Side arm preferance?

[Martinhunter]

Hey I'm in the market for a hand gun to carry along with me while bow hunting just for safety from preditors, cougars mainly. I was wondering what I should go with. I was thinking maybe a 357 Touras; probobly don't need a very long barrel since it will only be for protection. I would rather buy used if anyone might have one.

[seth30]

I use a 357 taurus 7 shooter.  I think its plenty for cougars or tweekers.

[Martinhunter]

oh ya tweekers too.

[MikeWalking]

I hear Taurus has gotten a lot better, my .357 turned out to be crap, bought it mid 90's.  If I had the $$ I'd replace my S&W 629 .44 in a heartbeat for the same use. I'd think a good 4in .357 with good +p ammo would do fine for cougar, But I'd be more worried about bumping into a bear or having one sniff me out after the kill.  Might as well look for a .44mag.

Past $$ trouble has left me with 1 Handgun (rebuilding the Long Gun collection first) it's a 9mm Browning Hi-Power. I'm pretty comfortable that 18rds of quality +p will do for cougar, tweaker, feral dogs-been mobbed by'em 2x...

[wapiti hunter2]

I'm carrying my S&W 5906 9mm.  Some may say it is a little light but I can shoot it well, it has 15 shots and is stainless.

[seth30]

my 357 will stop a blackbear but a 44 would stop it faster.  I do want to get a 44 mag but dont have the funds yet.

[wapiti hunter2]

BTW, I carried a S&W 629 44 mag for 8 years in Alaska.  If I had a .357, .40 or .44 mag, I would carry it.  The Taurus brand name has come a long way and they now make excellent guns.  here is a link to a good SS .357mag.

 http://www.seattleguns.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=22606&p=103878&hilit=Taurus#p103878

[seth30]

yes Taurus has come leaps and bounds, I bought the one I have now last year, and boy does she work like a champ!

[WaTiger]

Ruger GP100 (357) in a 4 in barrel will do nicely as a mountain gun.  i would think a 41 mag would be just as good, little more punch.

[seth30]

for that 41 mag is it hard to find ammo?

[WaTiger]

i have found it at all of the big outdoor chain stores and i am sure that most gun shops would carry it. 

[Whitenuckles]

S&W .357 revolver for the last few years. But I got a Springfield .45 XD last years and I love it! Oh, It hold 14 rounds

[huntinkid20]

i carry a 3" ruger sp101 in 357 when im out and about in the woods. Smaller frame than the gp100 making it a lot lighter. Im happy with it.

[dkecoleman]

Another vote for the Ruger GP100, Have had one for quite some time, shoots pretty good and extremely durable.

[carpsniperg2]

I use a 357 taurus 7 shooter.  I think its plenty for cougars or tweekers.

x2 357 tracker for hunting and working fence. for everyday carry xdm for