Which backup-handgun for hunting?

[Jayjay1]

Hey guys,
please don´t laugh at me.

I´m totally thorn between two handguns, which are very different.
It is about the Glock 32 in .357 Sig and the Ruger Redhawk 5,5" in .44 Magnum.

Why those two?
Well, my thoughts are for a light and small pistol, easy to carry, concealed as well, with enough stopping power for a hog (no bears around) and on the other hand the hand cannon, six-shooter, doing it all and some more, but heavy and bulky.

In my opinion both will do the job, and I like the idea of the Magnum, but then on the other hand mo´ammo and easier to carry.
I will have to drive with it in the car, and "pirsch" ("walkhunt" or stalk) some miles every time when hunting.

How would you decide?

 

[jbuck88]

Smith and wesson model 69

 

[xsn10s]

Whichever you can shoot better in a defensive situation. Which one have you trained with and shot the most?

 

[W54/XM-388]

Hey guys,
please don´t laugh at me.

I´m totally thorn between two handguns, which are very different.
It is about the Glock 32 in .357 Sig and the Ruger Redhawk 5,5" in .44 Magnum.

Why those two?
Well, my thoughts are for a light and small pistol, easy to carry, concealed as well, with enough stopping power for a hog (no bears around) and on the other hand the hand cannon, six-shooter, doing it all and some more, but heavy and bulky.

In my opinion both will do the job, and I like the idea of the Magnum, but then on the other hand mo´ammo and easier to carry.
I will have to drive with it in the car, and "pirsch" ("walkhunt" or stalk) some miles every time when hunting.

How would you decide?

Longslide 10mm for the win.

 

[Jayjay1]

Smith and wesson model 69

Don´t want to get to religious, but no more Smiff for me, sorry.

 

[mkollman74]

Of those two, I would go Glock. My personal is a G20.

 

[Jayjay1]

Whichever you can shoot better in a defensive situation. Which one have you trained with and shot the most?

Well, I once had a 44 Magnum, and I´ve shot some 357 Sig from a Glock 31.

It is about the purchase, right now I don´t have either of them.

 

[Jayjay1]

Longslide 10mm for the win.

Well, that would be a summary of both, which makes it even worse.


Bulky and not to be carried concealed, but not more ammo than the Glock 31.

Actually I was cruising around the 10mm, but then found out, that the Glock 20 (which still is way bigger) doesn´t penetrate deeper than the 31.
So I tilted the 10mil and went to the 357 Sig.

 

[xsn10s]

Well, I once had a 44 Magnum, and I´ve shot some 357 Sig from a Glock 31.

It is about the purchase, right now I don´t have either of them.

Then I'd pick the one that's closest to the pistols you've trained with. When I went to Alaska and was hunting in grizzly areas I carried a 4" M29 loaded with 300 grain CastCores. Down here in the lower 48 I carry a M686 loaded with snakeshot and 125 hp for fishing and 180 gr Mags for big game black bear areas. I only have to be concerned with two legged threats, cougars, and wolves right now. I'd even carry a 9mm with 147gr +P's.

 

[al22300]

Glock 20 or Glock 40 if you can handle the extra length.

 

[Jayjay1]

Guys, please, no other handguns.

It will be a backup gun, not the primary one, I do carry a rifle.
But for SP and some situations (crawling through the bush, etc.) I want an additional handgun.

Glock 31 or Ruger Redhawk in 44 Magnum, nothing else.

 

[xsn10s]

Guys, please, no other handguns.

It will be a backup gun, not the primary one, I do carry a rifle.
But for SP and some situations (crawling through the bush, etc.) I want an additional handgun.

Glock 31 or Ruger Redhawk in 44 Magnum, nothing else.

Have you owned or trained with a Glock? What handguns have you trained with? When I carried a Glock 23 I trained with that and nothing else due to the grip angle.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Well, that would be a summary of both, which makes it even worse.


Bulky and not to be carried concealed, but not more ammo than the Glock 31.

Actually I was cruising around the 10mm, but then found out, that the Glock 20 (which still is way bigger) doesn´t penetrate deeper than the 31.
So I tilted the 10mil and went to the 357 Sig.

