The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: callithump on February 06, 2010, 07:49:04 PM
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I need to pick up a revolver for a vehicle bug out bag. The decision rests betwee the Ruger LCR and a Charter Arms .44 Bulldog.
Which would you choose?
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I like the LCR better because it is lighter, but I think as a bug-out weapon you can do more with the 44.
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Why .44? Why not .357 or .44 mag? Both of the above let you shoot two common and useful calibers. .44 is the least common of the above. Why a bug out weapon if ammo may be an issue? You'll all ways find .38 or .357. You'll mostly find.44 mag., .44 maybe. Why take a chance. Bya n older Ruger or a J-frame.
FQ13
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In a bug out bag we are not taking enough ammo for a sustained firefight anyways so who cares about mass quantity ammo availability? You can find enough 44 sp to stock your BOB. They are both 5 shots so I say take the Charter. Just my opinion.
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If It HAS to be one of those, the .44 Bulldog. BUT, for MY bug out bag, I'd most likely choose a 7 or 8 shot revolver in .357 Magnum. I like .357 (You regulars here wouldn't know that, cause I've NEVER said it before.... ;D I mean, It's not like I carry one in my pocket or anything, right?) because, as mentioned above, you can shoot .38 Special OR .357 mag. Versatility of ammo. If I were to choose a .44, it would be a .44 Mag for the same reason; it can shoot .44 Special or .44 Mag. I'd put a .357 over a .44 in my bag, because It has plenty of punch, and I've never seen a .44 mag revolver that holds more than six shots, so you can get an extra round or two with a medium or large framed .357, which could come in handy in a bug out.
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The LCR is great gun but its not the Pug. I would rather have the 44spl any day over the 38spl. If its size and weight Lcr wins hands down. Now if it were me I would man up and carry the PUG.
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What about a Charter Arms 357 Magnum Pug. Stainless frame ported Bbl. good grips and not real bad recoil with magnum loads.Just a thought. ;)
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Thanks for your thoughts. I figured the LCR will soon be available in the .357 mag so I considered that also but my thinking also tends to the Pug. The gun will be a permanent addition to the area that carries come alongs, jacks, cheaters, chain, strap and tools. Stainless steel is a plus and the caliber packs a whallop. I like the idea of a last ditch weapon, driven alot and shot a little.... I'll be on the prowl next week. :)
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My questions here are:
1) have you shot both of them? If so, what did you think? My only revolver at this point is a 4" GP100 in .357 Mag and I love it
2) what scenarios are you preparing for in this bag?
3) what is important to your choice? The weight of any revolver is minimal compared to the weight of the ammo if you are carrying very much. which goes back to the what scenarios are you thinking about in this bug out bag.
tom
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Hi Tom;
Good questions there. I've not shot them both but my preference tips to the .44: bullet weight, larger meplat, stailnless. I think it's smart to have preparedness strategies and the chance to have one last backup if you need it.
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I am thinking about adding a 44 to my collection (actually two) but more like S&W 629 or Ruger Alaskan and a Marlin lever action or used Ruger Deerfield with a mix of 44 special and 44 magnum loads you are ready for a good variety of hunting and can use them in both the revolver and the carbine. That is why I say, what is the scenario you are trying to prepare for in the bug out bag.
tom
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Having shot the .44 mag extensively I think the .454 Casull would make an interesting duo.... same deal with the Ruger as a six gun and a Marlin for the lever action, and a little more when you need it, but the folks to talk to about work on lever actions is:
http://www.grizzlycustom.com/info/
Check out their "for sale" page.
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I have shot both and I would put my faith in the bigger caliber wheelgun. In the interest of full discoluse I used to own a Bulldog and foolishly sold it for my next must have gun and have regreted it ever since :-[.
The questions about the bugout bag are valid. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. As an old Infantryman I know more about that than I like to admit. I have always planned to use our home defense guns in our bug out bags but that makes me wonder. Too much ammo and not enough medical supplies, food, water, etc?
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If you're doing things right, you should already have the LCR in the front pocket so toss the Pug in to the BOB. You'll have the best of both worlds. I might be a little bias though.
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I have shot both and I would put my faith in the bigger caliber wheelgun. In the interest of full discoluse I used to own a Bulldog and foolishly sold it for my next must have gun and have regreted it ever since :-[.
The questions about the bugout bag are valid. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. As an old Infantryman I know more about that than I like to admit. I have always planned to use our home defense guns in our bug out bags but that makes me wonder. Too much ammo and not enough medical supplies, food, water, etc?
This was the topic of a Survivalist Podcast a little while back with the conversation centered on 1 gun, 22 longrifle w/4x scope or 12 gauge with selection of ammo. The Shotgun wins from versatility etc. but his assertion of how much ammo can you lug with you for how long and if you are good with .22 how much you can take in food stuffs (especially given ability to preserve). I don't know that I would go the .22 route but it is a good thought exercise. This then lead to a follow up show http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/follow-up-on-22-vs-shotgun (http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/follow-up-on-22-vs-shotgun) all good stuff.
tom
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I own the LCR and I feel I can always get a supply of 38 special and 38 special +P ammo. Still comes down to what do you feel comfortable with.