38 special lightweight
The 410/45 handgun craze has never impressed me. Here is a field test done on the judge
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htmI personally think they are overrated. Ive got a derringer in that caliber and you can't hit anything at 7'. The 45 bullet hits the paper sideways
Only reason I carry a pistol is for crazy crackheads. Aint no critter out there gonna get you. Except a skunkape or chupacabra maybe
X2 on the crack heads comment!
for real! here in Fla you would likely serve less time for shooting a human than a panther or black bear.handguns are nice for going in to check/fill cameras and feeders,primarily for snakes. if carrying a shotgun or open sighted rifle (lever), I see no need to carry the extra wt. for handgun choices a 38 special lightweight snub nose is OK for snakes and easy to carry but that's about it. a beater 357 revolver with 2 3/4"-4" bbl is a real good choice for a trail gun. the 45 acp is a good one also. the judge's are too big imo for what you get. a hammer-less Ruger sp101 is an excellent/strong trail or self defense gun. plenty of others will work if you prefer.
X2! Judge is way over rated and BS thing IMHO!
If you are gonna carry a hand gun for anything more than shooting snakes or shooting crack heads you may encounter in the field or on your way to the field, I'd recommend a 44 mag or 357 revolver with 4" plus barrel for taking game.
A 38 revolver or a compact 9mm makes a great snake/crack head gun to conceal carry.
I keep a Colt 1911 pistol on me at all times on my property.
My wife keeps a Glock 19 on her at all times too.
Not afraid of anything with four legs... just those with two legs.
by side arm or trail gun, I'm talking about a gun NOT intended as a primary hunting weapon. that would be a larger caliber longer bbl. the trail gun for me is mostly for snakes/coyotes/hogs that would be unexpectedly encountered at 25 yd's max.
