hiking/fishing revolver

[redriverhunter]

Hello all, I have been kicking the idea around of getting a revolver for hiking and fishing. I have the Taurus Judge but its big and bulking to be packing around. I have been thinking of getting a 2 inch 38 special for these adventures. I think the revolver because I can make some snake loads. I can not see spending a lot of money on that which is going to get wet, sandy, and dusty. I live in north Texas no bears, or other large carnivores maybe a cougar but doubt I will ever see one. what are your thoughts on an appropriate revolver for this kind of fun.
thanks rrh

[Thumbcocker]

A 4" revolver carries almost as well as a 2" and is easier to hit with. A .357 is more versatile than a .38 as far as ammunition choices. I would take a hard look at a 4" stainless security six or a 4 5/8 Blackhawk. You might find one with the 9mm cylinder for even more ammo versatility.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Winger Ed.]

Look at other Taurus stuff, namely their .38s. or .357s.

Good stuff, and not so huge of an investment.

[Buzz Krumhunger]

Maybe look for a Charter Arms Pathfinder .22. I have a stainless 3” .22 magnum I carry in my pocket for “snakes and other varmints”. The 3 or 4 inch barrel small frame revolvers with adjustable sights are much easier for me to shoot accurately than the 2”. I bought mine used for $250.

[NSB]

My first choice is the Ruger 101 3" .357mag. It makes no sense to get a .38spl when the guns are the same size. It's stainless, accurate, and you can "power up" if you want to or just use the .38spl. I got one three years ago for the same reason you're getting one and I couldn't be happier with the choice I made. It's very accurate and manageable with full power loads...which you don't need to use. The bull in the pic is 3.8" and the distance was 25yds. Fired DA. It's actually mild to shoot with most .38spl loads.
255089

[Wheelguns 1961]

How about a 3” lcrx. I have a 38spl one, but they also make a 357. My 38 weighs about 17-18ozs.

[Rick Hodges]

I second the LCRx-3. Makes a great kit gun and if the grip is too big for your tastes the LCR compact grip fits as well. 38 sp. is plenty of cartridge for your needs.

[charlie b]

I used to have an SP101 in .357 I carried when fishing. It was a little heavy on long hikes.

I like carrying an alloy snubbie but that 3" looks nice too.

[engineer401]

Look at other Taurus stuff, namely their .38s. or .357s.

Good stuff, and not so huge of an investment.

The Taurus 692 has a three- inch barrel. It’s a Tracker model. I have a four- inch Tracker that does fine for what it’s intended. They are reasonably priced and the trigger is fairly smooth.

[glaciers]

I with NSB on this one, I carry a SP101 357, 3". Fits in the back pocket just fine.

[Texas by God]

Get a Ruger Wrangler. Hard to beat a .22 for handiness. Colibris, Shorts, shotloads, HV to Stingers, all you need for our “country”. AND, they cost about $200......

[35 Whelen]

May I suggest- Smith and Wesson Model 10-7 (https://www.classicfirearms.com/smith-wesson-m10-7-classic-38-spl-4-blued-police-turn-in-hg4224-taper-bbl-revolver/). Looks like they're on sale for $220 too.

I bought one, liked it so much, I bought another. Loaded with a 358429 close to 1,000 fps, they'll do for any 4-legged critters around our parts.

https://i.imgur.com/LSeYuWc.jpg

For areas where social work may be required, a soft-ish 150 +/- gr. SWCHP running 1050 fps is perfect.

https://i.imgur.com/h55tt1b.jpg

Both of mine are extremely accurate shooting palm-size offhand groups at 25 yds. In the warmer months I keep a shot load in one of the chambers for our ever present rattlesnakes.

I was down in the Fort Worth Stockyards this weekend and carried one of mine in the inside pockets of one of my vests.