Try Underwood Extreme Penetrators in 10mm from a G40 and you'll notice you get plenty of penetration.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

From your choice list, I'd go with Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk SA in .44 Magnum.

Advantages of .44 Magnum revolvers:

* With spare parts and basic hand tool kit, SA and DA revolvers are easily repairable in the field far from civilization.

* Straight wall cartridge. Can be loaded to any power level you want.

* Smokeless powder, black powder, or black powder substitutes.

* Any type of bullet from LWC to JHP to polymer tip to hand cast from black powder molds.

*.44 Mag and .44 Special cases.

*.44 Black Powder magnum (full case of BP with bullet of your choice can still take down almost anything and are absolutely ADDICTIVE and FUN AS HELL to shoot, not to mention troll people at the range with those huge smoke clouds.

* Revolvers in shoulder holsters look downright cool and badass and functional as all hell.

Proud owner of a Ruger Vaquero in .357 Magnum here. With that, a 55lb recurve bow, spare parts for both, a good knife/machete, one can survive and thrive indefinitely in ANY wilderness for a prolonged time.

 

[Maggot]

Don´t want to get to religious, but no more Smiff for me, sorry.

Then find God and get one of these. I have one and its a sweet shooter.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Guys, please, no other handguns.

It will be a backup gun, not the primary one, I do carry a rifle.
But for SP and some situations (crawling through the bush, etc.) I want an additional handgun.

Glock 31 or Ruger Redhawk in 44 Magnum, nothing else.

What can you get a good deal on?

Ruger Super Redhawks hold their value well and tend to appreciate some depending on the deal you got
Glock 31 is only going to devalue more than likely.

But then the other issue is, what are you comfortable carrying around?

A good .44 magnum revolver is a great all around pistol to have in your collection.

 

[al22300]

Guys, please, no other handguns.

It will be a backup gun, not the primary one, I do carry a rifle.
But for SP and some situations (crawling through the bush, etc.) I want an additional handgun.

Glock 31 or Ruger Redhawk in 44 Magnum, nothing else.

In that case I would go with the Glock but as for me personally would still go with the 20
The gun needs to be lightish and handy or you will end up leaving it behind at times………in my experience.

 

[Jayjay1]

The gun needs to be lightish and handy or you will end up leaving it behind at times………in my experience.

That´s exactly one of my concernes with the 44 Magnum.
Will I really carry it or will it rust in the safe?

 

[bmash]

how would I decide? I guess by posting on gun forums, but seriously, the
number of rounds, how quick you can get back on target, and will it stop the threat.
I don’t have a 357 sig, so I am not familiar with the recoil, but I do have a 44 mag and Glock 20. Personally I’d go for more rounds and I assume less recoil, especially if you are comfortable with the 357 sig power to kill pigs. I get back on target quicker with my 10mm than with the 44 revolver, and can keep shooting 10 or 12 additional rounds.

 

[xsn10s]

In that case I would go with the Glock but as for me personally would still go with the 20
The gun needs to be lightish and handy or you will end up leaving it behind at times………in my experience.

I agree if the pistol is too heavy then it'll end up back at camp sooner or later. A S&W M29 " was about as heavy as I wanted for a backup, but handled the 300 gr hardcast bullets fine. A 5.5" Ruger Redhawk would be way too heavy IMO when carrying a rifle, back pack, and all my gear. Pigs aren't that hard to kill with a well placed shot. A guide dropped a griz with a 9mm loaded with 147 gr. Not something I'd want but it worked. That's why I say pick something you shoot well. If it's a good deal between the two I'd spend more and get something you shoot well.

 

[cas6969]

I wouldn't choose. My record for handguns at once while hunting is five.

 

[7.62willdo]

 

[hlee]

If I ran up against a hog while hunting, I would shoot it with my rifle...

 

[nikerret]

GLOCK. Better for defense against persons and better for holding up to the elements.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

44mag is a retarded suggestion unless you plan to hunt in Alaska. (you aint carrying one in Canada).

a 9mm will be more than enough for most states except those with big blacks and big cats. Then I would step up to a 10mm, semi auto.

backup guns while hunting are 99.99% for 2 legged critters.

