By Matthew Baker
As an avid outdoorsman, I can tell you that when entering the unknown on foot, having the right gear on-hand is critical. Furthermore, having a few good tools that can cover multiple tasks is ideal. Enter the multi-tool of handguns: The Double/Single action revolver. For outdoor adventure and woods carry, I can’t think of any sidearm that offers more versatility, especially when chambered in a magnum cartridge. The .357 magnum is my personal caliber preference, however, if trekking in brown bear country a .44 magnum would likely get the gig. So what is it about wheel guns that makes them ideal for woods carry? Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages the revolver has to offer.
Mechanical Versatility:
Cock the hammer to fire single action and the gun becomes a precision tool capable of taking game out to 100 yards or beyond, assuming you possess the required skill. The double action trigger can be manipulated very quickly and is more suitable for defensive use. The manually cycled action ensures that the revolver will reliably shoot all shapes and sizes of projectiles loaded to drastically different velocities. You don’t have to worry about feeding issues with flat nosed bullets and you’re not stuck loading one certain type of ammunition to ensure reliability. You can “stack the cylinder” (loading each chamber with a different type of ammunition) if that’s what you need to get the job done. I’ve been known to stack different loads, usually in pairs, depending on the situation.
Load Flexibility:
The .357 magnum is arguably the most versatile handgun chambering of all time. The variety of projectiles offered (hollow point, soft point, FMJ, hard cast, wad cutters, snake shot, etc.) combined with a wide range of projectile weights (commonly 90-220 grains) and load velocities ranging from 700 – 1600 FPS make it a suitable caliber choice for most tasks requiring a handgun. You can also load .38 Special cartridges into a .357 magnum revolver, which are generally cheaper and produce less recoil, making them optimal for target practice and shooting sports. A modern bonded hollow point, from a reputable manufacturer, chambered in either .38 or .44 special makes a potent anti-personnel round.
Innocuous Appearance:
Another advantage of the revolver is that it is relatively innocuous. There is no “high capacity magazine” or “evil features” for the anti-gun nerds to whine about. Thanks to movies and pop culture, revolvers are “familiar” and don’t carry a stigma that some might associate with semi autos. If one decides to open carry a revolver in the woods, it’s highly unlikely that someone will pry “why do you need that”? Revolvers blend into the woods like mossy oak camo! Like a good pocket knife, a revolver is likely to be viewed as a tool rather than a weapon.
Concealability:
Small to medium frame, 5-6 shot revolvers conceal very well when carried inside the waistband or in a pocket holster. The rounded handle, properly dressed with boot type grips won’t print like the square handles of a semi-auto. Also, the majority of the weight is in the barrel and cylinder towards the front of the gun so you don’t get any flop over the top of your belt. An alloy framed S&W J-frame with an enclosed hammer like a model 442 or 340 is the ideal shape for pocket carry. There are no sharp edges to hang up during deploying from trouser or jacket pockets. Pocket carry is a very comfortable carry method while hiking, especially when wearing a backpack.
Leave No Trace:
If you hunt with a revolver, you won’t have to worry about policing brass. All the brass stays in the gun and reduces the amount of waste you leave behind. This same concept is ideal for those who reload. At the range or in the field, after shooting a cylinder full, you can neatly dump the empty brass into your hand and deposit them into your brass bin for the reloading bench.
The DA/SA revolver is still a hugely popular firearm and for many a good reason! While it wouldn’t’t be my first choice if I was headed into battle, revolvers will always have a place in my arsenal, and I believe they will always remain relevant.