Which "cowboy" gun to get?

beantole

February 08, 2003 10:16

Hi, I really need you guy's opinion again. I hike a lot in deep wilderness. Most of the time I never see another human except occassionally on horseback. I have regular pistols but have wanted a single action "cowboy" (the kind in western movies) to carry in the unlikely event I needed it for self-defense. The biggest creature I might ever have to defend against would be a blackbear (rare) large dogs, or maybe a cougar. Here is what I am loking at, which is best for overall self-defense hiking??

Cabelas sells a Millennium revolver that takes 45LC (how powerful is that compared to a .357 magnum?)for $220. It has a 4 3/4 inch barrel.

CDNN sells a German made EAA Bounty hunter available in .357 magnum, 44 magnum or 45LC (how powerful is this?) with either a 4.5 inch or 7.5 inch barrel for $250.

I'm going to get one. Which is the best for purely self defense in the woods? Thanks for any opinions.

Bruce

0

• 

  BAKSAM3

  February 08, 2003 10:35

  one thing about it,a 45lc is a real stopper at pistol ranges,i would favor 45lc over a 357 mag., but then i not a real 357 fan anyway.thats my .o2[:p]
  baksam3

  0
• 

  rsnyder55

  February 08, 2003 12:55

  I am partial to 44 magnums myself and carry a Ruger Vaquero. The downside is the weight, they weigh more than most others. The upside is the range of available ammo and lower power 44 special that can be used in it.

  0
• 

  bambihunter

  February 08, 2003 13:08

  The last reports I read, showed the .45LC being more powerful than the .357 mag. If memory serves, it was fairly similar ballistically to the .41 mag. I too would suggest a .44 mag over the .45LC (they look a lot alike). Also (going off memory here) some manufacturers offer extra cylinders for old allowing you to shoot the .45 ACP so you could get an extra cylinder and shooot the cheaper, lower recoil ammo some at the range...
  
  It doesn't matter what you shoot, just shoot it well...

  0
• 

  rldowns3

  February 08, 2003 13:14

  I can personally vouch for a .45lc being a true man stopper. Although from my experience with them with just factory loads is that the .44 and .41mags shoot a lot flatter trajectories and a bit more accurate.

  0
• 

  MikeinScappoose

  February 08, 2003 17:06

  There are two levels of power re: 45colt revolvers.Rugers are made to take high pressure loads,equal to most .44 magnums.All other revolvers are pretty much factory-ammo guns..not to say a .45 slug at 950 fps is a wimp,but if in bear country I want the big boomer loads.
  I'm not sure but I doubt that there are commerial .45lc loads that are in the high pressure catagory....too much chance os someone hurting themselves using em in the wrong gun.
  Back to your question......the Milleneum is a plain-jane very usable pistol.for dompetition it needs lighter springs but would be just fine for a packin' gun.Haven't seen or shot t'uther one.
  I'd pick the .45 over the .357.....but then I like .45's!!!

  0
• 

  gap1916

  February 08, 2003 17:36

  If you re load the 45 LC will do you very well for anything you come across. The 44 mag/special is very good if you do not reload. The .44 covers every thing from human threat to bear, with in reason.
  Just my 2 cents
  
  Greg

  0
• 

  gskyhawk

  February 08, 2003 18:46

  if you don't reload CorBon makes one hell of a good 45LC +P load , 265 gr hp at 1350fps energy is 1073FT/lbs use only in modern guns like the Ruger blackhawk or Vaquero.. I have used this load for deer hunting and can tell you it does one heck of a job
  Ruger makes about the best gun of this type, but they are a little bit heavier than some of the rest, both the blackhawk ( adjustable sights ) or the vaquero ( fixed sights-- cowboy style ) with the 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 inch barrels would make fine carry guns,, 44 mag or 45lc either would be fine for what you want .
  if you want something lighter in a double action look at the Taurus Tracker in 45lc it is not as strong as the Rugers but if you going to carry more than shooting it ,, it should work too
  all would be in the $350 to 500 range depending on model

  0
• 

  4C_Ranch

  February 09, 2003 03:42

  I prefer the .45 over the .357 as the felt recoil to me is much less and I can shoot it better. As far as western type revolvers the strongest will be Freedom Arms, followed by Ruger, then Colt/clones. I live in Western Montana and we have Grizzlies aplenty so I have to carry something more substantial in the woods, a Freedom Arms .454 Casull. It is not pleasant to shoot at all but is about the only handgun Id attempt to use against a Griz.

  0
• 

  beantole

  February 09, 2003 03:48

  Well, I read all your responses and learned a lot. Thank you all for your input. I know some brands (Freedom Arms, Colt, Ruger, etc.) are better than the ones I mentioned but I basically just want a gun that will shoot everytime if I need it. Thanks again guys!

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.