For Hunting purposes as I stated well above I have a 41 Magnum Ruger Blackhawk in a custom drop leg holster. That said I have recently come into possession of an LAR Grizzly in 45 Win Mag which I may start carrying while hunting once I can get some good ammo data on it. I’d also like to get a holster that fits it better than the Bianchi UM-84 which I happen to have a lot of experience with so it’s not a bad option but not preferred. I may have to start doing leather work as the shops locally have BUMPKIS for heavy duty hide. I may even “GULP” play with Kydex if I have to. I REQUIRE a thumb break on a 1911 framed ANYTHING.
This thread seems to have split in two directions. In the field hunting, fishing anything outdoors I carry a S&W mod 58, 41mag, it will get whatever needs done if I do my part.
If I am handgun hunting it depends on the prey and field conditions. I have a TC contender in 375jdj that will drop anything on Four legs but also a 243win hand rifle and several 44mags, 460S&W, 45lc and 357s. If I am face to face with a grizzly or an adrenaline pumped boar; no matter what I have…all I want is to be in the next county instantly lol
I agree. If hunting you already have a formidable weapon likely to be able to handle any “critter” that may try and challenge you for your kill. Only protection you may need otherwise would be from poachers or other 2 legged pests.
When hiking, not hunting, depending on location, people or perhaps bears, I will decide between .44 mag or 9mm/.45acp.
While hunting I carry a RIA 10mm. If I’m hunting with a handgun it’s either a Taurus Raging Hunter in 44 magnum or 460 magnum. Still carry the ten regardless.
anymore my hunting has become limited due to an ijury, ,but hiking , fishing , exploring and camping in the backcountry requires a good ,reliable sidearm. i was using a 10+1 45 from taurus and decided a 10mm was what i really needed to carry . read all the reviews on the M20 S&W and checked it out ; better capacity, much lighter than my 1006. read easier to carry. reliable found a S&W m20 4" in 10mm that seems just right. that is now first choice to carry when doing the previously mentioned activities. as well as when travelling it came with (2 ) two 15 round mags just have to find at least one more. I prefer at least 3 mags for my semi-autos for rotation and extra ammo. will probably get 2 more so as to avoid what happened with the 1006 magazines!
When I did hunt with a handgun (from late 1980s to early 2002) (I was a bit busy for a few years after that) it was a Ruger GP 100 in .357 mag. with Remington 158grn HP or 125grn. SP and or a Ruger Blackhawk S.A. in .45 LC with 260grn Sierra HP hand loads pushing 1150fps. Otherwise, it was a Marlin 336 in 30.30. Many pounds of U.P. venison fell to these three guns.
A 629 S&W is all I use for hunting
the bad part is if you ‘‘limp wrist’’ it the front site will split your forehead open
that happened to my hunting partner, hence the name ‘‘head bangers’’ was issued for this hunting load
IDK. Great tips. Gratitude. As others have also shared, I guess it also depends on other factors.
Such as, which four legged creatures roam where we’ll hunt. Bear/Pepper Spray as an additional carry, one option, pending where we go; If wind that day allows.
Light weight sidearm can help, especially on those longer walks or canoe trips.
Perhaps check the regulations for that forest, just in case of a rare local rule.
