Camping/Hiking Gun in the Rockies suggestions.

[Spartan]

I am taking the family tent camping in the mountains and am looking for suggestions on a handgun appropriate for the task. I have been told by several experienced hikers and campers that I should get a quality 44 magnum. Good deal. However, a number of folks are saying that 44 mag is not necessary and a 357 mag will do. Obviously, a rifle or shotgun is a better choice, but I need something more portable. So what say you: 44 magnum vs 357 magnum? Thanks.

[Dave]

A .357 will handle most of what you will come across up there is if decides it doesn't like you. Most will recommend a .44 just in case what doesn't like you is a bear or some angry bigger game. Usually humans have run ins with a coyote or maybe a big cat and a .357 with a well placed shot will handle those.

[Dingo]

A Taurus Tracker .44 would probably be fine for whatever you'd run into out here. It can't handle the Buffalo Bore grizzly loads, but you won't run into griz out here. It holds 5 shots, is portable and light, and the .44 can be loaded to very respectable levels for mountain cats and black bears. The Ruger Redhawk in a short barreled flavor would be a heftier (and therefore could handle the nastier hardcast loads with ease) choice, but is still easily portable in a chest rig or cowboy-type hip holster.

[Dingo]

In all honesty, I carry my Glock 9mm when camping. The wildlife out here is pretty tame for the most part, and I think it's 100x more likely to run into humans with ill intent than rampaging game.

[brobar]

So many guns and so few dollars. I've got a S&W 629 Backpacker .44 Mag on my wish-list just for those hiking/backpacking/camping occasions.

http://www.slickguns.com/sites/default/files/411545424.jpg

[DireWolf]

When camping, I usually wear a Glock 17 9mm in a Blackhawk (quick-release) holster, and keep a rifle close-at-hand. The way I figure it, if anything shows up that 18 rounds of 147gr+P JHP's won't handle, at least they'll give me time to get to my .308

[GilpinGuy]

I take a Taurus 445 .44 Special.

[Spartan]

A .357 will handle most of what you will come across up there is if decides it doesn't like you. Most will recommend a .44 just in case what doesn't like you is a bear or some angry bigger game. Usually humans have run ins with a coyote or maybe a big cat and a .357 with a well placed shot will handle those.

I have to ask. What is bigger than a bear? Sasquatch? Maybe that 45-70 Marlin will come with me.....

[GilpinGuy]

I have to ask. What is bigger than a bear? Sasquatch? Maybe that 45-70 Marlin will come with me.....

A pissed off bull elk or moose is nothing to be messed with.....[panic]

[Ronin13]

Seeing how this is Colorado- I would think a decent .45 would be sufficient. My adventures into the wild I usually pack my 1911 with two spare mags (if I can't kill something intent on attacking me with 22 JHP .45 rounds they earned their meal). Now, if it were Alaska, I'd recommend a S&W .500 or an IMI Desert Eagle .50... a hand cannon perhaps?

[Special Ed]

Dang. So is a .45ACP with 15 round mags full of 230 gr. JHP going to be a bad bet if I meet a bear that intends to do me harm? Heaven forbid I have to tell the wife I need to buy a new gun for hiking/camping/ATVing :D

[Mountain Man]

I usally carry an XD 45. 14 rounds of 45 acp is usually sufficent. Mostly Mountain Lions, black bear and the odd wolf.

[20X11]

I always preferred a Big Bore Lever gun to a pistol. Trusty Winchester 94 XTR in .375 Win was/still is my favorite camp/hike companion.

[Jackrabbit]

I usually pack my 5.7

[ray1970]

In all honesty, I carry my Glock 9mm when camping. The wildlife out here is pretty tame for the most part, and I think it's 100x more likely to run into humans with ill intent than rampaging game.

This.

I've never felt under gunned with a .357.

[def90]

Hmmm, I have yet to bring a gun with me camping. I have never run into a bear or a mtn lion either. Ran into a bear once in the Tetons.. we got off the trail and it just walked by and gave us a casual glance.

