Defense + hunting in one handgun?

bullfrog99 · August 6, 2001, 12:45 AM

A pistol for both personal defense in a SHTF scenerio and useable as a hunting gun. I was thinking either a 357 or a 45acp/45 super combination, what do you think? any suggestions?

Mark IV Series 80 · August 6, 2001, 01:13 AM

S & W Model 19 or 66, .357 Combat Magnum.

The M66 is plenty accurate for hunting!

44rugerfan · August 6, 2001, 01:19 AM

44mag. Use the mags for hunting, and the 44 specials for personal defense.

Spectre · August 6, 2001, 01:23 AM

.41 Magnum, if you're willing to train with it.

10mm, where legal, with same stipulation.

.357, .45 Colt, .45 Super, and .44 Special could all also qualify, with appropriate ammo, where legal, etc, etc.

August 6, 2001, 03:48 AM

357 Magnum with a 4" - 6" barrel seems ideal.

RWK · August 6, 2001, 08:24 AM

.357 magnum: Ruger GP-100 (4 or 6 inch), S&W 627 (5 inch) -- in addition to the other fine .357 magnum suggestions already offered.

OJ · August 6, 2001, 12:45 PM

Glock 20 10mm with the standard barrel for personal defense and the 6" barrel for hunting.
Of course, there are those who just like revolvers better and there are 10mm wheelguns.
YMMV

Dr.Rob · August 6, 2001, 02:53 PM

Most places a 357 isn't big game legal.. well its not here anyway. But a solid 4-6 inch 357 revolver could be the ticket in a one gun for everything scenario.

Fatcat · August 6, 2001, 03:09 PM

.44 SBH.

And if I run out of .44 ammo, I can fit 2 .22s in a cylinder hole. If I line em up right, they might even shoot, too.

Solitar · August 6, 2001, 11:33 PM

A 6 inch .357 revolver - either an S&W N-frame .357 or a Ruger GP-100 because a lightly loaded .38spl can still be used to hunt rabbits and not be destructive overkill like a 44 spl. Yet hotly loaded .357's could take large deer (or elk or moose if you're a darn good stalker and shot!).

Ala Dan · August 7, 2001, 12:36 AM

How about a 6" barrel S&W model 686, .357 Magnum?

Well, you did say one handgun for hunting and defense, didn't you? I think this wheel gun
would serve the purpose well.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.

MOLON LABE!!!

ArmySon · August 7, 2001, 12:44 AM

.45 Colt - one of the most versatile cartridges around

CZ_ · August 7, 2001, 01:03 AM

I think a .357 magnum with a 6" barrel is a good choice. I like the Ruger GP 100 6", the S&W 686 6", and best of all the S&W 686+ 6" (7 shot version).

355sigfan · August 7, 2001, 01:24 AM

My GLock 20 in 10 mm could fill that role so could my Glock 31 in 357 sig because I have a 24 upper for it with a 6 inch 357 sig barrel
PAT

J. Parker · August 7, 2001, 01:36 AM

Simple and cheap; The 10mm Witness. Ten plus one of enough power that will go both ways. Urban or woods it will do the job.

August 7, 2001, 02:40 AM

.41 mag revolver
10mm auto

Anything from .357 up will probably work.

Glamdring · August 7, 2001, 01:28 PM

My $0.02

People are more dangerous than any animal, so I would pick the gun with that in mind. If your concerned about "hunting" for food I will point out that is not a very effective way to get food.

Traps, snares, nets, & such are the way to go for killing animals for food. It allows you to cover a lot of area with little effort...while your trap is "hunting" for you, you can be sleeping/working/scouting/healing/etc. Also if you get sick or injured better chance of being able to get food with traps than with hunting.

Darkangel · August 7, 2001, 02:23 PM

How about a 1911 with a carbine conversion unit?
DA

WESHOOT2 · August 7, 2001, 08:41 PM

Suggest best choice based on your criteria to be a 4" GP100 in 357 Magnum.
Fairly easy to conceal, 38 and 357 ammo EVERYWHERE, best-quality defense loads and extreme hunting (unless you live in other-than-the-lower-48) ammo available, and rugged, durable, and easy to maintain.

Oh, and inexpensive to buy!

Redlg155 · August 7, 2001, 08:47 PM

Based on a SHTF scenario, you could care less about the "legality" of hunting laws and ammuntion restrictions.

I would think a Modified .45 set up to fire .45 Super would be just the ticket. You can always use standard .45 ammo for defense or +P's.

