Best Trail Gun
 

Hello Everyone

I am on a quest to discover the best trail gun. I currently own a 22mag revolver but I'm looking for something with a little more stopping power. Dont get me wrong I'm a huge fan of the 22mag but looking for a better fit.

Need more info...stopping power to stop what?

My trail gun is an S&W 629 .44 Mag because "if I do my part" it "should" stop anything in the lower 48 states.

But this is a large, heavy, and expensive option...your needs may be different?

Tack

Get either a 357 or 44 mag ruger redhawk. 4" barrel MINIMUM.

Basically looking to use it for protection during backpacking trips/ long hikes. Looking for something strong enough to deter larger wildlife. Cougars, Bears, etc... don't necessarily want to drop anything but definitely use as a deterrent.

For years when I was doing a LOT of hiking/prospecting I carried a
(don't laugh) Charter Arms Target Bulldog.

4" 5 shot .357 Magnum, adjustable sights, darned thing only weighed
maybe 16 oz.? Long enough barrel to actually hit something, and
light enough to pack all day.

Too bad S&W doesn't do the lightweight .357 J frame in a 4" or even
6" gun with adjustable sights. It would make an ideal little trail
gun.

Ruger GP100 .357 mag 4" or 6" barrel

To the op, what is your budget for this and what state are you in?

If you shoot a bear, you better be damned sure you're going to kill it. A pissed of bear is not something you want to deal with. Depending on what kind of wildlife you're dealing with, the minimum I'd be willing to carry in true "bear country" is a .44 mag.

I completely agree

I have to agree, .44 Mag.

But if you're going to commit to

that caliber and weight, a

nice bolt-action rifle,

in 30.06 might be

the ticket...