun shooting wadcutters in my GP but it's heavier than I want to pack all day. I like my 4 5/8 Ruger SSM in 32 HR mag but thought a 38, shooting WCs with the ability to shoot 357s in it would make a better all around revolver.
Of course, I'm probably just looking for an excuse to pick up another shooter :)

[Outpost75]

Living in a Constitutional Carry state like WV you absolutely need to have another gun, I understand!

A compact .38 Special makes a suitable church gun carried with shot loads if too many hot blooded ladies get to the rattler on Sundays before it's your turn and because maybe you had a bad night and your faith isn't as strong as you might like it to be. I feel your pain, Brother and will pray for ya!

[Petrol & Powder]

Brad - a lightweight, weather proof gun that is chambered is 38 Special will fill the criteria of a "Kit Gun" fairly well. If we start talking about lions and tigers and bears and meth labs..... we're wandering off the reservation a bit.

A good DA revolver chambered in 38 Special and loaded with a good full wadcutter will get the "Kit Gun" job done nicely.

If weight is the main consideration, I have to agree with Outpost75; a 4" S&W model 12 or a 4" Colt Cobra is the way to go.

If a little more weight is OK, then one of the pencil barreled stainless K-frames will work and again, I find myself in agreement with Outpost; the 4" barrel gives you a bit more sight radius. I don't see a real need for .357 Magnum in that application.

I'm also a fan of fixed sights. They don't get "out of adjustment", they are generally more durable, they are less prone to snagging and a good standard load can usually be found that will shoot to the point of aim.

[Bigslug]

Make mine the Ruger for that role.

Either are narrow for the carry role, and the extra length won't matter much.

I WANT the extra weight when I start touching off .357's.

I have always preferred the non-finger groove grips of the SP and the older GP to just about everything.

The key lock on the Smith IS a deal breaker for me; until they get their head out of Appeasement Mode, I'm perfectly happy to buy their product used.

[Brad Cayton]

Living in a Constitutional Carry state like WV you absolutely need to have another gun, I understand!

A compact .38 Special makes a suitable church gun carried with shot loads if too many hot blooded ladies get to the rattler on Sundays before it's your turn and because maybe you had a bad night and your faith isn't as strong as you might like it to be. I feel your pain, Brother and will pray for ya!

Outpost, I didn't realize you were at church last Sunday. Must have been too busy with those snakes to notice a new member. ;).

I've been stopping buy the local pawnshops the last few months looking for a model 10 or something light in 38 but have come up dry. That's why I thought I'd bite the bullet and go new. May just cool my heels a little and keep looking.

Thanks Fellas

[oscarflytyer]

Thumb bore guy for woods carry, so not much help in the mini-me category. Of the two, for ME, I would up it to the SP100 44 SPC 3".

My typical woods carry's are all 44 SPC/44-40/45 Colt - all 4 3/4" bbls. Having said that, I must admit I got a Charter Undercover 38 Snub 5 shot on a lark, and it will very probably find its way on fishing trips (snake shot!!!) and game cam retrievals,etc. Prob as turkey hunting companion too.

[Outpost75]

Outpost, I didn't realize you were at church last Sunday. Must have been too busy with those snakes to notice a new member. ;)....

I was singin' base with the Praise Band and ticklin' the little gal with the tamborine! The fat bald guy with the BIG smile 8-)

[dubber123]

The model 60 is a great package. Odds are it won't need a trigger job either.

[Outpost75]

Mdl. 60! Adjustable sights are great when the fixed sights don't hit point of aim!

Nothing a babbit bar or brass hammer and a file won't fix...

[RogerDat]

I hear you on weight and how it seems to grow as the day goes on. The 38 special is sort of a do it all load. Simple truth is none of the 2 leg varmits wants to get shot with whatever you put in it as long as it goes bang. Good selection of loads and bullets in 38 also which should help you with finding the best accuracy round. Or at the least keep you entertained looking for which bullet, powder and load is the "best".

I think I'm inclined to agree with those that suggest the longer barrel, if you are going to shoot at game then increased accuracy from longer barrel is most likely to make hauling the thing around "pay off" as opposed to being a waste of time. Would kind of stink to haul it around all day and have your only shot be a miss. And anything in .38 is probably a whole lot less weight than the 44

[Green Frog]

I saw my answer at post #4 and periodically thereafter. A Model 60-4 and a couple of speed loaders or speed strips and you’re good to go. :Fire:

Froggie

[Handloader109]

I'll throw out a less expensive option, Taurus 66, 7 shot. Adjustable sights, stainless, three to five inch, my 4" works well with 357 defense loads, is a pussycat with 38 sp std loads. Buy it is heavy. My wife's 605 is half the weight, but I sure don't like 357 defense loads in it...

