CC'inng While Hiking
- Thread starter balin
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Have you dealt with fools as a result of open carry on trails before?
Waaaayyyyyy cooler then any of my hiking rigs.................or my rigs in general!My hiking rig. Doubles are too heavy.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
When I need to conceal I just put the pistol in a minimalist holster then inside a "utility pouch" worn on my strongside hip.
It just looks like any other pouch, and I can get to it easily and keep it in plain sight.
I will admit I have done this with a DA revolver just inside the pouch without the holster, but i was younger then. I recommend something to cover the trigger.
It just looks like any other pouch, and I can get to it easily and keep it in plain sight.
I will admit I have done this with a DA revolver just inside the pouch without the holster, but i was younger then. I recommend something to cover the trigger.
buck460XVR
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In one sentence you say it is better to conceal something than to have it out in the open and in the next you claim folks need to be more accepting of these same things you are trying to conceal.....seems to be a contradiction there someplace.
As for a defensive hiking gun that I want to be able to draw quickly and cleanly, an open carry holster is still the best option. No fumbling with cover garments or reaching into a pocket, and the option of carrying a firearm with more potential for accuracy and damage. SD hiking guns, IMHO are different than those used for street SD. From dangerous animals you are looking at more distance than the average street SD shoot and you are looking at an animal that will need more "oomph" to put it down before it rips your lungs out. I don't want to have to use a LCP or other pocket pistol against a ticked off mamma bear. Most other folks that regularly use hiking trails where there are threats to their safety are also carrying. Why would they have a concern because you are? If they are not regulars to hiking in dangerous areas, they better become informed quickly before they learn the hard way.
It seems we can read the same thing yet understand it in totally different ways. If you have read through all the posts you will see form the first one I have stated I have already made up my mind as to how I intend to carry and have been doing so for many years. And specifically inquired about options along those lines. And have stated that I have no problem with people choosing the open carry method for them selves and support their right to. And if a person chooses to not carry I support their right to follow there belief there as well. Yet a number of posters have made negative comments about my choice. And no one has inquired as to why I have choose that method and assume( I guess) that they know what is best for me. Those are the people I am referring to when mentioning acceptance, but it does carry over to others as well. Most of the people I know that open carry in the civilized world have told me they do it cause they can and they like to shock people. I think that puts people off and doesn't help our cause. I am sure there are many that carry openly for good reasons. But that is my experience
The vast majority of people will never need a gun for self defence in their life times. And if they really wanted to add years to their lives they would eat healthy and exercise regularly! And if bears where all I was worried about I would take bear spray as it has been shown in all the studies that I have seen to be more effective most of the time then a pistol in close encounters. But there are different adversaries that may need to be addressed.
I carry my .357 L frame as noted loaded with Buffalo Bore. And can access it in a couple seconds or so, but am open to hearing others personnel experience, as it may benefit me.
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I should have added that CC'ing such a rig would certainly verge on sinful in my book......And I am still jealous. I have been getting more interested in SA's lately and have a Vaquero Birds Head .44 and a Ruger Bisley .480 on orderMy hiking rig. Doubles are too heavy.
buck460XVR
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No where did I make any negative comments about your choice, only a question of the contradiction of statements you made. Then the question of why your choice was made because of fear of "to not spoil anyones time". As I said, it's hard to envision spoiling anyone's time by open carrying a firearm legally in an area where having a firearm with you is an intelligent decision to most people, unless you are one of those that thinks OCing makes you a target. Even then, that is your opinion and welcome to it. But that's not what you told us. You told us basically, that others make your choice of carry for you, we did not have to ask.
I too recommend bear spray over "what gun for bear" threads. But even the best bear spray is effective to only 10-15 feet....and most of the time, the bear spray is in a pack or a pocket. IMHO, It too should be carried open and handy. The last thing I worry about is what other people think of my SD choices, thus, what I carry and how, as long as it is legal, is done in my best interests and not for them. You are most certainly welcome to do things differently.
Where did I say you made negative comments? There was no contradiction of statements, only a contradiction of your understanding in what I was writing.
Spoiling peoples time.... Then you must have missed the comments by some of the other posters and their experience and wanting to get along with their fellow man. With guns being such an emotional issue in this country, I don't know how you could think that some people wouldn't be offended, frightened, ill at ease etc. by seeing people carry them when few do. I have spent several hundred days hiking in my life and have never seen anyone open carry on the trail. But peoples experiences differ. And I try to take that into account. And don't think I know what is best for every one else.
I guess not considering other peoples thoughts feeling and beliefs works well for you. And if me being considerate of others, especially when it may further my cause, well then I can certainly live with that.
Spoiling peoples time.... Then you must have missed the comments by some of the other posters and their experience and wanting to get along with their fellow man. With guns being such an emotional issue in this country, I don't know how you could think that some people wouldn't be offended, frightened, ill at ease etc. by seeing people carry them when few do. I have spent several hundred days hiking in my life and have never seen anyone open carry on the trail. But peoples experiences differ. And I try to take that into account. And don't think I know what is best for every one else.
