Hunting/pistols

Hello 1345usmclcpl,

I am wondering if you are refering to a side arm for self protection while hunting, or if you are using this sidearm as your hunting weapon?
It makes a bit of difference as to what your responses will be.

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i was refering to a side arm for self protection while hunting(just in case).

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well I have used several different calibers over the years depending on what I was hunting with and hunting for, and what might be hunting me. If you are not in bear country any hunting caliber will do, sort of depends on what you are comfortable carrying. Hunting calibers generally start with 357 magnum and go up to what ever you can handle or carry, but for protection, it has to be able to fire more than one shot without reloading. So using a thompson center single shot in 45-70 or what ever caliber you choose, is fine for hunting, but questionable for self defense. A ruger single action could play both roles, as hunting and self defense sidearm, as could any single action revolver. But reloading is a mite bit slower, than a double action revolver, or a semi-auto handgun. I have carried a ruger redhawk in 44 magnum as back up and self defense, but I was in bear country and also carrying a 300 win.mag. rifle as a primary hunting arm. I usually carry a sidearm when hunting, even small game, carrying in the boonies you can pack a larger gun than what you would in day to day carry in the cities. I prefer non magnum calibers for self defense when not expecting big critter problems. They are generally lighter in weight, easier to shoot, and I am already used to shooting them for self defense or pleasure.
It truely becomes a matter of comfort both physical and mental. Use a good quality holster, when climbing over downed trees or creeping through brush you don't want to loose your gun, or shoot yourself. Pick a holster that covers the triggerguard and trigger so there won't be any unpleasant suprises for you or your hunting friends. The mental aspect is whether or not you personally feel the gun you are carrying for self defense is enough for any situation you feel you may find yourself in. Some will feel a .22 revolver or auto is plenty of gun. If your in law enforcement or just feel that there is a real chance of trouble for whatever reason, it seems prudent to pack your preferred self defense sidearm. You are already familiar with it so it is a good choice in the field, you may want to carry it differently than what you normally do ie. different holster/carry system. I typically carry my defense arm concealed, but check the laws on this in your state, it varies quite a bit. If you want to wear it on the outside of your clothes be sure the holster is up to rugged carry and very secure. Well I have rambled on quite enough, I hope this helps. To summarize, assess your needs and comfort level for your peace of mind, use a holster that covers the trigger guard completely, remember the holster has to also be tough enough to keep the gun where it is supposed to stay, use enough gun, carry extra ammo,keep the gun clean, and have a good time. :)

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I also use a .300 win mag for my primary. And im usally in pa where the bear roam. thank's for your comment.

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your .300 win mag should be able to take down anything.

Although you can always go w/ a .357 or .44 mag revolver....

I prefer a glock 20 for a side arm. its light and you can get some nasty corbon hunting ammo in 10mm that will tear up just about anything coming at you. not to mention that 10mm has A LOT OF PUNCH and is pretty much the same as a .41 mag, and with the glock, you can hold 15 rds of 10mm vs. 6 rds. in a revolver.

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s&w 500!

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I use a .45 acp Springfield XD 5" tactical with hand loads. Hornady 200 grain jacketed hollowpoint XTP with 6 grains of Bullseye to push it. Controlable with punch. Also carry Mossberg 800 in .308 with hand loads.

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