Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns 357 for general defense

I think you're good with the bullet you mentioned.

If you don't kill the bear at least you will die Deaf

The benefit of the "L" Frame & GP-100 is sight picture retention with magnum loads. I do not like heavy guns for trail use, but life is a compromise. I'll accept heft for magnum manageability.

I used to own a 2.5" Model 66. With magnum loads, it was not very manageable. Shooting it at night, the muzzle flash could be seen by Space Shuttle astronauts. Also, out of a short barrel, there ain't a whole lot separating the .357 Mag & .38 Special +P. So I sold it & went back to a Model 60.

b, Sounds like you're on track for selecting a very enjoyable field/pack handgun. If I may suggest, don't get too wrapped around the axle with the bear defense aspect.

If I were indeed going after big black bear, and was looking at a handgun for last ditch emergency backup, such as when bowhunting bear alone, or butchering game when I had to put the rifle down, leaving the tent late at night in my skivvies to hit the woods and relieve myself, etc., etc.; I then would probably narrow my handgun down to a double action revolver and would be most concerned about its performance on the biggest bear I'd encounter in that area. BUT, for a do-all, easy to carry, easy to shoot, all-around field gun, that is capable of handling a not so good black bear encounter, I'd not rule out the many options in a very nice single action revolver chambered 357mag. Some are incredibly sweet to shoot, without being too bulky or too light. You may handle something along the lines of a Bisley, and say OH WOW! Look for something you'd enjoy to carry and enjoy to shoot.

Food for thought,
Best

Mod 66, 4in, with properly loaded 158 gr hard cast swc should do whatever you need

I like my 4-inch Mod 19 for general carry use, as well as a 1911. If there are big nasty things in the woods I am venturing into, then I carry a 4-inch Mod 57 or Mod 58. I have a 6-inch 629 Classic, but it's bulky.

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That way you can't hear yourself screaming while you're being mauled

Interesting that no one has suggested the S&W 620, which is the L frame, half lug, 7 shot, 4" 357. For me, it combines the best of the M66 and the M686+. Tough as a 686, but as light and balanced as the 66. Plus an extra round.

http://www.gunblast.com/SW619-620.htm

Why not have it all?

For my eye & feel, no half lug balances or points as well as a full lug..........I'll keep my 686's, thank you anyway.

MM

I recently purchased the 4.2" SP101 and really like it. Worked all weekend at the cabin, and put in morning and evening hikes. It never left my hip and seldom did I know it was there. Shot a few gator aid bottles full of water before leaving for some last-minute fun. Recoil with 158 SWC over 6.0g of Unique is easy.

Just after daylight on Saturday, I bumped a sow and a couple cubs. They skedaddled over a ridge before I could get camera on them. I did see some nice bulls (one with collar) and what will be a 3x3 buck this year.

If you did not want to go 5-shot Ruger, I'd recommend a Security Six in 4". There are several on GunBroker for $300-500.













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That's pretty much my .38 Spl load,..except I use the 160 grain WFN over 6 grains of Unique.

To me it's the perfect package for a woods bumming gun. I've shot from mild to wild through it and it's got just enough weight that it handles the recoil well...but at the same time isn't so heavy it's a pain to wear all day.

Like you, I replaced the grips on mine and it's a worthwhile improvement.

I carry a 2.25" SP101 in the woods, but that 4.2" seems ideal.

Great pics too! Do you have a side view pic with those grips?

Jason

For these...




I carry this 4.2" SP101




Or this Colt 38, which I hope not to need!

I think you fellas are on to something with the 4.2" Ruger. The design is rock solid but without the weight of most K/L frames. Seems that the bore-axis is lower on the Ruger too. Just feels like I can get a higher grip on the SP101. Smiths feel more top heavy, but I still like them too.

I tried a max charge of H110 and 180gr bullets in the 2.25" SP101 and it wants to twist out of my hand . Factory 158gr are easy to shoot.

Haven't shot a bear with a 357, but did a Coup de grace on a cow elk with a 158gr Gold Dot to the computer. 200gr NAB dropped her straight to the ground with a high shoulder shot but she could still lift her head.

Wouldn't mind an LCR-22 when packing a rifle.

True enough, but I still think your .45 Super and your hard cast flat point load is the best all around solution I've seen yet. Easy to carry, easy to shoot, effective.

I agree and I posted that it is my preference and IMHO superior to the 357 for multiple reasons.

I love your back yard and your pet elk.

That would be illegal in CO. Not saying a lot of guys don't do it though..357 is illegal for big game in CO and barrel length is 4" minimum on all handguns used on big game.
They set the law up so it is just below the threshold.

Maybe that very reason is why someone who spends more time in CO big game hunting would opt for 41 mag or? instead of a .357.

I carry a .357 though. Mostly when in the saddle. If horse or mule breaks leg or?. It's pretty hard to kill them with a knife or rock. I had to do it once with another guys horse that fell off a mountain.

If I am big game hunting with a rifle, I don't carry a handgun at all. IT would be just another 3-4 pounds that I don't need.

One extra round for the rifle is a lot lighter.