new packin pistol

[jdb]

I been seriously thinking of a new handgun for general outdoor use I have 2 in mind 1st is a ruger blackhawk with either a 4 5/8" barrel or 5 1/2" barrel in .45 colt which i would shoot the rcbs 270 saa hardcast bullet. benefits of such a rig are relatively light weight, power to spare almost indestructible. the other is a s&w model 60 with a 3" barrel and adj. sights benefits are light weight,compact,stainless steel, decent power, plethora of factory ammo, Negatives of the ruger is kinda bulky not stainless, and limited factory ammo. and with the smith you have limited power and 5 rounds versus 6. any suggestions? JB

[Snowman]

If your looking to pack in the woods out hunting your pistol must be 4" in barrel lentgh anything under that and they could cite you for that. I carry a ruger blackhawk 4 1/2" 44mag. I use mine mainly out bear hunting.

[jdb]

not really thinking a "hunting" handgun just a gun to pack just in case. JB

[CP]

There is no better revolver than a S&W and there is no better caliber than a .357 mag.  A model 60 goes great in the waist band or in the pocket (keep it 2” or less).  For a sidearm, wear a K frame loud and proud (4” or more).  If I couldn’t decide on which one, I’d just get both.

[Bscman]

not really thinking a "hunting" handgun just a gun to pack just in case. JB

Just to clarify...
ANY firearm you have with you while legally hunting, no matter if it's concealed or not....or if it is your primary hunting firearm or not....it must have at least a 4" barrel and be .24 caliber or larger, or you will not be legal, and could be cited.

[Skyvalhunter]

Well if you want to be able to conceal it with in fanny pack or etc(if u have concealed weapons permit) go with a good light weight and not to larger size wise. Maybe a semi-auto. I packed my colt .45 but it was too big and bulky. Sounds likeyou are concerned about the size.

[CP]

not really thinking a "hunting" handgun just a gun to pack just in case. JB

Just to clarify...
ANY firearm you have with you while legally hunting, no matter if it's concealed or not....or if it is your primary hunting firearm or not....it must have at least a 4" barrel and be .24 caliber or larger, or you will not be legal, and could be cited.

I don't believe that is the law.  Can you give us a reference? 

[thinkingman]

I just went thru the same exercise.
I was strongly considering a mod 65 or 66 LE trade in for about $250.
They still weigh about 35oz.
I then found some new taurus titanium revolvers in 4"....45acp and 357mag.
I wanted the 357 but it was ported and I'm not a fan of ported guns so I bought a 45ACP.
23 oz and about the same size and a K or L frame...I use the same holster.
Shoots great...really accurate.
I will diddle with it, already put a Hogue combat grip on it and will probably buy a Wolff spring set to smooth things up a bit.
Not the same as my 686 but half the weight and about the same firepower if 5rds of 45acp is considered adequate.

[Bscman]

I have consulted Dennis Nicks from the department of fish and wildlife in Olympia to clarify, and he confirmed your CCW pistol must meet the same requirements if carrying it while big game hunting.

----Is it legal to hunt large game with a rifle as a primary...but also
having a  revolver as a backup weapon in the event of a
charge/attack?

Yes, in a modern firearm season, provided the revolver meets the specifications set forth in WAC 232.12.047(1)f (page 65 of the current big game hunting regulation pamphlet), it would be lawful to carry a revolver as a backup hunting weapon. However, in muzzleloader and archery seasons you cannot carry any modern firearm, concealed or not, for any reason.  DWN

Noted: Page 65, as referenced, is from LAST year's pamphlet. This email was dated Feb 11, 2008 (just before the current regs were released.) The information he references is now on page 67 of the newest regs.

Also note: The question was regarding a backup weapon, as opposed to a striclty concealed carry pistol.

I later talked face to face with a field officer (can't recall his name right now, have it written somewhere).
He also noted to be very careful what you do, as Washington state has a VERY broad description of the word hunting...so even if you aren't truly "hunting" in the traditional sense, harassing or injuring wildlife could be considered hunting.

RCW 77.08.010 (7) "To hunt" and its derivatives means an effort to kill, injure, capture, or harass a wild animal or wild bird.

He also clarified that a sidearm could be carried that did NOT meet the big game hunting specifications if it were being used for small game. However, there could be legal consequences if it were used to take a big game animal, whether purposely or in defense.

When I asked how this may pertain to concealed carry, he gave a smirk and strongly recommended carrying a pistol that will also meet the minimums for big game hunting if I plan to be in the woods around dangerous critters.

Makes sense, IMHO.
Besides, an extra 1/2-1" of barrel isn't going to make much difference for packing...it's the width and grip that is most problematic when concealing--not barrel length.

[KillBilly]

Why worry about concealing the weapon? If it is in your pack it is concealed, but you can't get to it anyway. If you need access to it carry it on your hip in sight and no CCW required. If it is shoulder rig, then CCW might come into play but I would still think you would have it easily accessible.

[jdb]

this pistol wont really be carried while hunting, shed hunting maybe, fishing the rivers, scouting, hikeing, things of this nature if I hunt its with a muzzleloader or bow so handguns a no no anyways, may also be used to investigate bumps in the night. JB

[mossback91]

I ve got a ruger blackhawk 357 with a 6 1/2 inch barrel and its not that heavy at all.....get the 45 colt might have to relaod to get full power but man that would wallop anything comin at ya and a single action is faithfull

[thinkingman]

Why worry about concealing the weapon? If it is in your pack it is concealed, but you can't get to it anyway. If you need access to it carry it on your hip in sight and no CCW required. If it is shoulder rig, then CCW might come into play but I would still think you would have it easily accessible.

agreed.
concealed carry is not what a backwoods handgun is all about.

[CP]

A permit is not required to carry a concealed pistol while hunting should you choose to do so (ref. RCW 9.41.060).  I’m not saying that is what a backwoods handgun is all about, just saying that it is your right.

[ICEMAN]

Just to clarify...ANY firearm you have with you while legally hunting, no matter if it's concealed or not....or if it is your primary hunting firearm or not....it must have at least a 4" barrel and be .24 caliber or larger, or you will not be legal, and could be cited.

Uh....not exactly...you can hunt grouse with a .22 caliber pistol...