Which handgun for Alaska trip?

Since your two expressed preferences are for Glocks, I assume you're more comfortable/familiar with them than a revolver. Based on that, were I in your shoes I'd probably carry the G20, with a cover garment if I felt the need.

If you shoot the G29 as well as the G20, maybe go with that, but I'd probably find the G20 easier to shoot well, and the extra capacity would be nice to have.

I carried my G20 when camping in Yellowstone around grizzly. I left my 357 and 44 mags at home. I've since replaced my G20 with the smaller G29 and if I were going to Alaska would take it. I'm convinced that for close range SD against large predators the best 10mm loads are close enough to being as effective. And having a smaller, lighter gun holding more rounds with the ability to mount a light on it for use at night trumps the small power advantage.

For hunting, and taking longer range shots I'd choose a long-barreled magnum revolver, but for SD I'd go with the smaller gun for exactly the same reasons I don't carry an 8" 44 mag for daily carry.

But I'd only go with some of the heavy for caliber hardcast loads from either Buffalo Bore or Double Tap. I got a measured 1315 fps from Double Tap 200 gr loads in my G20. I'm sure they are a little slower in the G29, but I haven't checked to see how much. Double Tap claims 1250 for the G29 and they were right on the money with advertised speeds from my G20.

If you shoot the G29 as well as the G20, maybe go with that, but I'd probably find the G20 easier to shoot well, and the extra capacity would be nice to have.

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I can't speak for everyone, but I had my G20 and G29 both at the same time for over a year before I decided to sell my G20. I shot the G29 just as well and can still use the 15 round mags in the G29.

For carry I'd choose this.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

They make several versions.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

Balrog said:

All things considered, if you were flying to Alaska and then taking a driving trip to tour the state, not camping, but some time in national and state parks, with day hiking, but not in back country, what gun would you want to have with you.

I think risk of an animal attack in such a scenario would be lower than risk of attack by a dangerous person. Never been to Alaska.

Your choice of sidearm to bring would be Glock 9mm (probably 43X), Ruger GP100 with 3" barrel, Glock 20, or Glock 29.

I am leaning towards the 9mm because I am perceiving the need for self defense against another person is more likely than against an animal, and the Glock 9mm is easier to carry all day.

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I've lived in Alaska approaching two decades now. Given the scenarios you've listed and the options available to you, I wouldn't bring a gun at all. I would drop by the local box store and buy a can of bear spray for $50 and feel well protected.

If you insist on carrying a firearm, as is your choice and right, I would go with the GP100. In the extremely unlikely event of a bear attack (especially if you're not going backcountry), your 9mm isn't going to cut it. (Yes there has been a bear killed here w/ a 9mm, but it took an entire mag dump to do it.) 357 with a hard cast, heavy for caliber projectile, with a lot o potential for penetration is your best bet. (HSM Bear Loads in 180 grn or the Buffalo Bore equivalent).

You are quite correct in being more concerned about criminal attack than animal attack, especially in Anchorage and Wasilla. That said, be aware of two things: 1.) The self defense laws here do not favor the defender. (Yes we have stand your ground but there is still an element of duty to retreat.) 2.)If you stay out of the wrong areas, which are typically areas a tourist has no reason to go into, you'll likely be just fine.

In any event, the bear spray will serve you well in both situations.

Enjoy your trip, and if you have any need for local info and such, send me a PM.

I would prefer my S&W 629 4” modified by Sand Burr Gun Ranch.

But, lately I have been thinking about 10 mm and would likely buy a new Glock 20. I already have all the gear and just need the gun, a few mags, and some ammo.

Balrog said:

Just to clarify, I don't want to buy a new gun, so the choices I listed are what I have to choose from. I do have a 12g shotgun, but don't want to have to haul it around.

I will probably take the G29. Seems to be the best compromise of concealability, portability, and power.

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My friends all carried Glock 29’s with hot Buffalo Bore or Underwood ammo on their camping trips in Alaska. Perhaps just use the 29.

I think all you need to do is make sure the gun works with the ammo you plan upon carrying and take enough for the trip.

For us 1911 fans, Rock Island Armory has a railed double stack 1911 in 10mm. Mag capacity is 16rds+1. Threaded barrel. Three 16rd mags. Somewhere around $900 nib.
FYI

I carry a G20 in the summer in the Rockies of Colorado, where, short of brown bear, the threats are the same. Not sure if there are cougars in AK. Ive also carried a Colt 1917 Army with some hardcast 45 ACP. I own a 500SW, but am nowhere near as proficient with it as i am the G20. Plus i can fire a few 10mm's per every shot with the 500.

My ammo of choice is buffalo bore hardcast. When carrying for potential self defense use against potential evil-doing humans, it is better to use store bought ammo. Potential lawyers for a potential casualty could paint the hand-loader as a "mad scientist crafting deadly ammo for malicious use against his fellow man". Or so ive read here before.