Othewise if you wanted to stay on the legal side a good revolver in .357 mag such as the 686 is hard to beat. Many states have minimum case lengths and calibers that you must meet in order to shoot big game with a handgun as well as minimum barrel lengths. I would believe their reasoning to be to exclude the use of 9mm's, .40's and other smaller calibers for deer hunting.

Again, with SHTF scenarios in mind, you have a better chance of finding some .45 or .357 mag ammo if you ever run out.

Good Shooting
RED

355sigfan · August 7, 2001, 09:30 PM

Othewise if you wanted to stay on the legal side a good revolver in .357 mag

They won't let you hunt with a semi auto down there. That sucks. In ALaska we can use what we want.
PAT

yorec · August 8, 2001, 01:53 AM

Another vote for the .41 mag.

Can't hunt legally in Wyoming with the smaller 10mm or .357 mag and I wouldn't want to carry a .44 mag for defense. I have to admit though, that the 44 spc for defese sounds like an attractive alternative, but I want a Taurus Titanum .41 mag!

Solitar · August 8, 2001, 05:43 PM

That Taurus Titanium .41 mag you wanted was in our local gun shop a couple months ago. I looked at it but ordered the KelTec P32 instead and likely will order a Ruger GP161. Turns out the Taurus was sold to a fellow who couldn't get it to work right. They sent it back to Taurus who couldn't get it to work right. They refunded his money. The more I hear of Taurus service, the more I lean to Ruger and S&W.

JRiggs · August 8, 2001, 05:49 PM

Couldnt go wrong with a Glock 20!

August 6, 2001, 12:45 AM	#1
bullfrog99 Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2000 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 811	Defense + hunting in one handgun? A pistol for both personal defense in a SHTF scenerio and useable as a hunting gun. I was thinking either a 357 or a 45acp/45 super combination, what do you think? any suggestions? __________________ Are you a gamer? Try Fortress Forever, It is a free HL2 Mod. http://www.fortress-forever.com/?a=media

August 6, 2001, 01:19 AM	#3
44rugerfan Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2001 Posts: 277	44mag. Use the mags for hunting, and the 44 specials for personal defense. __________________ "Praise the Lord, and pass the ammuntion..."

August 6, 2001, 08:24 AM	#6
RWK Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 1999 Location: Occupied Virginia Posts: 2,777	.357 magnum: Ruger GP-100 (4 or 6 inch), S&W 627 (5 inch) -- in addition to the other fine .357 magnum suggestions already offered. __________________ __________________ Μολών λαβέ!

August 6, 2001, 12:45 PM	#7
OJ Senior Member Join Date: December 25, 1998 Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, USA Posts: 1,569	Glock 20 10mm with the standard barrel for personal defense and the 6" barrel for hunting. Of course, there are those who just like revolvers better and there are 10mm wheelguns. YMMV __________________ OJ - SEMPER FI - DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY NRA ENDOWMENT LIFE MEMBER

August 6, 2001, 02:53 PM	#8
Dr.Rob Staff Alumnus Join Date: July 28, 1999 Location: Denver Posts: 2,457	Most places a 357 isn't big game legal.. well its not here anyway. But a solid 4-6 inch 357 revolver could be the ticket in a one gun for everything scenario. __________________ You broke into the wrong Rec Room!

August 6, 2001, 01:13 AM	#2
Mark IV Series 80 Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Posts: 540	S & W Model 19 or 66, .357 Combat Magnum. The M66 is plenty accurate for hunting!

August 6, 2001, 01:23 AM	#4
Spectre Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 23, 1998 Location: DC Posts: 3,279	.41 Magnum, if you're willing to train with it. 10mm, where legal, with same stipulation. .357, .45 Colt, .45 Super, and .44 Special could all also qualify, with appropriate ammo, where legal, etc, etc.

August 6, 2001, 03:48 AM	#5
PreserveFreedom Guest Posts: n/a	357 Magnum with a 4" - 6" barrel seems ideal.

August 6, 2001, 03:09 PM	#9
Fatcat Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2000 Location: Rockaway Beach, OR Posts: 376	.44 SBH. And if I run out of .44 ammo, I can fit 2 .22s in a cylinder hole. If I line em up right, they might even shoot, too. __________________ Patrick J. Sullivan :: sullivpa@onid.orst.edu "When I whet my flashing sword, and my hand takes hold in judgement, I will take vengeance upon mine enemies, and I will repay those who haze me."

August 6, 2001, 11:33 PM	#10
Solitar Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2000 Location: Solitary Posts: 717	A 6 inch .357 revolver - either an S&W N-frame .357 or a Ruger GP-100 because a lightly loaded .38spl can still be used to hunt rabbits and not be destructive overkill like a 44 spl. Yet hotly loaded .357's could take large deer (or elk or moose if you're a darn good stalker and shot!).