I guess the only thing I would be concerned about is some whacko but that has yet to happen as well. I would say any pistol that's good enough for self defense should be fine.

[TennVol]

In the 13 years I've hunted/hiked/fished/camped/Jeeped in the mountains in Colorado, I've been much more worried about the two legged critters than the four legged ones. I usually carry one of my 9MM or one of my .40 S&W semi autos with a couple of spare mags.

[Sawin]

You're in Colorado, not Alaska. A .22lr pistol will do, just shoot one in to the ground and whatever is roaming too close will scurry off... I think we've had this discussion before.

[spqrzilla]

Bear attacks are extraordinarily rare in Colorado. The most dangerous animal in Colorado forests wears tennis shoes and a hoodie.

[Jackrabbit]

Mountain lions freak me out.
Bastards will jump on your back and claw your face off. But I worry more about them snagging one of our dogs.

[Troublco]

I'd remind folks that it IS Colorado, and there have been plenty of Mountain lion issues over the years. For example, the guy jogging down near the Springs who was attacked, killed, and partially eaten by one. So all this poo-pooing of bears and coyotes and emphasis on the 2 legged predators isn't entirely accurate. And I wouldn't want to wind up face to fang with one of those carrying a .22. And GilpinGuy is right, a pissed off Moose isn't something I'd want to be near either.

My hunting sidearm was always my S&W 686 .357 and I wouldn't feel undergunned now carrying one in the mountains. A .44 Mag would certainly work, just be a bit bigger. Either one is relatively easy to find ammo for, too. A .41 Mag would work well, if you happen across one like one of the Taurus Tracker. My new general purpose handgun is my Glock 20 10mm, and I carry it as my hunting sidearm with the right loads.

If some folks are happy carrying a 9mm or .40, that's certainly up to them. I carry one when I travel, but not when I'm up in the hills. I wouldn't want to be facing a hungry mountain lion with one.

[Spartan]

I'd remind folks that it IS Colorado, and there have been plenty of Mountain lion issues over the years. For example, the guy jogging down near the Springs who was attacked, killed, and partially eaten by one. So all this poo-pooing of bears and coyotes and emphasis on the 2 legged predators isn't entirely accurate. And I wouldn't want to wind up face to fang with one of those carrying a .22. And GilpinGuy is right, a pissed off Moose isn't something I'd want to be near either.

My hunting sidearm was always my S&W 686 .357 and I wouldn't feel undergunned now carrying one in the mountains. A .44 Mag would certainly work, just be a bit bigger. Either one is relatively easy to find ammo for, too. A .41 Mag would work well, if you happen across one like one of the Taurus Tracker. My new general purpose handgun is my Glock 20 10mm, and I carry it as my hunting sidearm with the right loads.

If some folks are happy carrying a 9mm or .40, that's certainly up to them. I carry one when I travel, but not when I'm up in the hills. I wouldn't want to be facing a hungry mountain lion with one.

This is what I am trying to gauge. What are most likely threats? I have some budget to pick up a big bore wheel gun but want to make sure I pick wisely.

[Spartan]

I'd remind folks that it IS Colorado, and there have been plenty of Mountain lion issues over the years. For example, the guy jogging down near the Springs who was attacked, killed, and partially eaten by one. So all this poo-pooing of bears and coyotes and emphasis on the 2 legged predators isn't entirely accurate. And I wouldn't want to wind up face to fang with one of those carrying a .22. And GilpinGuy is right, a pissed off Moose isn't something I'd want to be near either.

My hunting sidearm was always my S&W 686 .357 and I wouldn't feel undergunned now carrying one in the mountains. A .44 Mag would certainly work, just be a bit bigger. Either one is relatively easy to find ammo for, too. A .41 Mag would work well, if you happen across one like one of the Taurus Tracker. My new general purpose handgun is my Glock 20 10mm, and I carry it as my hunting sidearm with the right loads.

If some folks are happy carrying a 9mm or .40, that's certainly up to them. I carry one when I travel, but not when I'm up in the hills. I wouldn't want to be facing a hungry mountain lion with one.

