[cals400ex]

I'm looking for a small handgun (probably a .38 caliber) for around $300. It will not be used much but I want to carry something small when I'm walking through the woods hunting in case any stray animal comes up on me. I'm looking for good reliability and something that won't kick excessively hard. Any suggestions?

[orangello]

Bersa Thunder .380 will fit in a larger pocket, doesn't kick that much, and holds 7 or 9 rounds. They sell for around $300, sometimes a bit less depending on the finish chosen.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_178/products_id/25381/Bersa+Thunder+380+.380acp+Duo+Tone%2C+7+round
I prefer the model with the nice flat nickel finish on the slide.


I will say that, if i was expecting to have to deal with an animal much larger than a big dog, i would probably want something in a 9mm or better.

[rhyno13]

I say get a .380 or 9mm. You can find some great deals one those two calibers.

[TX45]

EAA Witness 9mm on Bud's

EAA SAR B6 9mm on Davidson's

[BeyondTheBox]

Animals in woods - rifle or shotgun with slug.

Unless you're just wanting a gun for warning shot, in that case the Bersa Thunder 380 would be perfect! Truly best bang for buck out there.

[danf_fl]

There are good used revolvers out there for less than $300.

I believe that I've seen 4".357 S&Ws for about $269.

[lbwar15]

Rossi has a .357mag and a .44mag for under $300. I know you said you won't something that dose not have much recoil. But I would consider this if there is a chance you could run in to hogs while hunting. A .380 is just going to piss it off. Plus you can use .38 in the .357 and .44spl in the .44 mag.

[cals400ex]

There will not be any hogs. The largest we should see will be a dog. I would like it to fire off a warning shot, but I would like it to stop a dog if the warning shot doesn't scare the dog off.

[lbwar15]

Originally Posted by cals400ex

There will not be any hogs. The largest we should see will be a dog. I would like it to fire off a warning shot, but I would like it to stop a dog if the warning shot doesn't scare the dog off.

If the dog is attacking a warning shot will probably not have any affect. If a person heard a warning shot they know what it is so there is a chance they will go the other way. To a dog it's just a loud noise. Even if your opinion isn't the same as mine. Remember you might not have time to squeeze off another shot.

[orangello]

IIRC, didn't a certain governor of TX cap a coyote with a lil pocket .380 of some sort?

I think .380 would be enough for dogs and such, and the Bersa Thunder is one of the larger framed .380's (relatively, some .380's are teeeny concealment pieces) to reduce the recoil and fit the hand better.