Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
  • VIDEOS
  • Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
  • VIDEOS
  • Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
No Result
View All Result
 
Enter to WIN Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle in FREE GUN FRIDAY!

10 of the Best Backcountry Pocket Pistols for Hunting, Self-Defense

William Bell by William Bell
February 16, 2021
in Guns, Handguns
0
Best Backcountry Pocket Pistols Taurus Model 605 PLY pistol

Caliber: 38 Special +P/ .357 Magnum; Barrel: 2 inches; OA Length: 6.7 inches; Weight: 19.75 ounces (empty); Grip: Ribber; Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear; Action: DA/SA; Finish: Matte black or matte stainless cylinder; Capacity: 5; MSRP: $356-$371

256
SHARES
2.8k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Those who travel the backwoods trails, pitch their tent in campgrounds or meander along the banks of streams and lakes in search of fishing holes often like to supplement their outdoor equipment with a small, lightweight handgun. The role of this handgun is multifaceted, as it may be used to kill threatening venomous snakes, pot small game, ward off potential attackers or provide plain plinking fun. Think pocket pistols.

Best Budget Concealed Carry Handgun, best pistol
RELATED STORY

5 of the Best Budget Concealed Carry Handgun Options Under $300 [2022]

Best Pocket Pistols for the Backcountry

The premise for our outdoor journey may not be taking us into grizzly country, but we still can’t discount running into a rabid fox or raccoon. While there are autoloading pocket pistols that might fill this niche, they are not as versatile as a revolver ammunition-wise, especially if you want to carry shot cartridges. Let’s take a look at a number of pocket pistols that might offer some comfort and protection in the backwoods with a certain level of convenience.

Bond Arms Snake Slayer

Best Backcountry Pocket Pistols Bond Arms Snake Slayer pistol
Caliber: .45 Colt/.410; Barrels: 3.5 inches; OA Length: 5.5 inches; Weight: 22 ounces (empty); Grip: Rosewood;,Sights: Fixed; Action: SA; Finish: Stainless; Capacity: 2; MSRP: $568 (Photo by Bond Arms)

If your biggest fear is “Mr. No Shoulders,” you might want to select something like the Bond Arms Snake Slayer. This over/under, two-shot derringer is configured with 3.5-inch barrels, an overall length of 5.5 inches and weighs 22 ounces empty. It is chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge and will also take .410 shotgun shells.

With this gun, you can even swap barrels in a number of different lengths and calibers, adding to its versatility. Crafted from stainless steel and fitted with extended rosewood grips, it has a single-action mechanism with a rebounding hammer, retracting firing pins and a crossbolt safety. Fixed sights add to the rugged simplicity of the Snake Slayer. For even more info, please visit bondarms.com.

Heizer Defense PS1 Pocket Shotgun

Best Backcountry Pocket Pistols Heizer Defense PS1 Pocket Shotgun
Caliber: .45 Colt/.410; Barrel: 3 inches; OA Length: 4.6 inches; Weight: 21 ounces (empty);,Grip: Stainless steel; Sights: Fixed; Action: SA; Finish: Stainless; Capacity: 1; MSRP: $399 (Photo by Heizer Defense)

For those looking for simplicity in form and function, Heizer Defense has the PS1 Pocket Shotgun. This is like a single-shot, break-open .410 scattergun that you can literally put in your pocket. It will not only take 2.5-inch shotgun shells, but also chambers .45 Colt cartridges. The grip portion of the receiver is hollow so you can store two extra .45 Colt cartridges inside. With the many choices offered today in .45 Colt/.410 ammunition, you can match your load with the anticipated need, be it defense, hunting or plinking.

As far as pocket pistols go, it’s the smallest on this list. The PS1 is all stainless steel and can be had in silver or black finishes. Its operating latches are recessed and snag-free, while the entire gun is about the size of a smartphone. For even more info, please visit heizerdefense.com.

Ruger New Bearcat

Best Backcountry Pocket Pistols Ruger New Bearcat pistol
Caliber: .22 LR; Barrel: 4.2 inches; OA Length: 9 inches; Weight: 24 ounces (empty); Grips: Hardwood; Sights: Front blade, rear notch; Action: SA; Finish: Blued or stainless; Capacity: 6; MSRP: $639-$689 (Photo by Ruger)

If your tastes or needs are better satisfied with a single-action revolver, then there’s the compact Ruger New Bearcat. This little sixgun was introduced in 1958 with an alloy frame and was replaced in 1971 by the Super Bearcat with a steel frame. It was dropped from production in 1975, but returned in 1993 as the New Bearcat, with a transfer bar action and a stainless or blued finish.

The barrel and cylinder mate well with the frame—all stainless or all alloy steel (for blued models)—and the grip panels are made of hardwood. With the New Bearcat, you get the flavor of the Old West combined with modest size/weight proportions. For even more info, please visit ruger.com.