This is what I am trying to gauge. What are most likely threats? I have some budget to pick up a big bore wheel gun but want to make sure I pick wisely.

[Professor Frink]

I have been dissappointed to discover mountain lion tracks in the snow all over my property and my neighbor has seen it. I now carry a Redhawk with moderately-hot 45 colt loads. I have a two year-old and the thought of that thing getting at her worries me a great deal.

[Singlestack]

The cats in Colorado present a similar target (in terms of wound effects) as a 2-legged critter. Therefore, carry what you would carry vs a 2-legged critter, with decent hollowpoints. Don't bother with hardcast bullets unless bears a concern. My 6" GP-100 with 125 gr 357 HPs is all I need for CO. Alaska, no way - thats where that Ruger Alaskan in 454 Casull is better - but a good rifle is a must.

[Spartan]

What is your opinion on a Glock 20? I figure 10mm is a pretty effective round and the idea of having 15+1 along with the possibility of rapid and plentiful follow up shots. Plus, I am very comfortable with Glock.

[def90]

This is what I am trying to gauge. What are most likely threats? I have some budget to pick up a big bore wheel gun but want to make sure I pick wisely.

Ask how many real backpackers out there have really seen a mountain lion? very few. I spend a ton of time on the trails around here which are supposed to be home of the largest population of cats in the country and I have yet to see one. So far the what, 2 or 3 attacks over the years have been a lone jogger out trail running, the one little kid with his family in Boulder and the one little kid in Ft Collins hiking with his family. Both kids were stragling off from the group. I don't consider them a real threat, if one does attack a stick will likely protect you just as well as a gun. As others have said the 2 legged animals out there can be a little strange at times.

[Ronin13]

Ask how many real backpackers out there have really seen a mountain lion? very few. I spend a ton of time on the trails around here which are supposed to be home of the largest population of cats in the country and I have yet to see one. So far the what, 2 or 3 attacks over the years have been a lone jogger out trail running, the one little kid with his family in Boulder and the one little kid in Ft Collins hiking with his family. Both kids were stragling off from the group. I don't consider them a real threat, if one does attack a stick will likely protect you just as well as a gun. As others have said the 2 legged animals out there can be a little strange at times.
This! I've been camping, hiking, and out and about in the wilderness of CO my entire life and the only mountain lions I've seen have been at an extreme distance or the occasional one from inside the house (one in a tree in our back yard years back, and one on the hill behind my current house a few years ago). Of all my times in the deep woods (talking far off the beaten path, far away from civilization) the only wildlife I've seen are squirrels, birds, elk, deer, and the occasional porcupine. Like Def said, a stick, or even just hooping and hollering a lot and making yourself big are pretty good at keeping you from being attacked. Just don't make eye contact.

[brokenscout]

S&W Mountain Gun 44mag

[gos]

Bears are asleep now. The most dangerous predator has 2 legs. I carried a glock 19 last time I went camping.

[Jackrabbit]

You don't see mountain lions until they are on you. They don't exactly lumber through the woods like a bear.

[GilpinGuy]

Ask how many real backpackers out there have really seen a mountain lion? very few. I spend a ton of time on the trails around here which are supposed to be home of the largest population of cats in the country and I have yet to see one. So far the what, 2 or 3 attacks over the years have been a lone jogger out trail running, the one little kid with his family in Boulder and the one little kid in Ft Collins hiking with his family. Both kids were stragling off from the group. I don't consider them a real threat, if one does attack a stick will likely protect you just as well as a gun. As others have said the 2 legged animals out there can be a little strange at times.

My chances of needing to use my concealed weapon are very, very slim in civilization as well, but I carry that everywhere I go just in case. Same goes for the wilderness.

[Wulf202]

G20 or a quality (not Taurus ) 357 or larger revolver would be ideal

[ezgoinrob]

I carry my Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan Double-Action 454 Casull Revolver.

KA-BLAM!!!

