357mag or 40cal?

[h20hunter]

SP101 .357 with .38+P rounds. Foolproof.

[B.G.hunter]

I have a S&W model 28 4" 357mag I carry in the woods with me.  I think I would have a hard time carrying a semi-auto simply because the bullets are not made for large animals.  They are made to stop people.  I carry 158gr JSP and feel comfortable with them.  If weight is not an issue I would look at the Ruger GP100 or S&W 686 both great guns.

[thinkingman]

Revolver is my choice for backwoods carry.
Much less to go wrong.
357 has better bullet selection than .40SW.
180gr hardcast lead out of a 357Mag is a sledgehammer on heavy bone.
Buy a stainless 4 inch 357 from SW or Ruger and you won't regret it....And if you do, you will have plenty of buyers to take it off your hands.

[Mudman]

Cool.  I think the 686 SW Stainless with 4" barrel would be good choice? What Ruger?  blackhawk?  Is the Ruger gp100 the one that has the loose pin in the rear sight?

[duckmen1]

I want to get the ruger sp101 357. Love that gun in the 4.2 inch barrel.

[CP]

Cool.  I think the 686 SW Stainless with 4" barrel would be good choice? What Ruger?  blackhawk?  Is the Ruger gp100 the one that has the loose pin in the rear sight?

The 686 is a large “L” frame revolver.  It’s a great choice if it is going to be shot a lot with .357 loads but may be a bit large and heavy for a female.

You might consider a “K” frame (M 66 - M19) for ease of carry.  They are plenty strong occasional .357 loads. 

[h20hunter]

I saw th mention of the GP100.........if anyone is looking for one I may know a guy that is looking to sell.

[wildmanoutdoors]

I want to get the ruger sp101 357. Love that gun in the 4.2 inch barrel.

Its 2.25 or 3. You must love the GP100?

[duckmen1]

I like them both but really like the way the sp101 looks with the hogue style grip and wood panels with the green front sight.
Plan on buying one in the future but don't have the money for one right now.

[wildmanoutdoors]

You like SP101s look at Gemini customs website! Mine went there for a action and sight job.

[Bob33]

For your application and criteria my choice would be a Ruger SP101 in 357 Magnum.

[duckmen1]

Gemeni customs makes some beautiful custom work on revolvers.

[Rick]

180gr hardcast lead out of a 357Mag is a sledgehammer on heavy bone.

If someone is serious about carrying a handgun for protection from animals,hardcast is the way to go.

Until you get up to the really big calibers,handguns just aren't that powerful. They don't provide much penetration.

Hollowpoints look mean,but are generally a poor choice for killing animals with.

A .357 with a hardcast load is a good starting point.

[IBspoiled]

I went with the 40 cal because I didn't like the ringing in my ears after shooting the 357.  It takes awhile to be able to hear again after shooting it.  The 40 cal isn't that way.  Some of the other reasons were, twice as many rounds, lighter easier to carry, different holster options and my wife can shoot it.  It wasn't easy for her at first, but with practice she can now use it comfortably.  If I was looking for something for grizzly country, I would choose a different weapon. 

[Mudman]

The Rugers do look right.  The sp is lighter which is good but the heavier gp would help with recoil.  Sp with 38sp loads is another good choice for females it seems.  Its listed on website with a 4.2"barrell also.  I like the Rugers look alot and the 686SW too.