Vern Humphrey
Member
For simple hiking, roaming through the woods, the New Service isn't bad -- and it's ideal for horseback riding.
But when backpacking, the Woodsman is what I carry.
Camping/Backpacking Pistols
- Thread starter tprice
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For simple hiking, roaming through the woods, the New Service isn't bad -- and it's ideal for horseback riding.
But when backpacking, the Woodsman is what I carry.
Just One Shot
Member
ArmedBear
(I guess you've never shot a .22 with a scope on it. Last league night I did only shoot 495/500, so I guess I can't shoot a .22 all that well. But still, with a snake, the distance from the sight to the bore can matter at lot more than at 25 yards...)
Scope? Why would you need a scope on a pistol for the OP's situation?
Why would you be shooting a snake if it's more than 25' away? If you're backpacking why not just keep moving?
(I guess you've never shot a .22 with a scope on it. Last league night I did only shoot 495/500, so I guess I can't shoot a .22 all that well. But still, with a snake, the distance from the sight to the bore can matter at lot more than at 25 yards...)
Scope? Why would you need a scope on a pistol for the OP's situation?
Why would you be shooting a snake if it's more than 25' away? If you're backpacking why not just keep moving?
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
My Choice For Alabama Woods
Remember, a 6.5" barrel Ruger Super Single-Six shoots like a rifle,
when the .22 WMR cylinder is in place and firing magnum rounds~!
Remember, a 6.5" barrel Ruger Super Single-Six shoots like a rifle,
when the .22 WMR cylinder is in place and firing magnum rounds~!
RoostRider
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In my rather extensive experience in serious "off the grid" camping, I have learned a couple of things I can share...
1- If you have to carry it, you want it small and light (There is such a thing as overkill when you have to carry it)
2- Unless you are very lucky, it will get wet, and probably stay wet for a while (stainless rules in this way)
3- Semiauto's are hard to deal with when cleaning in the woods (it will get dirty, even inside a backpack)
4- It will get beat up, and should be able to handle it without you, or the gun cringing.
I do off the grid camping in areas known well for large black bears and loonie rednecks. I hunt black bears and know a fair share about them. I would feel totally comfortable with a .38 stainless snubbie on my side or in my camp. Why I don't have one yet is beyond me......
1- If you have to carry it, you want it small and light (There is such a thing as overkill when you have to carry it)
2- Unless you are very lucky, it will get wet, and probably stay wet for a while (stainless rules in this way)
3- Semiauto's are hard to deal with when cleaning in the woods (it will get dirty, even inside a backpack)
4- It will get beat up, and should be able to handle it without you, or the gun cringing.
I do off the grid camping in areas known well for large black bears and loonie rednecks. I hunt black bears and know a fair share about them. I would feel totally comfortable with a .38 stainless snubbie on my side or in my camp. Why I don't have one yet is beyond me......
Ben Shepherd
Member
I use a a stainless ruger speed six, gp100, or sp101 for backpacking duty.
With one of those guns, if I have a penny or nickel in my pocket, a small screwdriver, and a sample size can of WD40 in case of emergencies, I'll give it up before the gun will, no matter how many times I fall in the water or mud.
With one of those guns, if I have a penny or nickel in my pocket, a small screwdriver, and a sample size can of WD40 in case of emergencies, I'll give it up before the gun will, no matter how many times I fall in the water or mud.
tomaz45
Member
The thoughts seem consistant. I carry an SP101 with a CCI snake load followed with 158 gr HP's. Meets my criteria: Have tool at hand when needed. My normal carry is 1911, but hiking and packing changes the some of the dynamics. I would not go lighter in caliber. I like the versitility the .357 revolver allows me.
You wouldn't.
Though I do hunt, I personally don't care to kill anything without a reason. If I am shooting a snake, that's because it poses a direct and imminent threat, like a rattler about to strike.
I'd much rather spray it with a pattern than hit it with a small bullet. Shotshells are more appropriate to the task.
And with a snake, the distance between the sights and the bore matters. My .22 pistols are both bull barrels, one has a scope. I don't sight them in at 5 feet, and you don't want to hold your gun in a coiled rattler's face to shoot it, either.
If someone has a .38 snubbie, that's a much better gun than a Mark II.
And if you figure I can't shoot a .22 pistol, bring it on.
(No, I don't I'm not the best shooter out there, not by far, and the couple of High Masters at my little club really humble the rest of us with their scores. But I can shoot it well enough that, if I'd choose another gun, it's because I figure that other gun is better for the application.)
mbr
Member
I have been camping, hiking, and backpacking for about 35 years and have never had the occasion to kill a snake. I have had numerous encounters with poisonous snakes, almost stepped on them, reached for handhold shared by them, even once held a towel between the snake and myself so a group of young campers could pass behind me. You either kill snakes or you leave them alone. There is no way one has time to pull a handgun and fire, "If the snake is going to strike."
