Best Barrel Length for Home defense and Hunting Backup

[dougk]

What is the best barrel length for home defence and for a hunting backup pistol?  I am looking for one gun to perferm both functions.  The caliber will be .357 mag or .44 mag.  This gun will not be for conceled carry.

Thanks
Doug

[Slufoot]

Four inches to me is perfect for what you described. I've heard Ruger is going to be making a Redhawk 44 Magnum with a 4" barrel and I want one for the exact reason that you started this topic.

Good Shooting!
Slufoot

[Cottonwood]

I prefer a 2" 44 snub nose 

[jpsmith1]

When I rifle hunt, I carry a 4" Ruger Security Six .357 mag.  It might not be my go-to home defense gun as I'd grab the 12 gauge first, but I could probably hold my own with it.

I like the shorter barrel because it's easy to carry and you almost forget it's there, but there is enough accuracy on tap for stretching a shot a little if the need arises.

[totallycustom]

Because you include hunting, many states have a minimum legal barrel length as well as caliber so you might want to check it out, 4" seems about right to me.

-TC-

[safetysheriff]

i'd say 5" barrel at least, and learn how to carry the revolver to keep possession of it.    weapon-retention technique is very important.   a 5" barrel is not too much; but the precepts of 'retention' are critical with any weapon you choose in close quarters.

if you go to www.findarticles.com and type in massad ayoob for your search you can see some of his articles about weapons retention.   .....very informative, as are some of the things chuck karwan (sp?) has written on the subject.   

good luck,

ss'   

[Lloyd Smale]

4 inch in a da 4 5/8s in a sa is about the best compromise for hunting and carry