Lightweight rifle and pistol help

[BigCountry344]

Looking for a lightweight rifle and pistol for mountain hunting so far I have found that the Kimber Mountain Ascent and S&W 329PD are the lightest ones I can get in California, anyone know of anything else I should take a look at?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

The 2 you mentioned would make a nice combo.

 

[fatbacks]

I have the 329 PD and it has accompanied me on several sheep hunts. Just a heads up that you can't shoot the regular 44 cast core bullets through it. Buffalo Bore makes a special lower recoil ammo that works with it. Still kicks like a freight train. I would consider a .357 Mag... or you'll want to practice a lot to be proficient with the 329 PD.

 

[WalterSeidenglanz]

Go shoot that pistol at a range (find a range that rents that gun) with ammo similar to what you feel you will be carrying. I will bet you a beer that you put it back and get a steel frame revolver that will absorb some of the recoil. The theory of air weight pistols is fantastic. The reality is painful.

I have similar thoughts on the rifle. a .300 win mag in that rifle is going to be a workout for your shoulder. a .243 on the other hand would be a dream. What is your caliber preference?

 

[LaGriz]

I have a Titanium construction Judge with a 4" bbl. that shoots lever-evolution 220 gr. load well at +1000 fps. performance is close to a 41 mag and a bit less than most 44 mag loads. Hand gun is lite enough where I won't feel inclined to leave it behind, and fits my hand pretty well. I like the ability to shoot a shot shell and kill a grouse or other small game. This early model has the 2 3/4" chamber. Most of the later built units have a 3" cylinder and a 3" bbl. and are heavier. I don't know if they shoot as well as my 4" version.

For years my brother has been running a 44 mag S&W Mountain pistol that is pretty light weight. I found a used one in a gun show that was priced at $500. The fit & finish of the small frame S&W is far superior to the Tarsus, and they can handle a +P load. I would not attempt to shoot a +P load in my Judge.

If I were living in the middle of grizzly country or in Alaska, I would consider the smaller framed S&W mountain gun as the lightest option. I met a Wyoming guide in 2008 who hunted the Teton/Jackson Hole area that had chosen a .450 Marlin Guide Gun for his bear protection. When asked, he said he did not want to be under-gunned when dealing with the Yellowstone bears that had no reason to fear humans. "If I need to defend our clients lives or our stock I don't want to depend on a hand gun." Makes you think about it a little deeper!
LaGriz

 

[ramont]

I just bought a Kimber Mountain Ascent in .308 and I've been carrying an S&W 329PD for several months, I love the combination.

I'll admit that some people just can't handle the larger pistol calibers but I haven't had any problem with my 329PD - but then I've shot .44 mag and .454 ammo for decades so I'm pretty used to the recoil. I did let a couple of friends shoot my 329PD and it was the first time that either have fired anything larger than a .40 and neither guy had any complaint about the 329PD. Both said that the recoil force to their hand was substantial but nothing that would stop them from practicing with a good Hornady .240gr load. Personally, I think that the pistol has very little muzzle flip and only a couple pounds more force to the palm compared to my heavy 7 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk.

As for the Kimber Moutain Ascent, it has been a jewel to shoot. Accurate (just over 0.5" at 100 yards with factory Federal Gold Medal ammo) and the brake works very well at reducing the recoil force.

 

[Dennis]

Light weight pistols are a great idea, and wonderful to carry, but shooting them can be dang snappy! Buffalo Bore does seem to have figured it out with loads designed for light weight handguns. I live and hunt in an area with black bears and lions and choose a S&W Model 360 357 Magnum (about 13 oz) with 3" barrel. I shoot Buffalo Bore's recommended load of 38 Special Plus P 158 grain hard cast lead. Good penetration for what I need and since it is light weight I seem to always carry it in a Double D chest holster.
In light rifles I like the Cooper Back Country Model 92. Good luck

 

[Oldffemt]

I just bought a Kimber Mountain Ascent in .308 and I've been carrying an S&W 329PD for several months, I love the combination.

I'll admit that some people just can't handle the larger pistol calibers but I haven't had any problem with my 329PD - but then I've shot .44 mag and .454 ammo for decades so I'm pretty used to the recoil. I did let a couple of friends shoot my 329PD and it was the first time that either have fired anything larger than a .40 and neither guy had any complaint about the 329PD. Both said that the recoil force to their hand was substantial but nothing that would stop them from practicing with a good Hornady .240gr load. Personally, I think that the pistol has very little muzzle flip and only a couple pounds more force to the palm compared to my heavy 7 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk.

As for the Kimber Moutain Ascent, it has been a jewel to shoot. Accurate (just over 0.5" at 100 yards with factory Federal Gold Medal ammo) and the brake works very well at reducing the recoil force.

My experience with the S&W has been very similar. I have no experience with the kimber though. I do believe that light weight can reach a point of diminishing returns. Do you have any experience shooting lightweight weapons? They can be tough to master.

 

[Wrench]

Do yourself a favor and put x frame grips on your 329.

 

[Mike 338]

Is the pistol for people or critters?

 

[BigCountry344]

Hey guys sorry took so long to get back to anyone but thanks for all the comments I got some great info. I haven’t decided on a specific caliber for the Kimber but will be used for deer and bear. I grew up shooting my dads Taurus which was all titanium (can’t remember the model) so I know what it’s like shooting lightweight guns and I don’t mind the recoil on the pistol. I haven’t looked into it but I would think those lower bullets would have less of a punch and I feel like that would defeat the purpose of having it? Another thing that works for me is with both the rifle and pistol the heavier recoil doesn’t matter when you are shooting at an animal because your not thinking about it but at the range that’s a different story.