I guess not considering other peoples thoughts feeling and beliefs works well for you. And if me being considerate of others, especially when it may further my cause, well then I can certainly live with that.
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Ive been taken over by the SA bug as well. Just picked up a 7 1/2" Ruger old model Vaquero in 45 Colt because I had a spare holster with no gun for it. Thats how bad its gotten! I'm on my 7th Ruger SA. Colts are nice and all but if I can't drop a gun in the mud without crying about it it's not a gun for me.balin; said:
mokin
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About 20 years ago, I bought a plain black pouch that had modified by adding a stiffener and elastic sewn against the side that goes next to me. It is closed by a simple flap that is secured by Velcro. It has reliably carried my Ruger MkII in a cross draw configuration since then. The pouch has several loops on the back that allow me to attach it to any type of belt I may have. The pouch sort of resembles the Safepacker rig, but not as fancy. Over the years I have encountered many people, including law enforcement types, with no issue.
Ok, let's approach this like any other "what and how should I carry" thread.
Are you carrying to protect you from wildlife or other humans?
Do you already have a holster for the gun you are thinking of carrying? How about a good gun belt? Do you have a preference for leather or synthetics?
Reading your posts, and searching on the revolvers posted, here are my takes on your question. Make sure you have a good gun belt, preferably something like a Wilderness Instructor belt. Then get a Stealthgear IWB or a Maxpedition holster.
When I'm hiking, I try to carry the lightest gun (polymer) I have in the most comfortable holster for it, between the pants and belt, which is technically an OWB, but I've only ever had one person ever mention it, since my untucked shirts cover the grip.
Are you carrying to protect you from wildlife or other humans?
Do you already have a holster for the gun you are thinking of carrying? How about a good gun belt? Do you have a preference for leather or synthetics?
Reading your posts, and searching on the revolvers posted, here are my takes on your question. Make sure you have a good gun belt, preferably something like a Wilderness Instructor belt. Then get a Stealthgear IWB or a Maxpedition holster.
When I'm hiking, I try to carry the lightest gun (polymer) I have in the most comfortable holster for it, between the pants and belt, which is technically an OWB, but I've only ever had one person ever mention it, since my untucked shirts cover the grip.
Zaydok Allen
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Yeah a few times, but maybe "fools" was an overly harsh word. My experience has been very mixed. I live in a very gun friendly place, and locals don't really care if they see a gun. If people are looking it's usually just that they are trying to see what make and model you are carrying. However, my region is heavily, heavily frequented by tourists. The out of towners are where I've had some pretty irritating encounters.
A few examples that come to mind:
I frequent a forest road that is remote and rarely used by anyone. The one exception is that a local horse back tour outfit takes gangs of tourists on a ride with horses so calm I assume they are drugged. The riders all have to wear bicycle helmets. That kind of outfit. The folks running the business are friendly and are used to running into me back there. We always say hello and exchange small talk. I just pass on by each time and say hello or good morning to everyone riding. I typically open carry back there because I have seen lion sign frequently and they have been spotted on the trail. One particular time a woman riding asked me why I was carrying a gun. I explained the presence of mountain lions (among other things) patiently and in a friendly manner. Her response was "I don't think a mountain lion is going to bother you." in a snide tone. I just responded "I sure hope not, but if I'm ever eaten I want my tombstone to say that I was delicious." The group laughed and I kept on walking.
The next time I encountered riders back there, no one said a word, so it's all a matter of who happens to notice, and who does or doesn't like guns.
Another time I was hiking in Wyoming in a remote area, and I was carrying my X frame. I came across a few folks and a young man between 17 and 21 asked me what I was carrying. I answered, and he immediately started talking about how cool it was and how he had gotten to shoot one once and it was amazing, and then started talking about how he wants a Glock something or other. I could see he was a young man interested in guns, and very enthusiastic, but I do not go hiking in remote areas because I want to encounter people, and he was prattling on and on. Not necessarily foolish, but my gun drew attention to me I didn't want.
Another thing I do recreationally is head out into my local designated wilderness and clear trees with a hand saw from the trails and when I'm tired of cutting up trees and heaving logs off the trail, I just hike on up to the highest point. It's over 7000 feet and the view is amazing because everywhere surrounding is lower elevation, so a lot of tourists and people in general go there. Anyway I was open carrying and cutting a large spruce tree up when a group of Asian tourists came walking up, and I tried to help guide them through the mess I was cleaning up. The guy in the lead asked me if it was my job, and I just told him I was volunteering. As I talked to him briefly I noticed 3 younger women in the group eyeing my gun and speaking in a different language (not sure what). As the group passed and I held brush out of the way for them the three girls skirted on past like I was a maniac, despite that I was talking to the lead person in a friendly manner. Maybe that's a cultural difference, and just ignorance, but to react that way to a person who is clearly being nice and helpful was foolish in my eyes. Maybe it's an assumption that my gun put them off, but I clearly saw the three of them looking at it.
