hiking conceal carry gun

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mudriver

Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2007
Messages
128
I'm looking for a new gun for CCW while hiking and to use for IDPA (I use a HK P 7 now). I wanted 40 or bigger and I'm down to a glock 27 or 36 or maybe even a glock 10mm. I also thought a kimber ultra carry would work. I would carry in a fanny pack attached to my backpack while hiking and OWB at 4 o'clock when not.

Recommendations? Should I consider an M and P 40? I want small, light and fast trigger...
 
I'd strongly consider either a Glock 23 or 27, if you want a .40.

My own primary concealed carry gun is a Glock 26, and I'm thinking of adding a G19 to my G22/G26 remuda.
 
remuda
Click to expand...

I think I ate some of that for Christmas dinner today.

Mudriver, since you use the term CCW while hiking I'm assuming you're primarily concerned about people. In that case I'd go with the 27. I have it and the 36 and I like the 27 better. The 36 is larger, holds fewer rounds and has just as snappy a recoil as the 27. Also the 36 can't be reloaded with a high-capacity backup mag like the 27 can.
 
Snakes? Step over them or walk around if they scare you.

Cougars? Same as meteorites, gun won't save you.

Bears? Don't worry, they are scared of you. If they are big and mean, see Cougars above.

I have a 442 in pocket holster. It gives me confidence against two legged critters.
 
While it's true that cougars like to attack from concealment and a potential victim might not have a chance to use a gun against them, I'd still rather have a gun than not in cougar country.

As for bears, 19 out of 20 black bears will probably run away when they see or smell you. But they might not come in that order.

I agree that the most likely threat in the backcountry would be from human predators.
 
Glock 29SF would get my vote... the size is between the G23 and G27. With grip extensions it shoots very well. I picked one up about six months ago and recently sold my G26 because I never carry it anymore. Plenty of wallop with the 10mm, conceals well, and is just large enough to hold well.

The G23 would be a good choice if you want a .40... little larger than the G29SF but not much.
 
I think an M10 would be too 'pretty' to take in the woods (my P7 is too).

I would take this gun as a backup while deer hunting as well.

Any good options outside of glock or kimber?

Is the glock 10 mm heavy for hiking?
 
The Glock 10mm is not a heavy gun.

For options outside of Glock or Kimber, how about a Springfield XD45 or a SIG P239 in .40 or .357 SIG? A Smith M&P compact in those calibers might also fill the bill.
 
I think the carry method you intend to use will create serious problems if you ever need to quickly deploy the pistol. I would recommend worrying more about effective carry methods and less about brand selection for the firearm. I backcountry hike and always carry concealed. Gun underneath backpack is a dumb idea.

Gun selection in the lower 48 should be geared toward social interactions with 2 legged predators. You are much more likely to have dangerous encounters with them than with 4 legged predators. I know this by experience. 10mm is a good outdoor caliber but I wouldn't recommend it unless you reload and are already experienced shooting major pistol calibers.
 
A Glock 20 is my choice for such uses. I have considered the smaller 29, but the 20 is still smaller and lighter than most 357 mag revolvers (my 2nd choice). It provides 357 mag power with 16 rounds in a better package in my opinion.

If there is almost zero possibility of concern from 4 legged predators I would just as soon have the G19 in 9mm. Which I also carry depending on the location of my hiking. I don't dislike the 40, just don't feel the need to have one with a 10mm in the collection.
 
I would think that carrying a handgun in an IWB holster behind the strong side hip would work just as well hiking as it does in more urban environments.
 
Is the glock 10 mm heavy for hiking?
Click to expand...

Not so much... Loaded weight of the G29 is just shy of two ounces more than the G23.

The 10mm isn't that difficult to shoot (my 115# 5'4" GF picked it up for the first time and was shooting very well by the third mag load), especially with the pinky extension on the mag. You don't have to reload either... not sure why people keep pounding on that. Sure, off the shelf ammo at most gun stores is anemic and expensive. However, you can purchase from places like Double Tap and Buffalo Bore without ever touching a press. My preference for ammo I don't load is Double Tap... starting at about $30 for a box of 50, and they're true full-house 10mm.
 
I used to take my dog to Bicentennial Park in Anchorage- Bear attacks (Brown) got pretty bad and I abandoned this area for the South Anchorage dog park. In the last year I have only had 1 encounter w/ a bear (long distance), and he was just a little blackie eating berries. I felt comfortable w/ my .45 acp. Well, in the last year I have had 3 bad moose encounters at the new park. Luckily no human, dog, nor out of season animal has been hurt. But, I have started carrying my .454 Ruger Alaskan again. The .45 is still my CCW, but if I am outside and not carrying a decent rifle/shotgun for hunting, I have the hand cannon w/ me. My best advice - think of what you may have to face, then carry the biggest weapon you can comfortably carry and use. If your not in Grizzly country, a 10mm makes a fine choice.
 