Ez

[birddog]

S&W 329PD for me. I really don't think I need the .44 mag but this way I don't have to worry if I do. I walked up on a bull moose at ~ 7 yards a few years ago and it made me want to be sure that if it ever happens again I'm ready. I never did need a gun that day but it sure would have made me feel better.

this gun is light enough that I don't leave it in the truck.

http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo127/jhebrew/DSC_0609_cr-1.jpg

[BPTactical]

Glock 20.
15 rounds of near .357 has redeeming "social qualities".
A fair amount of guides in AK are starting to adopt them.
You drop it in the creek or mud, it will still do what it is designed to do.
That happens with a wheelgun you are SOL.

[Troublco]

What is your opinion on a Glock 20? I figure 10mm is a pretty effective round and the idea of having 15+1 along with the possibility of rapid and plentiful follow up shots. Plus, I am very comfortable with Glock.

My Glock 20 replaced my Smith 686 as my general purpose go to gun including as my hunting sidearm. There are a couple of loads available that push it up to legal for handgun hunting, with an aftermarket 6" barrel. I was going to buy a .41 Mag for hog hunting and while I was researching that I found the 10mm. I bought the G20 because, like all Glocks, you can get literally anything for them. Mine has ghost ring night sights, a Ghost 3.5# connector, a Stainless guide rod with an ISMI spring, decal grips, and a lanyard loop plug. My thinking was a lot like yours; I figured if I was going to use a handgun for hog hunting I liked the idea of 15+1 with quick reloads. Plus you have the Glock reliability. What's not to love?

ETA: I see BP thinks like I do, or I think like he does...[Coffee]


Ask how many real backpackers out there have really seen a mountain lion? very few. I spend a ton of time on the trails around here which are supposed to be home of the largest population of cats in the country and I have yet to see one. So far the what, 2 or 3 attacks over the years have been a lone jogger out trail running, the one little kid with his family in Boulder and the one little kid in Ft Collins hiking with his family. Both kids were stragling off from the group. I don't consider them a real threat, if one does attack a stick will likely protect you just as well as a gun. As others have said the 2 legged animals out there can be a little strange at times.

A very good friend and hunting companion of mine was stalked by a mountain lion while he was coming back to camp three years ago. Statistically, the need for a concealed carry piece is very small. But when you need one, you need it badly. I'd rather have it and not need it than the other way around.


My chances of needing to use my concealed weapon are very, very slim in civilization as well, but I carry that everywhere I go just in case. Same goes for the wilderness.

You never need it as badly as when you REALLY need it.

[Atrain1]

A Taurus Tracker .44 would probably be fine for whatever you'd run into out here. It can't handle the Buffalo Bore grizzly loads, but you won't run into griz out here. It holds 5 shots, is portable and light, and the .44 can be loaded to very respectable levels for mountain cats and black bears. The Ruger Redhawk in a short barreled flavor would be a heftier (and therefore could handle the nastier hardcast loads with ease) choice, but is still easily portable in a chest rig or cowboy-type hip holster.I agree with this as both will handle high powered 44 magnum loads, the Ruger a bit more than the Taurus. Depending on the money you want to spend you can always go with a Ruger Alaskan in either 44 magnum or 454 Casull. If you want something that will really do damage just by a Hi-Point as you do not even need bullets, I think they were made to throw at your intended target for maximum damage.[Luck]

[KestrelBike]

Ask how many real backpackers out there have really seen a mountain lion? very few. I spend a ton of time on the trails around here which are supposed to be home of the largest population of cats in the country and I have yet to see one. So far the what, 2 or 3 attacks over the years have been a lone jogger out trail running, the one little kid with his family in Boulder and the one little kid in Ft Collins hiking with his family. Both kids were stragling off from the group. I don't consider them a real threat, if one does attack a stick will likely protect you just as well as a gun. As others have said the 2 legged animals out there can be a little strange at times.

The one mountain lion I've seen was in an urban park in SoCal, hauling butt after a rabbit and luckily not me.

[Atrain1]

The one mountain lion I've seen was in an urban park in SoCal, hauling butt after a rabbit and luckily not me.I was going to say when I was in northern California I seen a couple every time we went into the mountains and they were close.

