Backpacking Gun

[carnplanenut]

I am an avid hiker/backpacker. I am recently getting back into back country camping. I currently have a Ruger Alaskan. It is big and heavy.

So, what type of gun do you carry backpacking? I prefer to keep it concealed and the Alaskan is too big for that. I also am looking to camp in some national parks, and that brings a whole new set of rules and restrictions to the table. I prefer something with more knockdown power than a lightweight 38.

Thanks,
Jason

[J]

Glock 20? Decent option.

[mcjhr]

Is it for four legged animals or two?

[carnplanenut]

I was considering a Glock 21SF... Maybe even a 30S (If you can find them). I used to reload for 10mm, but got away from it when I consolidated calibers.

Something to consider.

Thx!

[carnplanenut]

Is it for four legged animals or two?

Both

[J]

For the four legged critters, I'd want 44mag or 10mm, or bigger. But that is just me.

[rustycrusty]

Whatever it is- for 4 legged encounters carry FMJ range ammo- sacrifice expansion for penetration. The main point behind shotgun slugs and high power rifles being the best 'bear guns' is the increased penetration those rounds offer. From what I have seen caliber and penetration are not always directly correlated. Even 9mm will poke some deep holes in a fast round nose FMJ loading.

I am not a fan of the giant guns. I am biased- 10mm, 357mag, 44mag- all unmanageable in recoil and follow up shots are not possible (for me- maybe you are a large badass) if rather be able to make lots of noise, and have the ability to place 5 or more aimed shots in 2-3 seconds

again- opinion

[Tinelement]

For concealed check out the Ribz front pack. Has been the best addition to my hiking/backpack packing yet. Extremely happy

http://ribzwear.eu

I carry a 1911 with FMJ and 2 spare mags. I feel plenty safe in Colorado with that.

[carnplanenut]

For concealed check out the Ribz front pack. Has been the best addition to my hiking/backpack packing yet. Extremely happy

http://ribzwear.eu

I carry a 1911 with FMJ and 2 spare mags. I feel plenty safe in Colorado with that.


This is by far the coolest backpacking accessory that I have seen in a long time. Is there someplace that I could see one locally or is it by web order only?

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

G20

[Tinelement]

This is by far the coolest backpacking accessory that I have seen in a long time. Is there someplace that I could see one locally or is it by web order only?

I don't know of anywhere local. I ordered mine online. They are a great addition. I carry pistol and / mags in the large left pouch with plenty of room for other stuff. Obviously not an uber fast way to draw, but helluva lot quicker than having it in your backpack. And when you drop you pack, the Ribz can stay on.

[Wulf202]

g20

safepacker

[DeusExMachina]

I don't know of anywhere local. I ordered mine online. They are a great addition. I carry pistol and / mags in the large left pouch with plenty of room for other stuff. Obviously not an uber fast way to draw, but helluva lot quicker than having it in your backpack. And when you drop you pack, the Ribz can stay on.

Is it padded? Looks like a good place for rangefinder and binos

[Tinelement]

It is not padded.

[SA Friday]

Smith and Wesson make an air weight in both 357 and 44 mag. They are crazy light with Sc frames and Ti cylinders. Both will also make you just let the animal kill you after shooting one round of defensive ammo since it will ultimately hurt less than pulling the trigger again. If you are a super bad-ass and want one of these, PM me and I'll let you know where there's a used one an ex-Ranger has on consignment.

IMO:
Ruger SP101 if you want a 357
S&W 629 with a 4" or shorter barrel if you want a 44 mag
Glock 20 or 29 if you want a semi-auto.

You want enough weight to the gun that Newton's 3rd law is respectively observed. You don't want so much weight to the gun it's difficult to carry. IMO, the three above fall within the "just right" category. I personally carry a 629 Mountain Lite when out there, but I will eventually pick up a G20 or 29. For around here, it's enough. Nice thing about the 44 mag is CCI shotshells smoke squirrels out to about 12-13 feet without turning them into mush.

[paddywagon]

SA you mention the Smith's. I will definitely second that being I carry a 386PD and have for several years. They are crazy light and with full stoked loads she kicks like a mule and barks like a rabid dog. It is definitely not a revolver that one shoots for enjoyment (unless with 38 spls!) Everyone I have ever let shoot it usually gives me the "you have got to be kidding me" look after the first round and after they finish the other 6 they hand it back and say "I'm good!" It was one of the best anniversary presents my wife ever got me!