[rintinglen]

A 4 inch, Colt Police Positive Special Makes a dandy 38 trail gun, and weighs a bit less the either the 60-4 or the SP101. Only draw back is the narrow sights.
215615 These are my woods walkers. A S&W 63 in 22lr and the afore mentioned Police Positive.

[18Bravo]

For exactly the same purpose I purchased a Ruger LCRx-3 in 38sp.+P. Unless you are dead set on .357 mag. it is worth a look. 3"bbl. adjustable sights and weighs next to nothing. I am still working up loads for it, but is seems reasonably accurate with a decent trigger.

+1 on the LCRx3. Adjustable sights, light weight, 3" barrel, accurate and designed to take harsh conditions. Will shoot +P's longer than my pain threshold can take it.

215633

[Texas by God]

A 4 inch, Colt Police Positive Special Makes a dandy 38 trail gun, and weighs a bit less the either the 60-4 or the SP101. Only draw back is the narrow sights.
215615 These are my woods walkers. A S&W 63 in 22lr and the afore mentioned Police Positive.Oh come on, take them out of the very nice holsters! My woods gun is a S&W M15 4" and I couldn't ask for better.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[jmort]

Agree
LCRx makes sense unless weight is not critical

[Walkingwolf]

I won't go out into the woods without my Marlin 94 44 magnum, and Pietta 1843 same caliber. Yard gun is usually my Colt Police Positive Special in 32-20. City gun is usually a 4 inch 6 shot 38 spl. I have a choice between a Ruger GP100, S&W model 64, and a Taurus 82, all perform exceptionally.

If I am concerned about weight I would just lose 10 pounds.

[scattershot]

I’d go with the M60. It’s lighter, more than likely will have a usable trigger right out of the box, and on a personal note, just feels better in my hand. I don’t know if it’s true of all of them, but the last Ruger 101 I fondled took two thumbs to cock the hammer.

[Hickory]

I'll vote for the S&W 60, 3". I have a 60-4 with full lug, and adjustable sights. Light, easy to pack. I carry 100 gr wadcutters afield for rabbits.

That model 60-4 is a rare bird, but not real rare. It was I believe the first of the longer frame size to accommodate the .357 only it was chambered in 38 special. One year product run in 1990.

[Panman213]

I carry the SP 101 with the 4.2 in barrel. The extra weight sure helps when your shooting full house loads. A decent holster will help mitigate the few extra ozs.

[trapper9260]

I say a SP 101 .It can be use for more then one thing in my state. The only thing was wrong was the grip being not big enough for my hand.I put some parchmet grips on it and handle better for me.

[white eagle]

model 29 4"barrel

[phonejack]

I'm happy with my 4" SP

[Thundarstick]

Only one? I've got one for every day of the week, plus holidays! What I carry is more about if I truly intend to use it. The key to if I carry just to carry is usually more about a comfortable holster than any thing else.

I'll add that if we had bears here I would have a different opinion! Anything I'm generally allowed to shoot while out walking around the woods a good .22lr will dispatch handily.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

The S&W 60 was made in a 5" barrel, adjustable sights for a short time. That is what I would look for in an open carry wander about .357. Had a 3" airweight Model 37. I could hit 12" targets at 100 yards with it so a 3" isn't terrible but S&W over Ruger for the smooth.

[Brad Cayton]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm off tomorrow and plan to hit the pawn shops to see what may turn up before I buy new.

[Petrol & Powder]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm off tomorrow and plan to hit the pawn shops to see what may turn up before I buy new.

Good call.
Take your time and don't compromise on something that is close to what you want simply because it's in the display case. There's no rush and you'll be happier in the end if you acquire what you want and not what they want to sell you.

Good Luck

[Ramjet-SS]

S&W K frame 4" Or a Model 37 TRR8 the later is a great revolver of balance and accuracy.

[nockhunter]

215771

Like this one. My all time favorite general woods bumming/fishing gun.

Mike

[6bg6ga]

Three hundred post later showing everyones favorite hand gun and this thread might come to a close. LOL What part of the country do you live in? Are you going to be running into any sasquatches? Snakes? Wild bores/hogs.? Sasquatch= 500 magnum. Snakes 38/357 with shot. Wild bores/hogs= 300 black out. Buy all three and your covered.

[Hickory]

Three hundred post later showing everyones favorite hand gun and this thread might come to a close. LOL What part of the country do you live in? Are you going to be running into any sasquatches? Snakes? Wild bores/hogs.? Sasquatch= 500 magnum. Snakes 38/357 with shot. Wild boars/hogs= 300 black out. Buy all three and your covered.