Spent 2 weeks driving up and down AK about 4 years ago, and I went through the same thought process. The hassle of bringing a gun pointed me in the direction of Bear spray. The ones I got shoot 18-20 feet, about a pistol shot. Doing Yellowstone this year and will probably go the same route.

Of the four specified handguns, my choice would be the GP100, because I am perceiving the need for self defense against another person is more likely than against an animal, and the GP100 is easier to carry all day. I am not kidding. If I were to carve a good luck charm, or talisman, it would not be shaped like any Glock. A GP100 fits against my body, in the places I prefer to wear guns, and, my spur-less-hammer GP100 will “print” less, against my cover garment, than a Glock.

More importantly, the GP100 will be a perfect fit in my hand, whether that hand is the right or left hand.

On a related side note, an Iditarod musher this year just had to shoot a moose because it was attacking his dog team. He shot it with a Glock. At the awards banquet he said "I'd like to thank Gaston Glock..."

D.B. Cooper said:

On a related side note, an Iditarod musher this year just had to shoot a moose because it was attacking his dog team. He shot it with a Glock. At the awards banquet he said "I'd like to thank Gaston Glock..."

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Gaston devised one heck of a tool. Drop a glock down a mountain and it wont hurt my feelings or the gun. Just adds character. Drop a Colt on a padded couch and i get angry lol.

I recall the admonition of 'little bells and bear spray' for bear country...and that you could identify bear scat because it smelled of capsicum, and had little bells in it....
First thing to come to mind; the Smith .44 Mountain Gun, like the Norwegians who skied to the North Pole used to kill a Polar Bear that stalked them.
The tradeoff is between 'light enough to carry' and powerful enough to be useful.
Enjoy your trip.
Moon

BigBlue 94 said:

Gaston devised one heck of a tool. Drop a glock down a mountain and it wont hurt my feelings or the gun. Just adds character. Drop a Colt on a padded couch and i get angry lol.

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LOL. Yeah. When I was in the market for a bear gun, I chose the Redhawk over the Anaconda for exactly that reason. Could you imagine dropping a Colt Anaconda on a rock?

Knowing little, and going on what was posted I would take one of the 10mm pistols as it covers more bases.
Minor gripe: As someone that doesn't memorize glock model numbers why not include the caliber when listing a glock other than a 17 or 19.

D.B. Cooper said:

LOL. Yeah. When I was in the market for a bear gun, I chose the Redhawk over the Anaconda for exactly that reason. Could you imagine dropping a Colt Anaconda on a rock?

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Much the same (but over a Smith), and that Redhawk took a beating in the bush and kept coming back for more.

Could run some hotter ammo in it that the Smith wasn’t advised to touch as well, I liked Garrett for my big bear country loads.

halfmoonclip said:

I recall the admonition of 'little bells and bear spray' for bear country...and that you could identify bear scat because it smelled of capsicum, and had little bells in it....
First thing to come to mind; the Smith .44 Mountain Gun, like the Norwegians who skied to the North Pole used to kill a Polar Bear that stalked them.
The tradeoff is between 'light enough to carry' and powerful enough to be useful.
Enjoy your trip.
Moon

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True the bells and spray likely won’t help you against a charging brown, but noise will keep you from startling a bear and the spray is good for curious ones who wander close.

Even the big browns want to mind their own business if they aren’t startled, have cubs, or are really hungry.

JR24 said:

True the bells and spray likely won’t help you against a charging brown, but noise will keep you from startling a bear and the spray is good for curious ones who wander close.

Even the big browns want to mind their own business if they aren’t startled, have cubs, or are really hungry.

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This is all true and good advice. Additionally, in Alaska, it is illegal to kill a bear that has found your moose (or other game animal) kill, so bear spray is essential on any hunting trip.

Balrog said:

Disclaimer: I would rather this thread not degenerate into the old "which caliber is best for grizzly bear" argument.

All things considered, if you were flying to Alaska and then taking a driving trip to tour the state, not camping, but some time in national and state parks, with day hiking, but not in back country, what gun would you want to have with you.

I think risk of an animal attack in such a scenario would be lower than risk of attack by a dangerous person. Never been to Alaska.

Your choice of sidearm to bring would be Glock 9mm (probably 43X), Ruger GP100 with 3" barrel, Glock 20, or Glock 29.

I am leaning towards the 9mm because I am perceiving the need for self defense against another person is more likely than against an animal, and the Glock 9mm is easier to carry all day.

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Forget the 9mm fantasy ...

Worse, you’re trying to predict the “more likely” scenario when, in Alaska, both are not only possible, but in that state specifically human encounters with apex Bruins, and even agitated moose, is a regular occurrence.

Of those handguns you named, a hot-loaded G20 makes the most sense, as it can cover both types of adverse encounters. That’s provided you’ve practiced drawing and shooting it, fast and accurately, with the same ammo you’ll be carrying.

Up there, proper 10mm ammo selection for excursions into the bear-infested boonies is best described as, “heavy & fast,” i.e., 200grns-220grns FMJ-FP or polycoated hard-cast FN @ 1200fps-1275fps.