35W

[Boogieman]

I'd choose the 3" SP101. wouldn't go to the woods with any thing smaller than a 357mag. Too many strange critters out there. The 357mag.will shoot all 38 spcl. loads including shot. I've had mine for 3 years, use it for CCW in warm weather. It gets over 1225 fps with 357mag. factory loads, 158gr , not much less than a 4" recoil is manageable , with 38 spcl, loads it's mild. The LCR is not a fun gun with heavy loads. Get a good gun belt and holster an carry it any time you can . A few weeks and you'll forget you have it on. I carry a 3" GP100 44 spcl. everyday In these woods even the Tooth Fairy carries.

[Safeshot]

I like the S&W Governor or the Taurus Judge in .45 Colt Cal./.410 Shot shell Chambering. The .410 shells are available with 3 each 0000 buckshot load and a variety of regular shot shell sized shot for snakes, rats and other varmints. Just one opinion.

[Tatume]

For ordinary day-to-day woods carry I like the S&W Model 317 Kit Gun. This little 22 long rifle revolver has a 3" barrel, and weighs only 12 ounces. Mine is very accurate, and fun to shoot.

[RU shooter]

As another option for snake medicine how about the charter arms bulldog in 44 spl. More pellets equals deader snake! Abouts same size/weight as most 38/357 snubbies

[Larry Gibson]

"I have been thinking of getting a 2 inch 38 special for these adventures. I think the revolver because I can make some snake loads."

I carried a 1 7/8" M36 "Chiefs Special" for pretty much the same reasons when out shooting ground squirrels and rock chucks with varmint rifles in NE Oregon for years. I did dispatch a few rattlers with the snake loads. the shorter barrel threw a much denser pattern than my 4" M15 revolver. Plus I hardly ever knew the M36 was there on my belt. I kept it loaded with snake loads but had 2 speed loader strips (Bianchi) in my pocket; one with WCs and the other with Winchester 158 LSWCHP+Ps in them. Worked for me.

[Goldstar225]

Several years ago I chose the S&W 60-15 pro series (3") for my outdoors gun. Light, excellent accuracy and all the power I need for my part of the world. When I'm hunting, fishing or just walking in the woods I want the handgun to be there but not not obtrusive. Loaded with shotshells in the first two chambers backed by the load of choice in the final three it does what I need.

[rking22]

A M36 fits the bill for me. I used my M696 for creek fishing cotton mouth gun until they got super pricey. Nothing in my world a full load 38 was cutter or snake shot won’t fix. Mine was bought in rough shape, slow rust blued and waxed. I opened the sight groove to one side to get more light and move poi slightly to zero. Also bobbed the hammer. Nice thing about doing the reblue, I would not file on a nice one. I shake any water off and lay it in the sun to dry, relube and inspect every so often. It is surprisingly accurate, but admittedly more difficult than a 4 inch K frame. A Taurus 85 would do as well, and lighter.

[snowwolfe]

S&W 60 Pro, beautiful and well built revolver. On the smaller side so it carries very nice.

[murf205]

My vote goes for a 3" 36 if you can find one. In my area they are cheaper than snubbie 36's.

[rking22]

I have a 36-6 3 inch adj sights, love it. They are really scarce around here, and like the M696, too nice for me to wade fish with. I would love to run across a fixed sight 3 inch M36, that would then be my creek gun! I may have to head down to mid , wanna share your good fortune ? :)

[nockhunter]

I kinda like this for general woods bumbing/hiking/fishing. 3" S&W 60, 38 special. You can substitute the 357 mag version.

Mike
255211

[Petander]

For ordinary day-to-day woods carry I like the S&W Model 317 Kit Gun. This little 22 long rifle revolver has a 3" barrel, and weighs only 12 ounces. Mine is very accurate, and fun to shoot.

I have a thing for these little 22's as well,I handled one some time ago and keep thinking about it. Quality work in my opinion.

[Petrol & Powder]

This topic comes up frequently.

