i traded around and have a little money to spend, i have $300 max to spend and no more. if i try and save more it would only be about $20 a month so it would be next year before i could get a more expensive gun. i only have a heritage rough rider loaded with 22 mag for defense now when i go walking and hiking, i would like to get a bigger caliber but don't know yet which way to go. i'm leaning to 2 calibers a 357 mag revolver as i'm a revolver guy and they make great woods guns. or a 9mm even though i don't like auto's that well they tend to cost less for people on a budget. also i will have to have my local shop order it as i can't order online and have it shipped to them as they don't do that, but they offer good prices. and the nearest dealer that does is 80 miles away thats 160 round trip so gas would take care of any savings i could get. now i have a 12 gauge for home defense with pistol grip and it wouldn't be bad to hike with but since i have a little money i thought i would try and get another handgun. i'm up for any suggestions on any guns that fit my budget, i know in the long run you get what you pay for, but just need one now to last untill i can get a better one. also how would 38+p be against hog or feral dogs?, i've looked online at alot of revolvers from eaa to taurus as for auto's i don't know much about them. thanks for any help.
I'd get the .357 and your not strapped down to one type of ammo ( .38 Plinking or hiking and if .357 mag is not available or to expensive )and a box of .357 for HD if you feel they are needed.
Definately I would opt for the .357 as well. More power. Less headaches. It is more to carry then a pocket 9. But if your out in the woods you may need something a lot more substantial then a 9. You actually have a choice with most .357's. .38 .38+P and .357. And you can also have the different bullet weights in the .357 to compensate for different carry options.
id go for the 357 also for its ability to use 38 also for cheaper practice.
You can find a LE trade in S&W model 65 for under $275 from J&G.
Ive bought several of the LE trade ins and I have not been disappointed by any of them.
This reply will draw some strong negative opinions
Personally, I consider the 9mm too weak for serious consideration. It absolutely is not going to be the cartridge you want should you encounter a wild hog. For me as a personal defense round in semi-auto I go with the 230 grain roundnose fully jacketed .45 ACP.
I would go with the .357 mag using 158 grain semi-jacketed hollow points. The Texas Highway Patrol has a long history of success with this round.
Very often pawn shops and some gun shops have high quality used .357's at reasonable prices. If you belong to a Credit Union it might be possible to get a long term loan allowing for small monthly payments. This might move you up in quality .357's. My favorite .357 is the Smith and Wesson model 27 of which I have owned two and now plan to purchase a new one.
I now have opened the door for 9mm supporters of which there are many so I expect other comments and I respect the views of others.
Personally, I consider the 9mm too weak for serious consideration. It absolutely is not going to be the cartridge you want should you encounter a wild hog. For me as a personal defense round in semi-auto I go with the 230 grain roundnose fully jacketed .45 ACP.
I would go with the .357 mag using 158 grain semi-jacketed hollow points. The Texas Highway Patrol has a long history of success with this round.
Very often pawn shops and some gun shops have high quality used .357's at reasonable prices. If you belong to a Credit Union it might be possible to get a long term loan allowing for small monthly payments. This might move you up in quality .357's. My favorite .357 is the Smith and Wesson model 27 of which I have owned two and now plan to purchase a new one.
I now have opened the door for 9mm supporters of which there are many so I expect other comments and I respect the views of others.
Best wishes.
You think you left yourself open to comments? Read this. I believe, no statistics here just my opinion, that any thing that emits high speed projectiles will stop an assault on you, even by a wild hog. And I include everything from .22 to .50. Of course I left out zombies. Zombies are not to good at thinking and may continue on toward you even when getting shot full of holes. =(;-)
And by the way, I also endorse the .357 revolver, for the reasons stated above. I have two of them, both Dan Wesson, and if you can FIND a Dan Wesson, buy it.
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You think you left yourself open to comments? Read this. I believe, no statistics here just my opinion, that any thing that emits high speed projectiles will stop an assault on you, even by a wild hog. And I include everything from .22 to .50.
If your shoot'n out of a trap or pen, I'd tend to agree with you on the .22 but if your not you better pray for a tree close by with a low limb. ......................PS. the thread was started by" OLD FART" in the greek language translated means "one whom does'nt run swiftly nor climb well either
If your shoot'n out of a trap or pen, I'd tend to agree with you on the .22 but if your not you better pray for a tree close by with a low limb. ......................PS. the thread was started by" OLD FART" in the greek language translated means "one whom does'nt run swiftly nor climb well either
I would bet that I qualify as an old fart myself. I got my first gun at 6 when I was a redneck hillbilly kid in Oklahoma wandering around in the woods. I am now passing 66. It was a pump Winchester .22 I think it was a model 62. I did not own any guns for a couple of years after getting married, sold them for a house down payment. Man or beast almost all aggressors will back off when you fight back. I have had my ass whipped by some bullies but they only felt it was worth doing it once. I have shot at some things in the woods that felt retreat was the better choice. Like Winston Churchhill said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself".
For a $300 budget, I'm strongly inclined to say .357. A GOOD 9mm would be just as viable for practically any application, but they are pricey. Cheap autos have a nasty habbit of letting a person down.
You might find a used glock for that much.
If hog is in the equation I would stick with a 4+" .357.
Taurus makes some extremely serviceable .357s which do not have the high dollar reputation of the Colt, Ruger, S&W products. You can probably find a good Taurus and the most gun for your dollar if you are worried about function more than appearance.
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I would bet that I qualify as an old fart myself. I got my first gun at 6 when I was a redneck hillbilly kid in Oklahoma wandering around in the woods. I am now passing 66. It was a pump Winchester .22 I think it was a model 62. I did not own any guns for a couple of years after getting married, sold them for a house down payment. Man or beast almost all aggressors will back off when you fight back. I have had my ass whipped by some bullies but they only felt it was worth doing it once. I have shot at some things in the woods that felt retreat was the better choice. Like Winston Churchhill said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself".
don't kid yourself old Winston didn't have a pizzedoff hog on his azz either
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