New guy here, making his entrance with a potentially interesting post! Below I'll share my story - for those interested - but for now my question is:
Do you carry a weapon while hiking, trail walking, or just generally on the road?
If no, why not?
What do you use for self defense whilst hiking, trail walking, or just generally on the road?
What brands would you recommend?
What Caliber?
Why?
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I'm looking for something cheap, can take a beating, and stay reliable enough to go "boom".
I was thinking of purchasing an inexpensive .22 handgun, as I feel it'll be lightweight and carry more than enough ammunition in case of an animal attack or similar. I don't intend to use this gun often after breaking it in.
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The story for why I ask:
I love hiking, rock climbing, climbing mountain sides, essentially putting my life on the line. I always pack light, carrying only essentials (gloves, rope, water, small towels, allergy and pain pills, food if it's a really long hike, etc). This past weekend we were attacked by a rabid animal spewing nonsensical curse words. I grabbed my dulling 3" pocket knife and tried to secure a stable footing as this vicious creature came at me, but luckily it never made it to me as a friend threw some pretty large rocks at it - one hit and the animal scurried away! Oh also, the animal was a young adult male who probably decided to get high halfway up a mountain side. After our hike, we called and alerted the cops (as we couldn't receive phone reception where we were located) and I started thinking of personal protection.
My bag (which I use while hiking and riding my crotch rocket) has a pocket on the spot that lays on the back, assumedly meant for concealed carry, so I find it perfect for a small pistol. I looked at all my (9mm) handguns to see which would feel most comfortable to carry during a hike (in case another furry creature decided to attack) and I feel as though I need a change of caliber to comfortably carry. Or maybe I'll stuff my SCCY in there. I'm not exactly looking for firepower to kill a bear or wolf.
For those curious, my current collection contains a Beretta 92FS, Ruger P94DAO, Smith and Wesson SD9VE, Sarsilmaz B6P, and SCCY CPX2.
Do you carry a weapon while hiking, trail walking, or just generally on the road?
If no, why not?
What do you use for self defense whilst hiking, trail walking, or just generally on the road?
What brands would you recommend?
What Caliber?
Why?
-------------------------------------------
I'm looking for something cheap, can take a beating, and stay reliable enough to go "boom".
I was thinking of purchasing an inexpensive .22 handgun, as I feel it'll be lightweight and carry more than enough ammunition in case of an animal attack or similar. I don't intend to use this gun often after breaking it in.
-------------------------------------------
The story for why I ask:
I love hiking, rock climbing, climbing mountain sides, essentially putting my life on the line. I always pack light, carrying only essentials (gloves, rope, water, small towels, allergy and pain pills, food if it's a really long hike, etc). This past weekend we were attacked by a rabid animal spewing nonsensical curse words. I grabbed my dulling 3" pocket knife and tried to secure a stable footing as this vicious creature came at me, but luckily it never made it to me as a friend threw some pretty large rocks at it - one hit and the animal scurried away! Oh also, the animal was a young adult male who probably decided to get high halfway up a mountain side. After our hike, we called and alerted the cops (as we couldn't receive phone reception where we were located) and I started thinking of personal protection.
My bag (which I use while hiking and riding my crotch rocket) has a pocket on the spot that lays on the back, assumedly meant for concealed carry, so I find it perfect for a small pistol. I looked at all my (9mm) handguns to see which would feel most comfortable to carry during a hike (in case another furry creature decided to attack) and I feel as though I need a change of caliber to comfortably carry. Or maybe I'll stuff my SCCY in there. I'm not exactly looking for firepower to kill a bear or wolf.
For those curious, my current collection contains a Beretta 92FS, Ruger P94DAO, Smith and Wesson SD9VE, Sarsilmaz B6P, and SCCY CPX2.