What gun would you hike with?

RandyWayne · #1 08-05-2013, 02:46 PM

....or camp with?

For me, my Glock 19 which coincidentally, is the one I carry when I go to Target or Walmart as well.

But when I am hiking, I also stuff either my Ruger LC9 (with three extra mags) or my Ruger SR22 (again, with three extra mags), in a separate pack.

Me and my trusty sidearm this past weekend up in Flagstaff.

RandyWayne · #2 08-05-2013, 02:55 PM

Another one taken just a an hour or two earlier of my backside as we're climbing out of a lava tube. Yes, I am even carrying in a cave!

KeptByTheWord · #3 08-05-2013, 04:18 PM

Great pics RW... so how was the hike?

As far as the gun of choice when hiking... that is a good question. We live here close to grizzly bear territory, and of course we are in moose, elk, and black bear territory. I often hike seeing moose, elk and bear tracks/droppings. My husband has been concerned that my can of mace or bear spray is not good enough.

We stopped by Cabela's to look at a gun for me, that would be comfortable for me to carry, and provide general protection from 4-foot and 2-foot predators

The guy at Cabela's was a reserve cop, who also did a lot of hiking, and had quite a bit of experience with different guns. Now, I can't remember exactly which gun he recommended, but it seems it was a Ruger for all around good protection.

However, he recommended not even trying to shoot at a bear with any gun except a high powered rifle, simply because they are so difficult to kill with a pistol, and more often than not, the shot only makes them angry. He recommended I carry bear spray, and use bear spray for bears. But, for other animals/human predators, to also carry a Ruger.

It would be like carrying an extra 10-15 pounds with you to carry bear spray, and a pistol. And in the state I live in, if you make a mistake and kill a grizzly, thinking it is a black bear (because they can look very similar), you are in BIG trouble, because grizzlies are an endangered species. So... for me... I think bear spray is my first option, and if all else fails, then pulling out the pistol...

RandyWayne · #4 08-05-2013, 05:01 PM

I would not discount general "bear spray" or mace as a good large animal weapon. Mace, or pepper spray, will turn away a good sized bear instantly, the only issue is that it only works within a 5-15 foot area and you probably don't want to be that close to begin with.

Also, just about ANY sized round will kill a bear, the only question is how fast. Although my Glock is a 9mm, if your ONLY worried about large game then I would recommend at least a 45. A huge issue with bringing down a large animal isn't just the size of the bullet but how many you can land. Thus I feel like I could fire FAR more accurate rounds downstream with a 9 then I could with a 45 even though the 9's have a LITTLE less stopping power.

RandyWayne · #5 08-05-2013, 05:05 PM

Oh, and I carry pepper spray with me at all time as well, along with a good Streamlight Strion flashlight.

shag · #6 08-05-2013, 05:16 PM

I'm in the Smoky Mountains over the next 6 days on vacation. I will be hiking w my kel tek .380 (w clip and laser.), that I commonly carry anyway.

Brought my xdm compact 9 too, I might take it hiking, but likely will just take the .380 as it is a little more confortable and concealable.

RandyWayne · #7 08-05-2013, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shag

I'm in the Smoky Mountains over the next 6 days on vacation. I will be hiking w my kel tek .380 (w clip and laser.), that I commonly carry anyway.

Brought my xdm compact 9 too, I might take it hiking, but likely will just take the .380 as it is a little more confortable and concealable.

If your hiking you can easily carry a 2nd gun in your backpack or fanny pack. When camping or hiking I would always have two guns on me, along with extra ammo for both. Far more than when your just doing your day to day business.

BeenThinkin · #8 08-05-2013, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

....or camp with?

For me, my Glock 19 which coincidentally, is the one I carry when I go to Target or Walmart as well.

But when I am hiking, I also stuff either my Ruger LC9 (with three extra mags) or my Ruger SR22 (again, with three extra mags), in a separate pack.

Me and my trusty sidearm this past weekend up in Flagstaff.

GREAT picture! Awesome depth of field.

Been Thinkin

shag · #9 08-09-2013, 11:34 PM

From the top of Mount Laconte today. 5 mile climb to the top, and 5 back down. Legs still hurt.
Just took my .380.

RandyWayne · #10 08-10-2013, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shag

From the top of Mount Laconte today. 5 mile climb to the top, and 5 back down. Legs still hurt.
Just took my .380.

A .380 is better than nothing! I am thinking of getting a Ruger 380 for those times when I am not supposed to be carrying but nonetheless want a gun on me. hint hint <shhhhhhhhhhhhh>