Charter arms

[Mr. 16 gauge]

As posted in a recent thread, I am interested in getting a handgun for concealed carry while duck hunting. I have looked at the various firearms out there and have decided (or at least I think I have decided) that I would like to get a .357 magnum revolver in stainless steel.
I have been looking and I kinda like the Mag Pug from Charter arms....it's inexpensive (so I won't be too upset if I lost it if I capsized), and seems to be of reasonable weight. Anybody have any opinions on this revolver? I already reload for .357/.38, so I have the practice ammo readily available.
Any opinions on other small, inexpensive revolvers, such as the Taurus? I looked at a Rossi the other day and was not impressed.
Thanks in advance............

[Joe Boleo]

I have a few Taurus handguns and have never had a problem with them. For the money, they serve the purpose and perform well. Take care...
Joe

[GoodOlBoy]

Mr 16, I have a charter in 38 +p and it works like a dream. However when I was doing research for what I was going to buy I found the only complaints for quality were for the 357 mag pug. I don't know if they have improved it or not, but just wanted to throw that out there. It made me seriously consider going with the 44 special bulldog instead, but I don't handload for that caliber, and there just weren't any good sources for 44 special in my area.

GoodOlBoy

[powell&hyde]

I had a mag pug 357 that had a 4" barrel in stainless, I probably put 1000 rounds through it before I sold it. Never had any problems with it, the reason I sold it was because I wanted the shorter 2.2" barrel version in stainless.

[Larryjk]

I would definitely stay away from Rossi. The Taurus to consider is the tracker. They are also available in .41 magnum, which is a very fine cartridge and works well in this revolver.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

They are also available in .41 magnum, which is a very fine cartridge and works well in this revolver.

Which is just a tad bit more than I am looking for for concealed carry!;)

[skeet]

I have a couple of the older Charter target Bulldogs in 44 spec. one I've never shot the other I haven't....maybe a tad large for concealed use but not while hunting. I really like the 44 and the gun is fairly light. Adjustable sights are nice for outdoor use especially. I do not buy Stainless guns

[GoodOlBoy]

Taurus once made the tracker in a 5 shot 45 colt. I have been trying to find one for several years, but never found one while I had the money for it. They stopped production before they started making the judge series.

GoodOlBoy

[Larryjk]

Mr. 16 Gauge, The 41 Magnum in the Taurus Tracker is not that big a handgun. Not all loads need to be fire breathing dragons. I shoot my 41 at about 1050 fps and it is easy to handle; probably my favorite handgun and caliber.

[Rapier]

16,
I just went by Gunbroker and checked the current asking prices for the 357 pug. The guys do not think much of their product. There are about 5 ads on there for the guns new, at under $330. And all the ads are by different dealers in different states. That says to me that the resale is going to be very low.

At those numbers you can buy a used Smith Model 10 even, and come out with little to no loss at a later date. I have bought a couple of 10s in the past year for an even $200 at shows and they were a bit doggy on the outside, but had great bores and chambers. For a fishing gun, if I had to keep to a low budget, I would rather have the 10.

Oh, I am a Scott, so I observe one rule, buy it cheap so you can sell it later if need be.
Ed

[Larryjk]

Why would you need a concealed .357 while duck hunting? That 12 gauge should handle all you self defense needs. If you want a revolver that will hold its value, buy a S&W Model 60.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Larry;
By law, the shotgun has to be encased and unloaded while in the boat while traveling to/from the hunting spot. The parking area is rather desolate; no lights other than what you carry on your person, and surrounded by cattails and phragmites. Having heard stories of people being robbed while hunting (i.e. showing their weapon to people, ect), I just think it might be prudent to have "a little extra".
Also, there has been a heavy presence by the boarder patrol in recent years since 9/11 (we are just a stones throw away from Canada), and the rumor (and I have some stories from locals that I believe) is that, in addition to smuggling booze, cigarettes, and drugs, some of the native Canadians are smuggling in individuals from China.
Finally, some of the duck hunting brethern out there are a bit on the scarey side, i.e. they are somewhat violent, and wouldn't surprise me if they use controlled substances or meth.

Hence my wanting something concealable while duck hunting......