.44 spl or .357 snubbie for the woods?

NOTPARS

Okay, here are the parameters. I like to hike the woods to keep in shape. Some of this means state parks where possession of firearms may or may not be allowed. On these trail, you never see a ranger, crimes have committed, and I go far out where if something happens, you are on your own. In the winter months (Missouri) its not too difficult to conceal a full sized .40 or .45 auto, or even a 4 inch .357. But in warmer to hot months, this becomes problematic. For now, I have a .380 auto but would like something with a little more "authority" that will still fit in the fanny pack the Walther fits in. I though about a .357 snubbie like Ruger's SP-101 five shot. I can get one at a good price. But, I have already have .357s in 6 inch (Security Six) and two 4 inchers (one Ruger and one Smith). I am not sure I want to add a fourth .357 to the list. I have explored small .45s and like them. But the cost for some of them is so high I'm not sure I can swing it. Someone mentioned the 44 special. I have found some new Charter Arms 44 specials at very reasonable prices and you can get five shot speed loaders for them. Some have told me the .44 special is worthless and I would be better served with a snubbie .357 (again, a 4th one). Others have said the large bullet size from this gun would be ideal for self protection in the woods, as a glove box gun, and as a night table gun. I am leaning toward the compact .45s if I can swing one. But if not, I can't make up my mind between the 2 inch .357 or the 2 inch .44 special. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!

rrfhunter

Ok my 2c,I have a taurus 85 (bobbed hammer) in .38 special 2" that shoots wonderfully for what it is. It's very light in alloy. Most fixed shot hanguns shoot to the left for me and this one is dead on. I drill the heck out of paint cans at 50-75 feet with it which is pretty consistent with what you'll use it for. The rubber grips are VERY comfortable. I've also had a Colt Detective special that was gorgeous but couldn't hit the whole barn. It's a great and light gun for about $200. When your bad guy sees those JHP's pointed at him it'll get his attention!

BigTex

I would prefer a Glock G-29 in 10mm, A compact powerhouse that is easy to conceal year-around.

badboybob

"the cost of 45's is so high....". How much is your life worth? On the low price end you can buy a Jennings and HOPE it works when you need it, or you can buy a Kimber and KNOW it will work when you need it. In between there are many choices. I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP, a Kel-Tec P-11, or a Kel-Tec P-32 depending on the situation. But my absolute favorite is the Kimber and I never considered the cost when I bought it.Save up for a carry gun if you need to, but then get the very best.

NOTPARS

For rrfhunter: Thanks, I seem to recall someone else telling me to check out that Taurus. I appreciate your input. It has given me something to consider.

NOTPARS

For SaxonPig: What you wrote is what I thought. It makes a heck of a lot of sense. But, because I am far from authority on this topic, I thought I would ask the question. As usual, the advice and observations I receive on this forum are second to none. Thanks for the intel. I have a friend, a Vietnam Vet, and one heck of a nice guy, who gives me good deals on handguns at his little country store. His place is a little out of the way for me (an hour and a half drive, but, the prices are so good and, he is a Vietnam Vet, that I won't shop anywhere else. He can get me good deals on the guns mentioned here so far.

NOTPARS

For BadboyBob: Ultimately, I guess you are right. It wouldn't matter what gun I had if it was cheap and didn't do the job. I am giving consideration to the Kimbers as well. But, like all cheapskates, I am trying to balance too many things and cut costs (my wife still doesn't know how much I have sunk into my 66 Plymouth Sport Fury restoration...yet. What do you think of the Para Ordnance LDA's by the way?

v35

I've got a Charter Arms 4" with target sights. The thing weighs 19 ounces and is very accurate. I have shot some of Keiths' 235gr HP ahead of 18.5 gr 2400 which is in magnum country. Double action is not so good but single action is very good. The rubber grips with the rear end ground flat makes it less punishing to the hand.Loading is slow.

NOTPARS

For V35: Thanks for the info. Is yours a .44 special or a .38? The treasurer of my Shooters Alliance is a professional gunsmith. He says he can tune up the Smith and Ruger. I'll ask him about the Charter Arms. Again, your comments really help.

NOTPARS

For Dano, I am sure you are right. The problem is, I already own a 66 in 4 inch. I am not sure I can justify buying what would be a 4th .357. Maybe. I looked at the Smith 60 and Ruger SP-101. What do you think?