Camping/Hiking Gun in the Rockies suggestions.

[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.