.357 handgun ?

[drat]

i need help finding a gun that will fit in sm. hands and that be small enough to carry.but i could use to hunt w/ if needed. thanks

[nightshift]

A 357 is a good option. At least a 4" barrel if you hope to hunt with it. I like the caliber and you can also use 38 ammo. Most of the major brands are reliable. It could be a little large to carry concealed depending on your stature though. Good luck.

[Toad_Sticker]

I already gave my $.02 somewhere else ;)
TS

[FireMaker]

Ruger SP 101 is a very well built .357 that fits small hands. Carried won for about 15 years. It takes a beating.

[LaunchPad]

Ruger SP 101 is a very well built .357 that fits small hands. * Carried won for about 15 years. *It takes a beating.


As an owner of one, and not just a magazine editor (I read some reviews based on your rec) can i ask some questions?:

What kind of accuracy do you consider the weapon capable of? (perfect conditions, mechanically fired- to remove human element)

How concealable is it? (hot summer day clothing) -I find almost all revolver less concealable than a normal frame auto due to the cylinder- the reviews say this is an excellent gun for that purpose. What say you?

I ask because I am considering a CCW for the wife who is a whole 5’0”. She has out grown her 38spl which was too big to carry concealed (6 in bbl) on her little frame. I like the idea of still being able to use the 38 ammo we already have to get her trained on the new one.

She loves the bigger bore guns- (45acp Ruger P90 being her favorite- but too big to carry) she shies away from all other automatics and does not carry a purse so things get difficult trying to find THE gun.

I may even look for a derringer- but then you have a pretty small battery – tho the 101 only has 5. . . . hmmm

[FireMaker]

Good questions.

1. Accuracy: It will always be able to outshoot the operator. Reliable, consistent trigger will smooth with more use. It has very acceptable (10 ring shots ) back to 25 yrds. If you shots are hitting in small groups, you are taking too much time in a confrontational contact.

2. Concealability: Good. It is a heavy 5 shot. This helps with recoil. Both that I own (gotta have a spare) are magnaported, though has minimal impact. Grips are good for reducing recoil. (ok I know off topic) Galco makes exceptional holsters. You want one that pulls in tight with 2 loops. Can also use a fanny pack but most know that is for a gun. Dillon Precision Products sells a "safe packer" does not look like a fanny pack and secure sp101 well. Can also carry extra ammo in speed strips.

3. Small female raises some issues. The shape of the female waist can cause some holsters to push out grips. Holsters are made for us guys. Galco does make some specifically for the female shape.

4. Derringer: Dont bother. Nice little guns. But most are single action so you must cock before pulling trigger. Tactical reloads are a hassle unless you practice a bunch. Should carry on an empty chamber as there is only a half cock or button safety. Now your down to 1 shot. I used to be qualified with my .357 derringer at our PD. But, as a range officer is spend a lot of time at the range.

SP101 (and other 5 shots) are good guns to carry. Ammo can be carried in "speed strips" or "speed loaders". I recommend both, depends on what/how you are dressed. I use the speed strips as they are flat. The strips take some practice but can keep your gun running pretty good.

[clawhammerdan]

A 357 is a good option. At least a 4" barrel if you hope to hunt with it. I like the caliber and you can also use 38 ammo. Most of the major brands are reliable. It could be a little large to carry concealed depending on your stature though. Good luck.


In Ohio if you want to hunt deer with a handgun, the barrel needs to be at least 6 inches in length, I believe. I am not sure if .357 meets minimum caliber requirements. Better check your state minimums.

[Backwoods_Bob]

"Small enough to carry" and "hunt with"
is a tough bill to fill.
reckon you can hunt small game with a 4" .357, and nail deer and such if you get a close shot, but most folk use pistols with six inch tubes and better for serious hunting.

These are my pistols -

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o320/etdbob/P1010025-1.jpg


The big Ruger .44 Bisley is what I wear around my homestead. I've made some great shots on pests with it, and I'm sure I could hunt with it.

The 4" Ruger Security Six .357 is what I carry around in town every day, in a "fanny" pack usually.
It's powerfull enough to kill game, even large game, but it doesn't have the sight radius to make the job easy.
I did use it to try and kill a jack rabbit this summer, and missed both shots!
I feel I'd have hit it if I was wearing my .44 at the time.

Not that I need any more rabbits to eat...

Me, my .44 and my best doe rabbit -
*http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o320/etdbob/P1040062.jpg *

I guess it boils down to how good a pistol shot you are!

[Star1pup]

In Ohio if you want to hunt deer with a handgun, the barrel needs to be at least 6 inches in length, I believe. I am not sure if .357 meets minimum caliber requirements. Better check your state minimums.

In Ohio a .357 with a 5" barrel is legal, but that is the minimum length & caliber.

[countrymom21]

My husband just got his permit to carry his Dan Wesson .357. he says he likes it.

[Tuckahoe]

The Taurus Tracker comes in .357 and .44 magnum. I like the .44 magnum for any game from deer up. Yes a .357 can and will work but I just like the .44 better.