Pistol for the woods

[Selfdfenz]

I could be wrong but if you are planning to roam the national forests/game lands of NC outside of hunting season you may be limited to 22 LR, bears and other hostile varmits notwithstanding. You'll have to check the hunting regs to determine what can and can't be carried during hunting season. Example -Handguns during bow or primitive weapons season is a big no-no depending on the circumstances.

Best

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[GaryD]

I carry a Taurus Titanium Tracker, 7 shot 357 Mag revolver with a 4" barrel when deer hunting. Its not only legal to hunt with (even in slug season) in my state, but deadly to about 50 yards.

Ever been nose to nose with a deer and a scope on your rifle. The hand gun is faster and easier to aim in this situation.

[Al Thompson]

Which ever is more comfortable to carry. If it's pain to tote, you may not have with you when you need it.

Any gun is better than no gun.

I like a Glock M26 or 27 myself - easy to carry and very decent performance.

[Para Bellum]

if that's you choice, a 9x19mm seems a good compromise. Really.

[skydiver3346]

excellent advice and exactly what I would have said.

[James R. Burke]

Daryl no doubt says it all. Listen to him.

[srt 10 jimbo]

depends whats in the woods where you live. anything bigger then a chipmonk with a bad case of Hemmoroids and I'd opt for the .357

[fisherman66]

fisherman66 gave the best answer!
excellent advice and exactly what I would have said.

Something like that could really go to a fisherman's head.

[Dingoboyx]

Get both, definately..... or better, 2 of each :-)

[Storm52]

Great 'lil snake & varmit gun. 410 & .45 LC to mix and good low light sights.

[OLNfan]

If I had to pick a bush surivial handgun/defense. I would say taurus the judge becuase for defense and larger game 45 colt will do just fine. For gettin the small game squirells, ducks,grouse what ever you are willing to eat the .410 could easily do. not to metion its a beauty of a gun. The ammo packing part isnt the lighest but for the vaule pack combo your getting I think its well worth the extra weight.

http://www.taurus-judge.com/category...rus_Judge.aspx I have always wanted to get one so perhaps it could be a bit of a bias choice but who doesnt like a pistol that can shoot shotgun and lethal colt 44, 45 ammuntion.

[Buzzcook]

I carry a Ruger Mark II.

[guntotin_fool]

my woods gun has turned into my single six in .32 H&R, I carry it with the hammer down on two .32 short loads, and the next four are Hard cast 105 grain SWC's. so the first four shots are full house, but If I see a bunny or the like that needs to go home nad feed me, I can roll the cylinder until I see the short loads, and then pop the bunny or whatever with hardly any recoil or noise.

[Big Bill]

I carry my Ruger Blackhawk .357 Mag and plenty of extra cartridges.

[James R. Burke]

I would go with the .357 mag full power loads. I dont down load anything. Thats just my opion, and I am sure lots of people dont agree with that. But thats o.k. to each his own. I see so many people buying something like a cheap 12ga shell, that has less punch than my 20ga. Just buy the smaller caliber.

[guntotin_fool]

But what is the point of the woods gun, is it a blaster? are you hunting or hiking where meth labs or grow patches are common? Bear? Feral Hogs? Where I hunt and hike I might run into a drunk or meth lab, but very unlikely I do want to have a little handgun for potting game if something goes awry, and a .22 or a .32 seem perfect for that.

Were I hiking or fishing in the great northwest where Big bear, or in the california mountains where grow patches are common I might want something bigger, but in northern Mn and Wisc and the UP, hiking the woods making as little noise as I can has become something I seek. I love the fact that I can hear others a LONG way before they ever hear me. I generally step off the trail a few steps and just sit if I come across others, and let them pass by. Its fun to wear muted colors, to keep my pack tight, and just observe others and then get on my way.

In someways I would love a supressed .22 like a Mk2 ruger and just take what i need, (in season of course) and not let anyone know I was there. As i get older, the need for seclusion and quiet are outweighing other choices.

[CWB1]

I say both. Carry a Mark II in 22 when rabbit and squirrel hunting and a 357 deer hunting

[L_Killkenny]

I dont understand how you are comparing 22mag to 357.

I do. It's because if you ask most gun owners about the perfect woods gun in areas where BIG bears are not an issue 1/3 will say .22, 1/3 will say 4" .357 and the remainder will be mixed up results from other calibers.

I'd have a tough time choosing between the 2 myself. And would most likely switch up the guns every other trip out. They both have their disadvantages. IMO, bear encouters are rare and with 2 legged varmints (also rare or you shouldn't be hiking there) 95% of the time a .22 will do the job.

For the record, I too believe a Single Six .32 mag is a great compromise and mine is my favororite woods gun.

[rem870hunter]

depends on where i'm hunting and what i am after that day. years ago when virginia hunting i carried a .22 revolver and a .35 rem. marlin rifle. i did change it up a few times where i carried a .357 mag revolver and a .22 rifle.

the .35 and .357 was for deer and black bear,the .22 was for rabbit,squirrel,turkey, and grouse if i was fast enough. for around here if i could and hopefully it will change soon,will be carrying a .357.

[srt 10 jimbo]

If I was In Bear or couger country,I'd opt for the .357 otherwise a 22 Wmr would be fine.