For "fun" I shoot .38's. For back country use, maybe one .38 for a warning shot then 4 .357's with a speed loader of 5 .357. Because of the lightweight/high recoil, you need to use quality .357 ammo with a good crimp as the recoil can unseat the unfired rounds and lock the cylinder. For city carry, I usually carry three .38+P and two .357 JHP. And yes it can be brutal to shoot .357 but tolerable.
I also carry the s&w 340 pd. Its essentialy a snub nose revolver made of a lite weight material similar to titanium. I have thought about using 2-4 pound fishing line and the lanyard ring to wear the gun "like a neckless." When the gun is needed just grab and pull. The line is strong enough to carry the gun but weak enough to snap when yanked on. But...I think it would swing too much and bug me. Maybe two lines….
Another thought was a camera case. The kind you see the tourists with around their neck. It could be attached to the shoulder straps so no swinging. Itd be very inconspicious and not "scream" gun. It would also be right in front for quick access. But would be a few more ounces of weight.
Right now I just slip it into my right front pocket (in a pocket holster) and the 10 reloads in the front left. It works. But it’s no .44
In the past I just strapped a cheap nylon holster onto the pack belt. This was for a 4” revolver. Worked great! Cheap and lite !
Going back 20 years... I used to carry a Ruger GP100 in an uncle mike's Rig strapped to my backpack frame. It was not lightweight at all, and my ancient pack frame is a Coleman full sized polymner unit. I was able to mount the holster so that I could draw it pretty easily in a hurry. If I were to do the same today, I might use a blade tech somehow attached to a strap or pack frame with the holster. I'd be carrying either a 4" 686 or a 4" 610, depending on how much weight I felt like carrying. The 686 is a bit lighter, but the 610 offers a bit more power. It's been a long time since I went on an overnighter anywhere.. for any kind of distance..
I consider myself more knowledgeable firearm wise these days compared to my backpacking knowledge. I tend to favor revolvers but I favor them competitively also.
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