Need Recs for backpack CCW sidearm

[Blackhawkdc]

Thanks for all the advice folks. Sounds like I'm on the right track looking at something in 357mag. The CZ 52 sounds like a possibility as well. Ammo would be more difficult to come by, but I do reload rifle ammo already, so it wouldn't be that hard to pick up what I'd need for the 7.62 round. The Ruger SP101 would be my ideal sidearm, but I can probably get a better deal on a S&W, or another arm. Money is tight, so I have to look at where I can get the best deal too. My biggest thought with something in 357 mag is the ability to shoot 38 specials through it at the range to be able to get used to it and gain some practice without battering my hands, wrists, and arms.

Thanks again all!!

SGP

 

[wnycollector]

The Ruger SP101 would be my ideal sidearm

If $$$ is tight, I suggest that you try to find a used ruger security or speed six in SS with the 2.75" barrel. I picked mine for $275 at a local gun show. A Sp101 will run you at least $100 more. Plus you get a 6 shot vs. 5 shot!

 

[BlackDrop50]

I have an SP101 but I also recommend a Glock 20.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Glock 20 or 29 gets my vote. I'm actually suprised the 10mm Glock hasn't gotten more.

Light, cheap, high capacity, stellar penetration.

 

[Blackhawkdc]

I understand the thoughts behind the Glocks, and agree that they are excellent options for home and self defense. But I have yet to be convinced that a 9mm or even a 45ACP would truly work in my situation, not to put them down. The 10mm round, I'm not too familiar with and unfamiliar with its stopping power. Glocks, also, are a bit out of my price range, as well as most 1911 style sidearms. The joys of being single and trying to purchase a house.

Thanks all!

SGP

 

[MCgunner]

Hot 10mm is about as effective as hot, heavy bullet .357 and costs a lot more if you don't wanna handload for it. No auto is either as versatile or as accurate as a good K frame .357, either. Those .38 wadcutters not only make great practice ammo, but are generally very accurate and perfect for small game, squirrel, rabbit and such. I've shot a lot of camp meat with a 4" .357 using wadcutters. G20s are large, heavy guns, too. A nice 4" M66 Smith is about 33 ounces on the hip. This is why it took over from N frames in police holsters in the late 50s, early 60s. Beat cops didn't want all that extra weight and as a hiker, I don't either.

To me, the revolver will always be the best choice for outdoor carry.

 

[skywarp_]

10mm is more effective than a similarly sized revolver


my 686+ is similar in size and carries 7rnds of some pretty potent medicine.


my glock 20 is lighter and carries 16 rounds of some very potent medicine (provided by doubletap).


I can reload the glock faster and using trigger reset i can lay down accurate fire faster than i can with a long heavy double action trigger. there is nothing i can think of backpacking in the woods that's gonna get a glock to malfunction.

 

[MCgunner]

Just how many shots to you think you're going to get a chance to "spray" at a charging bear? Hunting is about one shot kills. Accuracy trumps firepower, that's why I like Contenders. I can't imagine you could get 16 rounds off at a charging black bear, either, not aimed, not even unaimed, before you got ate.

Hell, I have single actions I carry afield, not being real worried about bear attacks anyway nor firepower. A .45 Colt pushing a 300 grain bullet to near 1200 fps won't take 16 rounds to stop anything I'll see and the gun is quite accurate. I guess if you were walkin' around the border in Aridzona or west Texas and worried about drug runners, I could see an auto. But, for bear defense, ain't like you're going to be running tree to tree shooting it out with the bear behind cover doing tac reloads and stuff. Suit yourself, but I still prefer the versatility of a good revolver afield, always have, always will. And, if weight is a factor, a K frame is a lot better choice than a 686. 32 ounces vs 40.

BTW, when I wanna hit something in the field, I cock the hammer and fire single action. DA is for short range human confrontations. Forget it exists for hunting and field uses. Learn to shoot the revolver SA. Most have a very light, crisp trigger in SA mode.

 

[searcher451]

Whatever you decide to do, I don't think that I'd spend a lot of money on a NIB gun. Backpacking is generally rough-and-tumble (at least in my neck of the woods), and worrying about the finish on a brand new gun should be the last thing on your mind. Find yourself a used and reliable stainless firearm, make sure it's 100% dependable and fits your hand, and have at it in the great outdoors.