Here's another thread where it was discussed at length.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?385992-The-Kit-Gun-revisited


And I think a 4" K-frame in 38 Special is hard to beat. Something weather resistant would be desirable.

[Petrol & Powder]

255212

To overcome the rust issue I opted for a Robar NP3 finish on a tapered barrel 10-5

[murf205]

I have a 36-6 3 inch adj sights, love it. They are really scarce around here, and like the M696, too nice for me to wade fish with. I would love to run across a fixed sight 3 inch M36, that would then be my creek gun! I may have to head down to mid , wanna share your good fortune ? :)

There is a gun show promoter around here called CASC which is the Collectors And Shooters Club. Their shows bring out more of the blue collar guns and prices or at least that is what I have found over the last few years. That venue is where I bought my Model 33 in 99% cond for $300. I probably shouldn't use the word"cheap" because those days are over, but by today's standards, they seem to be more reasonable. As usual, cash does the talking. If you decide to come to the shows, they are in Hoover, Al and the parking is free.

[rking22]

Now that’s the makings of a road trip. Thanks for the info. I do use my 36-6 for woods wandering and goofing off. I like 3 inch small frames, there is a Rossi 32SWL 3 inch in the safe. 32 is just a bit lite on shot for no-legs.

[ddixie884]

Classic Firearms has cheap model 10 S&Ws. They have 10-7s rated good for $219.99, Google it..........

[Blind Dog]

I’m quite fond of theRuger GP100. Mine is a 4” but if I where to buy another it would be a 3”. Here in Colorado be do have bears so my usual load is a 170 grain hard cast Keith on top of a healthy dose of 2400 powder. When bears aren’t an issue I carry it with 158 grain LSWC’s over five of Unique loaded in .38 special cases.

[P Flados]

I have a Ruger LCRx 38 Sp +P with 3" barrel.

It is pretty close to perfect for your application.

Even with a 3" barrel, it is very light and a lot easier on the wallet than most of your other choices for a new gun. With the 3" barrel and the adjustable sights, it is a fun to shoot gun at the range, especially double action.

[ShooterAZ]

For hiking/fishing I will usually take along either a nickle plated 2" S&W Model 10, or my Single Six 22LR. Neither weighs too much, and both are comfortable for me to carry all day. Shot loads can be carried in either as well.

[Cheeto303]

I find myself strapping on my S&W Model 66-6 :) 357 Mag w/2 3/8 " bbl. It's very sweet and carries well. When I know I'm going out into the hollers I am sure to carry my Ruger Blackhawk 41 mag w/240 gr hardcast freedom pellets as we have wild hawgs runnin around out here.My wife favors her Smith 38 nightguard for gp hiking or 629 Mountain gun for the hawgs.

[Petrol & Powder]

Classic Firearms has cheap model 10 S&Ws. They have 10-7s rated good for $219.99, Google it..........

I would JUMP ALL OVER THAT if I was in the market for a model 10.

Seriously ! this looks like a good deal

https://www.classicfirearms.com/smith-wesson-m10-7-classic-38-spl-4-blued-police-turn-in-hg4224-taper-bbl-revolver/

[Jeff Michel]

I'd have to agree with 35 Whelen's suggestion. If you think it's going to receive less than tender loving care, a police turn in Model 10 would be just the ticket. Probably been carried more than shot, dirt cheap at 200.00 and with wadcutters or 358429 your going to be pretty well set for anything Texas has to offer.

[Thumbcocker]

Can't argue with a model 10 at that price.

[Green Frog]

If I were starting from scratch on the OP's quest, I would look long and hard at the Model 63 S&W with four inch barrel. If I felt the need for more power, I would go with the Model 60-4 which retains the stainless adjustable J-frame platform only in 38 Special. If money were not a consideration I'd pay the freight for a Model 631 and have an adjustable sighted stainless J-frame in 32 H&R, but they are rare and expen$ive. :(

Froggie

[sharps4590]

Depends on where I lived. When we lived in NW Wyoming I carried a Mod. 97 Freedom Arms in 45 Colt that was loaded with 300 gr. hard cast at 1100 fps. Not a plinking round and thankfully I never had to learn if the revolver or I would have been up to the task of taking on a grizzer bear.