Good thinking!

[6bg6ga]

You will also need to hire a gentleman to carry your weapons like in the Tarzan movies.

[Hickory]

You will also need to hire a gentleman to carry your weapons like in the Tarzan movies.

More good thinking!

[6bg6ga]

Just think what I could come up with after my second cup of coffee:bigsmyl2:

[winelover]

My two woods walkers are the Ruger 357 LCR or CA Bulldog 44 Special. I prefer the Bulldog during snake season because the 44 snake loads hold more shot. Both revolvers are about the same weight and fit the same holster.

Winelover

[Petrol & Powder]

215771

Like this one. My all time favorite general woods bumming/fishing gun.

Mike

Model 66 with 3" barrel ??

[EMC45]

Model 66 with 3" barrel ??

I'm thinking 5 shot J Frame model 60

[Beerd]

I'm thinking 5 shot J Frame model 60
me too. nice grips.
..

[nockhunter]

Yup,,,,,3" S&W M60 .38 special, with a set of Harrett's grips.

Thanks
Mike

[Petrol & Powder]

Ah !! I got it now !
Couldn't tell the scale from the photo but I should have paid more attention to that J-frame trigger guard.

NICE !!!

I agree, great "Kit Gun" and those are nice Harrett grips.

[EMC45]

I lust after a Model 60. Only seen a couple in real life. They don't last and are quickly snapped up.

[Kestrel4k]

Wouldn't trade my S&W M60-10 .357 Mag (3" full-underlug bbl, adj. sights) for anything;
The -9's were .38 Spl-only while the next revision (-12's IIRC ?) are post-lock; subsequent price increases on used -10's reflect their 'sweet spot' in the M60 line.

Mine can carry concealed in a pocket holster for backwoods hikes in popular areas.

[FergusonTO35]

The handgun I have carried more than any other in the woods is my 1967 S&W 10-5 with 4" pencil barrel. It carries easily, has a great trigger pull, and is very accurate even with the fixed sights. I feed it 158 grain SWC's over 3.4 grains Bullseye at 800 fps.

If an auto is an option at all, I think a Glock makes for a dandy woods gun. Truth be told, anything I might use a handgun for I can do just fine with my Glock 26.

[Golfswithwolves]

Of the two revolvers set out as choices I would opt for the SP101 because it is likely to be easier to shoot accurately.

[Lloyd Smale]

4 inch smith 15

[6bg6ga]

If I only had one gun I could carry it would probably be my Ruger Super Red Hawk 44 magnum with the 9 1/4" inch barrel. With max loads the barrel rises only slightly and I must be used to it because the recoil is light with max loads. Secondly if I was stranded it would make either a great hammer or a nice club.

[Petrol & Powder]

As much as I like that 3" S&W Model 60 with adjustable sights, there's another option that appeals to me.

A 4" S&W model 10 with the tapered barrel, completely finished with Robar's NP3+ and fitted with a set of Pachmayr "Gripper" grips.

It wouldn't be capable of shooting magnums, wouldn't have adjustable sights and the NP3+ finish would likely cost more than the gun itself :shock: but that would be a lightweight, weatherproof woods walking tool !

[rfd]

model 60 2" - no need for adj sights or even a longer barrel.

215905

[rking22]

Considering you already have a M69, I would go with the M60. Personally , I went with a M36-6 target to go with my M696. I feel no need for the 357 in a woods bumming gun, just too dang loud for me. If I'm where I might need the slightly more potent 357 then I'll take my 696. You, having a M69 are in like position. I actually have a 3 inch sp101 and like it , but the M60 is really sweet!

[rfd]

having a 357mag capable gun doesn't mean it needs to be fed that ammo, but it sure is nice to have that capability when deep in the woods and far from civilization.

[FergusonTO35]

This may sound low rent, but the newer Rossi's are very nice guns for the money. Frame size is just a smidge bigger than an SP-101 and they hold six rounds.

[EMC45]

This may sound low rent, but the newer Rossi's are very nice guns for the money. Frame size is just a smidge bigger than an SP-101 and they hold six rounds.

If it works time after time there's nothing low rent about it. Affordable yes.

[rking22]

My Rossi 511 is a favorite woods gun, a Smith 63 clone, and it shoots better than the 63 I had in the 80s. I think they are better built than the Taurus guns, but then I have had limited samples of both!

[FergusonTO35]

Or, how about this gem from Ruger? Comes with a custom double sided front sight!:veryconfu

215946

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

...

!

[Tenbender]

I carry my 5.5" 45 Colt Ruger. Here in the Virginia mountains every sow bear has 2 to 4 cubs. There not shy. Hope I never need it . We have coyotes also but you never see them in the daylight unless your calling them.

