This may sound like a stupid question, but how much barrel length do you need/want in a hunting revolver. I am looking at a multi use revolver in .357Mag that might see "a little" time in the field. My question is; is a 6-6.5" barrel enough or should you have one of the 7.5-8" barrels on a revolver for hunting purposes?
Ps: Using Iron sights.

[ 06-12-2003, 00:45: Message edited by: Mark G ]

Mark G,

For packing and carrying purpose during the hunt a barrel length under or equal 6" is the top.

The gain regarding velocity with longer barrel isn't so important.

The right question should be : what caliber I need?

The .357 mag has a limited "killing power" and shooting distance in a revolver.

If you'll plan to hunt wildboar you must choose a .44 mag,.454 Casull,.475 Line,.50 AE or .500 Line. just my 0.02 cts.

While the shorter barrels pack well, the longer barrels balence better, and the longer sight radius can aid in placing your shots. I used to be a short barrel fan, but found that I shoot a longer barrel better. So, I prefer to get a gun that I shoot well, and find a way to pack it.

My preference would be a 5 1/2 to 6" barrel on the short end, on up to a 7 1/2". I agree that the velocity increase isn't an issue, it's all in the shootability. I find the 4 to 4 1/2" guns seem to have a neutral balance, which makes it more difficult for me to hold steady. A touch of barrel heaviness seems to help lock the barrel on the target.

If it is definitely going to be a .357 Magnum, then I strongly suggest looking at Ruger's GP-100. It is built well enough to handle any sane 357 load and Rugers have a reputation for producing higher velocities than other brands. If you are willing to move up to 44 Magnum, then maybe a 5 inch barreled S&W 29 or 629 Classic.

I have a 6 1/2" M29 with iron sights, it has served me well.Longer than that gets to be unhandy and scope makes it very unhandy. I too would suggest you go to 44 mag because it is really twice as effective.

Thanks for the Replys and suggestions. I think you guys answered my question. As I said in my post, this will be a multi purpose gun. It will probably spend most of its time at the range punching paper with 38 spl's. I see you points about the 44mag, but in truth I have owned two in the past, and with my small hands, I don't handle the recoil very well.
If I did take a .357 hunting, I would limit it to doe culling under my stand (20 yards or less).
Thanks again for all the replys. Could any of you .357 shooters suggest a good factory load for hunting purposes, bullet weight, brand, etc.?

For doe hunting at 20 yards, and if you keep your shots limited to broadside, the 357 will fill the bill. Stick with 158 grain or 180 grain loads. Hard cast semi-wadcutter or soft point ammo would probably be best. You want the bullet to penetrate through to the vital organs, not expand explosively in the hide.

As I get older I find that the shorter barrels work better with my tired eyes. Mark, as to handling the recoil of a 44 (I also have small hands) try one of the round butt N frame S & W's. - Dan

Hello, I would say to get what feels best in your hand and point well. The Ruger GP-100 is a very excellent gun. I have the 4" stainless one and love it. It is very accurate and easy to pack. Last year I took a smallish 2 point with a Sauer 357, I happened to have 110gn JHP's in it, the shot presented itself at about 80 yds, so I took it. The bullet entered behind the sholder, took out both lungs and ended up in the offside sholder. He ran about 40yds and piled up. The bullet still weighed 110gns. I would suggest a heavier bullet in the 158 or 180 gn JSP or hard cast prefered. Shot placement is definately important. The little 110 JHP might not have done the job with a sholder hit. I don't shoot for the sholder though. My favorite packing gun is a Ruger Blackhawk in 45colt. It is stainless and has a 4 5/8" bbl. It is nearly as light as the GP-100, but can pack alot more punch. You could load a 265 hard cast at moderate velocity, 900ish, and probably have much better performance on game. On the Linebaugh site, he tells of his wife takeing an Elk with a similar load. Most factory 45 loads should fall into that category, you might have to shop for a hard bullet instead of soft lead. The 45 with light loads kicks less than the .357 with normal loads. You also get a bigger hole in the target.

I love my GP-100. Easy to pack if you belt it. I like the heavier bullet too. 158 and up for hunting. The 180 cast core from Federal 180 Winchester Partition or a good 158 or 180 hollow point.

Hcliff

I like a 5.5" to 6". Although the 4" is mechanically as accurate, I can't shoot them as well.

I've had my best results in a .357 on deer sized game with the Winchester 180 Partition. Not the fastest out there, but penetrates well with decent expansion. It is my most accurate factory hunting load in .357 Magnum.

My favorites are the Freedom Arms 97 in 5.5" and a S&W 686 in 6". I'm not particularly fond of Ruger single actions (don't fit my hand well), but the GP 100 is one tough revolver.

I would opt for the 5" bbl gun any time I could find one it has the same basic sight lenght as the 6" and carry of the 4", the 357 with handload 173 grain Keith SWC's or one of cor-bon's 180 should do the trick for you, I have for the last couple of years taken one or two does with my model 27 3 1'2" using 145 grain silvertips keeping shots under 50 yards

IMHO, The 6" barrel length makes the best compromise overall. You still have a good sight radius for target/hunting and a good balance of velocity. I would not be afraid to take deer past 50 yards with the right load and knowing my point of impact. For deer size game i would stick to the 158-200 grain bullets, factory or reloads.

Good luck with whatever you purchase!!

this is a easy question,LOL.
SRH 9 1/2" barrel,thats what I have used for some time now,love the longer barrel

mike

My favorite barrel length is 6 1/2" My favorite 357 is the old model blackhawk with 6 1/2" tube.

I wish Ruger would offer the 44 & 45 in a 6 1/2" model. The 357 will kill deer and hogs fine with the right shot placement and right bullet.
If you are limited to factory ammo. The 180 grain and 200 grain bullets from Corbon are some of the best.
I have not tried the 180 grain partition, but the 44 cal. partition works great.
Corbon would be my first choice for factory ammo.

Well, Ruger does offer the .41 mag in a 6 1/2 inch barreled version. I'll have to check but I think my brother had a 44 with a 6 1/2 inch barrel that he bought new not too long ago.

Mark G, Well this is an easy one to figure out. If you get a Dan Wesson you could get just about any barrel you want. And you will get a much more accurate revolver. Dan Wesson rules

But for me I like an 8 inch barrel for most everything for hunting then when punching paper I like a 6 incher. With Dan Wesson you can change you barrels whenever you want.

Brian

[ 08-15-2003, 05:44: Message edited by: 445 supermag ]