Which Camping Gun to Buy?

[joel1316]

I never really go camping out in the middle of nowhere and I don't expect to be hassled by some weed growers while camping. ;) Just found this to be a cool reason to buy another gun.
I'd appreciate any suggestions, this is my gun criteria:
- Can either be a pistol or rifle
- Be able to stop a bear attack
- Can be used for light plinking possibly
- Take on targets up to about 50 - 100 yards
- 5 to 10 rounds and can easily be reloaded
- Being compact and light would be helpful
- Cannot be expensive as it will be handled roughly during storage, use and transportation. But it will be cleaned and mantained properly.
- A weapon light would be a plus, but not really on my list of needs/wants.
- Open Sights, avoiding any use of optics that can shift its zero.

I've been thinking that a Mossberg / Remington pump shotgun would be great using shot, 00 or slugs. This is top on my list. But I've also been thinking of a lever action shooting 30-30? For a pistol, I was thinking a revolver shooting 357, 38 special and snake shot would be great! But the revolver would be tough at ranges beyond 25 yards (for me).
Watcha guys suggest?

[GTKrockeTT]

it's going to be tough to meet all the criteria listed. but, the pump with slugs would be a reasonable option against bears, as well as all around protection. though, it would be a pain to have to lug around.

my personal choice would be a lever action in .357/.38, and a revolver in the same caliber. obviously, this wouldn't be the best choice against bears, but you can't have everything...

[chris]

i would suggest a S&W model 629 with 6.5 inch barrel in .44. i own this pistol and it is quite accurate and will take down just about anyone and change their minds very quickly ifd someone wants to mess with you.

stainless model is the one i have. good luck in your search.

[PistolKidd]

yea..pistol vs bear is not a great option.. I'd probably forego the 'bear' criteria and stick with everything else if you were gonna go handgun..

If you do the rifle..shotgun sounds great for waht you want..

[VeryCoolCat]

Anything in general for camping.... I would reccomend something semi-automatic. For one, bears... its rare when that first shot kills. Two people, if your going to get robbed.... if you miss that first shot or theres two people... good luck.

I'd recommend a revolver.... they are more reliable in less hospital situations than any good semi auto.

Maybe a pistol caliber carbine. Lightweight, Semi. Maybe a Lever Action Gun. You get the added accuracy of having a rifle, and you get the pistol caliber for dispatching of people, plus its magnum so a few shots would either discourage the bear or kill it.

[SemiAutoSam]

I carry a paraord 45 with the 14 round mag. and if that doesn't get the bears a model 1 ruger in 458 win mag.

[joel1316]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. I do understand that I will not be able to find a gun that fits all of my criterias, but if I can get close, I'll be real happy.
A S&W revolver would be good, but the price range is pretty high to buy new. I'm thinking a Marlin 336 in 30-30 or another lever action that chambers the 357 magnum. Shotgun is still in the running too, I just think it's too bulky?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/joel1316/photo_336SS.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/joel1316/50577.jpg

[jmlivingston]

If your thinking of staying in the pistol-calibers in a lever-action, rather than the .30-30 why not the .44 Magnum? And of course, if you're really concerned about bear step it up to the .45-70? :D I'm currently dreaming about that .45-70 myself, but need a good deer rifle first....

John

[joel1316]

If I were to go pistol caliber, I store more 357 mag more than I do 44 mag. No other real reason. 45/70 is way too much, plus I'd be out of luck if I miss whatever I was shooting at with the first shot, LOL. (I'm assuming that most if not all 45/70's are single shots).

[SemiAutoSam]

The Henry rifle is a "repeating" rifle in a lever action style and its chambered in 45/70 and alot of other calibers as well I suspect.

[jmlivingston]

Marlin has a lever-action that chambers the .45-70, I think it carries 4 rounds plus 1 in the chamber. That's the gun I've been dreaming of.

John

[jmlivingston]

Whoops.... ignore this space.

[C.G.]

If you don't mind 5.56 round then the SU-16 is a good camping rifle, light, semi-auto, uses AR-15 mags and it is compact because it folds.

[joel1316]

I've thought about the SU-16, but I wanted a little bit more "oomph" than a 223. Plus, if I'm seen in the "woods" I wanted something that makes me look more of a camper/hiker. Rather than a commando, LOL.

[50 Freak]

The new 500 Smith and Wesson with a 4 inch barrel.