Ruger LCR

Backcountry Pocket Pistols Ruger LCR pistol
Caliber: .22 LR, .22 WMR; Barrel: 1.87 inches; OA Length: 6.5 inches; Weight: 14.9-16.6 ounces (empty); Grip: Hogue Tamer Monogrip; Sights: Front ramp, rear notch; Action: DAO; Finish: Matte black; Capacity: 8 (.22 LR), 6 (.22 WMR); MSRP: $579 (Photo by Ruger)

Another small, lightweight contender for the pack or tackle box is the Ruger LCR. This small-frame, double-action-only revolver can be had as an eight-shot .22 LR or a six-shot .22 Magnum. This innovative wheelgun melds a polymer fire control housing, including a friction-reducing cam system, with an aluminum monolithic frame, which supports a stainless steel barrel and cylinder.

The cylinder is extensively fluted to reduce weight and features a nitrided black finish. The concealed-hammer design will come in handy for pocket carry, though this revolver will take up little space no matter what mode of carry is used. For even more info, please visit ruger.com.

Charter Arms Pathfinder

Backcountry Pocket Pistols Charter Arms Pathfinder pistol
Caliber: .22 WMR; Barrel: 4.22 inches; OA Length: 8.24 inches; Weight: 24 ounces (empty); Grips: Rubber; Sights: Front ramp, adjustable rear; Action: DA/SA; Finish: Stainless; Capacity: 6; MSRP: $409
(Photo by Charter Arms)

The Charter Arms Pathfinder is a classic DA/SA revolver that’s been around for many years. I like the stainless steel target version in .22 Magnum. With its matte finish and rubber grips, it will handle rain, snow, sleet or sweat. Even with a 4.22-inch barrel, the overall length is just 8.24 inches. As might be expected, the target version has a fully adjustable rear sight and a sloping ramp front sight. Below the Pathfinder’s barrel, there’s even a full-length ejector rod shroud. For even more info, please visit charterarms.com.

Smith & Wesson Model 60

Backcountry Pocket Pistols Smith & Wesson Model 60 pistol
Caliber: .38 Special/ .357 Magnum; Barrel: 3 inches; OA Length: 7.5 inches; Weight: 24.5 ounces (empty); Grips: Synthetic; Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear; Action: DA/SA; Finish: Stainless; Capacity: 5; MSRP: $759
(Photo by Smith & Wesson)

If you are looking for something a little more heavy duty caliber-wise than a.22 LR, S&W offers the Model 60 with a 3-inch barrel and adjustable sights. This compact DA/SA revolver weighs 24.5 ounces and chambers .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P cartridges. This gives you a choice of potent magnum or +P JHP ammo for defense or milder .38 Special standard-velocity rounds for small game and plinking. Then there’s the CCI shotshell with 100 grains of #9 shot for vipers and varmints.

This stainless steel handgun with synthetic grips will stand up to the rigors of the outdoors, but is still small and light enough to not be burdensome. For even more info, please visit smith-wesson.com.

Taurus Model 605 PLY

Backcountry Pocket Pistols Taurus Model 605 PLY pistol
Caliber: 38 Special +P/ .357 Magnum; Barrel: 2 inches; OA Length: 6.7 inches; Weight: 19.75 ounces (empty); Grip: Ribber; Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear; Action: DA/SA; Finish: Matte black or matte stainless cylinder; Capacity: 5; MSRP: $356-$371
(Photo by Taurus)

Offering light weight, more power and less burden on the belt is the Taurus Model 605 PLY. This DA/SA revolver has a 2-inch barrel, a lightweight polymer frame and a stainless steel cylinder and barrel, giving it a weight of only 19.75 ounces. With an overall length of 6.7 inches, it falls in the middle of the size spectrum of these pocket pistols.

Its construction makes it virtually weatherproof, and control in rapid fire is aided by its hand-filling Ribber grips. It also sports a fiber-optic front sight that mates up with a fixed rear sight for rugged dependability. Chambered for the .357 Magnum, it also takes .38 Special +P ammunition and can be used for sport, defense or plinking. For even more info, please visit taurususa.com.

NAA Black Widow

Best Backcountry handguns NAA Black Widow pistol
Caliber: .22 LR/.22 WMR; Barrel: 2 inches; OA Length: 5.7 inches; Weight: 8.9 ounces; Grip: Rubber; Sights: Front ramp, adjustable rear; Action: SA; Finish: Stainless; Capacity: 5; MSRP: $312
(Photo by North American Arms)

One of the smallest pocket pistols you’ll find for your kit will likely come from North American Arms (NAA). For versatility, the version I chose has a 2-inch barrel with three-dot sights that include an adjustable Marble rear. It’s also a conversion model, so it comes with both .22 LR and .22 Magnum cylinders, which each hold five cartridges.

To load the revolver, the cylinder must be removed, and one advantage of the Black Widow is its “pull-down” cylinder pin latch. This rugged little gun is made of stainless steel and has oversized rubber grips. For outdoor carry, I’d use the .22 Magnum cylinder for more useful cartridge power and reserve the .22 LR cylinder for practice and plinking. You can also get a laser sight that replaces the cylinder pin latch. For even more info, please visit northamericanarms.com.