August 7, 2001, 12:36 AM	#11
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 14, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,117	How about a 6" barrel S&W model 686, .357 Magnum? Well, you did say one handgun for hunting and defense, didn't you? I think this wheel gun would serve the purpose well. Best Wishes, Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A. MOLON LABE!!!

August 7, 2001, 12:44 AM	#12
ArmySon Staff Alumnus Join Date: April 14, 2000 Posts: 2,926	.45 Colt - one of the most versatile cartridges around __________________ Your friends will forgive your mistakes. Your enemies will kill you for it.

August 7, 2001, 01:03 AM	#13
CZ_ Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 2001 Location: PRK Posts: 909	.357 magnum 6" I think a .357 magnum with a 6" barrel is a good choice. I like the Ruger GP 100 6", the S&W 686 6", and best of all the S&W 686+ 6" (7 shot version).

August 7, 2001, 01:24 AM	#14
355sigfan Junior member Join Date: February 10, 2000 Posts: 1,388	My GLock 20 in 10 mm could fill that role so could my Glock 31 in 357 sig because I have a 24 upper for it with a 6 inch 357 sig barrel PAT

August 7, 2001, 01:36 AM	#15
J. Parker Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2000 Location: Ephrata, wa. USA Posts: 1,338	Simple and cheap; The 10mm Witness. Ten plus one of enough power that will go both ways. Urban or woods it will do the job.

August 7, 2001, 02:40 AM	#16
M58 Guest Posts: n/a	.41 mag revolver 10mm auto Anything from .357 up will probably work.

August 7, 2001, 01:28 PM	#17
Glamdring Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2000 Location: MN Posts: 1,399	My $0.02 People are more dangerous than any animal, so I would pick the gun with that in mind. If your concerned about "hunting" for food I will point out that is not a very effective way to get food. Traps, snares, nets, & such are the way to go for killing animals for food. It allows you to cover a lot of area with little effort...while your trap is "hunting" for you, you can be sleeping/working/scouting/healing/etc. Also if you get sick or injured better chance of being able to get food with traps than with hunting.

August 7, 2001, 02:23 PM	#18
Darkangel Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 314	How about a 1911 with a carbine conversion unit? DA

August 7, 2001, 08:41 PM	#19
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 12,918	SERIOUS CONSIDERATION Suggest best choice based on your criteria to be a 4" GP100 in 357 Magnum. Fairly easy to conceal, 38 and 357 ammo EVERYWHERE, best-quality defense loads and extreme hunting (unless you live in other-than-the-lower-48) ammo available, and rugged, durable, and easy to maintain. Oh, and inexpensive to buy! __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

August 7, 2001, 08:47 PM	#20
Redlg155 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2001 Location: NW Florida Posts: 2,307	Based on a SHTF scenario, you could care less about the "legality" of hunting laws and ammuntion restrictions. I would think a Modified .45 set up to fire .45 Super would be just the ticket. You can always use standard .45 ammo for defense or +P's. Othewise if you wanted to stay on the legal side a good revolver in .357 mag such as the 686 is hard to beat. Many states have minimum case lengths and calibers that you must meet in order to shoot big game with a handgun as well as minimum barrel lengths. I would believe their reasoning to be to exclude the use of 9mm's, .40's and other smaller calibers for deer hunting. Again, with SHTF scenarios in mind, you have a better chance of finding some .45 or .357 mag ammo if you ever run out. Good Shooting RED

August 7, 2001, 09:30 PM	#21
355sigfan Junior member Join Date: February 10, 2000 Posts: 1,388	Othewise if you wanted to stay on the legal side a good revolver in .357 mag They won't let you hunt with a semi auto down there. That sucks. In ALaska we can use what we want. PAT

August 8, 2001, 01:53 AM	#22
yorec Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,341	Another vote for the .41 mag. Can't hunt legally in Wyoming with the smaller 10mm or .357 mag and I wouldn't want to carry a .44 mag for defense. I have to admit though, that the 44 spc for defese sounds like an attractive alternative, but I want a Taurus Titanum .41 mag!

August 8, 2001, 05:43 PM	#23
Solitar Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2000 Location: Solitary Posts: 717	yorec That Taurus Titanium .41 mag you wanted was in our local gun shop a couple months ago. I looked at it but ordered the KelTec P32 instead and likely will order a Ruger GP161. Turns out the Taurus was sold to a fellow who couldn't get it to work right. They sent it back to Taurus who couldn't get it to work right. They refunded his money. The more I hear of Taurus service, the more I lean to Ruger and S&W.

August 8, 2001, 05:49 PM	#24
JRiggs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 272	Couldnt go wrong with a Glock 20!