[Zombie Steve]

If the Alaskan is too much, I would just carry whatever you normally carry concealed. IMO, threats from four legged critters falls somewhere below lightning strike on my list (really).

I still think one of the best all around compromise gun is a 4" .357 mag. I've had a 686 that's accompanied me on many a trip.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

IMO, threats from four legged critters falls somewhere below lightning strike on my list (really).


I recently read this: 41097 and 41099 books.
My fear for bears (especially in CO) has dropped way off to almost none.
On the other hand, my fear of mountain lions has shot way up.

[Dunno] I recently got a G20 for this purpose. I've messed around with Buffalo Bore HC, but what I really prefer is just some good heavy Underwood.
I seriously cannot see hitting a cat with it, though. $0.02

[crashdown]

Just picked up a Smith model 60 pro.
It's a 357, so you have wide variety of ammo choices in two calibers.
It has a 3 inch barrel so good sight radius for shot placement.
Front sight is a night sight, so great for low/no light conditions.
Rear sight is adjustable if your ammo varies enough to adjust P.O.A/P.O.I.
I have or have had plenty of the smaller PD/ Nightguard pistols, but they are an up close defensive gun in shorter barrels. The Smith 60 Pro should be able to make longer shots if needed.
I picked it up because of all the lion activity in my area, and will be sighting it in this week. It will be my trail gun if all works out. I have most of the guns suggested, but this thing is so light, and potentially accurate it might be my new favorite for hiking.

[Zombie Steve]

I recently read this: 41097 and 41099 books.
My fear for bears (especially in CO) has dropped way off to almost none.
On the other hand, my fear of mountain lions has shot way up.

[Dunno] I recently got a G20 for this purpose. I've messed around with Buffalo Bore HC, but what I really prefer is just some good heavy Underwood.
I seriously cannot see hitting a cat with it, though. $0.02

200 pound dude with a knife... 150 pound mountain lion... yeah, I like horsepower, but I'm still ok with a .45 Colt, 1911, .357 mag. Whatever you carry in town will most likely serve you well in the hills here too (just don't tell my wife... I need more wheel guns!).

[Dave]

If you weren't concerned with concealment I'd say a S&W 500 with 8 3/8" barrel. Though I'd say a .45 ACP would handle most anything you would run into in the woods. Just stay away from the bear cubs.

[carnplanenut]

If the Alaskan is too much, I would just carry whatever you normally carry concealed. IMO, threats from four legged critters falls somewhere below lightning strike on my list (really).

I still think one of the best all around compromise gun is a 4" .357 mag. I've had a 686 that's accompanied me on many a trip.

With that Ribz set up, I might just keep carrying the Alaskan. I can keep a 2.5" group at 25' with it and I like the .44 Magnum. I might look at a Glock 20/29 though as I regularly shoot a Glock.

[Zombie Steve]

With that Ribz set up, I might just keep carrying the Alaskan. I can keep a 2.5" group at 25' with it and I like the .44 Magnum. I might look at a Glock 20/29 though as I regularly shoot a Glock.


Well, you reload, so I'd highly recommend a mid range load. Full throttle has its place, but not necessary for these parts. I load a 240 lswc over 7.8 grains of Unique and it clocks 930fps from a 4-5/8" Super Blackhawk... basically like shooting a standard pressure .45 Colt or .45 auto +P. Very easy to shoot. I can always go to 2400 if I want that bullet going 1,250 fps or more. .44 mag is one of the funnest handgun cartridges to load for IMHO.

[mtnrider]

What about a FN 5.7? Anyone have any experience with one? I would think It would have good penetration just not sure it has the stopping power for something like a bear? 20 +1 rounds. Of course it is on the pricey side.

[opie011]

My backpacking rig

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/opie011/gp100_zps5884c0c1.jpg (http://s435.photobucket.com/user/opie011/media/gp100_zps5884c0c1.jpg.html)

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

200 pound dude with a knife... 150 pound mountain lion... yeah, I like horsepower, but I'm still ok with a .45 Colt, 1911, .357 mag. Whatever you carry in town will most likely serve you well in the hills here too (just don't tell my wife... I need more wheel guns!).

