Hiking Near the US/Mexican Border - What Gun?

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What a shame

That this is even an issue makes me sad. Time was, all we needed to worry about was wild animals.Why, I remember------------------------------
 
Based on the tales told and numerous media reports, I'm not sure that gun -- singluar -- is appropriate; guns -- plural -- is more like it, given what's going on down there. Adequate ammo also would be seem to be a necessity these days. You can never be too careful when venturing out into rattlesnake country, after all.
 
Based on the tales told and numerous media reports, I'm not sure that gun -- singluar -- is appropriate; guns -- plural -- is more like it, given what's going on down there.
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Really, so long as you are careful it isn't that big of a deal. Unless you are looking for trouble the only reason to have multiple guns would be if there were multiple people hiking with you, or if you planned to do some shooting along the way and wanted some selection.

The real danger during the day is from snakes, four legged critters, and the sun, most of the dangerous people would rather avoid the random hiker as much as you want to avoid them.
 
Carry a gun. One that you like, because basically, all you are going to do is carry it, and maybe plink a little bit with it, so it may as well be one that you like.

I hike and hunt in this area. I love it. The trash from the trafficking bugs me, but it's part of the area. I usually hike with my dog, and she lets me know what's going on. Just keep your eyes open. A few years ago, before I got my dog, I watched some guys checking out and try to break into my vehicle -- I was 800 meters away, under a tree on a hillside above them. I had a 20 guage loaded with quail loads, a snubnose .38, and felt a bit unprepared for a confrontation over the contents of my vehicle, so I just stayed there. They didn't get in, I went down and left after they cleared out.

I still go out in that area sometimes. It's hard to find people who want to go with me, so I got a dog that would always want to go regardless. Makes for a convenient hiking/huntingn companion.

Just carry something, and enjoy yourself.
 
I live/work in the area and it somewhat depends on where you go.

Groups of aliens, unburdened by rectangular burlap backpacks, shouldn't bother you at all.

If you see piles of burlap at or near the trailhead, a firearm would probably be wise. Your decision what you want to hump around.
 
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If you see piles of bulap at or near the trailhead, a firearm would probably be wise. Your decision what you want to hump around.
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What are burlap backpacks a warning sign of?
 
Why in the holy heck would anyone want to hike the Mexican border!
Yes, years ago I camped in Coronado Nat forest, but common sense dictates now.
 
Destructo6 said:
I live/work in the area and it somewhat depends on where you go.

Groups of aliens, unburdened by rectangular bulap backpacks, shouldn't bother you at all.

If you see piles of bulap at or near the trailhead, a firearm would probably be wise. Your decision what you want to hump around.
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I just wanna know what the heck "bulap" is, twice yet?

:p

Serious answer: flat-shooting rifle in at least 5.45 or 5.56 with about seven extra magazines and CQB optics, plus a good pistol and three magazines, minimum.

PPS: Burlap is used by flunkies to haul bailed marijuana.
 
Sixgunner said:
"I had a 20 guage loaded with quail loads, a snubnose .38, and felt a bit unprepared for a confrontation over the contents of my vehicle, so I just stayed there. They didn't get in, I went down and left after they cleared out."

To my way of thinking thats smart work. Putting your life on the line or engaging in a shootout when you CAN avoid it is the mark of a mature and responsible shooter.
Good on ya!
 
I haven't spent much time in that area but have hunted all along the border West of I19 all the way to Sasabe. I always had my G20 10mm with a spare mag on me. We've ran into several different groups of illegals the 7 yearas I hunted there. Never any drug smugglers and no mules. The illegals and smugglers would rather not be seen by anyone and will hunker down and let u pass. I seen most of them walking in washes and off the main areas used by common folk. I always had my gps and would mark the area and call the Border patrol. Be safe and carry whatever you feel comfortable with. Just don't walk around out there after dark!
 
Feud, the burlap "packs" are a sign of drug smuggling. The aliens are used by the "coyotes" to carry different things across the border, if they get caught it's not much skin off the coyotes nose, a sort of "better them than me" train of thought...that's only a small part of the amoral business of human/contraband smuggling, it's a pretty brutal business, regardless of location.
 
Planning on doing your part with the immigration problem? I would think that most .357's would be powerful enough.
 
Saiga 12 (or 20 or 410)with extra mags...nice additional .45 ACP or .357Mag (sidearm) for assurances.Wouldnt hike it alone,it would be good to have 'witnesses' 'just in case'
 
Pigspitter said:
Planning on doing your part with the immigration problem? I would think that most .357's would be powerful enough.
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The border is generally bad, and worse in certain spots, all the way from TX to CA. I doubt that it's gotten any better since Joseph Wambaugh wrote Lines and Shadows back in the late 70s.

Given the amount of activity out there, and the gentle nature of the coyotes and narcotraficantes, I'd take along a pound of prevention.
 
If I was desert hiking where there could be 2-legged predators I would bring:
AR15, slung, + 5ish mags + extra 5.56 in pack
P89, weak side carry, + extra mag + extra 9mm in pack
Buckmark, right hip, for venomous varmints + extra .22lr in pack
+ Boresnakes + CLP
Sure, it's a load, but factor in Murphy's Law and I'll happily pack it.
 
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