Taurus Model 992 Tracker

Best Backcountry handguns Taurus Model 992 Tracker pistol
Caliber: .22 LR/.22 WMR; Barrel: 4 or 6.5 inches; OA Length: 11.4 inches; Weight: 24 or 26 ounces (empty); Grip: Ribber; Sights: Front blade, adjustable rear; Action: DA/SA; Finish: Stainless, matte black; Capacity: 9; MSRP: $591-$627 (Photo by Taurus)

One of the most versatile handguns I’ve seen for trail or tackle box use is the Taurus Model 992 Tracker in .22 LR. What is so different about this revolver is the unique conversion system that allows it to also shoot .22 Magnum ammo. It has a quick-release cylinder system that allows you to swap the .22 LR for a .22 Magnum cylinder in just seconds. The downside is this is not the most compact or lightweight revolver, but in return it has a nine-round capacity and a fully adjustable rear sight.

It’s also constructed of stainless steel and has a recoil-absorbing Ribber grip that will help it stand up to extreme environmental conditions. For even more info, please visit taurususa.com.

Smith & Wesson Model 317 Gun Kit

Best Backcountry Revolver Smith & Wesson Model 317 pistol
Caliber: .22 LR; Barrel: 3 inches; OA Length: 7.19 inches; Weight: 12.5 ounces (empty); Grip: Synthetic; Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear; Action: DA/SA; Finish: Matte silver; Capacity: 8; MSRP: $759
(Photo by Smith & Wesson)

Over the years, S&W’s Kit Gun variations have come and gone, and today the only S&W retaining the “Kit Gun” moniker is the Model 317. Still built on the J-Frame, it has an empty weight of just 12.5 ounces due to its aluminum alloy frame and cylinder.

With a 3-inch barrel, its overall length is just 7.19 inches, and it has a fully adjustable rear sight paired with a green HiViz fiber-optic front sight. The revolver has a matte silver finish and black synthetic grips. Unlike its Model 34 predecessor, the Model 317 is not a six-shooter, but has a cylinder with eight charge holes for .22 LR ammo. For even more info, please visit smith-wesson.com.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro now comes in Desert FDE.

UPDATED: Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Adds Desert FDE Variant

The Walter WMP impressed during shooting at Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous.

Shooting the Walther WMP With 15+ Rounds of .22 Magnum Punch

The Micro-Compact 9mm pistol continues increasing in popularity.

The Rise of Micro-Compact 9mm Pistols for Everyday Carry

The S&W M&P9 M2.0 Spec Series pistol kit.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Spec Series Kit: Fully Range and Carry Ready

Load More

WATCH NOW: Night Shooter | Season 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

Ballistic's Best Reader's Choice Winners

Winners Announced: Ballistic’s Best Readers’ Choice 2022

The votes are in! We've counted the ballots, and we're excited and impressed by you, the...

Read more

TRENDING

7 new products announced ahead of shot show 2023.

New Guns & Gear Launched at SHOT Show 2023

We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

A top-quality chassis gives you adjustability and other features you need to make your long-range shooting more accurate and fun. These 7 top rifle chassis do it with class.

7 Top Rifle Chassis That Add Class & Accuracy to Your Long-Range Shoot

Affordable Precision Rifles 2018

19 Affordable Precision Rifles That Won’t Break the Bank

PICK A CATEGORY

TRAINING & TACTICS SPOTLIGHT

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor.

TESTED: Shooting the Smith & Wesson PC M&P9 M2.0 Competitor

Smith & Wesson just announced an exciting new addition to its famed Performance Center line of guns. The new...

SHOWCASE: TRAINING AND TACTICS

Clearing Corners Gunsite Academy lead

10 Key Tips to Clearing Corners That May Save Your Ass

Chris Hemsworth learns box breathing and other challenges in Limitless.

Use Box Breathing Like Chris Hemsworth to Calm Down & Make The Shot

zeroing in rifles and pistols

Zeroing Rifles & Pistols: Getting to & Maintaining Zeroed Sights

European Mount, DIY Euro Mount, Hunting, lead

How to Make a European Mount in 6 Steps

Team SIG Sauer's Lena Miculek fires a P365 and debates .380 vs 9mm.

VIDEO: SIG Sauer’s Lena Miculek Debates .380 Vs 9mm for Defense

Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

Follow this guide to better shooting on the move.

SHOOTING 101: 3 Keys to Getting Hits While Shooting on the Move

Understanding eye dominance and both eyes open shooting will help you get on target.

VIDEO: Understanding Eye Dominance for Better Accuracy & Speed

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39 launches a 255-grain bullet.

Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 Ammunition Launches 255-grain Bullet, Quietly!

Hornady just announced the release of a very interesting new load, one we think hunters will jump all over....

site logo
The Premier Firearms & Survival Magazine

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • Ballistic Magazine

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
      • SIG Sauer
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
  • Videos
  • More
    • Free Gun Friday Sweeps
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • View All Lifestyle
    • Tactics & Training
    • Survival
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.