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Old March 17, 2019, 09:31 AM   #26
SBH
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The gun and the caliber are great. It is the 3rd stainless gun that I have owned and the 3rd to be sold. I do not like stainless guns. The weight and balance are fine and the cartridge is okay to reload for. I just like my blue SBHs better and I like the 44 cartridge better. The weight difference is about the same between the Single 7 and my "custom" SBH but the balance of the SBH suits me more. Good luck on them pine cones.
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Old March 18, 2019, 07:49 AM   #27
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In virtually every thread I've seen on the subject the weapon of choice is a Ruger .44mag or equal with a few recs for SW 500 or fewer still 10mm. My questions are: Is this a revolver vs semi preference?, A difference in the cartridges?, North woods, Alaska history? Why not a Desert Eagle?
The over-sized, pants-drooping DEs, Wildeys and AutoMags are far heavier than needed in an autoloader intended for woods or boonies-carry.

The 5- or 6-shot Magnum boat-anchors are worse: low-capacity, slow-to-reload, along with concussive blast and heavy recoil when that first round goes off from the 2.5" or 3" barrels on the big-bore 'snubbies' currently being marketed as 'trail guns' or 'for Alaskan carry,' as when you're up there fishing for salmon off a river bank.

Speaking of Alaska, here's what one AK native has to say on the subject:

10mm for Bear Protection:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BriBGiDdiVk&t=306s

Last edited by agtman; March 18, 2019 at 08:08 AM.
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Old March 19, 2019, 05:04 PM   #28
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In the Southern USA there are two NEW predators that are slowly creeping northwards...
Boa's & Pythons.
They're getting acclimated to our weather. They are learning. They are moving.
Able to take on bears, alligators, Panthers, and humans, sometimes winning.

Yet another reason to have another 10mm on tap
So I bought a Tanfoglio Witness for...Reasons!
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Old March 22, 2019, 11:23 AM   #29
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Since I like to play where the bitey/scratchy things live, I bought a 329pd about 10 years ago. Put the rounds in to learn how to shoot it. I carry it loaded with 270grWFN@1150fps. I know what it will do.
It became my security blanket when laying my head down to sleep at night. 31oz loaded. That revolver has traveled a lot of trail miles with me.
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Old March 23, 2019, 04:20 PM   #30
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In a lot of places, a 4-5" 686 or GP100 in .357 magnum is probably plenty of gun. A polymer-framed high-capacity semi-auto in 10mm would be great. Heck, a .357 Sig with hardcast or copper solids could work in a lot of cases. All of those options offer reasonable power and can be reasonably carried.

I wouldn't commit to carrying anything bigger or heavier without a specific risk that demanded it for a particular outdoor area. The biggest threats I'm likely to face are people, followed distantly by black bears, moose, coyotes, snakes, etc. There have been days when I was already carrying a full-sized gun in .40 S&W and decided to go for a walk in the woods. Did I stop and say "is this 165-grain Critical Defense going to be enough"? No. I just enjoyed my walk.
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Old March 23, 2019, 05:18 PM   #31
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Always a great discussion when this subject comes up.
My “woods” used to be S&W 629 Mountain gun, great hand gun. My grandson really liked it and needed a home defense weapon for him and his ne bride, so we know here this story goes.
Not much need for a .44M here in Indiana,so it shot mainly.44 spl. I’ve always had a love fair with single action, so my choices were unlimited
Long story short, I settled on. .357M Ruger Montado. Easy to pack, reliable and shoots a good all around caliber. Not many bears in Indiana, but Coyotes and wild dogs can be worse.
Just my 2 cents woth and that’s about what it’s worth!
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Old March 24, 2019, 11:54 AM   #32
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No big bears in my neck of the woods. My favorite woods/camping gun is a 3" Ruger SP101. A little ammo pouch on my belt also holds .38 wadcutters and snake loads. Pretty much handles everything I need it for.
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Old March 24, 2019, 02:03 PM   #33
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Going by the statistics on firearms used in defense on large predators it seams that anything from 9 mm up is effective enough. So I usually carry at least my 9mm. But I usually have my Ruger Redhawk in 44 mag with me. Not because I worry about being attacked, but because it is the lightest gun I have that is legal to dispatch big game animals with when hunting.