[redhawk0]

I have to admit this thread has intrigued me. I say any gun that you would normally carry for self defense would also make a great kit gun. I have a Taurus 85 5shot 38spl that will shoot +Ps and I've been known to throw it in the pack when out on a hike or camping. Its a familiar gun to me...meaning...I shoot it regularly and I can hit with it. Other than the "need for something new"...I can't see a why I'd switch to anything else...but this may be just ME.

Now...of what you listed for recommendations...I like the SP. But then I'm a Ruger man. I have quite a few of them. Fine built firearm, but easy to get repaired if something does get damaged, and they shoot great. As previously noted...with a good holster you'll never notice the extra few ozs.

redhawk

[Groo]

Groo here
I have both an SP101 and a M-60-15 pro.
the biggest thing for either is to find the grips that "FIT"
For me that is the packmyer thin grip that covers the backstrap [ the "compac " is thicker ]
Both my guns have shot from WC loads to "Groo monster maulers" [aka 200gr cast with full pressure loads]
The grip is the key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For me ,, the m-60 in a Simple Rugged pancake is about the best.
Light , thin, good adj sights and enough barrel to get a 357mag going.

[nockhunter]

Groo here
I have both an SP101 and a M-60-15 pro.
the biggest thing for either is to find the grips that "FIT"
For me that is the packmyer thin grip that covers the backstrap [ the "compac " is thicker ]
Both my guns have shot from WC loads to "Groo monster maulers" [aka 200gr cast with full pressure loads]
The grip is the key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For me ,, the m-60 in a Simple Rugged pancake is about the best.
Light , thin, good adj sights and enough barrel to get a 357mag going.

I agree 100%.
That is why I like the 3" M60, adj sights a little more weight up front, and usually carried in my wader pocket. By the way mine is a M60-4.

Mike

[wl620]

Dillon m134d is a nice revolver little on the heavy side but if weight concerns you you could leave your pants at home I know Im not going to give anybody i bump into out in the woods any guff about not wearing pants that is toting one of those!
I just threw that it because i think that is about the only one that hasnt been suggested yet I mostly carry a smith 625 4” loaded with heavy semi wadcutters but sometimes i go light and carry a 3” sp101 fixed sight. loaded with whatever i havent shot up in my gp100.

[Walks]

I carried a now old RUGER Service-Six with a 3"bbl in .357 from 1977 until 1998 (got busted up, no more "woodswalking"). It's a stainless gun that I round-butted to fit the old Pachmyar Compac grips. I got a ROY'S Pancake holster for it. Carried on a seperate belt I never even felt the weight. 2 .38 shotshells backed by .358429 over a heavy charge of UNIQUE in a .38spl case. That pancake holster really distributed the weight. The 3" bbl is a rarity. If I'd known that when I bought it I'd have never have taken a file to the grip frame.

[FergusonTO35]

I have to admit this thread has intrigued me. I say any gun that you would normally carry for self defense would also make a great kit gun. I have a Taurus 85 5shot 38spl that will shoot +Ps and I've been known to throw it in the pack when out on a hike or camping. Its a familiar gun to me...meaning...I shoot it regularly and I can hit with it. Other than the "need for something new"...I can't see a why I'd switch to anything else...but this may be just ME.

Now...of what you listed for recommendations...I like the SP. But then I'm a Ruger man. I have quite a few of them. Fine built firearm, but easy to get repaired if something does get damaged, and they shoot great. As previously noted...with a good holster you'll never notice the extra few ozs.

redhawk

I've been thinking about an SP-101 or steel frame Taurus 85 for a woods/farm gun. Compact but with more weight and grip than my little S&W 637 so energetic loads will be easier to shoot. The Taurus 85 is a really good bargain right now, and my local guy sells bunches of 'em with few complaints.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Since you have gotten 74 different opinions on this I will include mine as #75.

I feel the 38/.357 is inadequate for anything above rodents or small vermin.

My choice for the Woods gun is a S&W 696 in .44 Special, mainly since I have one and love it. I have hit Silhouette Rams at 200 meters with it, so it will shoot. It has a 3" barrel so it is compact as well and the .44 Special cartridge with 240 gr 429421's is a very formidable cartridge suitable for taking large animals if necessary. Nobody can argue against that!

My .02 YMMV

Randy

[5.7 MAN]

Or, how about this gem from Ruger? Comes with a custom double sided front sight!:veryconfu

215946

That's so the bad guy will know you have the sights lined up on him! its a Feature!


I like a .357 for woods bumming when Bears are not present That's what I carry while Snow Shoeing. If I'm likely to happen upon a bear I'll carry a .45 Colt or my .480 both of which are Ruger Blackhawks.

