Camping/Backpacking Pistols

[Vern Humphrey]

The fact is, I know many backpackers. Virtually none carry a firearm, other than my longtime pack partner.

In all the nearly 40 years I've been backpacking, I have met few fellow backpackers who carried a firearm -- and the majority of those who did carried either a .22 or a snubnosed .38 Special.

 

[Podgorny]

G26 - for light to med size threat

GP 100 .357 Mag - larger than above

 

[kludge]

For a "woods gun" I would probably go with my Ruger .22 Single Six.

Not may rattlers or bears in Indiana, but Copperheads are somewhat common, so the "where?" question is important. That said I never met an animal, not even a snake that had to die for my well-being, so I would lean to my second choice...

For hiking/camping a S&W .38 Airweight.

... unless I thought I might be hunting squirrels, in that case I'm back to #1.

 

[David E]

Which confirms for me that you have probably never carried a firearm on a long, multi-day trip through rough terrain, and really have no foundation for your opinion.

There you go with your ASSumptions again. Maybe if you actually read what I posted....

I don't care what gun you carry. Never did. I made points for the OP to consider in choosing a gun for hiking/camping.

A .38 snub nose is a poor choice for a hiking gun for most people. It lacks power, range, accuracy and capacity. Those are the facts, so deal with them.

The "right" person can minimize most of these shortcomings, but not all of them. Some of these shortcomings may not matter to some people, but show me a person that says none of them matter, and I'll show you someone that carries a gun purely as a talisman, not a tool, much less a weapon.

If a person places mere weight above performance, as you clearly do, fine. I don't care ! I hope your talisman works for you.

 

[jto2009usmc]

Highly depends where you are going camping. I myself spend time in the High sierras in california. So i carry a .44 mag in case an agitated bear comes about, and a High-Standard .22 pistol for plinking and such. snakes should really not be much of a bother if you just avoid them...

Whenever you go up into the mountains these days you do have the risk of running into some Pot head farm, and thus run the risk of two legged predators. Honestly, a .44 will have no problem dealing with that. In fact a .22 will do just fine. You can dispose of a two legged predator with a pellet gun, so if that's all you are worried about just bring something you are comfortable with.

In all honesty i always feel as though i am weighing myself down when i bring the .44. I usually carry about 40 rounds boxed and a full mag. I have Lately been bringing just my browning high power up, higher cap mag, 9mm which means you can carry more ammo and it will still weigh less. and since black bears are all you need to worry about, a 9mm will do just find to scare him off, and if he doesn't bugger off, you can take a bear with a 9mm if you are a proficient shooter.

When it comes down to it, the gun you carry is the gun you CAN carry without wearing it being a burden.

 

[amd6547]

Let's just take the High Road here...literally and figuratively.
I have no problem hitting a pop can sized target at 25yds with whatever ammo I load my 38 snub with--148gn target wadcutters for small game, +P JHPS or 158gn SWC's for SD. I am satisfied with the performance of the latter for SD, in the woods, just as I would be on the street. Accuracy with a 38 snub requires just what any other firearm requires...sight picture, trigger control, and breathing control...and practice.
I went back and re-read your posts in this thread, and see no evidence that you are a backpacker. You repeatedly use the word "hiking", which is not "backpacking". I also went back and looked at another post of yours in another thread where you tell Stephen Camp that his 3" model 60-8 looks like a "dandy trail pistol"? I guess your opinion has changed. Earlier in this thread you opine that a JHP 9mm would work for bear. While a nine might work in a pinch against an average sized black bear, I would prefer to use 9mm NATO 124gn FMJ's for their penetration.
Where I pack, while there are a few black bear, I am not concerned about them.
I will just go on doing what has worked for me for the past 30 years.
You do the same.

 

[tprice]

Mr. AMD -
I think you are talking about someone else...I only posted twice, once to ask the question, and once to clarify and offer thanks. Mentioned nothing about 9mm, etc.

I usually stay on well marked trails, and camp in designated areas at the trailhead, nothing too remote. My backpack will only have a day's worth of supplies, first aid, map, etc. Therefore, my major concern was a gun that could handle moisture of camping, and lightweight for the trail. Not fishing for salmon in Alaska, now.

As such, my 38 snub, with corrosion-resistant components (SS/ti/Al) and sealed primer 38+P JHP (golden sabers) seems fine. I think the 45ACP and a high-firepower 9mm are a bit more than I need -- don't plan on running into Al Qaeda in the woods.