I suppose I should be more concerned about carrying an EpiPen, as it is statistically 24 times more likely I will die from a bee sting than a bear.. But I don't really worry about either, as the possibility is so small. I do however buckle my seatbelt every time I get in a car. Because it is 24,000 times more likely that I will die from a car accident on my way to the woods than by a bear attack.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't carry with the intention of defense from large predators. It just isn't high on my list of reasons for caliber or action type. When I finally get the cash for my next handgun acquisition it will likely be a 6" Ruger GP100 in 357 mag. That will probably become my new favorite "woods gun".

As to action choice....I usually choose an auto for easier concealment. I usually choose a revolver for added power and range due to my intended use being hunting. I occasionally hunt with only a handgun, so the range is a factor more important than round capacity or weight of the gun. My preferred cartridge for handgun hunting is 454 Casull. Mine is a Ruger Super Redhawk with a scope. It gets my effective range in the neighborhood of 100 yards. Which happens to be close to the longest distance I am likely to see my quarry while hunting in the woods of Washington.
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Old March 24, 2019, 03:51 PM   #34
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I get frustrated because it seems I just can't communicate...

People in my State do not get eaten by predators on a regular basis. As Al says, a metric poopload more get stung by bees. Come deer season, we will lose about 10 every year to heart attacks.

I go for a walk with the dog in the woods about 4-5 times a week. We take a Bearcat and shoot pinecones just about every week because it's fun to plink and a .22 isn't so loud as to annoy people.

My woods gun is just for the fun of it.

Alaska, whole other story.
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Old March 24, 2019, 06:58 PM   #35
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Originally Posted by jmr40 View Post
Woods guns mean different things to different people. I've seen guys carry heavy 500 magnum revolvers in the woods where the bear are under 200 lbs.

For others a small 22 caliber revolver or pistol for plinking is enough.
Yep. Good point of clarification. The requirements of a “woods gun” are going to vary depending on the person, the activity in the woods, and the locale.

I’m a fan of the Desert Eagle (I currently own three of them), but it would not be my first choice for hiking around. The weight issue has been discussed already, and I will add that they can be carried comfortably. Something like a chest rig that spreads out the weight can make a world of difference. There are also aluminum framed “lightweight” models that, while still hefty, are significantly lighter than the steel framed models.

But if carrying for protection against critters or people, it is possible one may need to draw and shoot one-handed, as the other hand may be occupied, fending off a critter with teeth. If you carry the DE with an empty chamber, you need both hands free to cycle the big slide. If you carry cocked & locked, you need to have double-jointed ape-like thumbs to actually disengage the safety. One could carry with he hammer down on a live chamber (not recommended) but thumbing back the hammer is even less ergonomic than disengaging the safety.

For the record, I often hike with a suppressed .22 pistol. I can plink without alarming others in the area, and it’s just right in the event I get attacked by a drug-crazed squirrel.

The last time I hiked in “bear country”, I carried a Colt 10mm. It’s a good balance between size, weight, power, shootability, and concealability.
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Old March 25, 2019, 09:32 PM   #36
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Depends on location. Some are fine with .22's and that's okay if there are no dangerous creatures about. For most in the lower 48, revolver wise a .357 or 44 would serve very well, for a semi auto a .40 or .45 would work nicely. If in Alaska, or if your woods happen to be in the African plains, .44 Mag minimum but bigger if possible. I like the 454 but a 480, 475L, 500 JRH or 500L would be good choices. I have nothing against the 500 S&W but in general the guns are rather large and I'm not convinced they're a necessity more than they are a novelty.
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Old March 26, 2019, 05:34 AM   #37
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Not that I know anything about the subject of protection in big bear country, but what's wrong with the 480 Ruger in a Blackhawk? A cast 370 grain bullet at a stated 1500 fps seem pretty impressive.
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Old March 26, 2019, 08:09 AM   #38
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There's nothing wrong with the 480. It's just an in between cartridge....not as powerful as the 454 and a little more than the 44 mag. It is perfect for someone wanting more than 44, but don't want the recoil of 454. I almost got one. But I have the 44 and 454, don't need the in between for anything.

