357 revolver for hiking/camping in back country?

[RyanB]

If you're unlikely to meet a grizzly a 9mm is enough. Black bears can be large too though. The one I shot was 400 pounds.

[Alaskapopo]

If you're unlikely to meet a grizzly a 9mm is enough. Black bears can be large too though. The one I shot was 400 pounds.

Having shot my share of black bears I can tell you a 9mm is not enough to reliably stop a black bear. Nor would I trust any service pistol round.
Pat

[Watrdawg]

GP100 or the 4" 686 can't be beat. Try both if possible and pick what she likes best. I wouldn't go for a single action revolver. The situation, if there is one, will be very stressful and having to work a single action takes a bit more thought. She would be better off with a double action and just having to pull the trigger. A whole lot less to think about doing.

[SW-Shooter]

[Shabazz]

Those Rugers are flipping heavy. Give me a scandium frame S&W.

[SW-Shooter]

Those Rugers are flipping heavy. Give me a scandium frame S&W.

Go ahead a shoot a heavy .357 load in a light frame, I bet your range session will be a short one.

[Straight Shooter]

Sw-Shooter,
You are damn right! While at the range today with my new G17, I was shooting my 3" SP101 with 125gr. .357 Gold Dots.
Even with the most excellent Trausch grips...I couldnt do more than 30 or so. I got flinching so bad, I stopped halfway thru a cylinder..just said **** IT!!
I cannot IMAGINE firing heavy, "bear-killin loads" in a lightweight revolver.
I AINT doing, thats fo' sho'.

[gunnut284]

I have a stainless 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk .357 to use as a woods gun though I generally just end up with a .22 since I'm generally carrying a centerfire rifle. I have a S&W .44 Mag and think a 4" 629 would be a good choice but mine is a 6.5" and doesn't get carried unless I'm hunting with it. If I was buying something new for the woods role I would probably go with a .44 Mag (the wife can shoot .44 Specials if needed) or a Glock 20SF.

[skyugo]

hows a 3" 357 mag compare to a 4" 9mm?

It seems to me that last time i did any research on the matter 357 didn't really come into its own until you get to a longer barrel...

[Alaskapopo]

hows a 3" 357 mag compare to a 4" 9mm?

It seems to me that last time i did any research on the matter 357 didn't really come into its own until you get to a longer barrel...

Thats not true. There is no particular barrel length where the 357 suddenly starts to perform. It did fine for years in police revovlers with 3 and 4 inch barrels. The 357 mag has more case capacity than the 9mm and with equal barrel lengths will always be faster despite the revolvers cylinder gap. That said the 9mm with good ammo is just fine.
pat