The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: mtpockets on September 01, 2010, 01:22:48 PM
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It's archery deer season in AZ, Game and Fish permites you to carry a handgun with a barrel 6 in. or under. My choice is XD 45, Smith and Wesson 325 PD (45 ACP), or a Ruger Vaquero (45 long colt). Main concerns are mountain lions, bob cats, but with all the imigrant trouble I wonder if the old six rounds of 45 isn't enough.
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Any caliber handgun that begins with .357, or begins with a "4" is suitable. In essence your inquiring about a "back up" on a hunting trip. The factors, will be size, weight, comfort, ease of access, reliability and accuracy.
When camping, I like my .45Colt. SA. with Winchester 225gr Silver-tip JHP's. Will work on four and two legged critters. Easy to draw, hike with, and very, very accurate. I usually have my Remington 870 also, but you'll be carrying a bow.
However, I can see the "comfort" and justification of more rounds, if needed, in the XD semi-auto platform. If it feels comfortable for you on a long hunting trip, and you are accurate with it, bring it with two spare mags, and good luck on your trip.
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Ditto!
Richard
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I carried the XD 2 weeks ago, everything was fine, just a little heavy. I ended up hiking quite a few miles, I need to man up and keep carrying the XD. The shotgun is always at camp too.
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I carried the XD 2 weeks ago, everything was fine, just a little heavy. I ended up hiking quite a few miles, I need to man up and keep carrying the XD. The shotgun is always at camp too.
Well, carry the one you shoot the best.
Out of your choices, I would be carrying the XD with Buffalo Bore (but that is MY choice, YMMV).
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I carried the XD 2 weeks ago, everything was fine, just a little heavy. I ended up hiking quite a few miles, I need to man up and keep carrying the XD. The shotgun is always at camp too.
I think the xd is the best choices for the "targets" you are concerned with. Have you considered a tactical drop holster to spread the weight onto the thigh?
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Either my 19-3 with hot .357 mags or my 629 with some hot .44's. Both are 4" barrels so that's not a problem. The biggest thing is weight.
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which is the lightest?
any of those choices would work just fine.
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I do shoot the 325 much better, and no I have not tried a thigh holster. I have tried a chest rig though and it was very nice, it just gets in the way of my string when I draw my bow. I do not have a holster for the 325, I would like to get a cross draw I think that would work well.
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My choice is a 4" S&W mountain Gun in 44 mag. It's light enough to carry all day but packs the punch you may need in Montana. O' and buy the way, I can see the first snow on the mountain tops from my window. Damn! I think my neck is starting to swell. ;D
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The last couple of years, it's been my old model Vaquero in 45 Colt.
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If you have a good holster, I would go with the .45 colt, the .45 acp has a few advantages such as moon clips, both calibers will deal with all of your concerns, the lighter gun may be better with a good holster. Shoot a big one for me.
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Either would work, but if ever there was a goood excuse to buy a GP-100 or a Redhawk......
FQ13