[Snowman78]

1911 for me

[JohnnyEgo]

I bought a Glock 20 for Alligator duty when I lived in Florida and kayaked a lot.
I figure it will serve equally if Bullwinkle wants a piece of me. (I know, I know, Elk not Moose)
Revolver with one or two rounds of snake shot isn't necessarily a bad idea, either.

[tmckay2]

i think a 9mm and up is fine. as said, its unlikely you will ever need it. i did come across a good sized bear in boulder once, but thats it. also crossed some paths with moose but if you are cautious, slow moving, and get out of their way they usually just watch you. all three were mothers with calf. anyways, most animals here will bust ass if they hear gun shots, shooting into the air will likely scare most of them. i have a .45 mainly in case a mountain lion or bear tries to grab my dog. i want something more than a rock. i wouldn't be happy to stand there while a bear charges and i only have a .45 but the black bears aren't that big here and .45 might be enough, plus they are pretty skiddish. it would be more than enough for a mountain lion and they usually don't want a part of anything that puts up a fight.

now if you got a bull moose or elk really pissed, I'm honestly not sure what would take them down quick. i think you could kill one with a .45 no problem the question is how many shots and how long will it take it to die. if they damn thing is hit 8 times and is going to bleed out or suffocate but still has adrenaline pumping through it, even if for only 15 seconds or so, who knows what it could do.

if i had my absolute pick for no cost to me it would likely be a lever action rifle in large caliber. i think under stress i could be more accurate with it and the mass coupled with better velocity would probably give more stopping power.

as a side note i think people hiking and camping in alaska are crazy. i love the outdoors but man its nuts how much wildlife is out there, and dangerous ones at that. if you get stalked by a pack of wolves or come across a grizzly, there isn't much that you can use effectively on them. we are lucky out here, beautiful scenery but pretty tame wildlife. there aren't that many lions and they are generally more afraid of us than we are of them, and the black bears are fairly small and don't want to get in a tussle. id say the moose and elk are literally the most dangerous.

[Ah Pook]

Keep the food out of the tent and away from the campsite will keep the critters away. Getting between a mother and calf, of anything, can cause problems. It's best to just start backtracking.

Probably not the answer you wanted but it works. That should take care of the pissed off elk and moose too. [Tooth]

The only animal I really worry about is mountain lions. Coyotes are a close second when I have the dogs.

To answer the question, a S&W Mountain revolver in .44 magnum, loaded with 320gr hard cast.

[DavieD55]

In the warmer months up in the hills i think an AR or an AK is a good idea as well as a sidearm such as a 10mm or .357 mag. Never know when you might stumble yourself into an illegal drug operation or something where you might need a rifle. Not likely but you never know.

[rustycrusty]

No pistol caliber has rifle effect (5.7... Debatable and still not on par with most rifle rounds)

There are documented cases of .44mag stopping on a mans sternum and yielding non-lethal results. I am confident there are loads in that caliber that would do the trick but then again, anything will do the trick if you place repeated shots in the right places.

Camp with what you carry. Anything that you shoot well is better than something you have limited experience on.
Pistol caliber preference seems governed by a combination of ego and misinformation rather than any scientific thought in most cases.

whats better- shoot at a quick moving bear/bad guy/??? With 15rnds (15 chances to hit) of tighter grouped 9mm in spots you pick, or have 5 violently recoiling blasts with heavy trigger pulls and recoil with a heavy wheel gun?

its an easy choice for me.

My vote goes to the g19 (as I see many others have suggested)
9mm -gets job done in bad guys, trusted by LE and military, light (both gun and ammo), concealable, 15rnd capacity, good penetration with FMJ, and most manageable recoil impulse in a caliber trusted by LE and mil

[strm_trpr]

Rifle in an elberestock bag. But if you are stuck with a handgun a light weight 45acp is my suggestion.

[buffalobo]

Mostly I use my EDC(assorted 9mm), sometimes take 686 in .357, always make sure am not the slowest in the group.

Usually our group makes so much noise, the critters leave the county within a few minutes of our arrival.