I hike a fair amount in a year for recreation. Given the length of my hikes and the frequency, I'd say I get out for 200-300 miles in a year. I wish it was more, but I hike for a living also, so when I throw that in there, I'm guessing I am upwards of 700-1000 miles in a year total depending on my current project. But I can't carry at work at all.
So the number of incidents where my gun drew unwanted attention to me is pretty small given the number of encounters I've had while I have been open carrying. However, for me, I hike to escape people. So I prefer to CC on the trail if I know I will be in or passing a heavily used area. I just don't want the interaction at all while out there. I want to be left alone. When I know the chances of being around people are small, I open carry, as it is more comfortable, and allows me to carry a larger gun.
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I've been thinking about carrying a SAA clone in a drop down cowboy rig. It seems this would be my best option for hiking. I've had lots of trouble with the horizontal hip supports of my backpack overlapping with a traditional gun belt.
I'm thinking that for concealed carry there has to be a viable but unique solution. I often carry my small .38 in my fly fishing chest pack. The challenge for me is carrying a big gun.
I'm thinking that for concealed carry there has to be a viable but unique solution. I often carry my small .38 in my fly fishing chest pack. The challenge for me is carrying a big gun.
AKMtnRunner
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I carry a glock 29 sometimes, and I've handled a 329. I've got say that it's hard for me to believe the 329 is noticeably harder to conceal carry than the g29. That little bugger is blocky at it's ends. I would think you can find an ideal carry system for your 329, and it would weigh a little less than the g29 too. If you're good with 44 loads in that 329, I wouldn't take the step down to the 10mm unless you may really need 10+ rounds.
Oops - that would be DoubleTap 200 grain hardcast. They used to be cheaper than Buffalo Bore.
+3 for the safepacker.
Big difference in how hunters and backpacker view 'a hike'. I think a gun is a good thing to have out in the woods, but I backpacked many many years without one--and most hikers leave that out of their kit.
Big difference in how hunters and backpacker view 'a hike'. I think a gun is a good thing to have out in the woods, but I backpacked many many years without one--and most hikers leave that out of their kit.
Tusker10mm
Member
Well, I have always figured concealed, means concealed. JMHO
Chuck R.
Member
Try looking at Hill People Gear Kit Bag:
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx
Basically a small chest rig that conceals a pistol and several other "essentials" depending on what size you get. I have one and it's great for carrying a pistol discreetly along with a reload and a couple other pieces of kit. You can get a couple straps that temporarily connect it to your pack harness to take the weight off.
Chuck
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx
Basically a small chest rig that conceals a pistol and several other "essentials" depending on what size you get. I have one and it's great for carrying a pistol discreetly along with a reload and a couple other pieces of kit. You can get a couple straps that temporarily connect it to your pack harness to take the weight off.
Chuck
I know its not concealed but a single buscadero belt with a soft shell holster is as comfortable as you get wearing a pack. Its like it's not even there. Some people like concealed and I do in town but out on a trail I could care less if the granola crowd doesnt like my six shooter.
AK103K
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With day packs, I usually just use my regular holster. With a larger/heavier backpack with a heavier belt, I use an old REI fanny/waist pack worn in front. It has two readily available large pockets, the one in front gets snacks and small essentials, compass, GPS, maps, etc, the rear pocket is fitted with a soft holster that will carry a full sized handgun and a couple of reloads.
With this set up, I can drop the ruck and still have what I need at hand. It also doesnt look like your typical CCW type fanny pack, simply because it isnt. Even someone familiar with most holster type rigs wouldnt give it a second look.
With this set up, I can drop the ruck and still have what I need at hand. It also doesnt look like your typical CCW type fanny pack, simply because it isnt. Even someone familiar with most holster type rigs wouldnt give it a second look.
And open means open...and carry means carry. What's your point? lol
As pro-gun as I am, I don't care for open carry in general. I don't think it does the gun community any favors in any context. Here in Georgia, businesses that didn't have a problem started banning carry when open carry pushed people's limits. I'm also an Appalachian Trail thruhiker(NOBO '13), and I admit when I see someone open carrying in the woods, I usually assume they are inexperienced or a yahoo. Plenty of my fellow hiker trash classmates when on to hike the PCT, CDT or both without ever carrying a weapon, me included. Many of them were former military so it wasn't that they were antigun either. That isn't to say there aren't times and circumstances that warrant it, but I think their frequency is overestimated, and a lot of the time I think that fire is fueled by people who haven't really gotten out there much. The woods are scary until you get used to them. Hell I've been charged by a bear with cubs in Shenandoah. Had grizzlies come into camp at night in Alaska. Had snakes strike at the guy walking in front of me. Managed to walk out of many such events without having to use a gun. If you hike enough you'll hear the adage "you pack your fears in your gear" but you'll also hear the adage "hike your own hike" so in that spirit, do what you think is best. I think it is considerate of the OP to regard other folks' feelings on the matter though.
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