Yeah, I should have clarified that as well. Had I read both books prior to purchasing the G20, I may not have.
OTOH, I had a significant discount coupon and wanted one. The everyday 9mm might be alright and I've certainly taken it (and the 1911) camping in the past, but now that I have this… :D

[BPTactical]

What about a FN 5.7? Anyone have any experience with one? I would think It would have good penetration just not sure it has the stopping power for something like a bear? 20 +1 rounds. Of course it is on the pricey side.

5.7 would kill a bear.


From leakage eventually.
On heavy boned, muscled and hided game you need penetration(which the 5.7 would do) but you also need the kinetic energy a larger projectile will give.

I used to carry a 686+ as a mountain handgun and then it dawned on me: 1- it was way too nice of a piece for thrashing in the hills. 2-drop it in the creek, mud etc and you are out of commission.

I went with a 20, there are redeeming social values with 15+1 of near .357 performance and quicker reloads.
Plus you take a tumble in the creek or mud etc the Glock is going to look at you like "is that all you got?"

[Firehaus]

I've been looking at the 460 Rowland conversion for this very reason. I really like the xdm's and an easy conversion on an already owned pistol sounds attractive.

Cartridge. Weight ft/sec. ft/lbs
460 Rowland 185 1500 925
460 Rowland 200 1450 934
460 Rowland 230 1340 917
45 Super 185 1300 694
45 Super 200 1200 639
45 Super 230 1100 617
44 Rem Mag 210 1250 729
44 Rem Mag 240 1180 741



http://www.realguns.com/articles/201.htm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DeusExMachina]

I have a PMR30 for a pack gun because it weighs something stupid like under a pound loaded. 30 insanely loud and fiery pops...maybe someone will come rescue me before I'm eaten.

[crashdown]

If the bear or lion is from Boulder..... all you gotta do is piss or shit on yourself when it gets close.
If all else fails........ rape whistle.

[BPTactical]

If the bear or lion is from Boulder..... all you gotta do is piss or shit on yourself when it gets close.
If all else fails........ rape whistle.

Or vomit on demand.


Well played John

[Big E3]

I have a Glock 20 and 29 as well as a Delta Elite that I like a lot. Having said that and after further review I'm hearing stories of people being jumped by big cats. If you shove an auto into the belly of the beast you may push it out of battery and it would not fire, making me think revolver now. Ruger calls it an Alaskan and not a Colorado, we don't need that much horsepower and weight for the four legged problems. 357 and up should do fine for any critter that might even bother you. I have a 45lc Taurus 450 Titanium that weighs under 20 oz, that I like right now, when standing in a river fishing. Suggesting a S&W 500 8-3/8", I would only consider that if it comes with a trailer or at least detachable wheels, I think a rifle may be easier to carry.

[Zombie Steve]

I've been looking at the 460 Rowland conversion for this very reason. I really like the xdm's and an easy conversion on an already owned pistol sounds attractive.

Cartridge. Weight ft/sec. ft/lbs
460 Rowland 185 1500 925
460 Rowland 200 1450 934
460 Rowland 230 1340 917
45 Super 185 1300 694
45 Super 200 1200 639
45 Super 230 1100 617
44 Rem Mag 210 1250 729
44 Rem Mag 240 1180 741



http://www.realguns.com/articles/201.htm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not sure where those numbers came from, but the .44 speeds seem awfully tame.

[ray1970]

I'm not sure where those numbers came from, but the .44 speeds seem awfully tame.

Maybe he doesn't load to the max load listed in the book.

[Coffee]

[Zombie Steve]

Maybe he doesn't load to the max load listed in the book.

[Coffee]


http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/images/smilies/whistling.gif


I love .44 loads in that range (even a bit lighter), but if you're comparing potential on a chart...

[Firehaus]

Not my data on loads, just pasted from the link.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zombie Steve]

Right... just not sure if he's got a huge cylinder gap and a short barrel. [LOL]

[Firehaus]

Anyone have experience with the .460 Rowland round? I've never shot it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[carnplanenut]

I have a Glock 20 and 29 as well as a Delta Elite that I like a lot. Having said that and after further review I'm hearing stories of people being jumped by big cats. If you shove an auto into the belly of the beast you may push it out of battery and it would not fire, making me think revolver now. Ruger calls it an Alaskan and not a Colorado, we don't need that much horsepower and weight for the four legged problems. 357 and up should do fine for any critter that might even bother you. I have a 45lc Taurus 450 Titanium that weighs under 20 oz, that I like right now, when standing in a river fishing. Suggesting a S&W 500 8-3/8", I would only consider that if it comes with a trailer or at least detachable wheels, I think a rifle may be easier to carry.