[Zombie Steve]

A 4" 686 is sure a lot easier to carry than a 4" 629. I've hiked with both, as well as a 1911, a 5-1/2" Blackhawk in .45 Colt and a 4-5/8" Super Blackhawk (.44 mag).

If I have to hoof it, I prefer the 686 or the 1911. If I'm car camping or not going far I like one of the Blackhawks. Some folks aren't comfortable with single action guns. Any of the above (throw 10mm in too) will do the job. Pick one you think is cool so you're more likely to practice. :)

[Spartan]

To sum it up---bring what you are comfortable with shooting and a slow friend. Got it.

[spqrzilla]

I shot a damn large rattlesnake with a snake load of #9 shot out of a .357 Magnum once (no difference between .38 Special and .357 Mag snake loads of course) many years ago. Very disappointing experience for me. Snake was kinda blase about it too until I used a shovel.

[funkymonkey1111]

when you get that G20 (which is your best choice here) load it up with these

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=105

[Dave_L]

Best defense...carry a democrat. If you see a bear, just drop the bait and run.

[Inconel710]

Anyone remember nut with the zoo that let all the animals out and killed himself? Massad Ayoub interviewed the police that responded to that event. Most of them used 5.56 and .308 from rifles, but one officer did shoot a bear at close range with .40SW.

Personally, I can't afford a new gun for every situation, so I carry what I have. In the past that's been 9mm loaded with 147grain hollow points. Now, it'll be 180gr 40SW hollow points in my M&P40.

[Ronin13]

always make sure am not the slowest in the group.
Said that once...
Friend: "Dude, you can't outrun a mountain lion."
Me: "I don't have to, I just have to outrun you!" [LOL]

Best defense...carry a democrat. If you see a bear, just drop the bait and run.
That's the best advice I've ever heard! [ROFL1][Beer]

[XJ]

I'm confident in the G20 with appropriate ammo as a compromise that covers an entire trip from home to the mountains and back. When just going jeep camping it is easy enough to bring a rifle too, but I'm not going to leave any firearm locked up but unattended at a parking area.

Not really concerned about the weight, I have a strategic blubber reserve around my midsection that is more significant :)

[Citizen_Soldier]

Didn't feel like reading 3 pages full of posts but if OP doesn't want a wheelgun (see: only 6 shot capacity, double action trigger which would make you even more inaccurate in a stressful situation, and reloads that take upwards of ten seconds) I would highly suggest a Glock 20 or 29. I carry the 20 whenever I go hunt/hike/camp and you can get hot enough 10mm cast ammo that will take down anything you come across. I'd just much rather have 16 rounds of 10mm in an autoloading platform compared to 6 rounds of .44/.357 or larger. Probably weighs less than most .44s too.

[car-15]

I carry my 329pd in .44 mag, it's lighter than most any other weapon I can think of, and has the power to knock down anything I will encounter here in CO.

[Ashton]

.460 rowland conversion... because bears need guns too.

[Troublco]

Best defense...carry a democrat. If you see a bear, just drop the bait and run.

I don't know...sharks won't attack a lawyer; do you think a bear would attack a democrat? Seems like as full of s**t as they are, they'd have to taste terrible...[ROFL1]

[Zombie Steve]

Didn't feel like reading 3 pages full of posts but if OP doesn't want a wheelgun (see: only 6 shot capacity, double action trigger which would make you even more inaccurate in a stressful situation, and reloads that take upwards of ten seconds) I would highly suggest a Glock 20 or 29. I carry the 20 whenever I go hunt/hike/camp and you can get hot enough 10mm cast ammo that will take down anything you come across. I'd just much rather have 16 rounds of 10mm in an autoloading platform compared to 6 rounds of .44/.357 or larger. Probably weighs less than most .44s too.

This has got to be the first time I've seen a Glock guy talking smack on other triggers. Glock triggers are about as smooth as a palsy victim doing brain surgery with a pipe wrench.

...And upwards of 10 seconds for a reload?

[facepalm]


If you like Glocks, the 20 or 29 will serve you well in this stretch of the Rockies. Just don't be hatin' on wheel guns!

