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Need Advice on Pistol Purchase

key1aw
I am looking to buy a new pistol and would like some advice on what to buy since I know very little about them. I spend a ton of time in the woods from September through December and last year had a close encounter with two wolves during muzzle loader season. I want to buy an inexpensive handgun that I can carry when I am in the woods scouting for deer and fishing that is small enough to carry in my coat but powerfull enough to handle a wolf/bear if need be. I looked at a S&W 9mm in Gander Mountain the other day that cost about $300 and it seemed to be what I am looking for. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, J
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Comments

26 comments

Date Votes
  • Permanently deleted user
    Go with a Rock Island GI .45 and a unckle mikes holster on your hip.

    More power and the Rock can be gotten for around $350 NIB. I own 5 Rocks from the standard GI to the compact. All are great guns.
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  • Jorge
    http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=51407&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15706&isFirearm=Y
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  • Permanently deleted user
    For bear, I would go with a bear mininum of a .41 Mag...no pun intended. A 9mm or a .45 ACP are not going to do jack against a pissed off bear. A .44 mag and up would be better, but a .41 Mag would probably suffice. Tarus makes an affordable model in titanium and they are very light. Good luck.
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  • Colt Super
    Absolutely.

    Nothing less than a .41 Mag and bigger if possible.


    From,
    Doug, in bear country
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  • tapwater
    ...Guys...for a fella that knows little about handguns, suggesting .41 and .44 mags is a bit much. Also, semi autos are not for beginners in a stress situation.
    ...Any decent quality .357 revolver with a 4" barrel may be a better choice. Ruger, Rossi, Taurus, take your pick. A used one will keep the cost down, and unless it's beat to crap, will probably be reliable and much easier to manipulate than an auto. Good hits with a .357 or even .38 +P+ beat the heck out of misses with a .44 that are the result of lack of practice, that is the result of being intimidated by the recoil/blast. JMHO of course.
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  • JamesRK
    You will get enough variety in the answers to this question to equal no advice at all.

    If it were me, I'd carry a USED Smith & Wesson Model 66 in .357 Magnum. The Smith & Wesson Model 66 is the best "all around" handgun you can own. If I were going to have just one handgun, it would be a Model 66. In my opinion, when you buy a NEW handgun, you are paying extra money for no extra value unless you are buying a "safe queen" as an investment.
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  • nards444
    quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
    Absolutely.

    Nothing less than a .41 Mag and bigger if possible.


    From,
    Doug, in bear country


    When a novice comes in that wants a good all around gun, to mention these weirdo calibers, is not wise advice. 9mm is going to be small. Like a few others said get a .357. I got a Smith 686 plus, holds 7 shots, which the same as a 45. its a 4in barrel, so it would go nicely concealed, and that .357 packs a punch
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  • PC800
    I agree with the used Model 66 357 magnum, get a 4" barrel for easy carry.
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  • tapwater
    ....James, I only left S&W and Colt off the list because I was figuring in my natural cheapskate way. A 66 or 686 (my choice) would be ideal. I think we're on the same page though.
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  • p64mak
    +1 on a .357 mag. Double action. 4" barrel. Taurus, Ruger, S&W...all can be found used in the $250-350 range (sometimes less, but that takes some scouting, and a little bit of luck).

    Given, .357 is a little small on the bear side...but, unless you're in grizzly country, most bears will do more to avoid you than you will do to avoid them.

    If you're set on an auto: EAA Witness in 10mm (or, if you like S&W autos, a 1066). Exceeds .357mag in energy (with the right loads).
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  • oldgunner
    During ML season? I'd suggest you check your state rules. TN won't allow carrying any gun in the woods that isn't legal to hunt with at that time, even if you have a CCW permit.
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  • MVP
    I agree with the posters who mentioned the 41 and 44 magnum.
    If this is a man who can not handle a 44 magnum then he should just stay home. He stated he is in the woods from September through December scouting and fishing so it doesn't sound like he would be the wimpy brain dead couch potato who could not handle a large bore revolver.
    key1aw-
    Try to find a good used 44 magnum revolver with a 4" barrel for what you are wanting it for. I know that it is illegal to carry a modern firearm during muzzle loader season so check with your states hunting regulation.
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  • El Kabong
    If you are a newbie to guns, I recommend a S&W 686, preferably an older used model (better action IMHO, and usually cheaper, too) over a semi-auto. Buy some mild .38 special loads (like 3D or Maine Cartridge remanufactured stuff) and shoot, shoot, shoot. Get comfortable with your gun. Hone your skills. THEN try with the .357 loads, and then carry the .357 loads.

    Just my .02
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  • dbain99
    The Smiths may be a little expensive, but most seem to agree on the .357 mag. I would look for a Rossi 4 in. with a full lug. Auction #64763295...I dont know seller its the first that showed up on a search. I would also recomend looking for a used one.
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  • v35
    The 4" 357 police trade-in sounds more reasonable than a 9mm.
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  • bull300wsm
    Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag and use .44 specials till you get use to it. My 10 year old son shoots mine with the .44 specials..just my .02....Bull[8D]
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  • thecoltcollector
    im going to have to disagree with everyone so far.......joking....i would say a used s&w,taurus,rossi and yes of course colt in 357 would be good starter pistol for him.i would stay in the 4" range for barrel length.
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  • wrangler512
    get the ruger super redhawk alaskan 454 casull and say the hell with worrying about bears. I wouldnt mess around with em just want em dead
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  • MPinkston
    Didn't anyone notice that he said he was looking for something to carry during muzzle loader season? I'm not sure about your state but in my state, if a wildlife officer catches you with any of the handguns suggested above, your hunt would be over very quick.
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  • bull300wsm
    No he said he wanted to carry it while scouting for deer and fishing...Bull
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  • bull300wsm
    No he said he wanted to carry it while scouting for deer and fishing...Bull
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  • 375H&H
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=65035611
    Only kiddin [:o)] Just figured I'd do it before someone else did [:I]
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  • 0341USMC
    45/70 Magnum reserch[8D]
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  • select-fire
    This is within your stated $300 budget.

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=64974405
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  • JamesRK
    If I lived in a state where you couldn't carry your concealed handgun while hunting with a muzzle loader, I'd move to Virginia. [:D]
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  • 11BravoCrunchie
    Talk to Zipperzap...maybe he'll sell you his flame thrower.
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