 

[Jayjay1]

Good points from all of you, except the one with the slingshot.

You kind of summed it up I guess.
The little voice in my head said I should go with the 44 Magnum, but the Glock 32 makes more sense for my use.

Thanks guys.

 

[nikerret]

I would suggest a G32 over a G31, but you said to stop going with something other than what was listed.

Instead of a G32, I would go with a G23 and get a 357 Sig barrel, if interested. Unless you already have 357 Sig ammo, it’s stupid to get into that caliber, right now. 40 S&W is easier to find and less expensive. With the G23 or G32, you can run a 9mm conversion barrel, too.

 

[xsn10s]

Good points from all of you, except the one with the slingshot.

You kind of summed it up I guess.
The little voice in my head said I should go with the 44 Magnum, but the Glock 32 makes more sense for my use.

Thanks guys.

I'd take a look at the ammo offered too. For pigs/ hunting backup there aren't that many good loads/ ammo out there. A G32 is built on a G23 frame so between the two I'd get a G23 and shoot 180 gr 40 S&W. I haven't seen much besides a 125 gr JHP for 357 Sig. Or get a G19 and shoot Buffalo Bore's hardcast 147 gr. https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=389

 

[mkollman74]

Charged by a Grizzly: A 10mm Glock (and Serious Practice) Saved My Life

Sam Kezar fired seven rounds amid a split-second grizzly charge. Those shots, plus one from his buddy, saved him from being mauled.

www.outdoorlife.com

Just read this last night, coincidentally. I went Glock because I can get a lot of rounds down range fast. Volume of tactically/practically accurate fire wins gunfights. That doesn’t change when your target has 4 legs…

 

[Maggot]

That´s exactly one of my concernes with the 44 Magnum.
Will I really carry it or will it rust in the safe?

With a GOOD holster the 44 magnum wont be an issue...once you get used to it, just dont get one of those long barreled monsters.

 

[Eli17L]

I used to carry my 629 but it But it seemed like I ran into 2 legged critters that concerned me more than any 4 legged so now I carry my glock loaded with Buffalo bore hard cast...

 

[TexPatriot]

I'm sorry, but I laughed.

 

[XP1K]

X frame in 460S&W ftw.

 

[hankpac]

Application rules for my decision making on this subject. I only walk about a mile from my quad to my stand during archery elk/deer season in Oregon. It happens that Bear and Cougar is also open at that time, and one or the other (bear far more frequently) will stroll through the kill zone on occasion. So... On my hip, I carry a .45 ACP, for close sudden work (hasn't happened), and under my left arm (for bear from 20-100 yds, 20 being from my stand to the ground, which is as close as I would let him get), is a 14" Contender pistol with 30/30 handloads, topped with a 4power pistol scope.
In Texas, mostly the 45 with snake shot in the first one, and hollow points followup. Sig P220, ancient, trustworthy, and smooth. Old friend.
If I was going to change the close up gun, it would be a 4" Ruger .44 mag.

 

[SouthFLShootin]

Glock FTW. I use a G40 MOS 10mm, but 357 sig should be fine. With handloads and good brass, a hot 10mm round will approach 900 ft/lbs of energy. Getting 15+1 of those in a mag and the fact I don't have to worry about the gun getting banged up is why it's so great.

I shot a 100 lbs sow not too long ago with underwood's copper "penetrator" round that was within 10-15ft. Hit her once in the shoulder and one by her snout. Shoulder shot went through both sides and the one in her snout exited the back of her ear.

 

[91Eunozs]

G21 with 450 SMC hard cast loads and a heavier spring if anywhere near bear or cougar country. If I can’t get it done with 13+1 rounds of those hard cast pills, it ain’t gettin’ done. Not by me anyway…

…otherwise plain old .45ACP in whatever flavor I’m already carrying…usually Barnes Tac XP or Federal hydrashok

 

[dustingaunder]

I have a G40 on my side in the woods. I can’t recommend anything else.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Longslide 10mm for the win.

With laser sight. Plasma rifle in the 40 watt range is appropriate, too.

