WOT: 357 purchase, anyone have an opinion? Options

[TROJANMAN]

i figure if someone could talk about getting a tube up his arse(sorry JP, hope the tests are neg.), then guns should be as safe a topic for discussion. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

looking to purchase a 357 mag. i want something for home protection (i've pissed off a few people in my lifetime) as well something to plink around with, and i can carry it as a sidearm when hunting birds in the mountains (lions and bears, OH MY). i was thinking this was also a suitable caliber that it wouldn't knock my wife on her ass when she shoots it, but offers suitable stopping power against local wildlife (and lions and bears as well). plus i've heard some people can even hunt with this caliber, matched with the right load. any opinions ???????
I think i've narrowed it down to the ruger gp-100 and the S&W 686. thanks in advance......... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

just read the carjack thread.... one more reason.

This post has been edited by glstrojan: Jun 14 2004, 04:35 PM

[TROJANMAN]

what about a .41 mag? Anything less than a .50 is probably just going to piss the bear off.

i agree, but i also want to be able to teach my wife to shoot it. i already own a shotgun, but it's hard to keep around with a small child. the revolver can be kept out of sight, but within reach of the bed. but nothing like the sound of a pump action shotgun to scare off an intruder.........
i've also heard revolvers are easier to maintain and less movingparts means less things to break, is this right? i am looking for a 6" barrel. althogh a snubnose would be cool, i think the bigger the gun, the less the recoil. this is important if i want to shoot it regularly ( and for the wife).

thanks for the input guys (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)