 

[Oldffemt]

Hey guys sorry took so long to get back to anyone but thanks for all the comments I got some great info. I haven’t decided on a specific caliber for the Kimber but will be used for deer and bear. I grew up shooting my dads Taurus which was all titanium (can’t remember the model) so I know what it’s like shooting lightweight guns and I don’t mind the recoil on the pistol. I haven’t looked into it but I would think those lower bullets would have less of a punch and I feel like that would defeat the purpose of having it? Another thing that works for me is with both the rifle and pistol the heavier recoil doesn’t matter when you are shooting at an animal because your not thinking about it but at the range that’s a different story.

A lot of times recoil isn’t necessarily the issue. Super light rifles can be tough to keep on target without really good form which takes a fair amount of practice. All my hunting rifles weigh right around 9.5lbs loaded, I’ve never felt any of them were too heavy and they’re pretty easy to shoot from field positions. Ymmv

 

[BigMuddy]

Can't help with a lightweight rifle. As for a handgun, when weight is a concern I go for a Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt in the blued steel version and 4 5/8" barrel length. The gun weighs 36 oz. unlloaded and can handle loads that will be sufficient for anything you would tackle with a sidearm. They are virtually indestructible.

I also really like the Freedom Arms model 97 in 44 Special. They are amazingly accurate and durable but are quite expensive.

Have any of you that are shooting the S&W 329's experienced any bullet jump from recoil? I have heard of it being an issue but not owning one I cannot speak from experience. Personally I really like and own several Smiths, but would opt for a Mountain Revolver before the 329.

Dan

 

[coues32]

I have 2 Taurus model 444 titanium. 44, liked it better than the 329pd.The grips fit better. Carried alot in AK with 300 gr solids, needed to shoot nickel instead of brass for removing from cylinder after shooting.

I am gonna pick up a kimber mt accent or montana in 300 wsm, great guns. Have a montana in 308 fixing to turn into a 358 win.
Owned a montana in 300 wsm for quite a while. My brother has ran his montana over 10 years, all of our kids have shot it from 10 years old on up. No brake 180 gr pills

 

[Blockcaver]

I had a S&W 329 (26 oz) before I moved to BC and gave it to a buddy. Also had a S&W 629 (52 oz) with a 6" top ported barrel that I gave to another buddy. There was a huge difference in shooting them.

The 329 would make the palm of my hand numb with full power 240 grain jacketed reloads after 6 shots. I installed an X-frame grip which did help a bit and always wore a leather glove when shooting it. I really like shooting .44 Special power reloads with cast lead bullets, but it shot at least 4" higher at 20 yards than the full power loads, due to the longer barrel time of the slower bullet and the barrel rising before the bullet exited. Annoying.

I did try full power cast lead bullets once in my reloads, and yes I did experience bullet jump on a few of them....which means the bullet in an unfired cylinder started to move forward in the case which will lead to a bound up cylinder and inoperable revolver. I never had an issue with jacketed bullets that were crimped in though. All I ever shot were reloads in my 329.

I could attain fair accuracy with the 329 after shooting it a lot the year I bought it. I enjoyed shooting the .44 Special powered loads in it but they leaded the barrel something fierce. I should have made some gas checks. It did carry like a dream.

The heavy 629 was very accurate and a dream to shoot with any load, and as I remember POI was pretty close between the light cast lead loads and full power jacketed loads. The identical cast lead bullets did NOT lead in the barrel in the 629....don't know why they were so bad in the 329. The downside of the 629 was 52 ounces (unloaded) on your hip. Probably should have gotten a chest holster for it.

My recommendation today would be to look into something between the 26 and 52 ounce range of the 329 and 629...maybe a S&W Mt Gun with a 4" barrel or a competitor's equivalent that is 35 ounces or so. I'd also look into a semi-auto but have no experience with 10mm or 45 Autos.

Since I bowhunt with bear spray for backup here in BC these days, consider yourselves lucky to have the right to use a handgun! Good luck!

 

[Thinkingman]

I have the 329 PD and it has accompanied me on several sheep hunts. Just a heads up that you can't shoot the regular 44 cast core bullets through it. Buffalo Bore makes a special lower recoil ammo that works with it. Still kicks like a freight train. I would consider a .357 Mag... or you'll want to practice a lot to be proficient with the 329 PD.

I carry the SW 386 XL Hunter.
7 rounds of 357(I carry 38+P Buffalo Bore hard cast).
6 inch barrel gets the most out of whatever charge you're burning.
The only downside is it is a long draw to clear the holster.
I would consider a SW 327 R8 if I had bigger hands.
Tikka rifle, easy choice.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Barrett fieldcraft short action. 7mm-08..

Model 60 3" j frames are real good compromise of shootability, concealability and weight.

If you can find a 3" 386 ti (I think it's a 386) 7 shot those are fun too.

But for some reason the 3" model 60 stainless is just right.



On a budget tikka superlite and a gp100

 

[shooter56]

Both are pretty good choices but might also want to consider a 10mm semi-auto for a handgun.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

He's in commie.. rules out most good semi auto's..