Vern Humphrey
Member
You're right. But when a snake enters my living space, he's a dead snake.
My farrier is a good example. His wife was bitten by a copperhead in his barn. A few months later, he was bitten in the same barn.
He and I went in and lifted stones, pried up boards, and thinned the copperheads out considerably.
tenbears
Member
How about a sweet Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special Light, but has a harder punch without the magnum blast.
Light, but has a harder punch without the magnum blast.
armoredman
Member
I would carry what I have, CZ-P01 for two legged, and 4inch Model 10 38spl with first three snake shot for no legs. For BIG irritated animal, I shoot both dry and hope to hit something vital, unless I am somewhere that won't freak out over me lawfully carrying a rifle, then it would be CZ and 303.
Steve_in_Marietta
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I think you're right to go with the .38. That's what I carry when I hike. It's light enough you don't get tired of hauling it around and easy to carry in a back pocket holster.
amd6547
Member
I have backpacked for 30 years, and have always packed a handgun.
I have carried everything from a six inch 44mag to a 22mag mini revolver.
There was a Tokarev, a H&R 22 revolver, and a Glock 23 in there, too. Best of all was a Charter Arms Off Duty 38 snub. Got it used at a bargain price, so I didn't worry about it.
Two-legged predators are all I worry about in the woods. My handgun needs to meet a small weight/size package requirement, yet be powerfull enough for SD. I only carry a minimum amount of ammo...For the 38, a full cylinder of loose ammo, two speed strips, and two speedloaders...25rds.
I have carried everything from a six inch 44mag to a 22mag mini revolver.
There was a Tokarev, a H&R 22 revolver, and a Glock 23 in there, too. Best of all was a Charter Arms Off Duty 38 snub. Got it used at a bargain price, so I didn't worry about it.
Two-legged predators are all I worry about in the woods. My handgun needs to meet a small weight/size package requirement, yet be powerfull enough for SD. I only carry a minimum amount of ammo...For the 38, a full cylinder of loose ammo, two speed strips, and two speedloaders...25rds.
Defense Minister
Member
I carry a Smith & Wesson 386 SC .357 mag. It weighs 18.5 oz., has a 7 round cylinder, and packs enough wallop that with the right load it will handle anything I may encounter where I backpack. My opinion: it is the perfect backpacking gun where grizzlies aren't involved. Of the handguns you own, I would recommend the .45 ACP with 230 grain FMJs, but I highly recommend a magnum caliber handgun for the woods.
David E
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- Aug 3, 2008
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But you'd trust a velocity challenged .38 out of a snubby? That makes absolutely no sense.
Please tell me how a 2" snubby can be loaded better for woods defense than a 9mm. (we shall presume the 9mm is utilizing premium JHP ammo)
Any gun with you beats any gun not, but that does not mean that all guns are equally effective. If all that is desired is a talisman instead of a fully capable defense gun, then carry a NAA in .22 Short.
I remember years ago an article in Shooting Times that touted the 2" .38, carried in the back pocket, as the "ideal" trail gun, due to its small size.
As a survival arm, it would be difficult to hit a grouse at 25 yds. As a defense arm, it lacks power, capacity, reloads slow and is difficult for most people to shoot accurately.
I decided long ago I'd rather put up with a bit more size/weight to get a gun that'll actually be able to perform the tasks I'm taking the gun for in the first place. I'll save weight somewhere else, or get stronger so that another oz or two won't matter.
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FMJMIKE
Member
amd6547
Member
The Ruger 22 pictured above is a fine trail pistol, but dosn't make the cut for a backpacking pistol. Too big and heavy. You could carry a Tokarev for the same amount of weight, and have a much more powerfull weapon. The Tokarev would probably carry better, as well.
My Charter 38 had no problems hitting pop cans at 25yds...The snub is capable of very good accuracy if it used properly. It can also be loaded with low power target wadcutters, +P JHP's or +P 158gn SWC's.
My Charter 38 had no problems hitting pop cans at 25yds...The snub is capable of very good accuracy if it used properly. It can also be loaded with low power target wadcutters, +P JHP's or +P 158gn SWC's.
Hostile Amish
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When camping, I carry a Glock 20.
David E
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Yes, the GUN is capable of better accuracy than most people think.....but most people cannot extract that kind of accuracy out of one.
I'd bet you a lotta money that a 115 grain JHP from my 9mm is going faster at 25 yds than your snubby launched .38 special load (110 grains or more)
While the snubby might be "adequate" for defense in town where help is as close as next door, out in the woods it's a different story.
