Handgun for fishing and hiking

[jaybet]

Good point...it's not hunting. If it's trying to eat you make sure you put one in it's balls as it's running away.

[PegLeg45]

Since price is a factor, I would try to find a good deal on a used stainless steel Ruger Blackhawk in .44 or .45 colt with a 4 5\8'' barrel, easy to carry and hard hitting in either caliber.

+1 excellent choices.....that is my usual "fishing" gun, a .44 Ruger SBH.


*And if you can swing the funds, maybe look into a Redhawk DA in  those calibers.
I only mention the DA Redhawk because unless you practice a lot (which can get expensive in those calibers) with the SA, under stress it could get dicey. The DA allows point-n-click capability.

[sledgemeister]

If you can find a S&W x frame in 460 with a 4" barrel I would grab one of those, can use cheaper 45LC for practice and when hiking add a few rounds of 460. Even if you cant hit the critter the noise will leave then stunned like a flash bang going off. :-)
Even sticking to 45LC for protection, properly loaded their isnt much between them and a 44 mag. But its nice to step it up if you have too 

Ammo Comparison: Left to Right -
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.460 S&W Magnum

[BBJohnnyT]

Picking the right gun is good, but since you live in CA, you most likely wouldn't be able to carry it for fishing and hiking.  The CA laws are an incredible jumble of ambiguous laws and overlapping jurisdictions.  Since the open carry ban on Jan 1, most places in CA are unfortunately a big fat no-no to carry on public lands, but it all depends on where you want to fish and hike (state park, NF, BLM, etc.).  I suggest looking at the first post and then wading through this extensive thread on CalGuns.net to see where it's legal to carry...  http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=186457

I've applied for a CCW permit because it's the only way I can protect myself here in the San Bernardino National Forest.  All open carry of any handgun is prohibited here since Jan 1.  A CCW may also be your only option.

[TAB]

It is legal to oc while fishing in ca.  As long as the aera you are fishing its legal to do so.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

It is legal to oc while fishing in ca.  As long as the aera you are fishing its legal to do so.

 

I thought the new law prohibited all OC ?

[1911 Junkie]

I thought the new law prohibited all OC ?

But it's still legal except where it is illegal.  What is so hard to understand about that? 

[TAB]

Walking down the street ocing is illegal.  While hunting/ fishing and traveling too/ from  said activtys is legal.  Unless the area you are in prohibits fire arms ( state parks for example) .  Having only a bow tag and having a firearm will also get you in deep doo doo.  Just with fish and game, not the doj.

[JoeG]

I bought a Taurus Tracker 4" in 44 mag. Great gun for the money ~$500. Shoots nice, trigger is good (not a S&W though)  and the grip makes shooting full loads pretty reasonable. I picked up an Uncle Mikes shoulder holster that clips onto a belt so you can shift some weight onto the belt for more comfort. Very happy with it.

joe

[sledgemeister]

I bought a Taurus Tracker 4" in 44 mag. Great gun for the money ~$500. Shoots nice, trigger is good (not a S&W though)  and the grip makes shooting full loads pretty reasonable. I picked up an Uncle Mikes shoulder holster that clips onto a belt so you can shift some weight onto the belt for more comfort. Very happy with it.

joe

Nothing wrong with that purchase, ported barrel to help with muzzle flip with heavy loads and you can load down to 44 specials for plinking. Nice and compact and still carry's plenty of wallop.