Back here in Missouri it's one of two. A 696 S&W in 44 Spl. or an old Colt Army Special in 32-20. The 696 goes fishing with me because it's stainless. Depending on my mood, there's a half dozen others that might get the call, all revolvers.

[arlon]

I like the small frame alloy .38 S&W. They are light, work every time, don't rust and pretty cheap. Ruger and S&W both make them.. I got one of the 5 shot alloy S&Ws for my wife. I carry more than she does. It's nice and light for hikes. I also carry one of the little .22 Berettas from time to time. I have a 3" model 36 but never carry it anymore.

[murf205]

I would JUMP ALL OVER THAT if I was in the market for a model 10.

Seriously ! this looks like a good deal

https://www.classicfirearms.com/smith-wesson-m10-7-classic-38-spl-4-blued-police-turn-in-hg4224-taper-bbl-revolver/

At the bottom of their page they had heavy barrel 10's for $249 but they are only in fair cond. Either one of those 10's is a great deal on a great shooting Smith&Wesson.

[Thumbcocker]

Ordered 2

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Petrol & Powder]

At the bottom of their page they had heavy barrel 10's for $249 but they are only in fair cond. Either one of those 10's is a great deal on a great shooting Smith&Wesson.

Yep, if I was in the market for a model 10, I would have already purchased one of those.

[Rodfac]

I've carried a Smith M60, 3" for years while trout fishing, both here in Ky, as well as GA and NC. One round of snake shot and the other 4 with .38 Special wadcutters pretty much handles the anticipated chores. I carry it in a home made holster, riveted to below the left armpit of my fishing vest....Outta sight, readily available, and that SS construction keeps sweat and wet weather at bay. YMMv Rod

[JSH]

Shot shell loads, 38/357 are better than 22. I had a lot of fun playing around with them. I found a Blackhawk that had been carried a lot and shot very little, 45 Colt. Complete game changer with shot shells. FYI I cut some .410 shells down and used them, no issue with shotgun primers either.

One thing lead to another and made some for the 480 Ruger. It’s ok but not a lot better pattern wise than the 45. I think the longer barrel on the 480 hurts patterns, where the 45 with the 4 5/8” is handier than I ever imagined.

[Bigslug]

4" stainless Ruger GP-100. Bombproof and fairly easy to get into when you get it really icky.

[murf205]

I've carried a Smith M60, 3" for years while trout fishing, both here in Ky, as well as GA and NC. One round of snake shot and the other 4 with .38 Special wadcutters pretty much handles the anticipated chores. I carry it in a home made holster, riveted to below the left armpit of my fishing vest....Outta sight, readily available, and that SS construction keeps sweat and wet weather at bay. YMMv Rod




rodfac, show us a pic of that holster if you can. I am always on the lookout for a more comfortable way to carry a side arm. As one of my old shooting buddies once said, " If the Lord intended you to carry a pistol -comfortably, he would have made you with a holster". LOL

[Rich/WIS]

Probably all gone from the system but the mesh aircrew survival vests came with a holster that could be sewn to the vest that had two sets of straps, one for 1911 and one for the M10 S&W. Had one for a while and have no idea where it went.

[Petrol & Powder]

I had one of those mesh vests and accompanying holster. Wish I had held onto it. It was a decent hot-weather rig that held a lot of gear.

[murf205]

Was the holster sewn to the outside or inside?
Was it a canvas holster? Apologies for the hijack.

[Geezer in NH]

Classic Firearms has cheap model 10 S&Ws. They have 10-7s rated good for $219.99, Google it..........
Gone out of stock.