Perfect for bears and other nasties.

[Satex]

How about an SKS?

[joel1316]

An SKS.... I think, the SKS would be great!
- Can either be a pistol or rifle - check
- Be able to stop a bear attack - ? stop and anger maybe....
- Can be used for light plinking possibly - check
- Take on targets up to about 50 - 100 yards - check
- 5 to 10 rounds and can easily be reloaded - check - reload with stipper clips
- Being compact and light would be helpful - not too heavy or long
- Cannot be expensive as it will be handled roughly during storage, use and transportation. But it will be cleaned and mantained properly. About $200. not a delicate rifle
- A weapon light would be a plus, but not really on my list of needs/wants.
- Open Sights, avoiding any use of optics that can shift its zero. check

What do you guys think? If I take the bayonet (if it still comes with the rifle) off, it could still look camp worthy.... I'd probably put on a synthetic stock just to make it weather proof.

[C.G.]

I've thought about the SU-16, but I wanted a little bit more "oomph" than a 223. Plus, if I'm seen in the "woods" I wanted something that makes me look more of a camper/hiker. Rather than a commando, LOL.

I don't think an SU-16 would make you look like a commando, no evil pistol grip!:D

[joel1316]

So much for avoiding the commando out in the woods look.
Since its a "fixed" mag, this configuration would be CA legal right?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/joel1316/pix3951771250.jpg

[joel1316]

Well, I'll skip the new stock if I do select the SKS, I don't feel like playing the 922r game....

[Shane916]

only downside of the SKS is that it's super heavy :)

[AxonGap]

S&W model 629 .44 magnum "Mountain Gun" if you can find one. Accurate 4" tapered barrel, carried one on US Forest Service surveys. Packs small, packs a wallop!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4/UndersK0R_2006/CalGns/ng34371.jpg

[dixieD]

I've thought about the SU-16, but I wanted a little bit more "oomph" than a 223. Plus, if I'm seen in the "woods" I wanted something that makes me look more of a camper/hiker. Rather than a commando, LOL.
How about a socom16 or socomII? Heavier than the SU16, but about the same as the other guns mentioned.

[asintado]

How about a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 special. Stainless, 2.5" barrel, 5-shot revolver. Can be had for about $325. If you think about it, no matter what you run into a bear with you're still in deep *****.

[SemiAutoSam]

How about a 44MAGNUM that will also fire the 44 Special PMC Ultramags.

Ive been told by a federal source that these rounds will go thru a bear real good.



http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/mag-lock/PMCULTRAMAG44SPC.jpg



http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/mag-lock/100_1809.jpg

[zefflyn]

If I were to go pistol caliber, I store more 357 mag more than I do 44 mag. No other real reason. 45/70 is way too much, plus I'd be out of luck if I miss whatever I was shooting at with the first shot, LOL. (I'm assuming that most if not all 45/70's are single shots).

There are a few types of single-shot .45-70's, however there are also a number of lever-actions, that hold multiple rounds. One of the most popular is the Marlin, with 4-round magazine, plus one in the chamber.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/bigbore/1895.aspx

The Henry rifle is a "repeating" rifle in a lever action style and its chambered in 45/70 and alot of other calibers as well I suspect.
I'm not sure if you're talking about lever action rifles in general, or those made by the Henry Repeating Arms company, but Henry doesn't make a .45-70

http://www.henryrepeating.com/ourrifles.cfm

[tman]

Would a 12 guage loaded with buckshot or slugs really stop a bear?

[big jon]

If I were to go pistol caliber, I store more 357 mag more than I do 44 mag. No other real reason. 45/70 is way too much, plus I'd be out of luck if I miss whatever I was shooting at with the first shot, LOL. (I'm assuming that most if not all 45/70's are single shots).[/QUOTE]
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g23/jhunter63/IM003971.jpg

[SemiAutoSam]

I'm not sure if you're talking about lever action rifles in general, or those made by the Henry Repeating Arms company, but Henry doesn't make a .45-70

http://www.henryrepeating.com/ourrifles.cfm

Well I was talking about the henry rifle and they might not make it now but at one time they did as I have one in my collection that was made in about 1840 and its marked henry and shoots 45/70.

Maybe the Henry rifle that is being made today and the one that I have are totally different rifles.