[Thin Man]

My favorite is the S&W Model 10 wearing a 6 inch barrel. In warmer weather the first 2 rounds are shot shell loads, otherwise all loads will be stout WC or SWC profiles.

[Kraschenbirn]

May as well toss in my nickel's worth. What I pack for a 'woods gun' depends upon where I am. My 'everyday carry' is a 3" SP-101 stuffed with +P 125 gr JHPs. For woodsy walks in this part of the country, I just swap the JHPs for four of 'Skeeter's Load' and 1 birdshot round. In areas where larger, less friendly critters might be encountered, I go with my 3" S&W M24, loaded with five cast HPs and one birdshot.

Bill

[Whiterabbit]

kit gun, gotta go with the cheaper option as long as it's bullet proof, runs like old faithful, and won't cause a tear when the grip gets chipped or the cylinder gets a scratch.

Pretty sure the SP-101 is the winner here.

But for my money, the vaquero 45 is what topped the list

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188039&d=1487048360

If it's too heavy, maybe you need less barrel and gripframe :)

[Whiterabbit]

Add simply rugged pancake and bum on!

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207545&d=1510470542

[Good Cheer]

The one time camped out in the high lonesome without a piece something on two legs circled the tent in the middle of the night.
Yeah, once was enough.

[Hickory]

For me, the ultimate in personal protection and woods walking would be the S&W 329. Powerful, light and easy to carry.
There's no worry about getting the job done when you need it the most.

[Shopdog]

3" 686

[Forrest r]

3" bbl'd l-comp 586 7-shot.
https://i.imgur.com/5vi2mrE.jpg

Mine gets a steady diet of full house load (170gr/2400), the compensated bbl makes a huge difference.

[Outpost75]

I still favor the simple and traditional. A 6" fixed-sight .38 Special gets the job done on anything not big enough to eat 'cha, hits hard enough, doesn't blow bunnies and birds apart, AND you can eat right up to the bullet hole.'

217191

[oscarflytyer]

welllll.... my latest is gonna be an old S&W Hand Ejector in 32 WCF!!!

[respiegel]

As much as I love my Ruger, I choose to carry a S&W, the Ruger stainless guns are just too overweight

[FergusonTO35]

Taurus is bringing back the 856. I am planning to get one, should make a dandy gun for just about any sort of bumming around!

[Texas by God]

As much as I love my Ruger, I choose to carry a S&W, the Ruger stainless guns are just too overweightWhen the Security Six died, I lost interest in Ruger double actions due to the weight Factor.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Arkansas Paul]

My bumming around the woods gun is a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk in .44 magnum (but it shoots specials most often).

If I were choosing between those two, I'd go with the Smith. Every time.

[Ramjet-SS]

When the Security Six died, I lost interest in Ruger double actions due to the weight Factor.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

I agree on this Ruger is built like a up armored Hemitt but I prefer the weight to power ratio of a well tuned Smith and Wesson.

I have inbound a Smith and Wesson model 325 Thunder Ranch edition 45 AP. It comes in at 30.7 oz a 4" barrel and if so inclined a light rail under lug. I am really looking forward to getting acquainted with that revolver.

I also am intrigued by the TRR8 model 327 8-shot 357 mag it weighs in at 35.2 oz 5" Barrel seems like a heck of good woods and SD weapon.

[FergusonTO35]

When the Security Six died, I lost interest in Ruger double actions due to the weight Factor.

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Agree 100%. I love my Service Six and wouldn't trade it for any other revolver. I've been begging Ruger to add a sixth round to the SP-101 for years. The SP is a great gun but very heavy for what it is. I never shoot .357 in handguns so the extra strength and weight is totally unnecessary to me.

[siamese4570]

I prefer my ruger bisley 45lc. S/S w/5 1/2" bbl. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting a lot.
Siamese4570

[Eagle59]

I would choose the SP101 all day long over the Model 60 S&W. It's just a more durable firearm for shooting 357 magnum.

[Petrol & Powder]

When the Security Six died, I lost interest in Ruger double actions due to the weight Factor.

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I didn't lose interest in Rugers when the Six series were discontinued but I hear you loud & clear.

The GP-100 is a fine gun and a joy to shoot with heavy loads but it's a L-frame sized tank to carry around for 38 Special loads.

The 4" Service-Six came in a lot of variations but they were all half lug barrels and some of the earlier stainless models had a little more taper to the barrel profile than the later Service Six's.

