357 revolver for hiking/camping in back country?

[MH64]

Am thinking of adding a 357 revolver and lever rifle to our armory for camping and hiking and wondering about recommendations on the 357 revolver?

My wife can shoot a 357 reasonably well, but not a 44. So thats why my choice in 357.

[RyanB]

6" 686 with new sights.

[Straight Shooter]

I absolutely love my 3" SP101. Very accurate, after about 300 or so rounds, plus a good bit of dry fire, the trigger is great.
Very solid built revolver.

[Cagemonkey]

IMHO go with a Ruger S/steel GP100 with a 4" barrel. These pistols are built like tanks and can handle heavy/hot loads repeatedly. Also the grip design absorbs recoil well since the grip encloses the grip frame in rubber.

[tpd223]

Stainless Ruger GP100 4" is a good gun for this role.

So is a S&W pre lock 681 or 686

[Frailer]

If size and weight are an issue, I'd opt for a 3" S&W Model 60-10. If not, I'd probably go for a 4" 7-shot 686.

Nothing at all wrong with a GP-100. I just happen to prefer Smiths.

[mkmckinley]

I'd look for a 4" 686, something pre-MIM pre-lock. However unless you have a lot of experience running a wheel gun under stress a Glock 20 might be worth a look. I love my revolvers but when it comes down to it I shoot a Glock better, which is good, because it's also lighter, holds more rounds, can take a flashlight, and is more resistant to the elements than my revolvers.

[goodoleboy]

I'd look for a 4" 686, something pre-MIM pre-lock. However unless you have a lot of experience running a wheel gun under stress a Glock 20 might be worth a look. I love my revolvers but when it comes down to it I shoot a Glock better, which is good, because it's also lighter, holds more rounds, can take a flashlight, and is more resistant to the elements than my revolvers.

+1

Glock 20 is not a bad option for a backpack gun. The ammo is a little high, but the 10mm is an impressive round. Plus, that's 15+1 compared to 6. If you are familiar with the Glock platform, I would give one of those a try before trying to learn a wheel gun. That being said, the 686 is a Hell of a choice for a wheel gun, if you decide to go that route.

[matemike]

I absolutely love my 6" Ruger GP100 and Marlin 1894C setup.

I have easily taken Texas deer and hogs with each of those guns. Would carry them anywhere but the African brush...

good luck finding a lever action now though. Marlin has discontinued thier line of pistol caliber carbines, and others are hard to come by I understand

[jmart]

Are you leaning toward DA or SA?

Are you referring to TX back country or will you and your wife travel to other locales with bigger, toothier critters?