[AlaskaMike]

Definitely hard to beat a good .38 with a decent load, as long as you don't need to worry about anything with big claws and teeth to contend with. The only issue I have with the .357 mag is that if you ever do need to use it, you may as well write off your hearing for a good while afterward.

If you have the choice, I'd go with a 4" .44 mag or .45 Colt, and keep the load fairly sedate like 250ish grain cast SWC at about 900 fps. That would be way less blasty than .357 mag and could still take darn near anything in the lower 48. The larger caliber would also allow for a far more effective load of snake shot if you want to go that route.

[Rodfac]

Murf, vest and holster are down at our cabin in NC at present. The holster was riveted inside the vest on the left side, allowing for a right hand draw. It's all leather (really, canvas or something similar would be better) and tilted forward (sort of like a cross-draw angle), it is an open top without keeper strap. I've considered attaching a strap across the trigger guard to assist in keeping it anchored if I take plunge.

It's worked out ok, with but as with anything else, I can feel the weight when the vest is fully loaded. As I've aged, (73+ now), I find my fishing needs while actually on the stream have diminished...getting back to my origins where a Prince Albert's can with leader, a dozen flies and a few micro split shot suffice. I have, in fact radically reduced the amount of unnecessary crap in my vest...YMMv, HTH's Rod

[If1Hitu]

Ruger SP101 .357 Mag. would be my choice.:drinks:

[rking22]

Since this has departed from the , fairly narrow, bounds of the op.. If you can find a Taurus Ti 41mag Tracker, you will have found a fine fishing and woods walking revolver. They weigh, memory here, 23 oz! About the same as a M36 snub. The ammo in the Tracker adds notable weight. The bigger bore is nicer of snake loads( gotta do your own, but that’s what we do here. With 41special brass loading. 225 gr to 1000 or so it pretends to be a 44 special. I like mine, fits some k frame holsters too. Titanium is pretty water tolerant too. Mine was in my coat pocket, which my wife decided to wash. Yep it got washed, no worse for wear, was in need of a cleaning any way. Was so light she didn’t notice, yeah with 41mag 225s it does let you know it’s a magnum.

[Jtarm]

Go for the used Model 10.

Where you hiking in North Texas?

Be advised though we don’t have bears, there are huge cockroaches called feral hogs.

I pack a 4” M-66 in my little slice of heaven, aka Jack County.

[stubshaft]

My model 36 fills the bill for me.

[MSD MIke]

Realistically it's just for fun. Carry something you think is kick ***. I like a good single action so I can play cowboy and shoot cans if the fishing sucks.

[gordie]

Charter Arms Bulldog... 44sp..

[Drm50]

I live in Ohio, no large animals to attack. I fooled with a lot of 22s to find perfect loafing gun. This is carried while wade fishing and while engaged in other outdoor activities other than hunting. The gun has to be accurate enough that it’s worth carrying and of size and weight that isn’t a PIA. I did use a m34 S&W for this until I took a header in the creek. I didn’t want to carry my 34 anymore and started looking at 22auto pistols on 32 frame size. I tried most of them but ended up with S&W 422, adj sight model as my fish’n gun. It’s light accurate and easy to clean.

[Good Cheer]

Charter Arms 416 stainless revolvers are just plumb OK.
And, you can pretty much take your pick of calibers.
Oh, but might wanta be sure and pick one that won't blow a hole in the bottom of the barrel.

[Frosty Boolit]

If you actually plan on using it for plinking or harvesting a small game animal I'd take a Ruger single six.

[waco]

I just grabbed one of these off Gunbroker this morning. This will be my new hiking/camp/trail gun.
https://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkConvertible/specSheets/0475.html

[waco]

How about a 3” lcrx. I have a 38spl one, but they also make a 357. My 38 weighs about 17-18ozs.

Is that a Simply Rugged Holster?. Thinking about getting one for my new Ruger Lipsey 3 3/4" 45 convertible. How do you like it?

