Kor
Member
So anyways, about a year ago I bought a used Freedom Arms .22LR mini-revolver for $99.00, just because it's the only Freedom Arms gun I'll probably be able to afford for the foreseeable future. 
While handling it in the gunshop I remarked that, given its small grip frame and sights, it was awfully awkward to handle, aim and fire with any sort of speed - but, given its small size and light weight, the best use I could see for it was as an emergency signalling device for hikers or hunters.
Maybe that's something we should also consider in a trail/survival handgun - using the darn thing to fire signal shots in the event that you get lost, injured or trapped.
Sure, you can pack a monster magnum for bear/cougar/feral dog defense or actual handgun hunting, but that's some heavy iron to be packing. Besides, it's kinda hard to cram enough power to actually drop a big bruin into a one-handed firearm - I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a decently-powered rifle, or a slug-loaded 12-gauge for that particular scenario.
And, if you do choose to carry some sort of long-gun, a hunting rifle, a shotgun, or a .22, more power to ya - it's just that they can be a bit cumbersome, and sometimes get in the way when the primary purpose of your nature walk is something other than the actual hunting of game.
You could also carry a conventional CCW pistol for self-defense against predatory humans, and there's nothing wrong with that at all - laws/regulations of that particular jurisdiction permitting. However, predator avoidance is usually a lot simpler and easier, given sufficient situational awareness and/or advance notice. If you know there have been reports of bear/cougar/dog/criminal attacks in a given area, go hiking somewhere else...
But, just maybe, anyone going out into the boonies for any reason ought to consider bringing along a small, lightweight "micro-gun" like a NAA Mini-Revolver, a Beretta/Taurus .22 auto, a Kel-Tec P32/P3AT, a S&W 317 AirLight .22LR, or a Ruger 22/45. Light, compact guns like these can make the cut and come along even when you've cut out all the extra dead weight in your pack. The NAA guns, in particular, can be rolled up in a spare sock with a box of 50 rounds, and travel unnoticed in a daypack or a pocket. Maybe one of these guns will save your life by killing a poisonous snake...or by scaring off a predator(2- or 4-legged)...or by helping a search party to find you before you die of starvation, dehydration, or your injuries.
Yes, you should also be carrying a GPS, to keep you from getting lost in the first place, and a cell phone or walkie-talkie radio, to help others find you. Both of these devices will help a lot - until their batteries die, or they break. Of course, you should also be carrying a good compass and a current topographic map of the area, and a signalling mirror as well - but the map won't help if you've broken your leg and can't walk, and the mirror only works during the day AND if you have a direct line of sight to a rescue party/aircraft. For the relatively small size/weight penalty and relatively low cost, why not also carry a teeny .22 and a box of rounds, just in case?
While handling it in the gunshop I remarked that, given its small grip frame and sights, it was awfully awkward to handle, aim and fire with any sort of speed - but, given its small size and light weight, the best use I could see for it was as an emergency signalling device for hikers or hunters.Maybe that's something we should also consider in a trail/survival handgun - using the darn thing to fire signal shots in the event that you get lost, injured or trapped.
Sure, you can pack a monster magnum for bear/cougar/feral dog defense or actual handgun hunting, but that's some heavy iron to be packing. Besides, it's kinda hard to cram enough power to actually drop a big bruin into a one-handed firearm - I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a decently-powered rifle, or a slug-loaded 12-gauge for that particular scenario.
And, if you do choose to carry some sort of long-gun, a hunting rifle, a shotgun, or a .22, more power to ya - it's just that they can be a bit cumbersome, and sometimes get in the way when the primary purpose of your nature walk is something other than the actual hunting of game.
You could also carry a conventional CCW pistol for self-defense against predatory humans, and there's nothing wrong with that at all - laws/regulations of that particular jurisdiction permitting. However, predator avoidance is usually a lot simpler and easier, given sufficient situational awareness and/or advance notice. If you know there have been reports of bear/cougar/dog/criminal attacks in a given area, go hiking somewhere else...
But, just maybe, anyone going out into the boonies for any reason ought to consider bringing along a small, lightweight "micro-gun" like a NAA Mini-Revolver, a Beretta/Taurus .22 auto, a Kel-Tec P32/P3AT, a S&W 317 AirLight .22LR, or a Ruger 22/45. Light, compact guns like these can make the cut and come along even when you've cut out all the extra dead weight in your pack. The NAA guns, in particular, can be rolled up in a spare sock with a box of 50 rounds, and travel unnoticed in a daypack or a pocket. Maybe one of these guns will save your life by killing a poisonous snake...or by scaring off a predator(2- or 4-legged)...or by helping a search party to find you before you die of starvation, dehydration, or your injuries.
Yes, you should also be carrying a GPS, to keep you from getting lost in the first place, and a cell phone or walkie-talkie radio, to help others find you. Both of these devices will help a lot - until their batteries die, or they break. Of course, you should also be carrying a good compass and a current topographic map of the area, and a signalling mirror as well - but the map won't help if you've broken your leg and can't walk, and the mirror only works during the day AND if you have a direct line of sight to a rescue party/aircraft. For the relatively small size/weight penalty and relatively low cost, why not also carry a teeny .22 and a box of rounds, just in case?