Yes, a 10mm is a good choice, but at the same time, I wouldn't use a compact one if I'm carrying it to defend against large animals. I want all the barrel-length, velocity, and penetration I can get.

I'm looking at a Fusion 10mm long-slide kit for woods carry.

And I agree. Just because predators might sneak up on you isn't a reason to give up entirely on defending yourself against them. I have encountered cougars in the wild that were trying to make up their minds. I also know cougar hunters who use dogs to tree them, and a .45 1911 to drop them.

I am very much looking forward to February. We are having an open-carry party in Zion National Park.
 
For the stated use, the G-23 would be the most viable choice for both field carry and IDPA
 
I've "hiked" (survey) many miles, frequently over succeeding days, while carrying my Glock 29 with an extra magazine in a Smartcarry holster. Not the ideal carry situation, especially with other gear on top of clothing, but that method of carry afforded great concealeability, and I had the pistol with me. It took realitively little time to get used to, and, once I was used to it, it was fairly comfortable and I didn't need to worry about changing carry methods when I took my pack off.

I guess when I considered the size and weight of all the other gear I had with me, the pistol was not really an issue. I imagine whatever you go with, if you carry and shoot it you'll learn to live with it.
 
Because open carry is not legal in most places where people go to hike. And even if it is, there can be a tactical advantage to not letting potential criminals know you are armed or where your weapon is located on your person.
 
re: reloading and the 10mm.

This isn't just a cost and availability issue. Although it is pretty evident that 10mm is not the easiest caliber to find over the counter at the local hardware store. Standards may be different, but I won't trust a semi-auto HG that has not successfully digested 500rds of ammunition. At 30 dollars a pop I could buy a Lee hand press and load all that ammo and have powder and components to spare.
Even more important than cost is the fact that factory 10mm loads are extremely weak compared to the original Norma design cartridge and lack good variety for versatility. If you hand load for the 10mm you can much more effectively tailor the weapon for the intended purpose.(ie. very hot HC lead for dangerous critters and longer distances or milder JHP for better follow up shots for social encounters) I am NOT saying stay away from 10mm. What I am saying is if you go 10mm START reloading it.

I will concede that Doubletap and Buffalo Bore do create ammo that approaches the true capabilities of the 10mm. I'm just not willing to pay that much for it.

BTW, In years of hiking I've carried all sorts of weapons and methods. The ones that worked best for me when carrying a heavy pack frame or a light day pack were pocket carry or a quality shoulder rig. A fanny pack slung in FRONT has worked on occasion but I don't like the way it bounces around with the weight of a gun inside.

edited to add: I checked the doubletap and BB sites today. Doubletap lowest price/50rds loaded ammo= $38.95/50
avg price= $39.95/50
Buffalo Bore all loaded ammo = $29.21/20
All prices before shipping.
 
Last edited:
I sold off my Alaskan .44 Magnum because I was leaving it home on long backpacking trips; it was just too heavy. I switched to a Glock G20SF and carry it in a Bianch UM84 holster. The G20 holds 15 rounds, more than enough for anything you'll encounter on or off the trail. The 10mm round is a very versatile caliber; you can easily adjust your load for whatever you perceive the threat to be. The G29 would also be a good choice.

Since you're keeping your location a secret, I don't know if you can carry openly. If you can, I would suggest you do.
 
Bestseller;

- 42 states permit open carry in public

- It has always been legal to open carry in National Forests and new Federal Regulation (36 CFR Part 2) eliminates the boundary between National Forest and National Parks as far as the discussion of firearms carry goes. The way I understand it what is legal in National Forrests in now legal in National Parks.

Now carrying in a fanny pack or back pack does have advantages like keeping the weapon dry and clean and I have done this many times, but carrying concealed to gain a tactical advantage in a forest just seems a little paranoid to me.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

S
  • Locked
.40 for hiking?
2 3
Replies
63
Views
8K
rolltide
R
WisBorn
  • Locked
45acp or 10mm For Hiking Carry?
2 3 4 5 6 7
Replies
162
Views
10K
spraay
spraay
T
  • Locked
Concealed carry w/ backpack while hiking
Replies
22
Views
577
kd7nqb
K
M
  • Locked
Glock 22 vs XDm .40
Replies
9
Views
3K
Gryffydd
G
C
  • Locked
Hiking/Camping CCW: Looking for carry ideas...
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
wow6599
wow6599
Back
Top