What gun would you hike with?

[endtimer]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Just nuke it from orbit.

Ha this post managed to take me back to the movie Star Wars, Ronald Reagan and the Cold War all at the same time. Well done.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Just nuke it from orbit.

"It's the only way to be sure."

[Esaias]

Seriously though, I really don't consider a pistol, of practically ANY caliber other than at least intermediate rifle caliber, to be good enough for 'bear' or 'cougar' country.

I'd rather have a 12 gauge or a 30 caliber rifle with at least 20 rounds at the ready.

Although, a wifel like a 5.56 or .223 is probably better than a hand cannon.

[RandyWayne]

It is funny how some things become units of measurments.

For instance, as we're talking here when discussing how effective a round is, it has to do with how it puts down a "bear".

Just like whenever talking about how voracious a toothed fish is, it is always in the context of how fast they can strip a "cow".

And perhaps my favorite, up until several years ago at the end of every NASCAR race, everyone was told how "Dick Trickle" did.

[endtimer]

Ive often considered what caliber would effectively eliminate the threat of bear attack. The conclusion Ive drawn is, it would depend on the type and weight of bear. A grizz, I believe would require a much larger round than the 250-350 pound black bear that roam my neck of the woods. If I was roaming grizzly/brown bear country, I would def. take Esaias approach. In my case, I believe a .45 would suffice. The noise alone is likely to ward off a black bear attack. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind strapping on a huge piece of iron and go for a walk in the woods.

[endtimer]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

It is funny how some things become units of measurments.

For instance, as we're talking here when discussing how effective a round is, it has to do with how it puts down a "bear".

Just like whenever talking about how voracious a toothed fish is, it is always in the context of how fast they can strip a "cow".

And perhaps my favorite, up until several years ago at the end of every NASCAR race, everyone was told how "Dick Trickle" did.

I agree, me and a buddy did some red neck ballistic testing with phone books and several different caliber rifles, pistols and a 12ga. shotgun. We were both surprised at how superior the 12ga. slug was over the thirty-ot six (not sure on the numerals) and how poorly the 9mm performed compared to .40 in terms of damage. Probably an apple vs. oranges comparison in some ways I know, but it was interesting.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by endtimer

I agree, me and a buddy did some red neck ballistic testing with phone books and several different caliber rifles, pistols and a 12ga. shotgun. We were both surprised at how superior the 12ga. slug was over the thirty-ot six (not sure on the numerals) and how poorly the 9mm performed compared to .40 in terms of damage. Probably an apple vs. oranges comparison in some ways I know, but it was interesting.

If your talking pure foot pounds of energy a 20 gauge (not even a 12) slug has 3 times the power as a standard 45.

I just hate firing shotguns though. lol

[RandyWayne]

THIS is the weapon I would love to hike with!! (In addition to an additional sidearm of course.) But while it isn't as heavy as many common hunting rifles that often don't get a second look by people you may pass, the AR platform tends to solicit panic in many people because it is so "scary" looking.

Admit it. Do any other gun owners "see" themselves looking like this? LOL

[Esaias]

Randy, why is that man carrying a wifel?

He needs one of these:



Or one of these:



Or even one of these:



Of course, there's always Old Faithful:

[RandyWayne]

Other than 7.62, can one even find any of the other cartridges at the local sporting good shop?

Is the bottom one a 7mm Mauser?

I love my 223/5.56.