Backpacking gun ????

[jato]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned, and it's going to count a lot, is what is your physical shape? How much packing have you done?

I have two months to get ready. I started hiking portions of Palomar Moutain which goes from 700 to 6000 feet or so. I do as much as I have time for... every other day. I am going to go with a full pack and climb the full portion several times before I leave for the Sierras.

I used to backpack with my dad & brother every year in the Sierra Nevadas when I was a teenager. I have also attempted Mt. Shasta (14,000 feet & change) a few years back. The Shasta trip was new to me... all activities were done in the snow and ice....hike, sleep, eat, etc. I took my Glock #22 up Shasta. I froze my a$$ off at night and learned a lot on the Shasta trip.

I have some friends who also want to go on backpack trips. After this trip, I will be going on more. I want to get back into the backpack thing.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I'd say Glock 20 also. For me, it would be my Delta Elite.

 

[Tommy Gunn]

Check out the used gun market for a Colt Police Positive Special in .32-20.

Small and light, easy to carry. Great on small game for the pot and just big enough for stopping criminals.

 

[tsenn]

jato, I think the least weight the better. I've backpacked alot in the south part of the Sierras and never had a problem with anything other than Marmots stealing food. The farther north you go you might run into bears. Careful where you put your food! Anyways, have fun. Oh, Valley Center in San Diego co.? What about Fat Ivors. Used to have awesome ribs. Used too...

 

[jato]

Yeah, I was there for the fire.

We need some more restaurants up here....ASAP!

 

[Rich357]

That's for sure. I many times I would have given anything for a hot pizza out there on the trail.

Rich

 

[ruger357]

J frame.

 

[flashbackk]

I remember the first time I went backpacking. I took a full size survival knife.....the second time out it stayed home along with some other unnessary stuff. I have hiked in Glacier, Isle Royale and spent a month in the Grand Canyon for example and I am not sure a pistol is neccessary. You couldn't carry a big enough pistol to do much more than scare a bear for one thing. Secondly, when you enter bear country you are in thier home and are the intruder. I suggest just being careful and respectfull. We have The Porcupine Mountains here in MI, that has a huge population of bear and almost no incidents with humans. We also have CCW here in MI and I carry all the time. If I was going to carry anything in the field it would be Kel-tec P3-AT to scare off two-legged varmits. Enjoy your trip. I am jealous. My .02

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

I've a 20 gauge single shot with a 20 inch barrel that's my backpacking gun. it's reasonably light, and can be put in my pack.

IMHO, a gun is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable.


i'd bring a longarm if at all possible.

 

[dairycreek]

Unless you are a serious backpacker.............

you just don't know what an extra pound or two can mean over a long day of rough hiking. If bears are of serious concern then a 44 magnum or the Glock 20 are marginal as choices. If bears are not of concern then I can certainly recommend a S&W 386 TiScan Mountain Lite. It is a 7-shot .357 and weighs in empty at around 18 o z. It makes for a reasonable trail weapon at a reasonable weight. Good shooting

 

[HarryB]

.

 

[Mannlicher]

I have hiked almost all of the AT, in summer and often in winter. I always carry a handgun. I have most often carried a Taurus 85CH, but the next trip, in July, I will take my 3 inch Model 60. I only take one load, 129 grain HydroShock. I don't intend to shoot snakes, they are easy to avoid, and I don't plan to forage for food. I carry concealed, and have never had anyone notice.
the fine points of law, on carrying a gun, never stopped me from being able to protect myself.

When hiking in Florida, I usually take a Model 19 Smith, or the old .22/32 kit gun.