denfoote
Member
Yuppers!!
My tramp through the desert gun is:
Smith model 28.
Calling all mountain men: Best Sidearm for remote hiking or backpacking
- Thread starter trueblue1776
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Yuppers!!
My tramp through the desert gun is:
Smith model 28.
For me the answer is easy. For the last 50 years I have carried either a Ruger SBH .44 mag or a .357 Ruger or S&W. Which one depends on what I am doing. Fishing, the .44 is the choice, with a 30/30 attached to my pack. Hunting, the .357 gets the call as backup to the hunting gun. Never felt comfortable with a semi-auto because I like to carry various loads; light specials for small game, shot loads for snakes and hot loads for whatever. Can't do that with a semi.
I've always felt you should carry the biggest gun you can shoot well, and you have to be honest about that. If your limit or experience is a .22, so be it. Might not be the best in bear country, but depending on the bear, a handgun may not be the best choice at any time. I've always been more concerned about two legged critters than bears.
I've always felt you should carry the biggest gun you can shoot well, and you have to be honest about that. If your limit or experience is a .22, so be it. Might not be the best in bear country, but depending on the bear, a handgun may not be the best choice at any time. I've always been more concerned about two legged critters than bears.
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Vern Humphrey
Member
I have had black bear in my backyard (admittedly my place is deep in the woods) and seen a mountain lion crossing the county road. No house cat is that big, nor bobcat, either. Nor do bobcats have such long tails.
AStone
Member
Grizzly or Black Bears?
When my wife and I went backpacking in Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska a couple of years ago I carried a short barrel 12 ga pump with slugs in a leather scabbard lashed to my pack. When I trained for the hike on my farm, I carried the full pack with the scabbard/shotgun and practiced drawing it every half mile or so. Then I would hike with it held barrel up in one hand (leaving the other hand free for a hiking pole) until I could carry the shotgun that way for at least a mile.
So for grizzlies, I carry a 12 ga, bear spray, and a knowledge of how to avoid run-ins with bears. (And that shotgun seems a little iffy for a grizzly.)
For black bears, I just bought a Taurus 444 Multi (ultralight 44 mag, 4" barrel).
Just my choices.
Bill_5
When my wife and I went backpacking in Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska a couple of years ago I carried a short barrel 12 ga pump with slugs in a leather scabbard lashed to my pack. When I trained for the hike on my farm, I carried the full pack with the scabbard/shotgun and practiced drawing it every half mile or so. Then I would hike with it held barrel up in one hand (leaving the other hand free for a hiking pole) until I could carry the shotgun that way for at least a mile.
So for grizzlies, I carry a 12 ga, bear spray, and a knowledge of how to avoid run-ins with bears. (And that shotgun seems a little iffy for a grizzly.)
For black bears, I just bought a Taurus 444 Multi (ultralight 44 mag, 4" barrel).
Just my choices.
Bill_5
Since in a surprise encounter with a bear, most charges are bluff charges, I think that bear spray is the better choice over shooting.
If, however, you are being stalked, or a bear enters your tent, it's time to grab the gun.
Just my opinion.
Bill_5
If, however, you are being stalked, or a bear enters your tent, it's time to grab the gun.
Just my opinion.
Bill_5
crunch14
Member
Bill 5... what good will the bear spray do if the wind is coming towards you? A face full of pepper spray would be highly undesireable in my opinion. 4" GP100 for me loaded with CORBON 200grn hardcast.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. My boondocks sidearm is a S&W M29 with a 3" bbl. Find a holster that will fit on the waist strap of your pack. It makes toting the extra weight easier than strapping it on your pants belt. I think 357 mag or 10mm would be acceptable for black bear. The Glock G29 is a small light weight 10mm. It might be a good option for an extended multi-day wilderness area hike. If that was my option I would check out the Buffalo Bore loaded ammo for 10mm. Bear spray is good for bears that enjoy their meals with a little spicey kick.
carebear
Member
Balrog,
I'm with you on utterly unrealistic fears of bears and such, but for some of us the risk is real and an additional pound or 3, even over multi-day treks, is as much rational insurance as a sat. phone or SPOT device.
Yes, most people over-estimate risk, but they will learn once they have to haul the damn thing. But that's their problem and doesn't need preemptive derision.
I'm with you on utterly unrealistic fears of bears and such, but for some of us the risk is real and an additional pound or 3, even over multi-day treks, is as much rational insurance as a sat. phone or SPOT device.
Yes, most people over-estimate risk, but they will learn once they have to haul the damn thing. But that's their problem and doesn't need preemptive derision.
mjb
Member.
In the mountains of south eastern Kentucky I carry a Colt Delta Elite 10mm
Water Garden
Member
44 special (revolver)
sebtool
Member
Deodorant?
Mebbe a nice marinade to make you taste a little spicier....Seriously tho, I just ordered a holster from Simply Rugged out of Alaska. They also have a chest harness called the Chesty Puller (OORAH!) that Rob Leahy, the owner developed for, obviously, carrying your pistol on your chest. He says it's turned into his favorite way to carry a decent sized pistol while back packing, and I can see how it could be an extemely easy way to do that. It would make carrying a 6" .44 pretty comfortable and out of the way.
BTW, my knock around gun is a 4" GP100 loaded with 158 gr. hard cast. Good for any sized bear, hog, cougar or meth head found in my area
Though I just picked up a .44 spl that's a whole lot lighter.... we'll have to see about that 1!BTW denfoote - NICE 28!
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makarovnik
Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2006
- Messages
- 1,678
Kel-Tec sub 2000 in .40 S&W. It folds down to 17" and fits into a backpack. I guess for a handgun I'd like at least a .357 or possibly a .44.
Southern Shooter
Member
Here is my backcountry sidearm...
Here is my backcountry sidearm. My Ruger SRH Alaskan .454 Casull loaded with 360 grain hard-cast at about 1050 FPS. The rig is a Diamond D Custom Leather Guide's Choice Chest Holster. Makes it easy to reach the gun no matter what activity I am involved in.
Here is my backcountry sidearm. My Ruger SRH Alaskan .454 Casull loaded with 360 grain hard-cast at about 1050 FPS. The rig is a Diamond D Custom Leather Guide's Choice Chest Holster. Makes it easy to reach the gun no matter what activity I am involved in.
shep854
Member
Southern Shooter, what's it for--gators or skeeters?
Southern Shooter
Member
LOL...both
Loading up a .45 caliber bullet with snake shot can be wicked on skeeters. Ha Ha
Down here in our lovely Southern states I just load up 260 grain hard-cast at about 950-1,000 FPS. No need for the real big stuff here unless I am looking to encounter some HUGE hogs.
The gun really shoots easy with those rounds.
Loading up a .45 caliber bullet with snake shot can be wicked on skeeters. Ha Ha
Down here in our lovely Southern states I just load up 260 grain hard-cast at about 950-1,000 FPS. No need for the real big stuff here unless I am looking to encounter some HUGE hogs.
The gun really shoots easy with those rounds.
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shep854
Member
Oh, yes. I had forgotten about the piggies.
Leathermarshmallow
Member.
How about one of those AK 47 style pistols, 30 shots of 7.62x39 is probably going to ruin any animal's day.
Deputy25
Member
Usually my 4 inch M29.
AZ Desertrat
Member
Probably a Ruger Blackhawk. I carry my .41 mag with 6.5 inch barrel when I do such activities.
S.B.
Member
I think anyone who advices a .22 should get outside(rough terrain mountains ie) more? By the way I really like those pics you guys post!
Steve
Steve
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