What would be the best kayak pistol?

Robert W. Simms · 09-22-2003, 09:35 PM

I think most of the respondents may be bigger shooters than boaters. You need a weapon that can be COMPLETELY dismantled for cleaning and drying out, assuming that you did not part company with it. A Ruger SP101 would be a fine choice. However, considering the not inconsiderable risk of losing the gun, a cheaper solution would be a used stainless Ruger Service Six. They're available for about $200, can be had in .357 magnum caliber, and can be totally field stripped for cleaning/drying. Your biggest problem is how to keep the gun dry and secure while kayaking, and still have it ready for quick use. I use a small Tupperware container with vaseline smeared around the sealing surfaces. This will usually fit into a canvas military canteen cover attached to an army web belt. You do have to unsnap the canteen cover, pull out the Tupperware, and yank the lid off the container, but with practice this can be done in under 5 seconds. The Ruger Redhawk offers the same field-strippability in a .44 mag package, but the size is too big for kayaking (in my opinion). The Redhawk might also affect your buoyancy. It's a hoss.

09-22-2003, 09:35 PM	#7
Robert W. Simms User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think most of the respondents may be bigger shooters than boaters. You need a weapon that can be COMPLETELY dismantled for cleaning and drying out, assuming that you did not part company with it. A Ruger SP101 would be a fine choice. However, considering the not inconsiderable risk of losing the gun, a cheaper solution would be a used stainless Ruger Service Six. They're available for about $200, can be had in .357 magnum caliber, and can be totally field stripped for cleaning/drying. Your biggest problem is how to keep the gun dry and secure while kayaking, and still have it ready for quick use. I use a small Tupperware container with vaseline smeared around the sealing surfaces. This will usually fit into a canvas military canteen cover attached to an army web belt. You do have to unsnap the canteen cover, pull out the Tupperware, and yank the lid off the container, but with practice this can be done in under 5 seconds. The Ruger Redhawk offers the same field-strippability in a .44 mag package, but the size is too big for kayaking (in my opinion). The Redhawk might also affect your buoyancy. It's a hoss.