Though a few posts have gotten me thinking I might need a stainless GP100 It sounds like a great tackle box gun! (uh oh, starting another fight)

 

[amd6547]

Sorry, that was aimed at DavidE.
I like to get away from the trailhead, myself. Anyplace that is close enough to walk to while carrying a 12pk of beer is a danger zone.
The glock is one of the most environment proof firearms made, with it's plastic frame and tennifer slide. The trip I carried a Glock 23 on, it rained alot, and also had very high humidity. I carried the pistol in a zip side pocket on the side of my pack I could reach while walking. The pistol was in an Uncle Mikes clip-on holster for wear around camp. The holster was soaked just from the humid air in the pack. Glock came out looking like new.

 

[tprice]

No worries AMD Figured as such

I really do like Glocks, just never could bond with them. Had an XD for a bit, but in the end when I put a loaded gun in a pack or pocket, I prefer it be DA for imagined safety (it still is a loaded gun though, right?) or with a good manual safety. Never could get used to the USA of the XD, or the Glock's 1/2DA type pull.

Though my favorite gun, and the one I shoot best with, is my heavier Kimber 1911.
Maybe I just need a "beater" 1911, one that I won't worry about if it gets sticky and wet from camping.

 

[HB]

I think a .38 snub may not be the best choice, but probably the most practical. I don't do much backpacking, but have, and I would not want to carry anything more than I had to. I do hike a lot though, and find that my browning buckmark is too heavy. When backpacking, I figure you are not there to plink or hunt, so you might as well bring a .38 with a reload... Ideally, you won't fire it and it would be easy to clean. Same goes for the SC Glocks and XDs. Easy to clean, enough power, accuracy, and reliability. You are probably more likely to get into trouble at night (when you are in your tent) or at the parking lot, so why would you carry something else? Methinks that animals (at least here) are the least of your concerns.

Now, If your camping, bring whatever you want... or 2! .22 for fun, shotgun or service pistol for defense AND fun.

HB

 

[Hammerhead6814]

My father always carried a slug-barreled shotgun when he went on trips to the Rockies. What does nature have that a 12 gauge slug can't stop?

But a pistol? For camping and backpacking? Tough call. I guess it all depends on WHERE your going. Humans can be stopped by .38 true, but a bear? Or quick-footed wolf? I wouldn't even dare try.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I don't hike, jog, or backpack near as often as my friend in NW Colorado, but he loves J-frame S&W's. He packs a Model 37 when jogging, for self defense against humans and dogs that don't like joggers. He drew down on a pair of nasty dogs, just ready to shoot, when the the owner decided to get into the act to save his dogs. Wasn't going to call them off until my friend drew down. He packs a Smith 334 (Is that right? An Airlite .22 cal) on occasion, for small game. When in deep foothills, searching for elk stag, he packs a larger S&W 296 with a couple of shotshells for the first two, as he accidentally stumbled on a rattlesnake den, and didn't like the odds. He had about 20 rounds of .44 special (no shot loads at the time), and was surrounded by hundreds of snakes (it was April, I believe, and they were still hibernatingly slow, as he called it...he just passively walked his way back out of the area).

 

[David E]

Let's just take the High Road here...literally and figuratively.

Funny how the guy that throws the first mud is also the first to call for a truce...

I have no problem hitting a pop can sized target at 25yds with whatever ammo I load my 38 snub with--148gn target wadcutters for small game, +P JHPS or 158gn SWC's for SD. I am satisfied with the performance of the latter for SD, in the woods, just as I would be on the street. Accuracy with a 38 snub requires just what any other firearm requires...sight picture, trigger control, and breathing control...and practice.

You are the rare exception (isn't everyone online? ) Most people have trouble hitting at distance with a snubby. I mention capacity because help isn't as close afield as it is in town. These are very different dynamics that many have never considered.

I went back and re-read your posts in this thread, and see no evidence that you are a backpacker. You repeatedly use the word "hiking", which is not "backpacking".

I didn't say I have won over 50 state and regional handgun titles, either. I don't post each and every detail of my pursuits and accomplishments.

I also went back and looked at another post of yours in another thread where you tell Stephen Camp that his 3" model 60-8 looks like a "dandy trail pistol"? I guess your opinion has changed.

There you go assuming again.... It IS a dandy trail gun. But for me, I'd be carrying another gun as well.

Earlier in this thread you opine that a JHP 9mm would work for bear.

I see the problem: you're misreading and/or misinterpreting the posts.... What I said was this:

A case can be made for a hicap 9mm like the Glock 17/19 or similar. Not the best choice for bear defense, but not a bad one for people, given good JHP ammo.

