Finally decided on the Ruger 357

[steen]

After much consideration I have decided on a hand gun!! I am going to buy a Ruger 357 revolver with a 4 inch barrel.  I shot a variety of hand gun including a 44, 45, 38 special, among others.  I am not a glock fan. I am a little old fashion and like the revolver, pull the hammer back option. Also I can shoot 38's in it for less cost in practice. I want to be able to shoot a cougar with it and I'm not really planning on carrying it where ever I go for "protection" per say.   I shot the 44 revolver better but with practice I can get better with anything! I had so much fun shooting a variety and feel much more comfortable with the handguns. Took me a long time but I have decided!!! Now to spend my Cabela's points before the suspected buyout!! So excited!!

[Jason]

Good choice!! not sure which model your getting but I have had a 357mag Black Hawk for as long as I can remember, still shoots like the day I bought.

[HighlandLofts]

Steen
 Good choice of revolver, I've got two of the Ruger GP100s, a stainless 6" 357 and a stainless 4" 327 Federal Magnum. Both are great shooting revolvers. I have the 357/9mm Blackhawk and gave it to one of my sons, I might buy another down the road.

I have a bunch of Smith & Wesson revolvers in 38spl and 357, by far my 6" 357 GP100 is my favorite shooting center fire revolver. I like it better then my Smith 686 and Smith 586.

For around $500 - $550 you'll find nice 4" GP100.

[Blacklab]

Rugers  I also have ss 6inch GP100 357. No matter how hot the load is it's comfortable.

[Encore 280]

Hmmmm, seems like you're going to have to be pretty darn close to get an accurate shot on a cougar with a 4" barrel. Why the 4 and not a 6 and a half? Just curious. I've had my Blackhawk since '72 and I couldn't begin to tell ya how many rounds have gone through that gun and it still shoots nice. Wouldn't trade for anything.

[steen]

Hmmmm, seems like you're going to have to be pretty darn close to get an accurate shot on a cougar with a 4" barrel. Why the 4 and not a 6 and a half? Just curious. I've had my Blackhawk since '72 and I couldn't begin to tell ya how many rounds have gone through that gun and it still shoots nice. Wouldn't trade for anything.

I'd more than likely shoot a cougar with my rifle but while riding horse in the back country I would like to have something that could kill a cougar for protection more than anything and that would be close range. The 6 inch barrel would be too long while riding.  Chances are I won't ever need it for protection from a wild animal but I may also have to put a horse down someday. We ride in the wilderness every few years and in Eastern WA every year. I can't buy one handgun for everything so this is a good start for me. I can shoot a cheaper round for target practice with this gun and that was the biggest selling point for me! I had a lot of fun shooting with my sister, brother-in-law and their kids and spouses and can't wait to do it again! I know everyone has their opinion, but it was my choice which is the best part!