Which pistol to carry on a hunting trip?

[mtpockets]

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.

[twyacht]

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.

[ellis4538]

Ditto!

Richard

[mtpockets]

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.

[r_w]

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). 

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

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?

[Blaidd]

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.

[TAB]

which is the lightest?


any of those choices would work just fine.

[mtpockets]

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.

[1Buckshot]

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.