Look to UW, DT, and BB for what’s available in that range.

Holster your G20 in one of the center-chest rigs on the market and you’ll be as well armed as Denmark’s Sirius Sledge Patrol soldiers. The Gen4 G20 is their issued sidearm for occasional encounters with polar bears in the arctic regions of Greenland.

You can thank me when you get back.

D.B. Cooper said:

Additionally, in Alaska, it is illegal to kill a bear that has found your moose (or other game animal) kill, so bear spray is essential on any hunting trip.

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Not in a DLP scenario.

Hesa Hard1 said:

Not in a DLP scenario.

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I knew someone would bring that up. Check the regs and annual Hunting Reg handbook.

DLP (Defense of Life and Property for those unaware of Alaskan vernacular) only counts if your life or property is in danger. It doesn't cover a bear eating your game. (That's just a bear being a bear.)

From the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game (ADFG) website: "While game meat is considered your property, you may not kill a bear to protect it unless the meat is critical for your survival...Remember, if the bear has been attracted to your home or camp by improperly stored food or garbage, it can NOT be legally killed." (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.conflicts)

Or this: "If you come back to your cache and a bear has claimed your meat — Do not try to drive the bear away. The meat is likely soiled and trying to scare off a feeding bear may provoke an attack. Alaska State Regulations prohibit killing a bear to retrieve hunter-killed game (see Defense of Life or Property [DLP] in the regulations)." (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.bearsafety)

D.B. Cooper said:

I knew someone would bring that up. Check the regs and annual Hunting Reg handbook.

DLP (Defense of Life and Property for those unaware of Alaskan vernacular) only counts if your life or property is in danger. It doesn't cover a bear eating your game. (That's just a bear being a bear.)
From the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game (ADFG) website: "While game meat is considered your property, you may not kill a bear to protect it unless the meat is critical for your survival. Remember, if the bear has been attracted to your home or camp by improperly stored food or garbage, it can NOT be legally killed." (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.conflicts)

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Right, which is why bears are frequently killed by the AK subsistence folks (not all of whom are native Inuits, Alabaskans, etc.), when found breaking into their meat caches.

Or this: "If you come back to your cache and a bear has claimed your meat — Do not try to drive the bear away. The meat is likely soiled and trying to scare off a feeding bear may provoke an attack. Alaska State Regulations prohibit killing a bear to retrieve hunter-killed game (see Defense of Life or Property [DLP] in the regulations)." (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.bearsafety)

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Stupid laws and regs are why non-subsistence Alaskans who live remotely always keep one or two current, valid bear tags at the homestead.

Then, instead of having to defend killing the bear as a DLP situation, they can legally shoot the cache-raiding bear under authority of the tag, even though technically the tag is issued for a “hunting” context, not a nuisance-kill context.

Happens up there quite a bit more than you might want to believe.

Hesa Hard1 said:

Stupid laws and regs are why non-subsistence Alaskans who live remotely always keep one or two current, valid bear tags at the homestead.

Then, instead of having to defend killing the bear as a DLP situation, they can legally shoot the cache-raiding bear under authority of the tag, even though technically the tag is issued for a “hunting” context, not a nuisance-kill context.

Happens up there quite a bit more than you might want to believe.

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Pretty much what I’ve heard when I was up there about harvesting an unexpected bear.

One of them, as the story goes, was actually stalking the guys as they packed a moose out. Guy saw it on glass, doubled back and waited for the bear. Pretty big monster too.

Guess that wasn’t on the homestead though.

JR24 said:

Pretty much what I’ve heard when I was up there about harvesting an unexpected bear.
One of them, as the story goes, was actually stalking the guys as they packed a moose out. Guy saw it on glass, doubled back and waited for the bear. Pretty big monster too.
Guess that wasn’t on the homestead though.

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Yeah, having a few spare tags around is one thing. .... But we have posters here who cite the DLP law religiously, like it was hardened Internet Gospel, as opposed to how it’s actually applied “on the ground” by the authorities after-the-fact. They weren’t there when the particulars of the bear encounter occurred, and thus not having witnessed it, they rely on the participants to explain it. In reality there’s a lot more flexibility in how it’s applied.

Case in point: local AK hunting buddies who went back to retrieve meat from a moose kill are charged by a Grizz who wants said moose. The guy with the hot-loaded 10mm Glock 20 stops the charge with a controlled double-tap. Dead bear right there.

DLP investigator comes to the site and declares it a righteous DLP kill:

https://www.ammoland.com/2019/10/al...k-10mm-on-elmendorf-richardson/#axzz6GWKT1vcM

Sounds like you are much more worried about the people than the bears in Alaska, well the people in Alaska are the same size and weight as the ones where you live now, so just use the same carry gun you use where you live now.

I lived in Alaska for many years, I never could figure out why everyone "thinks" they need something spl. for every single thing they are going to do or use in Alaska.

DM