[bigted]

I just grabbed one of these off Gunbroker this morning. This will be my new hiking/camp/trail gun.
https://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkConvertible/specSheets/0475.html

That my friend is a dandy lookin revolver! Please tell in another post how it compares to the plain blackhawk grip. Been tempted on the Bisley grip a few times but really want to shoot one first.

[onelight]

I just grabbed one of these off Gunbroker this morning. This will be my new hiking/camp/trail gun.
https://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkConvertible/specSheets/0475.html
Nice ! That would make a great trail gun.
But I am easy , I want stainless and a barrel 41/2 to 3" light weight is nice but not a requirement for me.

[samari46]

If I had to choose for a woods companion pistol I'd go for my 10-5 model 10 or a model 15 with iron sights. I scored two nice black basket weave holsters for them and two 12 round belt slides. Load them with Speer Gold dots and keep a few snake loads for the critters. Frank

[Golfswithwolves]

I believe I would choose the Freedom Arms Model 97 in .44 Special chambering for its accuracy, fairly light weight, stainless steel construction, good sights, and very useful caliber. For fishing maybe carried in a shoulder holster.

[Jtarm]

Realistically it's just for fun. Carry something you think is kick ***. I like a good single action so I can play cowboy and shoot cans if the fishing sucks.

Perfect advice.

[scotth]

i have been looking at the ruger lcrx 3 inch 38 special. i like the less then 1 pound weight

[jonp]

My hiking, fishing and just walking in the woods gun is mostly my trusty Single Six 22mag. When deer and moose are in the rut or I'm out hunting whitetail, bear or whatever I up my game to my 45LC.

My wife prefers my or her Chiefs Special.

[jonp]

I just grabbed one of these off Gunbroker this morning. This will be my new hiking/camp/trail gun.
https://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkConvertible/specSheets/0475.html

I've got one with a longer barrel for my test loads. Much like my Blackhawk 357 I will have to do something really off the rails to blow it up. Love my Blackhawks.

[waco]

I've got one with a longer barrel for my test loads. Much like my Blackhawk 357 I will have to do something really off the rails to blow it up. Love my Blackhawks.

I can't wait to get it. Going to order a holster from Simply Rugged.

[RJM52]

My "fishing" and anything around water gun is a 90s vintage S&W 60-10 .357 Magnum with adjustable sights and 3" barrel...hides most anywhere and you'll forget it is there. If you can't find a 60-10 a 60-15 or 60-15 PRO would work as would the Ruger LCRX3" .357 Magnum...

In the LCRX3" I would go with the .357 over the .38 Special as the frame of the .38 is aluminum whereas the frame of the .357 is steel...only 3 oz difference you'll never notice till you shoot it...

Bob

[Andy45]

My go-to woods carry pistol is an old secondhand 4" S&W 66. If I didn't have it I'd take my 4" 686+ along. I like the versatility of the .357 chambering.
I've been contemplating the 4" 69 .44 Mag with handloads, but I've got to get one first :wink:

[Schreck5]

I'm contemplating about avaquero birdshead in 45 colt with a 3.75" bbl. Nice and compact, plenty of whompem. But i realise im probably in the minority on this one.

[jban]

My "fishing" and anything around water gun is a 90s vintage S&W 60-10 .357 Magnum with adjustable sights and 3" barrel...hides most anywhere and you'll forget it is there. If you can't find a 60-10 a 60-15 or 60-15 PRO would work as would the Ruger LCRX3" .357 Magnum...

In the LCRX3" I would go with the .357 over the .38 Special as the frame of the .38 is aluminum whereas the frame of the .357 is steel...only 3 oz difference you'll never notice till you shoot it...

Bob

Totally agree with this on the LCRX3. Had the 38 LCRX3, great gun but traded it for the 357, and never looked back. Just a handier package. You won't notice the difference in weight on your hip. If you need snake shot, and you make your own, the 357 works better.