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I use a 2 1/2" .357 Magnum, S&W 686 Plus. Almost had to use it once on a pair of two-legged predators who set up an ambush for me and my wife while were checking out a decommissioned National Forest service campground. They looked like ex-felons.
I decided that a stealthy escape was in order and they tore off after us as we hightailed it up the road and outta there in our camper van. They don't know how close they came because they just assumed we were unarmed.
I decided that a stealthy escape was in order and they tore off after us as we hightailed it up the road and outta there in our camper van. They don't know how close they came because they just assumed we were unarmed.
Confederate
Member
My choice would be a .357 magnum revolver loaded with full throttle 140gr JHPs (which you can load yourself). The choice is based on the foundation of my convictions that the .357 mag is the best overall revolver for almost everything.
My second choice would be a 125gr JHP .357 mag.
For stopping people, I don't think you can beat the latter. It's got plenty of energy, excellent penetration and even works on animals. My preference, though, is a 4-incher because of its excellent pointability.
I have a friend who shot and killed a cougar while checking his father's fence posts on a ranch. The animal jumped out of a tree and charged my friend. He had no choice but to shoot. And even though he managed to make the shot with a .357 6-inch, he couldn't get a good bead on the animal with the longish barrel and he had to fire twice to hit it once!
I've read accounts where .357s have killed black bears, feral dogs, cougars, wolves and people. You get plenty of punch from the 125gr JHP to do all of the above, plus the full throttle loads will punch through vehicles and flatten tires (anyone seen Duel, with Dennis Weaver?).
I was out shooting one day with a friend, and he'd found an old tire to shoot at, and his gun was a Smith & Wesson 60 snubby .38. He was about 3-4 feet from it and aiming at it when I stopped him. He wanted to shoot that tire. So I moved him a ways off and had him shoot at it from a distance and at a safe angle. He bearly made marks on the tire and not one of his shots punctured it. I told him that more often than not, .38 ammo from a snubby couldn't even punch through a car door.
If out in the middle of nowhere, or on a roadtrip, my first choice of a gun will be the .357 mag. It works on both man and beast, plus it makes a respectable amount of noise if you get lost and need to create a noise signal. By switching ammo you can switch from larger game to smaller game, or go to bear size game.
The Ruger is a great choice and a 4-inch tapered barrel is ideal. The S&W 66/19 and the Ruger Security-Six are both very nice pistols suitable for hauling. The GP-100 and 686 are good runner ups. Twenty-twos, in my opinion, don't really do much outdoors except nab squirrels and rabbits. The Ruger Mark II/III Standard, however, is great for small game and protection against humans.
The Ruger Security-Sixes
The S&W 66 4-inch is very easy to carry.
Ruger Mark II's rapid firing and ammo capacity make it
a great outdoor/camping pistol.
My second choice would be a 125gr JHP .357 mag.
For stopping people, I don't think you can beat the latter. It's got plenty of energy, excellent penetration and even works on animals. My preference, though, is a 4-incher because of its excellent pointability.
I have a friend who shot and killed a cougar while checking his father's fence posts on a ranch. The animal jumped out of a tree and charged my friend. He had no choice but to shoot. And even though he managed to make the shot with a .357 6-inch, he couldn't get a good bead on the animal with the longish barrel and he had to fire twice to hit it once!
I've read accounts where .357s have killed black bears, feral dogs, cougars, wolves and people. You get plenty of punch from the 125gr JHP to do all of the above, plus the full throttle loads will punch through vehicles and flatten tires (anyone seen Duel, with Dennis Weaver?).
I was out shooting one day with a friend, and he'd found an old tire to shoot at, and his gun was a Smith & Wesson 60 snubby .38. He was about 3-4 feet from it and aiming at it when I stopped him. He wanted to shoot that tire. So I moved him a ways off and had him shoot at it from a distance and at a safe angle. He bearly made marks on the tire and not one of his shots punctured it. I told him that more often than not, .38 ammo from a snubby couldn't even punch through a car door.
If out in the middle of nowhere, or on a roadtrip, my first choice of a gun will be the .357 mag. It works on both man and beast, plus it makes a respectable amount of noise if you get lost and need to create a noise signal. By switching ammo you can switch from larger game to smaller game, or go to bear size game.
The Ruger is a great choice and a 4-inch tapered barrel is ideal. The S&W 66/19 and the Ruger Security-Six are both very nice pistols suitable for hauling. The GP-100 and 686 are good runner ups. Twenty-twos, in my opinion, don't really do much outdoors except nab squirrels and rabbits. The Ruger Mark II/III Standard, however, is great for small game and protection against humans.
The Ruger Security-Sixes
The S&W 66 4-inch is very easy to carry.