Sirhr

 

[Dough300]

I have used my 9mm for grouse while hunting elk with a bow and/or muzzle loader. It’s more for my peace of mind at night for bears though.

 

[TACC]

Well, that would be a summary of both, which makes it even worse.


Bulky and not to be carried concealed, but not more ammo than the Glock 31.

Actually I was cruising around the 10mm, but then found out, that the Glock 20 (which still is way bigger) doesn´t penetrate deeper than the 31.
So I tilted the 10mil and went to the 357 Sig.

I think it is also the ammo. I shoot 220 grain Hardcast ammo from Underwood ammo out of my 10mm. That 220 comes out screaming, is very accurate, and makes a serious hole in what ever it touches. There is no way that can compare to a 357 sig 125 grain +p, that i also shoot.

 

[eca7891]

Longslide 10mm for the win.

This.

If you want concealable g20

G40 long slide

G29. I would not pick that for your use.

 

[n2ishun]

For a whole lotta years I carried a Superblackhawk in .44 mag when hunting.
Never let me down, they don't jam, they don't misfire, and are accurate as all hell.

Then I grew up.

Now,I carry a .454 Casull 6 inch field grade.
Because....what happens when your main rifle fucks up but you get this 100 yard shot on a trophy of a lifetime ?
Are you seriously going to reach out with a weenie Glock (yes I own a Glock also) ?
You don't need a scope on the thing, they only slow your aiming to pathetic level.
Just learn how to shoot the damn thing and carry the handcannon.
The first time you really need it you'll be glad it's not made of plastic.

 

[eca7891]

A 10mm is more than ample for a hog.

But imo there is no such thing as overkill either…..

 

[nockhunter]

Smith and wesson model 69

Yup,,, this is what I carry. Around here (upstate NY) I mostly carry with 44spec, 250gr WFN at about 1000fps. This load should shoot through anything I run across around here.

Mike

Mike

 

[rjacobs]

S&W 329PD crew checking in!

Its light as a Glock, but shoots 44mag... so best of both worlds?

Also it might break your hand...LOL.

 

[RUTGERS95]

smith 686 .357

 

[xsn10s]

S&W 329PD crew checking in!

Its light as a Glock, but shoots 44mag... so best of both worlds?

Also it might break your hand...LOL.

That's why I carried a 4" S&W Model 29 in Alaska. Enough weight to help me shoot 300 gr hardcast bullets well out to 50 yards. But light enough to carry ALL the time. I carry a M686 4" right now but am thinking of going back to a G23 again. Carry my 180 gr SXT's for EDC and 200 gr hardcast Buffalo Bore loads or my own handloads while hunting in bear country.

 

[rjacobs]

That's why I carried a 4" S&W Model 29 in Alaska. Enough weight to help me shoot 300 gr hardcast bullets well out to 50 yards. But light enough to carry ALL the time. I carry a M686 4" right now but am thinking of going back to a G23 again. Carry my 180 gr SXT's for EDC and 200 gr hardcast Buffalo Bore loads or my own handloads while hunting in bear country.

I carry Buffalo Bore lower recoil 255g that was developed for the 329PD. Its not bad, but its still not pleasant. I wouldnt want to shoot some HOT 300g shit out of this gun without a glove if even then. I put an X-frame grip on it to cover the back strap and put a lock delete kit in it as its known to lock itself under recoil LOL. Its a beast.

 

[xsn10s]

I carry Buffalo Bore lower recoil 255g that was developed for the 329PD. Its not bad, but its still not pleasant. I wouldnt want to shoot some HOT 300g shit out of this gun without a glove if even then. I put an X-frame grip on it to cover the back strap and put a lock delete kit in it as its known to lock itself under recoil LOL. Its a beast.

Yeah I've shot various lightweight framed S&W's and they aren't pleasant, to put it mildly lol. I like to practice a lot with loads I'm going to carry. When I carried the 44 mag for bear protection it's 300 gr CastCores were manageable in an all steel 4" M29. Your combo sounds good!

 

[xsn10s]

That Buffalo Bore 200 gr hardcast 40 S&W load is supposed to be 1000 fps out of a 4" barrel. I think that would work