Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: jdb on May 18, 2008, 05:06:25 PM


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Title: new packin pistol
Post by: jdb on May 18, 2008, 05:06:25 PM
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
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: Snowman on May 18, 2008, 05:26:47 PM
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: jdb on May 18, 2008, 06:03:16 PM
not really thinking a "hunting" handgun just a gun to pack just in case. JB
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: CP on May 18, 2008, 07:51:20 PM
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.

Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: Bscman on May 19, 2008, 09:38:48 AM
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 19, 2008, 10:09:58 AM
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: CP on May 19, 2008, 11:12:32 AM
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? 
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: thinkingman on May 19, 2008, 11:31:50 AM
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: Bscman on May 19, 2008, 11:58:11 AM
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.

Quote from: Email to WDFW
----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?
Quote from: Response from Dennis Nicks
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: KillBilly on May 19, 2008, 12:59:50 PM
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: jdb on May 19, 2008, 02:41:24 PM
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
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: mossback91 on May 19, 2008, 03:15:23 PM
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
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: thinkingman on May 19, 2008, 04:34:56 PM
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: CP on May 19, 2008, 07:45:48 PM
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.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: ICEMAN on May 19, 2008, 08:26:49 PM
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...
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: jackelope on May 19, 2008, 08:33:06 PM
can you carry it legally during big game season?
just asking.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: ICEMAN on May 19, 2008, 08:54:26 PM
I understood that grouse may be shot with a .22 caliber pistol. 2008 Regs, page 68. 10 (b).  I see no rule banning its use while modern firearm / big game hunting...
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: Intruder on May 20, 2008, 01:14:17 PM
Get a decent quality .357 wheel gun.  Enough poop for what you need.  There are some decent lighter weight models out there and the ammo is available everywhere.  In addition you can shoot .38 for plinkin.  Hard to go wrong. 
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: snohohunter on May 20, 2008, 01:36:55 PM
I have a Ruger Vaquero 45 LC, with a 4 5/8 barrel length. 
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: HawkenBob on May 21, 2008, 03:15:16 PM
Also keep in mind, no CCP is needed in Wa to carry concealed while hunting, fishing, camping or going to or from. Lots of people do not know this...Its a straight up law.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: MHWASH on May 21, 2008, 04:15:33 PM
For grouse hunting any centerfire firearm is allowed. You could always state you were carring it for grouse.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: cascademountainhunter on May 22, 2008, 07:34:33 PM
i like .44Mag or .22LR/Mag for a packing pistol
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: snohohunter on May 22, 2008, 07:40:56 PM
Here's what you need....I want to get one bad.  They have a couple different models/barrel lengths.  Check it out.

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=4510TKR-3SS&category=Revolver&id=199

feature=related
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: Coasthunterjay on August 25, 2008, 10:31:18 PM
so in order to carrie a pistol and legally defend your self from an animal the pistol has to have atleast a 4 inch barrel length.

good to know, that fixes an issue i have been having recently...

thanks all........
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: PWN Kurt on August 25, 2008, 11:10:57 PM
I recently bought a 44 ruger Alaskan for my concealed carry while fishing and camping.  I love it's weight and balance and power.

Although, I did think about a hunting side arm and didn't want to cause any concern with WDFW...I went back to a 41 mag Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" bbl.  It's a little on the heavy side, but I believe it packs enough punch for dispatching critters.

I think the new ruger redhawks in 44 mag or 45 colt with a 4" bbl might be cool too...and meet the WDFW requirements.
Title: Re: new packin pistol
Post by: Bofire on August 26, 2008, 08:44:19 AM
The key words in that interp. request is as "back up to hunting rifle as primary weapon". If that is the case YES but if carrying for self defense, to keep your balance or for grouse NO.
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