As an offshoot of the big bore outdoorsman's revolver thread, I figured I would start this to delve a bit more deeply into what makes a "perfect" wheelgun.
For me, since I spend the majority of my free recreational time in the forests and deserts, I very much prefer to have a bore diameter of at least .4.
I understand where people live and recreate, that some would feel fine with a
357 or something smaller.
I live in a county that while mostly high desert, has a large amount of national forest land. On that land is bear, moose, elk, antelope and other decent size animals.
Further, I'm in the heart of cattle country. Often I hear (or more appropriately read on the net) about how a particular person does not need a big bore due to the fact that they don't have big bears where they live. Rarely mentioned is large domestic livestock.
I've seen many more incidents of guys getting trampled, severely injured, etc by cattle and horses than by wild animals. An injured aggressive cow is nothing to be taken lightly.
From experience working as a uniformed state trooper for a number of years, and dealing with loose stock, injured cattle and horses, I can say with conviction that sometimes they can be quite tough to put down. Often, much like vehicle struck deer and elk, they are still highly mobile and will come over the top of you if they think that you stand between them and escape.
Deep penetration and precise application is usually the final/best course of action. I cannot even put a number on the animals put down with my duty gun of the time, a Glock .45.
Though against policy, I ended up towards the end of my trooper time, carrying a .44 Magnum in my patrol bag, as a tool for such situations.
Back to the topic of "perfect". I don't think that it can quite be obtained. I do think balance of shootability and ease in packing can be reached though.
I'd love something along the lines of a 329 (due to weight), with a 5" barrel, with a rail for white lights, along with either CT laser grips or a unobtrusive RDO on top for quick acquisition and low light use.
All too often stuff seems to happen in low light and this applies to dealing with big animals as well. A double action gun has merit over a single, in my opinion due to the fact you do not have to thumb cock the action to fire the weapon. Plus on a personal note, I am simply much much faster with a DA revolver.
Porting???? I can see benefits and drawbacks.
Comments?