pistol recomendations...

[KillZ 4 Thrilz]

Was looking for some input from all you fellow hunt wa members.  Im looking to purchase a pistol for protection while shed hunting.  After talking all winter about buying one just for this reason, i hit the woods today without one like I usually do. Well, after having my first cat encounter today while hiking, actaully 2 cats at less than 50 yards, i feel the time is now.  What would u guys recomend..not looking to spend over the top..and looking for something compact and easy to carry while hiking??

[Mookie]

Glock 29. Compact, 10mm, and has lots of rounds.

[carpsniperg2]

I really like a 357 mag when I am packing in the woods. I have packed my normal 40 carry guns in the woods more then once but prefer the 357 mag. I have shot a lot of critters with a 357 and 158g xtp bullet. Does the job well 

[JLS]

Look at the Taurus revolvers.  Do you want to be able to carry it concealed at all?  Capacity?  Auto or revolver?

[KillZ 4 Thrilz]

i dont have my concealed permit right now but it is on my to-do list.  And i think i would prefer to go with the auto route, and as far as capacity, more the better

[wraithen]

Stop! Find a bullet you like and decide if you want a revolver or pistol. Once you figure that out find a range that rents guns and try everything you want to think about buying. Once you find one that fits you and you like to shoot, find it in your price range. On a side note, if you get glock knuckle on your finger, you can fix that by using a different backstrap. If that doesn't work you can gently file a bit off the trigger guard. Every major brand owner stands by their product (or else they would be quickly out of business.) Once this happens spend about 400 dollars in ammo getting great at shooting it and then carry. 

[JLS]

Okay, how important is it for this gun to function as a concealed carry gun in the future?  If you don't care about concealed, a Glock 26 in a .40 gives you a lot of firepower in a pretty compact package. 

[jackelope]

Okay, how important is it for this gun to function as a concealed carry gun in the future?  If you don't care about concealed, a Glock 26 in a .40 gives you a lot of firepower in a pretty compact package.

Glock 26 is a compact 9mm with the little 10 round mag.
I carry a Glock 22, thats the full size .40 cal. There's one in the classifieds that got posted today and the price is right. 

[JimmyHoffa]

Revolvers are usually as fail safe as you can get, but limited in capacity.  Autos are typically weaker, but carry twice or more the firepower.  Autos are also getting really reliable these days.
For cats and bears, I'd go with a revolver.  If there are wolves near you, then an auto.

[JLS]

Okay, how important is it for this gun to function as a concealed carry gun in the future?  If you don't care about concealed, a Glock 26 in a .40 gives you a lot of firepower in a pretty compact package.

Glock 26 is a compact 9mm with the little 10 round mag.
I carry a Glock 22, thats the full size .40 cal. There's one in the classifieds that got posted today and the price is right.

Typo, my bad.

[Button Nubbs]

G20 15+1 of 10mm! You've got more rounds and more power than a 357.

[wraithen]

I love the 10 mm but hate paying the price of ammo since I don't reload. I got the g27. The only time I ever saw it not perform flawlessly was my buddy limp wristing it when it was dirty and it stovepiped. He managed to do the same thing with a full sized 1911 too so he needed a bit of learning to deal with recoil. Aside from user induced jams, I'd say the autos are reliable enough that I don't worry about it.

[GoldTip]

Id go with one of the 1911 copies in 45acp if you wanna stay with an auto, maybe the new ruger or the springfield, have heard good things about both of them.  Or go with the Ruger 357mag in a SP101 I believe. 

[KillZ 4 Thrilz]

Price of ammo isn't much of a concern as i really plan on shooting only when needed, aside from getting aquainted with it.  Ive never purchased a pistol so im open to all suggestions and recomendations.  Thanks to all.

[carpsniperg2]

Yeah really if you can, I would see if you can find some place to shoot some different types of handguns and see what you like the best. There is probably a few members in you area that might let you burn some ammo. So stores also allow you to test demo handguns.