Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Martinhunter on August 23, 2010, 07:07:28 PM

Title: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Martinhunter on August 23, 2010, 07:07:28 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: seth30 on August 23, 2010, 07:08:17 PM: I use a 357 taurus 7 shooter. I think its plenty for cougars or tweekers.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Martinhunter on August 23, 2010, 07:12:12 PM: oh ya tweekers too.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: MikeWalking on August 23, 2010, 07:14:35 PM: 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. :twocents:

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...
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: wapiti hunter2 on August 23, 2010, 07:16:05 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: seth30 on August 23, 2010, 07:20:44 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: wapiti hunter2 on August 23, 2010, 07:28:43 PM: 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 (http://www.seattleguns.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=22606&p=103878&hilit=Taurus#p103878)
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: seth30 on August 23, 2010, 07:30:28 PM: yes Taurus has come leaps and bounds, I bought the one I have now last year, and boy does she work like a champ!
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: WaTiger on August 23, 2010, 07:34:33 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: seth30 on August 23, 2010, 07:35:04 PM: for that 41 mag is it hard to find ammo?
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: WaTiger on August 23, 2010, 07:47:02 PM: i have found it at all of the big outdoor chain stores and i am sure that most gun shops would carry it.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Whitenuckles on August 23, 2010, 07:49:27 PM: 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 :chuckle:
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: huntinkid20 on August 23, 2010, 08:22:33 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: dkecoleman on August 23, 2010, 08:24:53 PM: Another vote for the Ruger GP100, Have had one for quite some time, shoots pretty good and extremely durable.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on August 23, 2010, 08:30:20 PM: Quote from: seth30 on August 23, 2010, 07:08:17 PM
I use a 357 taurus 7 shooter. I think its plenty for cougars or tweekers.

x2 357 tracker :tup: for hunting and working fence. for everyday carry xdm for
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Special T on August 23, 2010, 08:37:22 PM: I once had a ruger P89 9mm 15 plus one in the hole isn't half bad for "Protection" I don't care what any ballistics geeks say, once the gun goes BLAM! animals and Tweekers rethink thier goals... :twocents: BTW you can get a cheap auto in 9 and it will work fine.... maybee a little heavy but it will go Blam..
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: mazama on August 23, 2010, 09:05:13 PM: My favorite carry gun is a Charter Arms 44special,very light and accurate,i do like the 41mag more punch but it ways more i also tried hunting with a 10mm Glock.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Raul Duke on August 23, 2010, 09:09:04 PM: Glock22 .40 8)
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: longshaft on August 23, 2010, 09:13:26 PM: springfield 1911 45 packs a punch
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: C-Money on August 23, 2010, 09:22:46 PM: I want to get a FN 9mm. Its small frame makes it very carry friendly and it still holds a bunch of rounds!
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: axelfisher on August 23, 2010, 09:32:08 PM: I really like my Taurus .40 cal...Plus the target loads are cheaper for target shooting! Plenty of power for Washington
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: ICEMAN on August 23, 2010, 09:41:33 PM: Smith 686 in .357 Works for me!
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: methowman on August 23, 2010, 09:54:18 PM: I have a Stoegar Cougar 40 S & W paid under $400 for it new. These are the exact same gun made on the exact same tooling that Beretta was selling for double the price. Shoots great & is sized well for concealment. It weighs about 32 ounces so its easy to pack.....
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Tony 270 on August 23, 2010, 09:59:40 PM: Shoot whatever feels comfortable to you, and you're accurate with. All that matters.

Here is my preference though
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on August 23, 2010, 10:20:43 PM: When in the woods, I most always pack a 44mag, but that's because I can hunt with it. But if I was in your position, I'd carry what felt good that day. My go-to carry gun that I'd bet my life on in the city or the woods for close in support would be a Ruger SP101 with 2 1/2" barrel in 357mag. It could never interfear with shooting a bow, but when I need it, it's there.

But then again it could be a snubbie in 38spl or 1911 in 45acp.

-Steve
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: BlackRidge on August 24, 2010, 09:57:38 AM: Glock 19 & Ruper P90