A rifle may be easier to carry in places where you can carry openly. What about Rocky Mountain National Park or the Grand Canyon? I am hiking the Grand Canyon this summer. I only regret selling my SP101....

[osok-308]

Looks like a lot of 10mms fans. I like the glock 20. Had a compensated version for a while that I really liked.

[Big E3]

A rifle may be easier to carry in places where you can carry openly. What about Rocky Mountain National Park or the Grand Canyon? I am hiking the Grand Canyon this summer. I only regret selling my SP101....

That is my point with a 500 S&W I don't think you can conceal that beast.

[BPTactical]

Anyone have experience with the .460 Rowland round? I've never shot it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Just a couple of 1911's that Kaboom'd from them. Unknown reason for the kb on one, a converted Colt 1911 and the other was obvious, a Taurus 1911 which it was clearly warned against conversion.
Both were catastrophic failures, split barrels and a bulged slide on the Taurus
My guess would be incorrect reloading.

[SA Friday]

The 460 Rowland is basically what 45 ACP would be if it was designed with modern metallurgy in mind. The 45 ACP was designed with a SAAMI chamber spec of 35,000 PSI max. Conversely the 40 S&W was designed in 87 and with a 60,000 PSI chamber spec.

NOT ALL GUNS ARE MADE TO HANDLE THIS!

I wouldn't convert any 1911 to this chambering. The gun's design just isn't conducive to the pounding. A Glock 21 will take the beating better. It's not so much that the chamber can't handle the pressures, but the momentum of the round itself has a tendency to wear out or destroy guns. You cannot ignore Newton's 3rd law. You want to shoot big-nasty, it's going to hammer the crap out of the gun and your hand and your wrist… 460 Rowland ammo is hard/impossible to find. If you don't reload, then you are going to have a paperweight. If you do reload, you are going to run a gun on the edge with hot loads and probably have to carry reloads in a defensive pistol. I'm not a fan of either of these reloading choices. Between poor conversion platform choices and the reloads, lots of guns have been fragged from this caliber choice. Ultimately, you are just better off with a 10mm, 357 mag or 44 mag. Ammo is available, reloading is easy, guns are available.

There are just some calibers that should be for carbines and not pistols. The 460 Rowland may very well be one of them. I also find all these new gigantic calibers for revolvers that have come out over the last 20 years or so to be in this same category. Anything over 44 mag is obnoxious enough to not really be a feasible pistol round. JMHO.

[BPTactical]

Thanks for the info on the .460 SA. I never paid any attention to it because it is such an oddball.
Like I said the only ones I have dealt with were both owned by the same guy and both KB'd very close to each other time wise. He had them converted by someplace in Texas. Funny thing though, when I looked at the website for the place that did them they specifically advised against converting a Taurus.

[carnplanenut]

For concealed check out the Ribz front pack. Has been the best addition to my hiking/backpack packing yet. Extremely happy

http://ribzwear.eu

I carry a 1911 with FMJ and 2 spare mags. I feel plenty safe in Colorado with that.

So I ordered one today. I will let you know how it fits, especially with the Alaskan inside. Still considering an SP101 or a Glock 29/30 (I have a shot twice Mossberg SPX that I could trade), but I haven't decided yet.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Jason

[Tinelement]

So I ordered one today. I will let you know how it fits, especially with the Alaskan inside. Still considering an SP101 or a Glock 29/30 (I have a shot twice Mossberg SPX that I could trade), but I haven't decided yet.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Jason

Good deal!

Even if the Alaskan don't fit, you'll be happy with your purchase.

[carnplanenut]

Good deal!

Even if the Alaskan don't fit, you'll be happy with your purchase.

I'll keep you posted as it should arrive by the end of next week. I ended up ordering the 11 liter size...

[carnplanenut]

So, I have received the Ribz pack and had a chance to play with it. really like it. The only thing that I wish was that the zipper in the front came down the side of the compartments as opposed to just across the top. It definitely is large enough to accommodate the Alaskan, but I would recommend having any firearm in a holster inside so that the trigger doesn't get pulled with anything inside of the pack.

