Handgun for camping

[CWL]

I'm a M1911 fan, except for the outdoors.

.357 wheelie gun. So many choices of ammo, even .38spl when you want to plink or get your GF to shoot more.

Stainless with 4"-6" barrel. I like S&W but the decision is yours.

 

[Glock-IT]

I agree with to whole 357 mag suggestion. I would also throw out there a 40 S&W. I wouldn't question my GLock 23 for even a nano second on man or 4 legged predator.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I'd get the Ruger Alaskan in .454 and shoot .45LC or a handloaded .45 @ 1200fps.

Not a handloader? Still get the .454 and shoot .45LC through it.

Second choice would be the .44 version.

Personally I own a 3" 629 .44 mag for just this reason, but then again it's almost 20 years old now, things are different and we have even more choices. I had to make this thing from an 8 3/8" 629.

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[hirundo82]

Re: the OP--I definitely agree on a .357 revolver for the ideal woods gun in the lower 48 (maybe excepting those pockets of land where brown bears still live). I've been lusting over the Ruger GP100 for this purpose myself.

Can you speak to the legality of doing so? On my list (but I've got several weeks before I can even begin to apply for my WA permit) is to find out how the state parks here treat CCW, but I'm not optimistic.

timothy

State parks follow the laws of the state where they are located, as do national forests. All national parks in the lower 48 states are off limits per federal law.

I usually go to handgunlaw.us as a place to start finding a state's laws, then look at the referenced laws online.

Your location lists both Washington and Tennessee; carry in state parks and national forests is allowed in Washington but not Tennessee. In WA, if you don't have your CCW yet you could also open carry.

 

[Jst1mr]

CJ -

Caught ya...turn you into a wheelgunner yet! What part of SW CO? I used to live in Montrose and prowl the Black Canyon for fishin' and the Uncompaghre and Grand Mesa for hunting....fond memories, indeed.

 

[wyocarp]

I vote for the 10mm Glock 20.

 

[ZeSpectre]

I've done a fair amount of tramping around in the woods in my time. I've almost always carried a medium frame, stainless steel, .357 revolver (with a reload or two along someplace).

Simple, easy to care for, and reliable (though certainly not light).

I've wondered if one of those scandium beasties would help. Wondered, that is, until I actually fired one. Unpleasant would be a mild term for what I called that little monster.

 

[easyrider604]

As most other responders have given all the right reasons, my simple answer is .357 revolver, Ruger or S&W in whatever frame size or barrel length you're comfortable carrying, plus at least 1 speedloader and 4 speed strips. Keep a box of 158 grain JHPs in your backpack.

 

[Brian Williams]

I like either a S&W 13 3" or a S&W 65 that I had a 4" pencil barrel installed.

 

[Mainsail]

 

[Mountie855]

Bought a S&W 386 just for woods-roaming; light, 7 rds, 357, 3" w/ adj sights. Only negative is the *&@#$% lock!

Recoil, while noticeable, is nowhere near as rough as with the 340SC. The L frame is big enough to hang onto, yet easy to carry. Major difference in weight between the 386 and 686 or 629 Smiths.

 

[slow944]

We hunt and camp all the time here in Texas and I always have my Ruger Gp100 357 4" SS in a good leather carry holster. All you have to do is keep it wiped down with some RemOil or WD40 to protect it from rust from sweating.

 

[gbran]

wyocarp

Nuther vote for the 10mm Glock............. High cap, light, lots of power, easy to carry.

 

[ndh87]

I usually take my single action chambered in 45 Colt. Made by Uberti. Pretty accurate and only about $350 when i got it.

 

[bratch]

G20 10mm.

 

[swampshooter]

camping gun

I'd opt for a S&W386. Light to carry and if the recoil bothers you it can be shot with .38spec.The light weight should ensure that you carry it and don't wind up leaving it in the glove box as normally eventually happens with heavier revolvers.

 

[joneb]

Here's my outdoor companion,
I may use a different load for outdoor defense.

 

[swampshooter]

camping gun

PS the charter arms don't hold up very well. If you want a larger caliber than .357 i would get a .44 or .45 S&W mountain gun.

 

[Majic]

I would say a short barreled single action revolver like a Blackhawk in one of the large bores (.41, .44, .45). The short barrel is lighter and easier to carry and the big bore gives you a power advantage over the midbore .357 (something to consider when the distance between you and the bear is short). Campers new to the game sometimes leave food or food trash out at night and have to deal with black bears. While not normally aggressive getting a bear away from food it has claimed can be quite a chore.

 

[Big Daddy Grim]

.357 thats all you need I own them all and most of the time instead of a larger gun I carry my S&W airweight in .357.

 

[JasonblkZ06]

I am suprised more people haven't suggested a Glock 20 in 10mm. 16 rounds of various Doubletaps are good for all 2 and 4 legged situations. Go with a Glock 29 for ultralight backpacking trips and the Glock 20 for everything else.

 

[B yond]

accessory rail a must

Here's what I do:

1) If I'm just camping (car nearby, cell phone has coverage, within an hour of civilization) I take my Ruger p345 (45ACP)with a Tac light. I'm not saying get this specific gun (although it's a good gun), but be sure you have a tac light on your weapon. The reason for this is it's very difficult to unzip a tent with a loaded weapon and flashlight in hand. With your light mounted on your weapon you can carry things, guide others, work zippers, even relieve yourself (#1) while keeping your weapon/light ready. If you want to go revolver there are some revolvers on the market with accessory rails.

2) If I'm backpacking or camping somewhere where my phone won't work and I could potentially get stuck for awhile I also take either my AR7 or one of my .22LR target pistols. These are the true survival guns that can put meat on the spit If I get stuck, and the ammo is so lightweight I can bring a few hundred rounds easily. 45 for defense, 22 for survival.

 

[Big Daddy Grim]

Agree with the .22 never leave home without it in the wild, one of the best.

 

[dust_101]

Officers Model 1911 .45
- 1 mag of SD rounds - Remington Golden Saber JHP - 185gr
- 1 mag of snake rounds - CCI Shotshells with #9 shot
Surefire G2
Spyderco Delica 4

Everything a camper needs

 

[1KPerDay]

That Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan is awesome! A .454 Casull with a 2.5" barrel? I definitely want to give that a try.

The great thing about it for camping is it doubles as a firestarter.