Ruger Mark II's rapid firing and ammo capacity make it
a great outdoor/camping pistol.
amd6547
Member
We are getting into personal preference and caliber wars, here.
The 38spl fit my needs for a backpacking pistol to a T. The requirements for my backpacking pistol are completely different from what I need in an open carry SD pistol, a bear country weapon, or fun in the wood pistol.
It needs to be as small and light as possible, while retaining just enough power to be sufficient for self defense. It also needs to be reliable, and preferably, a used pistol that I can abuse.
The 38 was the issued handgun for US pilots for decades. I have read plenty of accounts where downed airmen used their 4" model 10 loaded with 130gn FMJ service loads to good effect against those who were trying to capture or kill them. A 38 snub loaded with modern SD ammo can do the job.
I have never needed to draw my weapon while backpacking, but I have encountered a few folks in the woods who made me glad I was armed...It is a good feeling when you can talk to one of these individuals with your hand in your parka pocket full of 38, knowing you can shoot through your pocket and you gun won't jam...and the wierdo never knew you were armed.
The 38spl fit my needs for a backpacking pistol to a T. The requirements for my backpacking pistol are completely different from what I need in an open carry SD pistol, a bear country weapon, or fun in the wood pistol.
It needs to be as small and light as possible, while retaining just enough power to be sufficient for self defense. It also needs to be reliable, and preferably, a used pistol that I can abuse.
The 38 was the issued handgun for US pilots for decades. I have read plenty of accounts where downed airmen used their 4" model 10 loaded with 130gn FMJ service loads to good effect against those who were trying to capture or kill them. A 38 snub loaded with modern SD ammo can do the job.
I have never needed to draw my weapon while backpacking, but I have encountered a few folks in the woods who made me glad I was armed...It is a good feeling when you can talk to one of these individuals with your hand in your parka pocket full of 38, knowing you can shoot through your pocket and you gun won't jam...and the wierdo never knew you were armed.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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Depends on how far you're hiking and what threats you might face. If you're backpacking very far, you want light, light, light (think KelTec).
ol' scratch
Member
Carry as large as possible
Hello,
The most important thing is to know the area you will be in. If you find out that wild animals attacks are frequent (or even infrequent), pack accordingly.
Last year I went to the Copper Country in the Michigan UP. We were checking out a piece of property my grandfather purchase and had never seen himself. We went in June, so we were more concerned with critters (specifically a mother bear and cubs) than people. I had at my disposal a 44 mag, but I decided to go with a 348 Winchester model 71 because I felt more comfortable (Warning-check you local laws. To carry a rifle or shotgun in the woods in Michigan requires the purchase of at least a small game license.). The .348 is also toted as one of the best brush rounds ever made and we were going into some over grown areas. You just can't beat the increased velocity a long gun offers. If I had come across something that was threating (two or four leg) the .348 would have done the job. I must have picked a good one because one of the locals was concerned we might be going into the woods "unprepared." He mentioned that the rifles they use "up there" aren't like the rifles "down below." When I told him what we had he said "You're good, if you can actually shoot the (fill in blank) thing."
If I had been closer to home, I would have carried my proven and reliable 1911. You can't beat the stopping power of a .45. In this area we don't have moose or bear, so I would feel more comfortable carrying my .45.
Know your area and carry what makes you feel comfortable, but also offers protection from whatever the bend-in-the-trail might be hiding.
Hello,
The most important thing is to know the area you will be in. If you find out that wild animals attacks are frequent (or even infrequent), pack accordingly.
Last year I went to the Copper Country in the Michigan UP. We were checking out a piece of property my grandfather purchase and had never seen himself. We went in June, so we were more concerned with critters (specifically a mother bear and cubs) than people. I had at my disposal a 44 mag, but I decided to go with a 348 Winchester model 71 because I felt more comfortable (Warning-check you local laws. To carry a rifle or shotgun in the woods in Michigan requires the purchase of at least a small game license.). The .348 is also toted as one of the best brush rounds ever made and we were going into some over grown areas. You just can't beat the increased velocity a long gun offers. If I had come across something that was threating (two or four leg) the .348 would have done the job. I must have picked a good one because one of the locals was concerned we might be going into the woods "unprepared." He mentioned that the rifles they use "up there" aren't like the rifles "down below." When I told him what we had he said "You're good, if you can actually shoot the (fill in blank) thing."
If I had been closer to home, I would have carried my proven and reliable 1911. You can't beat the stopping power of a .45. In this area we don't have moose or bear, so I would feel more comfortable carrying my .45.
Know your area and carry what makes you feel comfortable, but also offers protection from whatever the bend-in-the-trail might be hiding.
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