When Ruger discontinued the Six series DA revolvers and came out with the GP-100 and SP101, they created a gap in their line between the those two models. The five round, 2.25" SP101 was smaller than the 2.75" Speed-Six (which was a 6 shot and not really a "snubnose") but the SP101 was still a rather bulky snubnose. The GP-100 is in the same class as the S&W L-frames.
Both the SP101 and GP-100 are fine guns but Ruger no longer had a K-framed sized DA revolver in between those two models.

[FergusonTO35]

That's what I've always said, the Sixes worked better for the needs of most shooters. The lack of a six shot .38 that doesn't weigh a ton has been a yawning gap in Ruger's lineup for a long time.

[nockhunter]

sometime this comes with me when I want a little more punch, Taurus 431, 44 spec.

217525

Mike

[rockrat]

BFR in 50ae. Let the bears and Mtn. Lions around here to look for a different snack

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm off tomorrow and plan to hit the pawn shops to see what may turn up before I buy new.

It's been nearly a month ... have you decided yet?

[Brad Cayton]

Yes I did, I ordered the SP101 from Buds and picked it up yesterday. I thought the barrel looked like it was off center but took delivery anyway. I shot it this afternoon and I have the rear sight adjusted all the way to the left and it still shoots to the right a little. Also my pin gauges say the cylinder throats are .355. I have a shipping label coming from Ruger to send it back. I've been a Ruger fan for years but this is the 3rd of 6 handguns I've had to send back in the last couple years.
I went with the Ruger over the Smith mostly for the 4.2" barrel as my state has a 4" min. barrel law for hunting. I'm sure Ruger will make it right but it's bullcrap that they ship stuff like this.

[Petrol & Powder]

It's a shame that Ruger's out the door quality has dropped but they'll make it right.

Beyond the problems of that particular SP101, I think you have selected an EXCELLENT revolver for your purpose.

[Ramjet-SS]

Yes I did, I ordered the SP101 from Buds and picked it up yesterday. I thought the barrel looked like it was off center but took delivery anyway. I shot it this afternoon and I have the rear sight adjusted all the way to the left and it still shoots to the right a little. Also my pin gauges say the cylinder throats are .355. I have a shipping label coming from Ruger to send it back. I've been a Ruger fan for years but this is the 3rd of 6 handguns I've had to send back in the last couple years.
I went with the Ruger over the Smith mostly for the 4.2" barrel as my state has a 4" min. barrel law for hunting. I'm sure Ruger will make it right but it's bullcrap that they ship stuff like this.

I purchased a 327 Federal mag and the barrel had the same issue but got worse with each shot. Pain in the keester to pack it up and ship it back. QC really has gone to heck but it's not just Ruger issue its in all industries and products. Loss of pride in product and company and workmanship.

[FergusonTO35]

I think Ruger has spread itself too thin. It used to be kind of rare that they introduced anything new, but quality of new guns was consistently excellent. Now they have an enormous lineup but seems like initial quality has really suffered.

[Brad Cayton]

Petrol, I do think it'll do the job very well once it's fixed.

Ferg, you may be right. Ruger has been steadily rolling out new stuff. My older Rugers were fine from the get go and finished much better too. Seems quantity over quality is more their standard.

I'll let you all know how it works out,

Thanks

[Ramjet-SS]

But then they roll out the Ruger American that are inexpensive and tack drivers so maybe it's just the handguns???

[rintinglen]

No, my Ruger American 308 was not properly chambered and would not allow the bolt to close and I ended up with a replacement. I too have had to send several guns back to Ruger. Ever since they got on the "Million Plus Guns a Year" plan, their quality has gone to heck. They are now literally a coin toss in my experience, you have a 50/50 shot at getting a decent gun out of the box new.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

[/img]

[nicholst55]

No, my Ruger American 308 was not properly chambered and would not allow the bolt to close and I ended up with a replacement. I too have had to send several guns back to Ruger. Ever since they got on the "Million Plus Guns a Year" plan, their quality has gone to heck. They are now literally a coin toss in my experience, you have a 50/50 shot at getting a decent gun out of the box new.

They're at two million a year now. I am extremely disenchanted with their lack of quality; unfitted grip frames, grips that leave visible gaps between wood and steel, unpolished exteriors, over/under timed barrels, thread constrictions, etc. And one thing that I find absolutely unacceptable is the variation in single action grip frame shapes. The grip frames are individually hand 'finished,' and they vary from knife-edge corners to a pleasant radius, depending on who did them and what day it was. In a world of CNC machining that is essentially as accurate as the manufacturer wants it to be, you can count on the grip frames of all Ruger single action revolvers to be visibly different.