This is definitely a must have for backpackers....

Jason

[O2HeN2]

For concealed check out the Ribz front pack. Has been the best addition to my hiking/backpack packing yet. Extremely happy

http://www.ribzwear.com/store/

I carry a 1911 with FMJ and 2 spare mags. I feel plenty safe in Colorado with that.

What size did you order, and would you change your mind now that you have it in hand?

O2

[carnplanenut]

What size did you order, and would you change your mind now that you have it in hand?

O2

I can't speak for Tinelement (https://www.ar-15.co/members/4944-Tinelement) but I got the 11Litre version in a large (34-38"waist). I would recommend it.

Jason

[Tinelement]

I also got the large. Love it. Would buy again without hesitation.

Carnplanenut,
Yes. I always holster my firearm in the pack. Same as any carry, cover the trigger.
As for the zipper. I get what you are saying with it opening all the way around. But, if it did that, the whole front would flop forward and be a pain. Load it up and get out and use it. I think you'll agree why it is set up the way it is.

[carnplanenut]

I also got the large. Love it. Would buy again without hesitation.

Carnplanenut,
Yes. I always holster my firearm in the pack. Same as any carry, cover the trigger.
As for the zipper. I get what you are saying with it opening all the way around. But, if it did that, the whole front would flop forward and be a pain. Load it up and get out and use it. I think you'll agree why it is set up the way it is.

I will let you know. I am preparing to hike the Grand Canyon and will be doing a lot of hiking between now and June (when I have a 3 day permit). I look forward to giving it a good testing before.

Jason

[Gunner]

Heres a pretty good video on the Ribz



http://youtu.be/QOaCzHmXw7c

[Tinelement]

That's a good one. Crocket20 is another really good one to follow for the Ribz.

[mightiestmouse]

Just another link to a chest type rig for hiking that you can CCW comfortably while having a backpack with waist support: http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/categoryid/9/Default.aspx

[carnplanenut]

So, I am back and have recovered from my Grand Canyon Backpacking trip. I wanted to share my experience with my Ribz pack. It was very easy to use and not bulky at all. It was really nice to have everything that I needed access to right in front of me rather than having to remove my pack and getting to it. It also fits a compact firearm in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster very nicely. I was able to carry my hiking food, small survival gear, wallet, camera, etc; all while feeling balanced and not overloaded. A lot of hikers stopped to ask about the pack and being able to unzip the front and let your stomach breathe was nice.

The only two things that I would complain about is that it isn't waterproof and that you do tend to sweat a lot behind the pack on your stomach while wearing it.

I would highly recommend anyone considering this as an option while hunting, camping, hiking, etc. to go ahead and purchase it.

Please see my photo below taken just before traversing down Devil's Corkscrew on the bottom of the Bright Angel Trail.

Jason

45969

[SouthPaw]

I was in the market for a new camping handgun this year after I sold my Alaskan 44mag. I purchased a Gen4 G20. 10mm has plenty of horsepower for anything you may encounter. I slapped a TLR-1s on it and a new OWB holster.

[carnplanenut]

I like my Glock 26 for camping. Although, I also like the 30s too.

Jason

[lex137]

I bought a g20 just for hiking/backpacking! Use to have a .357.

[Ah Pook]

Missed this one the first couple of times.

The only two animals I'm concerned with, in CO, are moose and mt. lions. Two moose encounters in our neighborhood last year.

A S&W 629 .44mag packed with CorBon 320hc is the first choice. G20 with hot fmj 10mm is second. Working on a 10mm HC load.

Ribz looks interesting but with no mesh in the back looks like it would be hot in the summer. Looks a little too deconstructed. Definitely want to play with one though. Not sure if it would replace my beat-to-death Mountainsmith fanny pack or Camelback HAWG.

[carnplanenut]

I have no complaints here. I carried it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with a pack on. I have nothing but good things to say about the Ribz....

[Ah Pook]

I have no complaints here. I carried it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with a pack on. I have nothing but good things to say about the Ribz....
Good to hear. I have no experience with Ribz. Just my impression from an initial look. Any chance to find locally?

[carnplanenut]

I am unsure where to find it locally. I ordered it from Amazon. I know that they have a return policy of 30 days, at least they did.

Jason