[ST42007]

What size pistol do you guys recommend for proteection from small pigs, coyotes and occasional bobcat? I am a bowhunter so I do not have a rifle or anything for when i'm looking for my kill, which is primarilly pigs and them suckers arent always dead when ya find em so I think a pistol would be easiest method? any suggestions?:boxing:

 

[WisconsinDeer]

357 revolver, preferably a double action. A S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 if you have a fairly high budget (usually around $650-800 with the S&W being more expensive) or a Rossi if you have a low budget (usually around $350).

 

[ST42007]

What about a .380 or .38 and what are differences between these two?

 

[WisconsinDeer]

What about a .380 or .38 and what are differences between these two?

Those are two different rounds. The 380 ACP is commonly found in small semi auto "pocket pistols". It is not suitable for protection against animals.

A .38 Special can be safety fired in a 357 magnum firearm. It is just a shorter, less powerful round. It's fine for target practice because it's cheaper but for carrying in the woods you'll want to load it with 357's.

This picture should give you an idea of what the rounds look like.

 

[ST42007]

Oh wow thanks, I hope i'm not seeming ignorant but what about a .32 is that bigger or smaller of a gun?

 

[WisconsinDeer]

Oh wow thanks, I hope i'm not seeming ignorant but what about a .32 is that bigger or smaller of a gun?

Smaller. 357/38/9mm/380 are all 35 caliber.

 

[ST42007]

Ok, all i see for .38 pistols is revolvers. do they make pistols?

 

[Hellbilly]

Ok, all i see for .38 pistols is revolvers. do they make pistols?

No, if your looking for a semi auto that would be a 380,9mm. You could also go with a .40 or 357sig and dont forget the best of all 45acp. I would use nothing smaller that a 9mm

 

[hunt NH]

.45 auto if your looking for a semi auto. or .44 mag if your looking for a revolver. if you plan on doing much shooting at the range .357Mag for when your hunting and .38spc for at the range. but if your not planning on shooting much at the range i would just go for the .44 mag.

 

[gfdeputy2]

I would have to go with WD the 357 is the best of all the choices so far buy a box of good .357 rounds for porotection but practice with the .38 rounds just remember that you can shoot .38's in a .357 but not 357's in a 38 so personally I would get the .357 over a .38

 

[BruceBruce1959]

The .40 caliber will do the trick but be sure to check your local laws first, many states do not allow Bow hunters to carry handguns while Bow hunting.

 

[rdrader2002]

.45 auto if your looking for a semi auto. or .44 mag if your looking for a revolver. if you plan on doing much shooting at the range .357Mag for when your hunting and .38spc for at the range. but if your not planning on shooting much at the range i would just go for the .44 mag.


I would have to go with WD the 357 is the best of all the choices so far buy a box of good .357 rounds for porotection but practice with the .38 rounds just remember that you can shoot .38's in a .357 but not 357's in a 38 so personally I would get the .357 over a .38


I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 w/ a 6 1/2 in barrel that I've had for almost 35 years. It will definitely do the trick for you. Like the guys said, .38 special for practice on the range and use the .357 rounds for hunting and personal protection. My $.02 worth.

RR

 

[Hunting Man]

I know I'm going to get kicked around on this one but I think for deer hunting you should start at 41 cal not 357. I like a 357 for people stopper power but personally I just think it's to small for deer sized game, maybe because it was Elmer Keith that believed in the 41 and maybe he developed it too? I have a Colt Trooper MK-III in 357 and it's a great gun.

 

[WisconsinDeer]

I know I'm going to get kicked around on this one but I think for deer hunting you should start at 41 cal not 357. I like a 357 for people stopper power but personally I just think it's to small for deer sized game, maybe because it was Elmer Keith that believed in the 41 and maybe he developed it too? I have a Colt Trooper MK-III in 357 and it's a great gun.

For deer hunting I agree, but the OP said he wanted a pistol for protection in the woods.

 

[NYHunter]

I too would go with a .357. I carry a S&W 686 in.357 as a back up. Mainly for coyotes. Stay with a revolver. I feel its more reliable in the woods.

 

[rdrader2002]

What size pistol do you guys recommend for proteection from small pigs, coyotes and occasional bobcat? From the original post . . . .

Deer hunting . . . agreed to 'start' with .41 mag or better yet, .44 mag. But the original post was asking a totally different question. For someone starting out pistol shooting, the .357 would be a better choice (in a revolver).

RR

 

[Chip Cochran]

I have to go with the 357 for small game. I used to be a WLO in California, Desolation Valley was my beat and there I carried a 1911 45 ACP since there were Mountain Lions and Bear. There are lots of good calibers now on the market so as always it comes down to personal preference. I hunt deer with a TC in 44Mag. In the woods here you can carry (with a permit) while bow hunting but .22 through .38 would be illegal, while a 9mm is legal, go figure.