Emphasis added. The OP's original concern was defense against PEOPLE, not bears. Evenso, I'd prefer a Gold Dot in 9mm for bear than any load from a 2" .38 snubby. I agree that bear defense for most areas is virtually a non-issue.

I will just go on doing what has worked for me for the past 30 years.

Who is trying to get you to change? Certainly not me. I'm happy you carry a gun at all! I am glad that you are comfortable with your .38 snubby. Hey, sometimes a talisman works.

.

 

[KINGMAX]

S&w 686-1

S&W 686-1 (.357),w/ a 4 inch barrel = (JMOHO)

 

[stonecoldy]

Snakes are an over-blown need for a self-defense handgun. You walk around them. I haven't had one yet that could leap off the ground and get my carotid artery.

 

[ArmedBear]

Depends on the terrain.

If you can walk around them, it's true, they pose little threat.

Same goes for mountain goats.

But on a singletrack trail along the side of a steep slope, both can be deadly.

 

[jto2009usmc]

Your intent while backpacking and camping is normally not to kill anyways. Fines for killing a black bear in calif are outrageous. Every time but once that i have seen a black bear while packing they have skittered off without any bother. Only once have I had to take out my weapon, and even then a simple shot into the lake scared the bear away and he remained far from me the duration of my trip. For something like a wolf, again, a 9mm is the safe bet. Pick yourself up a Browning High-Power 9mm. I guarantee you will not regret it as it is a superb weapon for other activities as well. It uses the same action as a 1911, so if you can work with that, the HP will give you no problems.

 

[David E]

Fines for killing a black bear in calif are outrageous.

Are the fines less than a funeral?

just curious !

 

[wrc376]

as for bears, a few years ago i had a 79 chevy luv... i wish i had a video of this, but a buddy and i were curious about the ability of pistol ammo to penetrate automobiles. not wanting to break any glass... (i was still driving it on dump runs and for other menial chores) we decided to aim at the tailgate. we fired .22lr, .32 auto, .38 158gr lrn, .357 (forgot grain) .45 auto 230 ball... everything but the .357 and .45 was stopped by the tailgates inner panel, leaving varying size dimples. the .45 and .357 penetrated the tailgates thin outer sheet metal, the heavy gage interior panel, also the heavy gage panel at the fore of the bed and lastly into the cab. we were never able to find the two bullets in the cab and the interior had no evidence of damage other than the two holes entering the cab. the .45 fmj left a much larger hole than the .357 hp.

i know, not outdoorsy, but sumthin to think about

 

[amd6547]

I will take the High Road, you, DavidE may take the low road, if you choose.
My encounters with wildlife while backpacking have done nothing but add to the quality of the trip, such as the wolf that walked past my campsite 50yds away one time. It was a thrilling sight I will always remember.
I love my HiPower, but I would hate to subject it to the rigors of the trail. Really, of the autos I have packed, the Tokarev was one of the most suitable. Bought cheap, it had a bad park job on it, but a finish that could stand up to the environment. Small enough, flat, packed well. Good cartridge.

 

[David E]

Correcting your misreading and, I presume, unintentional misrepresentation of my posts isn't the "low road," but you sure take it personally. In spite of the fact I praised your skill with a snubby...oh, well.

Anyone choosing a gun based solely on weight will be found wanting somewhere along the line when they can least afford it, but everyone is free to make their own choices.

 

[roscoe]

If you are really backpacking, every ounce counts. The airweight .38 is a reasonable choice based on that alone - of all your gear, it is the least likely to ever be used. Every handgun is a compromise, the question is really how to assess the relative importance of firepower, range, etc., against the carrying of an additional 3 pounds of metal. I would expect most encounters with back-country thugs to be at close range, as they chat you up to check out your gear, and whether you make a likely target. This is, of course, assuming that you are not hiking on the AZ-Mexico border. If they have rifles and really want to get you, yer done.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Your intent while backpacking and camping is normally not to kill anyways.

That's correct -- although people without real trail experience don't seem to understand that. Backpacking, for example commits you to a schedule. You have to rack up mileags -- which means you go rolling along at 2 1/2 miles an hour or more in friendly terrain -- far too fast for hunting.

 

[indiandave]

You are right Rosce. When you are traveling 100 miles plus in a week weight is very important. a S&W 642 all of a sudden seams heavy.

I have not gone on a long trip in the woods for a few years. If I did I would take my trusty 642 loaded with Buffalo Bore ammunition. My back and knees would thank me.

 

[David E]

I understand every ounce matters. But I won't compromise my gun choice based solely on weight.

Apparently I'm in the minority.

.