[CalNRA]

Would a 12 guage loaded with buckshot or slugs really stop a bear?

have you ever seen what a 3" slug can do to a truck?

read up on the balistics. the slugs got tons of knock down power within 50 yards and real accurate.

[Pthfndr]

Since you said "inexpensive" and able to take rough handling, I'd go with a Mosin M38/M44 - which ever one does NOT have the bayonet.

Cheap, reliable, compact. Very deadly with 200 grain softpoint hunting ammo. On par with a 30-06.

Hell, if nothing else the fireball would scare the heck out of anything, including a bear, even if you miss :D

[xenophobe]

45-70 and 30-30 are not cheap plinking rounds.

I would pick these for your requirements, in this order:

Rifle: .357 lever action
Pistol: S&W 629
auto: Kel-Tec SU-16

[Paul1960]

I would take a 12 gauge shotgun with buck and slugs - as your bear attack isn't going to be handled by much less. However they aren't really great for casual "plinking" unless you enjoy getting the pee knocked out of you <g>.

But camping normally means tents and swinging a long gun inside a tent - even a large one - isn't easy. Here I would suggest a .357 revolver. Something in a 4" police service revolver can be picked up used in very good shape if you wander around some gun stores with used weapons. Occasionally you'll find revolvers turned in by a city or even from overseas in well maintained shape.

The reason I suggest a wheel gun is the ability to shoot shot-shells which I use for snakes. I don't kill them for sport and I leave them alone ... but once the dog gets it in her head there's no stopping her.

With the .357 you can run reloads of .38 Special ammo for pretty cheap with less pain. The ability to use the revolver single or double action is great for training and plinking. I have a bunch of weapons <g> but my go to weapons upstairs and down are 4" .357 revolvers. There are no magazines to worry about, no chambers to think about, no safeties ... no moving parts outside the trigger. Point the thing at the bad guy and move that part. When things go bump in the night and the adrenaline dumps into the blood system waking you from a dead sleep ... the weapon's function is the last thing I want to worry about.

If it takes more that 6 rounds of .357 magnum "flying ashtrays" to the center of mass to bring a guy down call in an artillery strike or a helicopter gunship for support.

[Satex]

And heck, with a Mosin, you get dual use as you can use it as the center pole of your tent!


Since you said "inexpensive" and able to take rough handling, I'd go with a Mosin M38/M44 - which ever one does NOT have the bayonet.

Cheap, reliable, compact. Very deadly with 200 grain softpoint hunting ammo. On par with a 30-06.

Hell, if nothing else the fireball would scare the heck out of anything, including a bear, even if you miss :D

[jmlivingston]

:eek: Since you said "inexpensive" and able to take rough handling, I'd go with a Mosin M38/M44 - which ever one does NOT have the bayonet.

Cheap, reliable, compact. Very deadly with 200 grain softpoint hunting ammo. On par with a 30-06.

Hell, if nothing else the fireball would scare the heck out of anything, including a bear, even if you miss :D

An M38 would be a good option, and very cheap! Plinking ammo (surplus) is available by the ~400 round tin for about $40 or so, plus shipping. Carbine length, very durable, bolt-action simplicity. And yeah, that fireball will probably leave that bear hairless!!! :eek:


John

[ghideon]

Perhaps a Marlin 1894 in either .357 or .44? They can be had at Big5 for under $400. I picked up a .357 a month or two ago and couldn't be happier with mine. I think the only thing I'll do to it is change out the sights.

[chiefcrash]

a ruger PC9 or PC4 carbine will do all you wanted except the bear attack. plus they're just FUN

[joel1316]

Been running different scenarios in my head and I'm really leaning towards a rifle. My reason here is my 5 year old son. If he gets any "mischievous" thoughts now or when he gets older. He can't hide a rifle as easy as he could a pistol/revolver. I've told him time and time again to never touch my guns and he's pretty good at it, but I'd feel better knowing he can't hide a rifle as easy if he tries to sneak off and target practice.... Right now, I'm thinking Lever Action 30-30, 44mag, 357mag. A pump shotgun or an SKS.

[VeryCoolCat]

I'm going to step in here and give you a quick rundown of all the guns talked about.

SU-16 ($500 aprox)
Pros: Light, Compact, Foldable to fit in a bag. Not Too expensive. Accurate.

Cons: Not Really "Rugged" you can't really use it for serious plinking as the gun is pretty much made of plastic and the barrel will warp the plastic. Doubt .223 would be very effective against a bear.