why not? :P
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: h20hunter on August 24, 2010, 10:02:57 AM: Kimber Custom II .45acp with 150gr ball ammo. Locked and cocked, safety on with hip holster with a snap for retention.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: GrainfedMuley on August 24, 2010, 10:05:15 AM: Para Ordinance P12 compact .45ACP 12 rounds of Black Talon....... :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: GoldTip on August 24, 2010, 10:07:27 AM: When bowhunting in woods back home with plenty of Grizzlies, I'll pack my Ruger Alaskan in 454 casull. Bowhunting here and in Idaho I pack my Colt 1911 Commander.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: BigD on August 24, 2010, 10:07:50 AM: XD 9, XDM 40, SW 357, SW 44spl
I normaly go for the XD 9, I think you can get one for around 450.00
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Jeremy S on August 24, 2010, 10:11:43 AM: .357 or 45
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: HoofsandWings on August 24, 2010, 10:22:04 AM: I have been looking at this. Maybe it is a little over the top.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on August 24, 2010, 10:39:22 AM: When weight is an issue, Ruger SP101 loaded in .357. When weight is not too much of an issue, Ruger GP100 in .357. When weight is really not an issue and there's really scary critters around S&W 629, .44 Mag.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: 400out on August 24, 2010, 10:42:16 AM: I carry a witness P 45 acp I picked it up a couple years back for $150 from a friend I love it
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: superdown on August 24, 2010, 10:46:45 AM: This is what i carry with Hornady 45 ACP+P 230 gr XTP
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: mattaylor81 on August 24, 2010, 01:57:53 PM: Either my 4" GP100 or 4 5/8" Blackhawk 45Colt. I reload 180gr hardcasts for the 357 and 265gr hardcast Kieth bullets for the 45colt.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: ratherhunt on August 25, 2010, 12:13:37 PM: 357 Mag.
Smith & Wesson 500
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: MikeWalking on August 25, 2010, 06:03:22 PM: Quote
[Ruger GP100 in .357/quote]

Had one, never could figure out why, but even from a solid rest, single action, fired inside a barn, it wouldn't hit the same wall twice. My 629classic? Tackdriver :dunno: no matter how I shot it..
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: MADMAX on August 26, 2010, 06:47:25 AM: Ruger 41 mag 4 " barrel
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: scoutsniper1/7 on August 26, 2010, 09:42:01 PM: I carry a springfield armory marine operator in .45 acp loaded with 185 gr. hydrashocks,leaves a really neat exit wound....LARGE!
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: nocklehead on August 26, 2010, 11:10:50 PM: I have a Taurus .44 special revolver from the 90s, the cylinder timing was an issue and had to be fixed, now its a good gun, I hear Taurus dosent have issues anymore..
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: FC on August 26, 2010, 11:40:56 PM: Sig P226R in .40 S&W.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Gutpile on August 27, 2010, 05:01:56 AM: Quote from: seth30 on August 23, 2010, 07:35:04 PM
for that 41 mag is it hard to find ammo?

41 is a complete pain in the ass. Factory stuff is very spendy. I've had XTP's on back order for 4 months or so. It's a very good choice in my opinion though.

My buddy MHWASH bought a Glock 20 (10mm) 15+1. Thats about as good as it gets, that 10 is a stout SD round. Thinking about picking one up myself but I hate to be a copycat.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: MADMAX on August 27, 2010, 05:40:02 AM: Agree on 41 mag ammo, when you find it in a sports store you buy it.
Glad I have a bud that reloads

Otherwise love my Glock 19 for anything and everything but the in the woods carry, just prefer a wheel gun as hunting sidearm
Have a nice Llama 380 for in the boat (stainless)
357 dearringer for out on the town with the wife
1911 Colt 45, which can't hit sh*t past 10 yards
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: rasbo on August 27, 2010, 05:48:33 AM: this one here is my baby..I dont even know I have it on I wear it so much..44mag 629 classic 6inch..Gutpile loaded up some rounds for it and they are awesome
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Gutpile on August 27, 2010, 06:04:26 AM: Quote from: rasbo on August 27, 2010, 05:48:33 AM
this one here is my baby..I dont even know I have it on I wear it so much..44mag 629 classic 6inch..Gutpile loaded up some rounds for it and they are awesome

Thats because I'm awesome.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: high country on August 27, 2010, 06:57:02 AM: I have a good seletion of handguns in big hole making calibers, but my absolute favorite is the S&W 329pd w/x-frame grips. the gun is light to carry, as accurate as my 6.5" 629 classic (although the rear sight should have a u instead of v) and is easily the most carried sidearm I carry in the woods. the next would be a 1911sc commander length wth 45supers for a diet. I feel good with both, but the 329 gives me the chance to take a 100-150 yd shot on game should I have the opportunity, my 1911sc fails my confidence after 50yds due to combat sights.

