Thinking of getting either a .40 or 9MM in either the S&W M&P or Springfield XDM. Would primarily use the sidearm as poisonous snake protection or to put down wounded animal. Was wondering what caliber and brand most on here carry and why they like what they carry? Thanks.

I don't carry one since I always have my .22 mag rifle and .223 with me.

I already have my deer and hog rifle with me. Carrying a sidearm too just means more stuff to keep track of.

Old High Standard double 9, 6" barrel in 22 cal, always loaded with hollow points. All I've ever needed as a back up for wounded animals except for a few times my 30/30 was the go to tracking gun, 22 was still on the hip. Have finished off deer, pigs, bobcat, popped truck loads of rabbits, snakes, whatever. In the last 20 yrs have shot 99 percent of my trapped pigs with it. Have buddies that carry big side arms and can't hit squat when it's time to seal the deal. I love my HS 22. If I'm going hunting with a pistol I take my 357 mag.

I have a Springfield XD in 40 cal that I shoot well, but it stays at home when I'm hunting.

Looks like a stubnosed single shot derringer to me Nav............

Ya gotta hole in your pants Nav.

Yezzir that ole dog ull hunt

Buck you know what.... Well yeah that's true

Are those skinny jeans Nav?

No those are from HS... They are shrinking

Please don't tell me while you're at work you are jamming "Save a horse, ride a cowboy".

Oh, OK. It happens

Haha

It's more like

DQ I carry a shotty though to be serious

Since you want double duty for snake and final blow...

.357 Mag revolver, loaded with shotshell, and hollow point or FMJs

OK after watching 10 mins of videos, I still carry my 10mm Glock. If I get in close to the piggies, it becomes the primary weapon.

Back to the OP. I carry a Judge loaded with both .410 and long colt. Learned a long time ago that shooting a rattler with a pistol can be a humbling and sometimes futile experience. And I'm a better than average shot with one.

Yup, 357. I alternate shotshell and HP, kind of a dial-a-kill.

I carry a chopped up M1 carbine, the stock was cut off and the barrel shortened by a local gunsmith. It's overall length is 1/8" over the requirement.

Are you serious. Poisonous snake "protection?" Your going to need a tactical pistol with hologram sights, laser, led light, custom grips, and a holster that holds two extra mags. When you realize you don't need it, you can always sell it on the trading post.

Yup. Except I had the Judge, sold it, and bought a S&W Governor to get an extra round and ACP. Personally, I like the S&W better, but it's a Ford/Chevy debate.

Ruger Security Six 357 6 inch barrel. It will shoot flat 50 yards and go bang 6 times no matter how dirty, wet or neglected it gets.