I think it would be more popular if it had been on the market for a few years before the 454.
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Old March 26, 2019, 11:01 PM   #39
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I was thinking more of a balance between power and handling. More of the second shot rather than the first.
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Old March 27, 2019, 09:13 AM   #40
big al hunter
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I haven't shot a 480, but my understanding is that it recoils more than 44 mag. I have let friends shoot my 44 mag that only shot 1 round and absolutely refused to touch my 454. Both are 7 1/2 inch stainless, Redhawk and Super Redhawk.

Not every person can manage the recoil of the 480. If you hand load it can be loaded down, but then you might as well have the added versatility of 44 mag/special and more available ammo choices.

The 480 would be perfect if you like the 44 recoil but want just a little more.

But if you want more versatility a 454 can shoot 45 Colt too.

Or just get one of each and sell what you don't like....wish I had that kind of funding.

What I guess is most important to note is: there isn't anything that lives in North America that any of the mentioned cartridges can't handle. Shoot what you like, it'll work.
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Old March 27, 2019, 09:48 AM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GarrettJ View Post
The last time I hiked in “bear country”, I carried a Colt 10mm. It’s a good balance between size, weight, power, shootability, and concealability.
I don't see a 1911 style 10mm being a good 'balance' for a wood's gun. Don't get me wrong, I really like my 2 Springfield 1911s in 45acp but not as a woods gun. Even in stainless, it's like big bore revolvers; too heavy carrying around all day for the ammo load it holds and further, it doesn't like to get wet or dirty at all. My woods gun is my custom 6" Glock G20L 10mm I developed back in 2004. Loaded with 15+1 rds of 200grn hardcast it actually weighs less than a 6" barreled S&W 686 with only 6rds of 158grn .357mag.

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Old March 29, 2019, 10:41 AM   #42
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A good wilderness handgun has to be of sufficient ability to stop the largest mean critter in the neighborhood. It also has to be comfortable to carry & very quick to reload.

Hard to beat a 1911-A1 loaded with 8 230 grain ammo with another seven ready to go within seconds.
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Old March 29, 2019, 11:02 AM   #43
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I carried a single action .22 for decades and never felt undergunned in any way. Killed and eaten more game with that gun than all the others put together as it is the one I always had with me. I gave that revolver to my son a few years ago, and now choose between three different .327s for my EDC in the high desert gun. Those Single Sevens carry a potent load in a .22 frame. I like it a lot. Had the chamber on a Marlin .32 H&R reamed to .327, too. Can't remember the last time I even fired a .22.
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Old March 30, 2019, 08:11 AM   #44
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I'm unlikely to encounter a bear in the areas I roam. The largest potential problem (aside from people) are feral dogs, rabid skunks/racoons, and snakes. I've carried a variety of handguns when I've been woods bummin' in years past from .22s - .44s & .45s. My choice for the past several years has been a 3" barrel S&W model 60-15. At 23 oz. it's light enough to be virtually unnoticed. With two shotshells up front followed by three magnum rounds it's sufficient for what I may meet up with.
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Old March 30, 2019, 09:29 AM   #45
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Here in PA we do have coyotes, and some truly big black bear. State record is over 800# i believe.
Saw where a 600#, and several 400# were checked in at the area that i hunt.
While generally calm creatures we do have elk here also.
Some of the areas i hunt are fairly thick, and or have pines along the openings.
I've had the 15ft encounters with both bear and bull elk.
Hoping like mad that they don't see me as a threat.

My carry is a Springfield Armory Champion. 4"barrel 1911 in 45 ACP.
I handload all my ammo.
So usually carry 185gr Sierra Tournament Masters. Flat point jacketed bullet.
I will sometimes carry Missouri 185gr LSWC.
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Old March 30, 2019, 02:42 PM   #46
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I'm with Deserted. I like my Ruger single six in 32 mag for a woods gun. I am in the process right now of loading some more shot loads for it. I am a lot more likely to run across a rattler or copperhead than anything else. A wild hog is about as big as we have and wild dogs more of threat than the hogs. If you happen to even see a hog they are crashing through the brush trying to get away from you.

"At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know".

Auto5 thats one of the best sig lines I have seen in a while.
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Old March 31, 2019, 12:03 PM   #47
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Springfield Armory TRP .45 ACP. It won't get better than that.
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Old April 1, 2019, 06:25 AM   #48
agtman
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Quote:
Springfield Armory TRP .45 ACP. It won't get better than that.
Sure it does, since the title of this thread is 'Woods Gun,' not 'Range Toy' or 'Target Gun.'

A S.A.TRP chambered in the bear-stopping Best-Meter (10mm) gives you a much better ballistic solution for the largest indigenous fauna that might habitate in your neck of the woods, not to mention the 2-legged predators known to lurk along the trailways of boonified areas.
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Old April 1, 2019, 09:15 AM   #49
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agtman,

You might want to research the Springfield Armory TRP. It's a popular law enforcement handgun and military handgun. Chris Kyle carried one in Iraq.

The TRP is Springfield Armory's factory production of its Professional Model (FBI HRT gun)

There are a lot of variables in a wilderness handgun.

A .44 Mag is a formidable revolver. To get the most out of a .44 Mag, a 6" barrel is required. With a 6" barrel, mag rounds fired from a Model 29 aren't fun. I've yet to meet anyone who was able to rapid fire with any degree of accuracy a 6" Model 29.

A 6" Model 29 is not easy to carry. It's not fast and easy to get its muzzle on a target.

A 1911-A1 is extremely easy to carry all day. It's very quick to get its muzzle on target. Recoil does not take its muzzle off target. It can be reloaded within seconds.

Having briefly carried a Model 29 in very remote wildness areas, I've sold it. I'd much rather carry a TRP .45 ACP loaded with 230 grain +P rounds. I'm good if you have a different take on it.

While you're researching the TRP .45 ACP, delve in to actual battlefield use of the 1911-A1, especially during WWII's Pacific Campaign.

The reality is handguns have become obsolete for most battlefield applications. I'd rather carry more mags for an M4 than any handgun. However, the 1911-A1 has remained popular for specialized military units. Springfield Armory has filled huge military orders for its Professional Model.

If a wilderness gun would be defense against mean critters smaller than bear, a 2" Chief Special would be hard to beat.
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Old April 1, 2019, 04:25 PM   #50
Paul105
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Carry what you shoot best and feel comfortable with. Shoot enough to be effective when/if the necessity arises.

My “woods guns” – two M69s (4 ¼” and 2 ¾”) and a Kahr CW45 – 45 ACP


The 2 ¾” M69 fits comfortably in the hip pocket of my carharts. I only get out for an hour or an hour and a half everyday, so this may not work for you.

I’m pretty lucky – I get to shoot 3 or 4 times a week, so my choice(s) aren’t necessarily the best for others.

While .44 mags certainly aren’t required in a most situations, you don’t necessarily need a long barreled .44 mag to be effective. Plus, you can load it to match your needs and/or the threat level in your area. Personally, I like the S&W M69 (L Frame 5 shot .44 Mag), and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t recoil any more than the bigger, heavier, longer barreled N Frames/Rehawks/Etc (anyone that tells you different hasn’t shot them side by side). As far a ballistics go, I Was curious, so I bought some 305gr Buffalo Bore and Underwood ammo – here are chrono results.

Buffalo Bore, 305 LBT LFN HC rated 1,325 fps
Underwood, 305 LFNGC Plated (HiTech?) rated 1,325 fps
LabRadar muzzle velocity at 33 deg F

S&W M69 2.75" ===> BB 1,195 fps ===> Under 1,147fps
S&W M69 4.25" ===> BB 1,276 fps ===> Under 1,248 fps
Ruger SRH 7.5" ===> BB 1,395 fps ===> Under 1,315 fps

Double action with 2 ¾” M69 – 300gr Missouri Bullet Hammer over 20.0gr H110
7 Yds
.

.
12 yds
.

.
The “Hammer”
.

.
CW45 Ammo – Cutting Edge Monometal 200gr at 1,000 fps
.


One last thought, the little 2 3/4" M69 can be (is) capable of excellent accuracy at extended ranges -- 50 yard group rested on my range bag and verified another time to make sure it wasn't a fluke.



FWIW,

Paul
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