whatever you chose, be familiar with it and practice a ton.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Bob33 on August 27, 2010, 07:15:27 AM: Ruger SP101 357 or Glock mid size (model 19 in 9mm or 23 in 40 S&W). The revolver is the simplest handgun: pull the trigger and it goes. Semi autos carry more but are a bit more complicated.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: calib on August 27, 2010, 08:36:31 AM: i am getting a ruger vanquero 44 mag anyone else shoot one
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Special T on August 27, 2010, 09:21:00 AM: That's a lot of steel to be hanging off the belt there rasbo! If U carry concealed you are one big bubba! That much chrome and i doubt you'd ever have to fire... The blinding flash of silver would make anyone piss their pants. :'(
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: rasbo on August 27, 2010, 09:47:36 AM: Quote from: Special T on August 27, 2010, 09:21:00 AM
That's a lot of steel to be hanging off the belt there rasbo! If U carry concealed you are one big bubba! That much chrome and i doubt you'd ever have to fire... The blinding flash of silver would make anyone piss their pants. :'(
no flash in the dark stuff,its not bad at all to carry.its a shooter
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Martinhunter on August 27, 2010, 11:17:18 AM: I guess after lokking around awhile I'm thinking of the S&W 45acp. I think it will do just fine for what I need it for.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: buglebrush on August 27, 2010, 11:29:07 AM: .44 Mag all the way! I called in a Grizzly in Idaho, and no weight felt as good as my trusty Ruger Redhawk right then. 8)
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Martinhunter on August 28, 2010, 09:34:30 AM: You know what, I wen't to cabelas to check out what they had last night and before from past experiances I told myself I would never go back to cabelas because of their crappy service and prices, but I went anyways and I couldn't believe how bad I was treated there. They were more concerned about getting to the next # in line than answering my questions after waiting 40 minutes for my # to come up >:(. They showed absolutely no intrest in selling me a gun. Oh I was so freeken pissed, I will never ever ever ever walk in those doors again. I should just wait for the next gun show. I think there's one at the lewis county fair grounds in september. Has anybody else been treated like that at Cabelas?
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Digger on August 29, 2010, 08:28:21 PM: Pretty happy with my Glock 23 with night sights.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: ZeroTucker on August 29, 2010, 09:10:52 PM: Glock 36, sub-compact thin series 45ACP. Cor-Bon 185 Grain JHP have excellent ballistics, 6 + 1 should be enough but I do carry an extra mag...
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: hard hunter on August 29, 2010, 10:15:55 PM: Either Sig 229 in .40 or a Glock 9mm.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Angus on August 30, 2010, 11:11:15 AM: In 35 years of hunting/fishing in WA. I've only seen a handful of bears and they were either across canyons or running away from me after I spotted them, then spooked them. I have yet to see a cougar. I carry a Ruger SP101, .327 magnum, if and when I ever actually need it, I expect it to either be on dogs (had an occassion once where I really wish I had been packing) or 2 legged trash, in which case, I've got plenty of gun and its very easy to carry and fire. Really not concerned about bears or cougars. :twocents:
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Muleyarcher on August 30, 2010, 01:53:18 PM: i could only afford one pistol and since it will be my concealed carry weapon and a hunting sidearm i went with the xd 40 subcompact i love it. Easy to conceal and enough pop to stop a cougar or a tweeker
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: Tokul on August 30, 2010, 06:00:58 PM: 1911 .45 APC
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: dromero on August 30, 2010, 06:14:15 PM: Glock 23C .40. I went with a Glock because I wanted something I could throw in the glove box, bottom of a pack, or on the hip then hike, four wheel, or hunt with and not feel bad about scratching it up, getting it wet or general lack of maintenance.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: DRDANTDC on August 30, 2010, 10:08:47 PM: Quote from: Martinhunter on August 23, 2010, 07:07:28 PM
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.

I carry a Taurus 41mag Titanium revolver or a 40cal Taurus pistol. The 41 is an under rated caliber, and I have not had any trouble finding ammo.
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: MuleySniper on August 30, 2010, 10:27:21 PM: I carry a S&W 340 I bought a few months back..... always. Loaded it weighs just a touch over 13oz. Handles .357 mag or .38 special. I keep it loaded with the mags. All black scandium. Crimson Trace grip and a front night sight. Nasty little gun. Only downfall is it lacks firepower since it only holds 5 rounds. But hey, a ultra carry DAO 13oz. S&W .357 mag could fit in my shoe if I needed it to :chuckle:
MS
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: mmullins on September 02, 2010, 11:19:03 AM: I carry a springfield XD sub compact 40. I wouldn't mind a revolver but my pack is heavy enough for archery elk i like the composit frame. Also i think its more for people than bears and cougars, but it sure makes me feel more comfortable going into the dark timber by my self!
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: yakimarcher on September 02, 2010, 11:29:15 AM: smith and wesson 686 .357mag
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: wadu1 on September 02, 2010, 11:40:04 AM: Springfield Companion 45ACP or a CZ75 9mm when the tweekers are abundant!
Title: Re: Side arm preferance?
Post by: thinkingman on September 02, 2010, 11:47:34 AM: If you can see it, it's a Taurus Ti Tracker in 45ACP, with 200gr GoldDots.
If you can't, it's a Kahr PM9 with Hornady XTP's.