Neutral/Notes: Your child can "hide" this in its folded form and easily pick it up to shoot as its so light. It feels like a toy. Plus I don't know of its "durability and reliability" in the field because i always hear mixed information. Practice Rapid so you don't get mauled.

------
M1A ($1100 aprox [not counting socom])

Pros: Reliable, High Caliber, Battle Rifle, Been tested in harsh conditions. Accuate.

Con: Large (except socom but thats extra expensive), Expensive, Not Very Light unless you get the socom and even then.


Neutral/Notes: This is an expensive gun, you get what you pay for. Unless you get the socom version... its pretty heavy with the wood and might make you look "commando" thought it might scare some of the hippies away.

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Henry Repeating Rifle ($200-$500)

Pro: Reliable (No Gas System, etc), Lever Action, Magnum Calibers and multiple calibers. Light weight. Accurate.

Cons: Lever Action, Not very high capacity, doesn't look very deadly/scary.

Neutral/Notes: This gun is probably your best bet. Most can shoot magnum calibers and the same one can usually shoot a lesser caliber for fun shooting without costing much. Makes you look like a Cowboy/Moutain man.

------
Shotgun ($250 aprox)

Pro: Shorter Barrel versions are relatively light weight. Multiple Ammunition Types (slugs/buck/flare). Some have folding stocks.

Cons: Not exactly "small" and the long barrel ones are way too heavy/large, Folding Stocks hurt more than standard stocks.

Neutral/notes: Shotguns are very neutral I would say. More universal Only problem is range and slugs have a good kick back... the ammo is more expensive than usual. Some models are pretty heavy. I wouldn't rely on Buckshot on a bear though.
-----
Mosin/Mauser ($150-$300)

Pro: Reliable, High Caliber, Accurate.

Cons: Bolt Action, Usually Large/Heavy, Recoil on "smaller" versions, Cosmoline/Greasing.

Neutral/Notes: The high caliber and accurate weapon is good but the drawbacks are its size and the smaller ones have imense recoil without a large recoil reducing buttpad and even then. The pull on some Bolt actions require you to put the gun in a different position so you can properly chamber the next rounding making whatever attacking you a chance to get you. It will need a proper cleaning and/or greasing to ensure functionality. Some versions are large (mosin you can hacksaw it down some).
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PC9/PC4/MarlinCamp ($400-$550)

Pro: Lightweight (relatively), accurate (relatively), detachable magazines, compact. Cheap ammo.

Cons: Can't really stop a bear, Not really tested in harsh/field conditions.

Neutral/Notes: Looks somewhat commando with the synthetic light stock. The PC9 hasn't really been tested long enough. Its a good plinker.
-----
Mini-14 ($500aprox)

Pro: Accurate, Detachable Mag, Plinker, Pretty Balanced in weight.

Cons: .223 Can't really stop a bear. Has SOME reliability problems in the field, needs to be maintained. Picky with ammo.

Neutral/Notes: Basically a slightly heavier su16. Doesn't feel like or look like a toy. Look at a mini-30 instead but the same problems with ammo are there.
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SKS ($200 aprox)

Pro: Accurate, Ammunition 10 rounds/Stripper Clips, Plinker. Bayonett. Good sights.

Cons: HEAVY!! Yugo barrel is not chromed.

Neutral/Notes: The Cheap YUGO (common one) is not chromed and in the humid forest... you risk failure and reduced accuracy. You would have to buy a slightly pricier chinese or russian one. You would have to buy a Sporting stock (does not require to be 922(r) Compliant) as this thing weighs A TON even with the sporting stock. With the wood stock... I wouldn't say exactly how much it weighs... but Its VERY heavy.


Its Your choice.

I would suggest the henry because you don't risk failure in a slightly humid condition and it has a pretty good power.

The shotgun as its reliability as a pump with slugs (but the ammo is pricey).

[jmlivingston]

One thing to add to that great post. The Marlins can be grouped into the same paragraph as the Henry's for pruposes of pro's and con's.

John

[grammaton76]

I'd also point out that for the purposes of bear and such, a Hakim could stand in for an M1A. 8mm Mauser is a pretty serious round, and coming out of a semi-auto with a 10rd mag and almost no recoil, you're doing pretty well.

And ... a kid hiding a Hakim in his backpack? Ain't gonna happen!

