MCgunner
Member
I agree with those that say the shotgun, any shotgun, is too heavy for serious hiking, day hiking or overnight/trek backpacking. Mostly what I've done is day hiking, but those are sometimes long days in high country. Most of my younger days I was unarmed and felt no fear of animals. There's no griz around Texas/New Mexico and I really don't fear cats or black bear.
Now, in addition to the gun, just how much shotgun ammo can you carry before it weighs too much? Yeah, I have mostly carried a medium frame 4" .357 when I carried anything, but a 3" J frame .38 is probably going to be my companion on future hikes. I've even carried 2" .38s in the past. No real need for a magnum on the trail EXCEPT I wanted my magnum in Big Bend concealed in a fanny pack on short hikes around the river, not for animals, but being that close to Mexico gives me the creeps now days. There's always the possibility of getting shot at when you're near the river or anywhere near the border. Drug runners and cartel hit squads run down there, has been a problem, and while it's not to the point I was willing to cancel my trip, I thought having a handgun with some range to it would be prudent. Can't carry a long gun in a national park, has to be a concealed weapon. I couldn't QUITE get my 6.5" blackhawk in that fanny pack, but I don't think I'd be much better armed than with the 4" DA gun which is VERY accurate.
I carried 24 extra rounds in speed loaders that last trip a few months ago. A box of .357 is too much weight, let alone shotgun shells and a shotgun.
Now, in addition to the gun, just how much shotgun ammo can you carry before it weighs too much? Yeah, I have mostly carried a medium frame 4" .357 when I carried anything, but a 3" J frame .38 is probably going to be my companion on future hikes. I've even carried 2" .38s in the past. No real need for a magnum on the trail EXCEPT I wanted my magnum in Big Bend concealed in a fanny pack on short hikes around the river, not for animals, but being that close to Mexico gives me the creeps now days. There's always the possibility of getting shot at when you're near the river or anywhere near the border. Drug runners and cartel hit squads run down there, has been a problem, and while it's not to the point I was willing to cancel my trip, I thought having a handgun with some range to it would be prudent. Can't carry a long gun in a national park, has to be a concealed weapon. I couldn't QUITE get my 6.5" blackhawk in that fanny pack, but I don't think I'd be much better armed than with the 4" DA gun which is VERY accurate.
I carried 24 extra rounds in speed loaders that last trip a few months ago. A box of .357 is too much weight, let alone shotgun shells and a shotgun.