Or...

GP100 in .357 would be my choice. I cannot dispute the power of the 10mm but I prefer revolver rounds in a revolver. The 10mm is taper crimped and I would be a bit paranoid about heavily loaded 10mm taper crimped rounds jumping their crimp. The situation seems far less likely with heavily loaded .357 roll crimped rounds.

If I needed bear defense (and I don't), I'd be thinking more along the lines of a Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70.

Ooohhh, Redhawk.

Why not .44 Mag? You can load up or down. It could even useful against Grizzlies.

I love the .357, but if I was buying a revolver to fight bears, it would be a .44.

If you don't want a .44, go up to the 10mm.

And I also agree with Fredward. If bears were a REAL concern, it would be a rifle in 45-70.

I’d vote the 38/357 … there are way more ammo options even though (like most ammo) right now it’s a little hard to find.

Some of ya may know I had a love affair with Kimber … until they changed the design to the Kimber2 so the could sell in commiefornia.

I didn’t buy another new Kimber until I saw the K6s 2” 357 and decided that I’d give one a try even though I’ve had an Anaconda & couple Smiths, never been a revolver guy.

So then I started watching the auctions and saw the fully engraved 4” combat … then the bug bit hard & I had to have it too!



This is a stock pic from the auction but it’s inbound. Its pretty but it’s not going to be a Safe Queen, I’m going to be shooting it.

The Ruger in .357 is a solid choice. Between .357 and 10MM I would select the .357 simply because it has been easier to get ammunition and I can run anything from 38 Smith and Wesson, up to heavy .357 rounds.

Performance is going to be so similar between the two cartridges out of a 4 inch barrel it probably doesnt matter.

That said, I have two GP100s with 3 inch barrels, one in .357 one in 10mm, my choice for a backcountry gun would be the 10mm due to better short barrel performance and heavier bullets of the 10mm and moon clips.

quote:

Originally posted by drummerguy73:
I’ve been doing a lot of camping/hiking in the Smokies lately and want to buy a 4 inch revolver in either .357 mag or 10mm for black bear protection (also have bear spray.) I would be carrying Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast for the .357 or the BB 220 grain 10mm hardcast. To keep things even, I am looking at the Ruger GP100 Match Champion. I also reload for both calibers. Which caliber would you go with and why?

Both are capable of handling anything you'll encounter in the Smokies. Go with the lighter option.

I'd go with a 2.5-inch S&W M66 in 357. Lighter, more compact, and easer to hike around with all day than most of the other options being discussed.

I have the 3" GP100 in 10mm and I absolutely love it. Heavier bullet than the .357 and moonclips make for easy loading/reloading.