[GTKrockeTT]

-----
Mini-14 ($500aprox)

Pro: Accurate, Detachable Mag, Plinker, Pretty Balanced in weight.

Cons: .223 Can't really stop a bear. Has SOME reliability problems in the field, needs to be maintained. Picky with ammo.

Neutral/Notes: Basically a slightly heavier su16. Doesn't feel like or look like a toy. Look at a mini-30 instead but the same problems with ammo are there.
-----


looney! :D

[joel1316]

VeryCoolCat - I owe you lunch after that great post! Thanks!
You've definately helped me here. I'll be looking for a Lever Action.
SKS is great, but I don't want to deal with a gas system failing when I really need it.
Shotgun - I like the idea of having the tube filled with bird shot and then having slugs and 00 in a side saddle on the reciever or stock. But it lacks in range, why I need range, I don't know. If something is 50 - 100 yards away, I guess it really isn't a threat anymore? Unless its a charging bear that I'll just piss of with bird shot if I forget to load the slugs?
Lever Action - I like its simplicity, easy to work the action and less parts to fail. It won't scare the "hippies" as much as a shotgun would maybe. 30-30 or other magnum pistol rounds aren't too bad when it comes to plinking. When I say plinking, I'm not talking more than 50 rounds a day... If I'm going plinking, I'll be bringing a plinking specific gun. This gun would only be use if a cool/legal target comes up.

Thanks to everyone for your great input and suggestions!

[VeryCoolCat]

looney! :D

LOL, yea, I shoulda added RELATIVELY. I meant in a situation where you would have to shoot a bear. It would be accurate enough to shoot the bear vs a slug.

I was comparing it to slugs.

Hakim a little too on the heavy/large size :D

[GTKrockeTT]

LOL, yea, I shoulda added RELATIVELY. I meant in a situation where you would have to shoot a bear. It would be accurate enough to shoot the bear vs a slug.

I was comparing it to slugs.

Hakim a little too on the heavy/large size :D

MOBear? yeah, it's accurate enough for that. ;)

[Rascal]

VeryCoolCat
SKS is great, but I don't want to deal with a gas system failing when I really need it.

The one great thing about an SKS is you don't have to worry about it.
It will be ready for you when you need it.
It's like an AK, you can use it and abuse it and it will still work.

[Josh]

Havent read everything, but heres my take on a camping gun.

Handgun wise HK USP 45, running 45super loads. 200gr @1200fps

Longarm, 12ga with slugs. Theres not much out there that a full 12ga slug wont stop.

[Maddog5150]

who makes 45s like that? Ive never seen balistics on a 200gr chuckin that fast? maybe some 185s but not 200s. I needs some of those!

[Josh]

who makes 45s like that? Ive never seen balistics on a 200gr chuckin that fast? maybe some 185s but not 200s. I needs some of those!
http://www.realguns.com/loads/45Super.htm
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#45s

This round uses special brass that is reinforced in the web area but is the same size as 45acp.

Not all guns can handle it, HK USPF in 45 has been known to shoot this ammo fine and 1911's with a few mods. SA makes a 1911 just for 45super from their custom shop.

[VeryCoolCat]

The one great thing about an SKS is you don't have to worry about it.
It will be ready for you when you need it.
It's like an AK, you can use it and abuse it and it will still work.

The Russian/Chinese SKS are chromed in the chamber/barrel.

The YUGO SKS (the common one at this time) is not chromed and will rust and will jam.

[Rascal]

Yes, it will rust, but you would have to leave it uncleaned for a year before it jams, and even at that it might still shoot. ;)

[grammaton76]

Yes, it will rust, but you would have to leave it uncleaned for a year before it jams, and even at that it might still shoot. ;)

Yep. Yugo SKSes may rust, but they don't jam. Until the rust blocks the barrel, at which point you load a grenade-launcher blank round and use it to launch a rust-spear at the other guy!

[VeryCoolCat]

Well then... slam fire. Rust gets on the firing pin.... then you fire the gun and bang bang BANGBANGBANGBANG.

[PLINK]

On my last camping trip I just took the Springer Mil-spec 1911 - did no shooting as it was a wheeling trip. The one before that was actually a camping and fishing trip. I took the Walther P22 for plinking and the AR for, well, plinking, but keep me warm at night.

[kantstudien]

Camping gun = Glock 20 10mm ;)

If you load it with Winchester Silvertips, you can live without fear of werewolves too! :eek: