I differentiate between kit guns and packin' pistols. A kit gun is for either a specific task, like trapping, or just ancillary to what I'm doing, such as plinking on a hike or shooting small game while big game hunting. A packin' pistol in my world is a big game capable/defensive gun that's easy to carry. I carry a packin' pistol when big game hunting as an extra defense against brown bears or to hunt with as the opportunity comes up. I also carry one when toting a rifle isn't practical such as dip netting salmon or some fishing and berry picking.
With that said my favorites currently are a stainless Bearcat with Dave Clements adjustable sights and a S&W 60-4 .38 special. For packin' pistols I pretty much exclusively carry a S&W 69 .44 mag with the lock disabled but sometimes carry a Ruger flat top .44 Special.
Last edited by pabucktail; 05/23/20.
