Backpacking Gun

[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

[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…

[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



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[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.