[Hanshi]

If I want to go and be ready for anything, this BlackHawk .45 Colt is the answer. It always carries my favorite handload; a 245 grain or 260 grain swc over 18 grains of 2400. This load does nearly 1100 fps from this 4" and 1250 fps from my 7-1/2".

https://image.ibb.co/h5Spa7/a4991a16_7e41_49b5_b1f6_f2bd6ac1c0f4_zps4fc0e9e0.j pg
For general moseying in the bush it's my S&W M15 .38spl.
https://image.ibb.co/gg8nyb/ec606548_574f_4e1d_b679_bcb3d892e4c7_zpsuwsdnj7h.j pg
Often my little Colt Woodsman Sport Target .22LR.
https://image.ibb.co/gucxoF/0a679fde_bde0_4be2_a577_50a724750125.jpg
Perfecto is my 4" .38 spl Diamondback.
https://image.ibb.co/eTJwFG/PICT0497.jpg

All are light, comfortable carry pieces and only the Ruger has much weight; but the BH is for squirrel to dinosaur to tin can.

[Outpost75]

^^^^ALL good choices and nice guns^^^^ 8-)

[catboat]

I‘D opt for an adjustable rear sighted 38 special revolver, 4” bbl. S&W K-frame or Ruger Security Six.

Or same revolver in 38/ 357 mag.

They don’t weigh much, and COULD take a close shot at a deer -if it came to it. Perfect for anything smaller or to just plink.

The 4” sp101 could be interesring.

I also like the 4 5/8” bbl Ruger flattop in 357 or 44 special.

[Drm50]

OP said bumming pistol. For that I carry a K22 S&W. Here in Ohio a 22 will handle any bumming
chores. If it was deer season I would do my bumming with S&W 25 or Ruger SBH. I have several
38s & 357s but they are to much for most situations and a little light for deer. Not that they won't
do if that's what you want to carry. I do carry a beater M19 for a truck gun and a M34 while
Wade fishing. That's the one I'd like to replace just to save it from possible dunkings. I have found
several 22 autos the fit the bill but I can't shoot them as well.

[Texas by God]

Of the ones I've had in the past, I miss the Ruger 4-5/8" SSM .32 H&R mag. the most.

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[northernlead]

Mdl. 60! Adjustable sights are great when the fixed sights don't hit point of aim!

adjust your loads to hit p.o.a

[Petrol & Powder]

adjust your loads to hit p.o.a

And you can "Adjust" fixed sights as well, however it requires more work :shock:

Most knowledgeable shooters will adjust sights one time and never fool with them again. I can see some advantage for a gun commonly used with different bullet weights but I've never understood the obsession with adjustable sights.

Fixed sights don't "get out of adjustment". Fixed sights are not as fragile as adjustable sights. Fixed sights tend to snag on things less than adjustable sights and typically are not as sharp as adjustable sights. And fixed sights generally cost less to start with.

Adjustable sights have their place but in many applications fixed sights are superior to adjustable sights.

[Texas by God]

Yesterday I was fixing fence in the back woods. Snakes and pigs in there but I didn't see either. I had a P97 Ruger .45 acp in my right back pocket just in case. It was no defense against the briars, locust tree thorns and poison ivy......

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[Kestrel4k]

Re: P&P and fixed sights.

Although I love my adj.sight M60, I am very confident in my fixed-sight M64's; shooting extremely close to point-of-aim from 10-25 yds even with factory loads - so doesn't require load tuning. But even better, I have supreme confidence in it being "sighted in" every time I pick it up - something I don't always have with my M60: "The last time out, did I adjust the sights for something else?"

Now, going between .38Spl & .357 cartridges; that's when the adj.sights really shine on the M60. But for a .38Spl-only revolver, I confess to having more confidence with fixed sights. :)

[Petrol & Powder]

I prefer fixed sights on working guns.

[Rick Hodges]

I have carried a handgun most every day for 31 years on the job and another 18 since I retired....fixed and adjustable sights. I have had no problems with either type. The advantage of adjustable is ease of getting it to shoot to point of aim, and unless you change loads it them becomes a non issue.

[FergusonTO35]

They both have their uses. Probably my favorite are replaceable fixed sights, I wish more wheel guns came with them.

[Whiterabbit]

I prefer fixed sights on working guns.

Me too. They never move or fail.

File when the load is right, and the gun is static. Just......works.

[Don Purcell]

Smith and Wesson 4" Model 24 .44 Special with 7.5 Unique 250 grain Keith or 4 3/4" Colt Single Action with same load.