 

[skywarp_]

Just how many shots to you think you're going to get a chance to "spray" at a charging bear? Hunting is about one shot kills. Accuracy trumps firepower, that's why I like Contenders. I can't imagine you could get 16 rounds off at a charging black bear, either, not aimed, not even unaimed, before you got ate.

Hell, I have single actions I carry afield, not being real worried about bear attacks anyway nor firepower. A .45 Colt pushing a 300 grain bullet to near 1200 fps won't take 16 rounds to stop anything I'll see and the gun is quite accurate. I guess if you were walkin' around the border in Aridzona or west Texas and worried about drug runners, I could see an auto. But, for bear defense, ain't like you're going to be running tree to tree shooting it out with the bear behind cover doing tac reloads and stuff. Suit yourself, but I still prefer the versatility of a good revolver afield, always have, always will. And, if weight is a factor, a K frame is a lot better choice than a 686. 32 ounces vs 40.

BTW, when I wanna hit something in the field, I cock the hammer and fire single action. DA is for short range human confrontations. Forget it exists for hunting and field uses. Learn to shoot the revolver SA. Most have a very light, crisp trigger in SA mode.

The minimal amount would be the amount needed to ensure survival.

Hunting is all about one shot(hopefully), ethical kills after fair chase, survival is about fighting tooth and nail and giving yourself all possible advantages. If ambushed by a bear he may not be as skilled as you to remember to draw, pull the hammer back, aim, fire and down the attacker in one precise shot. Odds are it will be a frantic frenzied blur. I'd take a 5.5 lb short trigger for that and all the ammo you can muster. If he dies after the first shot, excellent. If not, having more is always better.

Animals, like people, often don't know they are dying in survival situations. One shot despite placement may not be enough. Deer don't always die on the spot, nor do bears, rabbits, antelopes and people. this isn't about bringing home the bacon it's about saving yours. Default to the safest possible.

Out west we stalked our prey into canyons, creek beds, forests, up mountains, back down mountains, and into situations predators have been ambushing their prey for thousands of years. Time is a luxury. Err on the side of maximum survivability. Hard to beat a glock for that. Accuracy, reliability and firepower leads to the 10mm in the Glock 20.

Loaded with 15 rounds in the mag the gun weighs 39oz.

 

[Ed Ames]

Does a 10mm glock come even close to meeting the price constraint?

The revolver has a few major advantages... price, ammunition flexibility (including shot shells and light loads for small game that wouldn't cycle an auto set up for full loads), operation cost, environmental friendliness (doesn't chuck brass everywhere) and so on... mainly it's "good enough". I'm not sure where a couple hundred more for a glock will buy any real improvement.

Don't get me wrong... the glock is fine if that's all you have... but for the OP it seems like a .357 revolver would be a much better fit for his stated problem.

 

[BlindJustice]

S&W Model 60 .357 Mag 3" Bbl. at 24 ounces
it'll handle some 158 gr. JSP with manageable recoil.
Get a safarland COMP-I speedloader. As well as some
CCI/SPeer shot shells for light game

 

[wheelgunslinger]

CZ52 and 357 mag wheelie are good choices.
The CZ would need to be very accurately fired to zap the bear's brainstem. But, the 357 requires much of the same.

Thigh holsters should be crossed off the list, for sure. They are way uncomfortable for even the shortest of jaunts. We're talking backpacking here. You'd be ready to throw that thing away after 1 mile.

I carry a 357 when packing. I stoke it with God Dots, keep 1 speedloader handy, and that's it.

 

[Huddog]

I don't know much about bear since I don't go where they are much but I do love my SP 101 and highly recommend it for a compact .357, although the S&W 3 series are probably lighter.

 

[Blackhawkdc]

Hey All, thanks again for the continued thoughts and opinions. I've also started considering something a little bigger. Along the lines of a Ruger GP100. Thoughts on this? Wheelgunslinger? What do you carry?

Thanks,

SGP

 

[markmc753]

As an avid backpacker and expedition kayaker, I have to say that in my opinion, for a weapon you intend to backpack with, you will rue the day that you holstered a GP100, CZ 52, other big auto, or wheelie... they are too heavy to be reasonable as serious backpacking guns..... I would give a HUGE amount of thought to the weight of the gun, Also, I would stick to a wheelie in either 44 or 357..