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Post by bigbore442001 on Jun 15, 2018 20:00:31 GMT -5
Hello All:
I am thinking about buying a new " trail gun" . I would like some opinions to guide my decision making process. I have been contemplating either a Ruger 1911 in 10 mm or a Smith and Wesson M69 5 shot 44 magnum with the 4.25 inch barrel.
I have always been a revolver man and own a number of 44 calibers. It is a round I am familiar with as well as comfortable to shoot. I kind of like the M69 and it seems to do well in the field from what I have read so far.
I still like the idea of a 10 mm but I would have to start up reloading a whole new caliber. Although a 1911 is nice and flat yet the M69 isn't overly fat.
Decisions,decisions.
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Post by halfmoon on Jun 15, 2018 20:38:50 GMT -5
Well, cogitating, what's the balance you want to strike? In the 10 mm: you give up power, load power flexibility, bullet design and weight flexibility, and some level of reliability; contrariwise you gain capacity, improved concealibity, faster reloads, and arguably faster rate of fire.
What's the right balance for what you want in a trail gun and the conditions you're likely to encounter? For instance, I used to hike a lot in largely people free areas and my trail gun was an open carried Super Blackhawk. Now I hike a lot on more peopled trails where open carry might freak people out so I've gone a more concealable route.
Most importantly where is your taste and heart guiding you?
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Post by matt56 on Jun 15, 2018 20:57:07 GMT -5
I have IWB carried while hiking/fishing both a Model 69 4.25" and a Glock model 40 which is comparable in size to a 1911. The 69 was not comfortable for all day carry but it would be fine with an OWB holster. I also found I cannot shoot the 69 very accurately with full house 44 mag loads. The load I have settled with is a 210gr Gold Dot going 1250 fps. That doesn't gain much over a 10mm. However the Glock in a hybrid holster was a breeze to carry IWB. I fished all day and hardly knew it was there. It is going with me on future trips
Believe me, I am a die hard revolver guy and I only own one semi-auto. For that particular scenario the Glock wins.
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Post by bigbrowndog on Jun 15, 2018 21:25:22 GMT -5
To me, a “trail gun” is something you will probably use for a variety of reasons, taking small game, protection from man or mammal, possibly taking big game, and reptiles. For me it means realistically 50 yards maximum distance, and maximum 6” accuracy at that distance. Either gun should be capable of that accuracy, if you are. However the flexibility of having shot capsules, reduced loads, full power loads, etc. and the ease of changing out to whatever suitable load you need at the time leads me to choose revolver!!!, the flexibility of the 44 for a greater range of suitable uses leads me to choose the 69, although I’d probably take a 3” or 2.75”.
My 3”, 629 is plenty accurate out to 50, I can have a shotshell in the cylinder for snakes, or a cottontail, and know that any varmint from coyote to man is handled by what’s left in the cylinder, and all I have to do is cock it past the shotshell and start shooting. You’ve got to use two hands to rack one out of an auto.
My 2 cents........Trapr
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Post by coldtriggerfinger on Jun 15, 2018 21:26:25 GMT -5
I really think these lighter weight 44s would be benefited from 300 gr bullets at say 950-100 fps . Instead of lighter and faster. Bullets. I've had 180 gr factory ammo that was much , much more unpleasant to shoot than 320 gr boolits @ 1200 fps. In 4 and 5 1/2" barrels.
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matts
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 59
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Post by matts on Jun 15, 2018 23:06:35 GMT -5
I am a very big advocate of 10mm. For me, for the most part I’m worried more about two legged predators when I’m out about hiking/fishing then 4 legged. I own Glock 20 and 40, sti tactical 10mm and sig 220-10. I also have a Smith 69 that I like. I really like the higher capacity of 10mm and much easier to shoot accurately fast. I also really like being able to mount a light to a pistol. The biggest pro on the revolver is being able to put shotshell in the first cylinder. Don’t know if that helps at all but if you select 10mm just be careful of what you shoot. Either reload or get premium ammo for it to get its full potential.
Good shooting.
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Post by dougader on Jun 15, 2018 23:49:58 GMT -5
If I was willing to take on a new caliber, I'd have a GP100 in 10mm... so that's my decision. If they'd make the GP in 41 mag then that would be an entirely new question.
I like snubby revolvers and have the 69 with the 2-3/4" barrel. It rides real nice in an OWB holster so should fill the role of trail gun real well.
The OM 41 mag BH is another real contender IMO.
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Post by coldtriggerfinger on Jun 16, 2018 1:54:56 GMT -5
No doubt! There really isn't a bad choice here. A friend has a 4" ( I think) Model 69. It is a very nice revolver. If you can hit well with it that's what counts.
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Post by oddshooter on Jun 16, 2018 9:41:22 GMT -5
I find you guys on here amazing.
The site is called singleactions. and for you guys to converse on the benefits of a semi-auto; I find refreshing. I really enjoy the balance here.