[Beer]

[Citizen_Soldier]

This has got to be the first time I've seen a Glock guy talking smack on other triggers. Glock triggers are about as smooth as a palsy victim doing brain surgery with a pipe wrench.

...And upwards of 10 seconds for a reload?


If you like Glocks, the 20 or 29 will serve you well in this stretch of the Rockies. Just don't be hatin' on wheel guns!
Nice analogy haha. Though little polishing or replacement kit can go a far way in a Glock. It's not my preferred polymer pistol but I own them. Wasn't trying to trash talk revolvers because there are definitely roles for them, but it is my personal opinion that a G20 suits this particular need better. It's not the only answer and I'm sure a lot of people disagree with me. That is fine.

How many people have a speedclip/moonclip/etc loaded and on your belt 24/7 when camping? And do you have the confidence to open up your cylinder, unload the brass, find your loader, feed it perfectly into the cylinder, all after firing 6 recoil-heavy rounds at a wild animal still potentially charging you? I know there are guys like Jerry Miculek who can run the shit out of a revolver and reload it just as quick or quicker than I can my Glock or M&P, but I don't think many outdoorsmen have that level of training and trigger time.

Seems like a lot of work to me when I could have 16 rounds on tap then only needing to take about 1-2 seconds indexing and loading another 15 round magazine before being ready to go.

Like I said, my .02

[trlcavscout]

Glock 29 10mm, Glock 30 with good ammo or Glock 30 converted to 460 [panic]

[theGinsue]

Personally, I carry a Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum with Federal Hydrashock hollowpoints when I venture into the wilds. Even against black bears, I've never felt under armed. Grizzlies would be a different story entirely.

Once I get another belt ordered/made, I'll probably move up to carrying a different Blackhawk in .45LC because I have a nice lever action that can accompany it.

[BPTactical]

Personally, I carry a Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum with Federal Hydrashock hollowpoints when I venture into the wilds. Even against black bears, I've never felt under armed. Grizzlies would be a different story entirely.

Once I get another belt ordered/made, I'll probably move up to carrying a different Blackhawk in .45LC because I have a nice lever action that can accompany it.

Yeah, but your one of those old guys that doesn't like them thar new fangled shootin irons.....

[T-Jet]

Whatever you carry make sure you can get to it quickly.

Always hike in at least pairs. Don't let individuals break away from the main group and head back to camp or run on ahead. The old..."I'm tired, I'll meet you all back at camp" or running ahead and cresting a ridge before everyone. Stay together.

I like my Glock 17 with some speedy factory hollowpoints and my Surefire attached to it at night time.

[Zombie Steve]

Personally, I carry a Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum with Federal Hydrashock hollowpoints when I venture into the wilds. Even against black bears, I've never felt under armed. Grizzlies would be a different story entirely.

Once I get another belt ordered/made, I'll probably move up to carrying a different Blackhawk in .45LC because I have a nice lever action that can accompany it.

Got my father in law a .357 mag Blackhawk convertible a few years back. I really like that one, but I like the .45 colt better because is has such a huuuuuuge range of loads it can take. Cowboy action 200 grainers going 700 fps - 300 grain bullets going 1,100 fps and beyond. It's a really fun cartridge to hand load.

The down side to having a matching rifle and pistol is you usually find a load the rifle likes and just live with it in the pistol. I have a .44 mag super blackhawk and a Marlin 1894, and they like very different loads.

Anyway, I'm totally comfortable with 6 in a single action gun. They just point naturally. You'd be surprised how easy it is to shoot just looking over the top of the gun inside 15 yards. Also, the plowshare grips make the gun roll in your hand, and it helps a lot with the recoil of the big magnums...

Pics for fun... some nice holster wear on the .45 Colt Blackhawk...

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x214/sbecht/BHwear.jpg

Gotta say I really like the hammer spur on the new Super Blackhawk...

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x214/sbecht/2blackhawks.jpg

The old 629, just because I'm in a big bore mood now...

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x214/sbecht/DSCF2309.jpg