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old fart

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with the warmer weather, i'll be hiking soon in the woods. i have a pardner pump protector 18.5 inch barrel, its my only gun for protection and will be carrying it. it weighs 7 1/2 lbs with factory stock and forearm, if i put on a hogue pistol grip only and a tac star forgrip the gun weighs 4.75 lbs. i save almost 3lbs which would be easier to carry, so what would ya'll do? if this was your only protection gun to carry in the woods, keep the factory stock at 7.5lbs or pistol grip at 4.75lbs? thanks
 
Pistol Grip Only shotguns are such a huge -- HUGE -- negative compromise in shoot-ability and hit accuracy/speed that I'd never consider one, for anything, unless the very most important factor was that I had to store it in the smallest possible location.

We've had a whole lot of threads on what value, if any, a shotgun with a "PGO" might have (including our late, wonderful, Moderator Dave McCracken's "PGO Challenge" thread which no one ever took him up on) that many will cringe to explore the idea again.

Basically, if you're going to carry such a thing for defense, accept that your LIFE is on the line, and take the question very seriously. Go get a shot timer, and some targets, and actually test yourself out, full-stock vs. PGO. Remember that the real challenge you're facing (assuming bear defense) is to repeatedly hit a softball bobbing and weaving wildly as it charges you at 20 mph.

Putting a slug where it needs to go (or a shot charge, if you believe that would penetrate enough to help) with a full-stocked gun is not easy. Attempting to do so with a PGO is probably not something you'll be happy with.

3 lbs. is a lot, and I'm really surprised that you drop that much weight, but I wouldn't make that trade, having spent quite a bit of time behind both types of stock.
 
I agree with Sam. If size or weight is a critical factor I would choose a large bore handgun. (or two) PGO shotguns are for Secret Service/U S Marshalls who simply need to conceal a shotgun under a jacket. Or Mafia hitmen. Looks cool - works poorly.
 
can't afford a handgun right now, the shotgun is all i have. so if ya'll had the choice of heavy shotgun with stock or lighter gun with pistol grip ya'll would chose to carry shotgun with stock?
 
I'm not the expert several are here with shotguns but I would never use a pistol grip with my shotguns....never.
 
so if ya'll had the choice of heavy shotgun with stock or lighter gun with pistol grip ya'll would chose to carry shotgun with stock?
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Without any question.

Spent too much time and ammo trying to prove that the pistol-only grip was good enough. It isn't.
 
i'd love a handgun but won't be owning one anytime soon, probably at least next year before i could.
 
Understood, old fart, I'm an old fart too.;) But I'd also opt for the stock. Luckily I don't have to and carry a Glock 29. But since I retired, almost 6 years ago I have been able to buy very few guns.
 
You could also take a look at something like H&R single barrel. They aren't a lot of fun to shoot, but they are light and pretty easy to pack.
 
Old Fart,

If I was in your position, I would definitely look into a can of bear spray. I've heard good things about the effectiveness of bear spray, its a lot lighter than a shotgun, and you can probably access it faster than a long gun.

That being said, while 3 pounds is a lot of extra weight, I don't think that those 3 pounds are as crucial as some might believe. Yes, you want the lightest gear load out possible, and that 3 pound change might make a big difference in comfort, but I don't think its a deal breaker.

Not sure what kind of stock you have on there now, but you could probably find a synthetic forend and skeleton stock that would lighten the gun up a bit.

Stevie-Ray,

I've also got a Glock 29, but I'm having a hard time "getting my hits." I'm assuming its a combination of A)its a subcompact gun, B- Its chambered in 10mm, and C) I haven't found the right load for it. I'm thinking about just getting a Glock 20, but I'd like to make sure I've tried all possibilities with my current gun first. What are your ammo preferences for it? Also, how do you carry it when you have a large backcountry pack?
 
I'm with Sam. It took me 20 years to figure it out (well, not really, as I'd figured it out long ago when I stopped shooting my 500). Do yourself a favor and enjoy the benefit of others' experiences.
 
I don't know what the stock of the Pardner is made of, but I suspect it's plastic, and probably hollow; this is a good place to carry a small firestarter kit, or a space blanket, etc. I know that adds a little bit weight, to which you seem averse, but it's something o consider if you're going to be out Nessmuking around on your own.
 
Stevie-Ray,

I've also got a Glock 29, but I'm having a hard time "getting my hits." I'm assuming its a combination of A)its a subcompact gun, B- Its chambered in 10mm, and C) I haven't found the right load for it. I'm thinking about just getting a Glock 20, but I'd like to make sure I've tried all possibilities with my current gun first. What are your ammo preferences for it? Also, how do you carry it when you have a large backcountry pack?
Click to expand...
My chosen load is Double-Tap's 200 gr XTP. (Believe they're using Nosler now) I do have a supply of the 180s also, but find the 200s are a bit more accurate in my gun. I don't have any issues with the butt size, but if you do, simply use a G20 mag and sleeve, such as Xgrip, and save the money you were going to spend for a G20. I have one that I carry as an extra mag. I always carry OWB, either Don Hume JIT Slide, or Galco Matrix MX7. I don't carry a backpack, as I live in the National Forest and am never more than 5 or 6 miles from home.;)
 
JSH1:I would leave the shotgun at home and enjoy your hike. If you must hike with something for peace of mind get a can of bear spray. It is more effective than a shotgun.

the chance of needing a gun against 2 legged vermin to high anymore to not go with one. if animals were my only threat then bear spray would be ok. but the rural area where i live could have pot or meth around and i want to be able to get out if i get too close. if any is around i hope to spot it in time to leave without being noticed.
 
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