[375supermag]

Hi...
Thought I would contributed .02¢ to this conversation.
I have a pretty good collection of handguns and have several that I use for open carry when hiking or hunting.
In the northern part of Pennsylvania, I generally carry either a S&W M57 in .41Mag or a BlackHawk in the same caliber.
In South Central Pennsylvania, where I live and do most of my one day short hikes, I generally carry one of half a dozen .357Mag revolvers, sometimes a BlackHawk and sometimes a Colt Trooper.
Reasons are there are some big black bears up North so the .41Mag is a better choice...down south I may run into feral dogs or two-legged predators, so I think the .357 is a good compromise.

My son just won a auction on GunBroker for. S&W M66 with a 6" barrel that he says will be his hiking/ hunting carry gun. He has been carrying one of my .41Mags when we hunt or hike upstate, but it seems like that may change.

[texasnative46]

Brad Cayton,

IF weight & concealability are issues, may I suggest a S&W Model 12 "Airweight" in 2, 3 or 4 inch barrel.
(The 2" weighs about ONE pound loaded. = In it's Don Hume OWB holster, I often forgot that I was carrying a handgun.)

yours, tex

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Without reading through 7 pages of replies on my lunch break......I will put in a note for the Ruger LCR in
357. Other than adjustable sights, mine fits the requirements as I read them...lightweight, shoots 38 Spec, and carries nicely all day long.
The major adjustment I made to mine is putting a Pachmeyer G10 grip on mine...world of difference in handling for me. And believe it or not, a perfect point of aim shooter with my 180 grain WFN load in 357 Mag. I had trouble telling the difference between factory 38 Spec 158gr loads and my 180gr WFN....perfection for me, as this load shoots excellent through my Henry, GP100, Blackhawk, and now this LCR.....

One cannot ask for more.

[Brad Cayton]

Hi fellas,
I decided on the SP101 with the 4.2" barrel. We have a 4", min. barrel length for hunting here in WV. I bought it from Buds and the barrel was canted bad enough that it wouldn't zero with the rear adjusted all the way to the left. I shipped it back to Ruger. I got a call last week saying they would replace it with another one.
I called Ruger today as I kinda expected it to be here in a weeks time. Customer service says they have an order to build one and I will be emailed when it ships. I've been a Ruger fan for years but this is getting too common place in my opinion.
I would rather buy local but that's not an option here unless you want plastic semi's and the prices are out of sight. The shop in town keeps very little in stock. I ordered a S&W Shield for my daughter last fall from them, I paid $125 more than I could get it online and waited over 3 weeks for them to get it in. The fella I dealt with for years, retired and sold out a few years back. It's getting harder for brick and mortar shops to stay in business so I'm stuck ordering online and hoping for the best.

[Ramjet-SS]

I had a 327 Federal 4" same issue. How the heck does that get past QC or final inspection?

[Texas by God]

My brother had a Security Six with a canted barrel and I had a Super BH 10-1/2" with a cross threaded barrel in the 1980's. The front of the frame still had what looked like saw marks.
I had an OM BH .357 that would shoot bullets sideways.
But the other 50 Rugers I've had were great but I haven't bought a new one in ten years.

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[Good Cheer]

What you're saying there reminds me of a green beret I worked with in the mid seventies.
He had carried a Ruger Black Hawk. He found that on one chamber he couldn't tell where it was going so he didn't use that chamber.
So yeah, reckon he'd rather to have had a .357 caliber 5-shooter than none at all.

[Brad Cayton]

Well fellas, I figured I'd update if anyone's still wondering.

My FFL dealer called last evening to tell me my replacement SP 101 arrived. The Ruger rep. I talked to said they would email me when it shipped but I never received one. It's been a month since I sent the first one in and I had sorta forgotten about it. The Ruger rep. told me to send my receipt for the FFL transfer to them for reimbursement but they worked it out with the LGS and I didn't have to pay another transfer fee.

It looked good, no canted barrel so I figured I'd take it home. I didn't slug the barrel but the throats are perfect at .358. I had some RCBS 150s and 6 grains of Unique in 357 cases loaded and it put 5 in 1 1/2 at 25 yards off hand. It did just about the same with the Lee WC and 3 grains of BE in 38 brass. I was able to take out 3 water bottles at 50 yards with 4 rounds of the 357s. The little thing is a shooter! It seems that just about every adjustable sighted Ruger handgun I've bought in the last few years needs a higher front sight for me but this one is good. I'm just about half way on adjustment with the rear sight.

It still bites to have to send a firearm back and wait for a month but Ruger did me right in the end.

[DGNY]

Brad C, that is indeed a happy outcome to the story of the SP101, both in patience and product finally received. And - very fine marksmanship! I don't own an SP101, but older SS Security Six 4" is a commendable shooter

Regards,

Dyson

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Ruger is usually good about making things right on a return /defective product.

Sounds like all it took was a bit of time and patience to get this outcome.