The first post by halfmoon was perfect. "Well, cogitating, what's the balance you want to strike? In the 10 mm: you give up power, load power flexibility, bullet design and weight flexibility, and some level of reliability; contrariwise you gain capacity, improved concealibity, faster reloads, and arguably faster rate of fire.
What's the right balance for what you want in a trail gun and the conditions you're likely to encounter? For instance, I used to hike a lot in largely people free areas and my trail gun was an open carried Super Blackhawk. Now I hike a lot on more peopled trails where open carry might freak people out so I've gone a more concealable route.
Most importantly where is your taste and heart guiding you?"
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Post by bula on Jun 16, 2018 9:41:47 GMT -5
I've two young friends that have chosen the 10mm lately. I've a 4.2" M69 myself. Soo..where are your trails ? Paul105 has run some heavy loads thru his M69's. I've tried up to a cylinder full of BB 305gr loads. That and shotshells, things the 10mm's won't do. I'll agree with someone above, and have a loading of Missourri bullets 300gr "Hammer" for my M69. Needs to be seated over the smallish shoulder to fit in the M69. The shoulder is smallish because the meplat is nearly the size of the bore. Something the 10mm's likely can't feed. So,again, where are your trails ? What possible threats ? Last thing, only you can answer, how much of a warm fuzzy feeling do you get having twice or more on board capacity ?
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Post by bigbrowndog on Jun 16, 2018 10:35:12 GMT -5
“Where are your trails” .....is a good question.
My personal trail guns vary from G29 to Commander 38 super in Autos, and 3” SW m13, 3” 629 for DA revos, to FlatTop 4.5” 357 and 4” Bisley 45 colt or 500L. All depending on where and what I anticipate needed it for,.........open carry or concealed is also a consideration.
Trapr
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Post by bigbore442001 on Jun 16, 2018 13:53:28 GMT -5
Hello All:
I appreciate the information and guidance. I am in the New England area. I tend to frequent the southern Worcester county area of Massachusetts with occasional forays into Maine and New Hampshire. Once in a while I will take a trip to the Deep South or the Western US.
There are some black bears but they tend to be more fearful of humans than anything else. It seems that recently the eastern coyote is becoming more brave. The biggest issue I see would be two legged in all honesty. I recall a story that happened to a friend of mine a good 20+ years ago. He went hiking with his fiancé in the White Mountains of NH. He met two men that seemed rather sketchy so something told him to act as a decoy while is future wife ran in a safe direction. Ironically he always carries a gun but in that instance she told him it would be needed.
He was able to draw them off and hide while they were looking for them. After that the two of them went to the ranger station and reported the situation. Ironically a sole woman hiker from Quebec was murdered in the area and the case was never solved. From them on he and his wife have gone armed on their backpacking trips.
I have seen some people post about the .460 Rowland. That seems to be a real intriguing round. I watched some You Tube stuff on it but I am not sure of the pros and cons of the 460 Rowland. Again I am tempted to go that route.
I guess I am looking for a good all around gun which may be a compromise in all areas.
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Post by rjm52 on Jun 16, 2018 14:18:34 GMT -5
Do you have a 1911 in .45? If so have you looked at modifying it to .45 Super..? I have a Kimber Stainless Target II that has been modified with heavier main spring, recoil spring and a flat bottom firing pin stop...that is all that is needed. Friend just tricked out a brand new Combat Commander to same way and had Accurate Plating hard chrome the whole gun...
230s are running 1100 fps and 255s 1030.
This same Kimber will also run 10mm with it's second slide. 200 hardcasts are running in the 1200s...
The Ruger 10mm will make a nice walking piece...so would one in .45 upgraded to .45 Super.
If you use a day pack like I do you may want to check out Hill People Gear chest pack...very comfortable to wear and just looks like another pouch to other hikers...which is important where we hike in New England...
Bob
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Post by 500fksjr on Jun 16, 2018 19:40:17 GMT -5
Hello All: I am thinking about buying a new " trail gun" . I would like some opinions to guide my decision making process. I have been contemplating either a Ruger 1911 in 10 mm or a Smith and Wesson M69 5 shot 44 magnum with the 4.25 inch barrel. I have always been a revolver man and own a number of 44 calibers. It is a round I am familiar with as well as comfortable to shoot. I kind of like the M69 and it seems to do well in the field from what I have read so far. I still like the idea of a 10 mm but I would have to start up reloading a whole new caliber. Although a 1911 is nice and flat yet the M69 isn't overly fat. Decisions,decisions. Buy each one and run them for a while in all different trails and carry senerios...then make your final choice to keep both or sell one. I have found this to be very helpful. fwiw
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Post by coldtriggerfinger on Jun 16, 2018 20:14:27 GMT -5
Times 2 on the 45 Super. I'm wanting to get an XD45 Compact and 45 Super it.
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