CCW/Hunting side arm?

Chris Pierce · Jan 18, 2011

Howdy everybody.
First off, I'd like to say that I'm not sure where this thread belongs. I think this is a good place for it since it involves wilderness and survival

If not, mods I apologize for putting it here and please fell free to move it where ever you feel it should be.

Anyway, I've recently been looking for a side arm for hunting deer or elk. I'm hoping to go next season for the first time. I'll be going with a group of experienced hunters and they will show me the ropes so to speak. My main concern is coyotes, bears or cougars, and putting down a wounded animal. The pistol will be something I'll have on my person at all times. So if I put down my rifle to clean a deer or if it malfunctions etc etc I won't be without a defense.
I'll looking to spend about $700. I already have a .357 J frame, and a couple of service pistols in 9mm and .40 I don't really think that any of these pistols would be appropriate. I have been looking into the Glock 20 in 10mm, and have heard good things. I could not find any locally, but I did handle an EAA witness in 10mm and the grip was too big for me to comfortable reach all the controls. I don't know if the glock would be much better. So maybe 10mm is not for me. Another option I am looking at is a .44 magnum revolver. I like the idea of the .44 because I already have a rifle chambered for .44 mag. I have never shot a .44 magnum in a pistol, but I do enjoy shooting heavy .357 handloads. So I believe that I can handle the .44. Or maybe I am wrong?

I'm planning on carrying the pistol in a shoulder holster. I have read good reviews on the Galco "jackass" rig. And I believe that is the holster I will use. Besides while hunting, I'd also like to conceal carry this pistol in the same shoulder rig in the winter. Has any one experience carrying a full sized revolver in a shoulder holster?

What do you all carry as a side arm when hunting? Do you carry a side arm at all? Is .357 enough for what I am looking to do? Or should I step up to the .44 mag? What about .357 SIG? .38 super? Do they even compare?

-Chris

nc527 · Jan 18, 2011

with that many hunters a sidearm is not needed. Also, I think you are blowing the whole "which calliber" thing way out of proportion. In reality, a .357, a .44 mag, .357 sig, It DOES NOT matter.

Ed T · Jan 18, 2011

I carry the same thing I do when I travel to your side of the state.

I carry my .45 when hunting. It is not for the animals that you list, rather the 2 legged ones. Even so, I would use my shot in the tube on the old muzzleloader first.

Use your rifle to finish an downed animal. If you had a bad shot placement and need to deliver a killing shot, use the rifle. Keep your distance.

If you want a peace of mind sidearm while hunting, carry what you are comfortable with and can afford to shoot often.

Pritch · Jan 18, 2011

I carry a .44 S&W 629 while hunting. It is there for self defense, not finishing off wounded game. Also, I cannot fathom wanting to CCW a .44 when not in the woods. What is your reasoning here?

cmurphy · Jan 18, 2011

Ed T said:
I carry my .45 when hunting. It is not for the animals that you list, rather the 2 legged ones.

Use your rifle to finish an downed animal. If you had a bad shot placement and need to deliver a killing shot, use the rifle. Keep your distance.

Agreed. I carry a .357 or my compact .40. It sounds like you have a nice selection already. But I TOTALLY understand if you have the money and the want for a new piece, go for it.

pierced · Jan 18, 2011

+1 for nc527.
Like my Father in law said, you already have a rifle, what do you need a pistol for?
When you're packing or pulling out meat even carrying a rifle is a pain in the keester.

collecter · Jan 18, 2011

ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
Howdy everybody.
I already have a .357 J frame, and a couple of service pistols in 9mm and .40 I don't really think that any of these pistols would be appropriate.
-Chris

Any of those would be appropriate. You will have a big game rifle so you really have the gun covered. You will be with a group of experienced hunters so no need to worry about this too much.

The most vulnerable time is when you are taking a crap and your rifle is on the ground just outside of the "comfort zone" and perhaps while you are snuggled up in your sleeping bag.

Bears won't bother you unless you have a snack in your pocket. They will sniff it out so make sure you keep your pockets, back pack, etc. free from any food or other smelly things such as toothpast, deodorant, etc. and you will not have a problem with bears, especially during fall deer season.

Coyotes can be intimidating but not likely to attack you.

The mountain lion on the other hand is a steathy hunter that attacks from behind or above and goes for the neck. Fortunately they are easy to kill with even a smallish caliber.

What model 357 j frame do you have? I'm thinking that might be an ideal gun for your situation. Mine is a 357 mag M&P 360 with 3" barrel. Real easy to carry and plenty big enough for the lion that might decide to westle with me.

martensite · Jan 18, 2011

a lightweight, roundbutt, stainless .357 would be good for this.

Jason B. · Jan 18, 2011

Like others said just use what ya got but if your itching for a new pistol a XDM in 357sig wouldn't be a bad choice

Chris Pierce · Jan 18, 2011

nc527 said:
with that many hunters a sidearm is not needed. Also, I think you are blowing the whole "which caliber" thing way out of proportion. In reality, a .357, a .44 mag, .357 sig, It DOES NOT matter.

Are you really saying that 250 ft lbs is the same as 550? Each caliber has it's own strength and limitations. So of course it matters.

Pritch said:
I carry a .44 S&W 629 while hunting. It is there for self defense, not finishing off wounded game. Also, I cannot fathom wanting to CCW a .44 when not in the woods. What is your reasoning here?

It's not that I think I would need a .44 mag around town. I would just like to be able to CC any pistols that I own. And if I plan on carrying it around town some I won't buy a huge heavy thing and kick myself when I'm carrying it in the woods. Maybe this is not practical. So maybe I should buy a new compact pistol for CCW and a hunting revolver.

Anyway..... I didn't want this thread to turn into an argument or a debate about caliber or how to hunt. I just wanted to know what you all carried in the woods and what you thought about my options. But I'm not really getting the kinds of responses that I was looking for.

-Chris