Backpacking/Backcountry Hunting Sidearm

[chukar hunter]

Looking for recommendations on a good pistol for general protection, versatility, weight, and durability while backpacking and archery hunting.  My instinct is to get a revolver over a semi auto as it has less moving parts.  357?
New/used?

[h20hunter]

Long thead on this....lots of good suggestions.

[NRA4LIFE]

I would look at the new Ruger KLCR in .357 or the LCR in .38+P.  The first time I held one of these I was amazed at how light they are.  I don't own one yet, but soon will. 

[Button Nubbs]

I carry a G20, it is a bit heavy but when its loaded with 16 rounds of 10mm I aint scared of nothin.

[timberghost72]

Whatever you can draw and shoot accurately under a fast moving high stress situation.  If you have the time to get off 8+ rounds than IMHO its not really an immediate dangerous situation and you should have another option. Like kicking your partner in the family jewels and running I personally like my .357 Blackhawk

If I am in a more populated area I carry a Kimber just to conceal better. You never know when a group of 10 year olds will come around the corner. 

[BullMagnet76]

The Ruger GP100 .357 mag, 4 inch barrel.  It is easy to carry and has the hogue grips.  I own one and I love it.  You can probably get one for around $500.

[724wd]

The Ruger GP100 .357 mag, 4 inch barrel.  It is easy to carry and has the hogue grips.  I own one and I love it.  You can probably get one for around $500.

   i carry my Rossi .357 4".  never felt undergunned.

[headshot5]

I would probably recommend stainless for backcountry (rainy weather hiking/hunting).  Otherwise it would be best to pack gun oil with you for overnight/extended trips.

Either a Ruger SP-101 (5 shot) or smith model 60 (also 5 shot) to save on weight would be my recommendation.  Both are 357 mags.   

 

[MikeWalking]

S&W 629Classic .44. Period.   Seriously, the most comfortable to hold and shoot revolver I ever picked up.  Liked it better than all 3 of my Ruger's SP.357 GP.357 Redhawk .44

If I had the $$ right now I'd think real hard about a Glock20 10mm with a heavy spring and 16rds of Buffalo Bore.

Can't go wrong with either a .357,  .41 or a  .44

[epq21]

G20, Delta elite or S&W Mountian Guide gun in 41Mag are outstanding firearms for the purposes you propose and very flexible when it comes to defense, hunting or other outdoor needs. These two calibers are also legal hunting rounds with great flexability and capability for the hand loader with numerous options on the open market for factory loads. The ballistics easily exceed a 357 Magnum when desired or can be loaded down to a .40 specification. The only real down side to these two rounds in my humble opinion is the rounds tend to be a little more expensive than the .357.

Any 10mm or .41 caliber firearm is a good choice for the woods and self defense. It is a matter of preference when it comes to revolver or semi-auto. In either case range time is key for both as I am sure you are well aware.

Of coarse if you are worried about something the size of a Grizzly then you may need to consider something larger,,,

 

[johnsc6]

used to pack a S&W .44 629 which I agree is one of the nices shooting revolers ever made.  But older and lazier now. I pack a Taurus Titanium Tracker .41 magnum only 23 oz.! They make it in .44 as well.

[BULLBLASTER]

I have a Taurus tracker titanium in 45 lc and a 6 inch tube. Killed a few grouse with it. It is very light and weather resiliant. Hard to find though... I've never seen another like.it.

[724wd]

These two calibers are also legal hunting rounds with great flexability and capability for the hand loader with numerous options on the open market for factory loads.

in case you're not aware, any centerfire handgun with barrel length of 4 inches or more is now legal in washington... so load up those .25's!   

now, out to 35-ish yards, i'd have no problem taking a shot with my .357.  I can shoot that pistol rather well, and having seen what damage the bullets can do on a bear, well, you do NOT want to get shot with a .357! 

[high country]

Spend the extra on a 329pd......thank me later.

[Jim the Plumber]

Glock 20 10mm.
As stated above, 16 rounds of 10mm and I aint skeered of nuthin.