Revolver question

[Captok]

I can't decide on a 357mag, .41mag, or a .44 mag.

I want it for home and wilderness protection, deer hunting and general plinking (fun shooting).

thanks for the input..
capok

[eddiedeverell]

I would go for the .357, its a great all around round, the others cost more to shoot as well, get a good scope for hunting and plinking, and it makes a great home protection round! The 44 mag is a good round as well but a little heavy for home protection and plinking in my opionion! Hope that helps.

[sammoh]

Heh. My opinion is a bit different but oh well, its all opinion. I'm a big fan of the .44mag. Personally I think a .357mag might be a bit light for deer but it'd be fine for self defense and plinking. The .44mag is what I would (and did) go for. Good power for deer, big bang for SD and nothing is like the feel of a .44mag in the hands at the range. Of course, if you're looking for something that's a compromise, go with the .41mag. A buddy of mine has one and absolutely loves it.

Really though, in any of the three cartridges, find a gunshop with a range and rent them if possible. Shoot at least 50 rds through each and decide then which one you like more. A well placed shot with any of them would take deer and ditto for SD. Plinking is all on how much recoil you can handle on a regular basis.

My opinion.

[lefty o]

if you want to hunt, the 41 or 44mag are much better choices.

[Uncle Red]

The .357 can also shoot the .38 spl. greatly reducing the cost of plinking. Yes you can shoot the .44 spl. in the .44 mag., but I dare you to find .44 spl. as cheep as .38 spl. I must admit that using a .44 mag for hunting and then loading it with .44 spl for home defence dose have merrit.

For hunting, most states mandate a 4" barrel lenght as a minimum. I have been toying with the idea of piccking up a Taurus M608, 8 rounds of .357.

-UR

[teenagegunwacho]

any will do a 357 magnum can shoot a 38 Special and a 44 magnum will shoot 44 Special
but any of them will do for a deer

[nathangdad]

Do all you can to shoot all the calibers in as many different guns as possible. Even if this is not possible try to handle as many different guns as possible. It is what will "fit" you best in terms of recoil, balance, pointability, trigger pull, fit of hand to grip,etc. that you will spend the most time practicing with, gaining proficiency, and being ready for the shot of opportunity or need. Only you can have these experiences and choose what is right or you. Just take time to make the best decision.

[JSnover]

I'd buy the 44 magnum. Even out of a carbine-length barrel the 357 is a little light for medium-sized game. In a revolver you lose a good amount of velocity. People do take deer with them but they need to get close and place the shot perfectly for a humane kill. With the 44 you get more of everything.

[utahvarminter]

get the .44

[two-70]

its all in what you can afford to shoot a lot of, if its no problem the 44 would be the way i would go, other wise 357 hands down

[Bookman]

I'd get a .357.

[GlockMeister]

Might I remind you that any of those could easily go through an outside wall. So if for home defense you definitely might want to stick with the .357 to use the .38 option to get a little less horsepower so to speak..

The other thing to consider is if you are married or have a g-friend and they may have to use it, you might want to consider that when deciding as well.

Personal opinion, you can't beat a 12ga. with buckshot for home defense. So, why not buy 2 guns? One for wilderness and 1 for home protection...Sure go ahead, buy 2...

G_Meister

[madcratebuilder]

For wilderness protection,(bear) a 41mag is about minimum I would want. Deer hunting, a 357, if you good with it well take smaller deer. A 44 blackhawk or super blackhawk would be a good choice for low cost entry level gun. A 45lc with the right loads in a heavy frame are good stoppers also.

[Dallas]

.357 for the reassons stated above.

[Midas]

The .44 Mag fills the bill, its an excellent hunting cartridge, and can shoot the .44 Special cartridge, which is good for self defense or plinking.

[neophyte]

Captok: Sir; all other things considered; barrel length needs to be considered. Hunting and behind protection are a little different applications. Concealed carry?
Big game?
As a handgun, single shot hunter; I wouldn't have any quibbling over what you have mentioned. Sir; just know your ability and stay within your comfort zone. "If"; "Maybe" doesn't have a place in a target.
As mentioned check your state law for any restrictions.

[trapfreek]

The 357 is not enough for deer IMHO. I would probably go with the 44mag if you plan to use it for hunting. If you prmarily want a plinker the 357 is good because you can use the 38 sp. ammo

[SilverRun]

~4" barrel .44 mag would be a good compromise. I agree with most of what was said above, but if you are looking for only one, then you have to get the one that will work for all of what you may want it for. With the right ammo, the .44 will do just about anything you would want a handgun to do. Well except deep CCW or long range target type stuff.

I am not sure that I would refer to shooting a .44 mag fun, but with .44 specials it is not bad.

[Troy]

go with the .357.

[Captok]

A guy I work with has a .44 and a .357. he told me I could come over and shoot both of them.

I'll let ya know what I decided.

thanks,
captok