Gun for protection while fishing and hiking

[igorts]

i carry G29SF, 10mm hot loaded. it replaced Ruger Alaskan in .44.
my G20 has 6" barrel, not much recoil, but in woods i prefer G29. 3.78" barrel is enough.

[bruss01]

My woods/trail gun is a 5" Ruger Redhawk .44 magnum. It is on my CCW permit and I just qualified with it this past weekent. It's not my only carry gun, obviously and I don't carry it in town. On the trail it gets stowed in the pack (concealed from the granola-munchers hiking the backwoods) but ready to roll just in case it is needed. First two chambers are snake shot because that's the most likely need for it. The rest are heavy solid slugs for good penetration on big cats & bear. I have a couple of speed-loaders handy with some .44 special HP's in case of two-legged trouble.

I wish it didn't weigh so much when I have to pack it on the trail but every time I pull the trigger I'm grateful for that same weight absorbing the recoil.

[trooper357]

Originally Posted by igorts

i carry G29SF, 10mm hot loaded. it replaced Ruger Alaskan in .44.
my G20 has 6" barrel, not much recoil, but in woods i prefer G29. 3.78" barrel is enough.

I was thinking of the G32 .357 with a 4.02" barrel but the G29 also looks like a nice gun with similar size/weight.

[Red Devil]

Originally Posted by trooper357

I was thinking of the G32 .357 with a 4.02" barrel but the G29 also looks like a nice gun with similar size/weight.

In case you didn't know, that G32 is a .357 Sig, not to be confused w/ a .357 (S&W) magnum.

While the .357 Sig is a necked-down .40 S&W and is a fine SD cartridge, it is not an ideal woods cartridge.

It was designed to reproduce the 125 gr. .357 mag ballistics out of a 4" Bbl.'ed Auto and it does a pretty good job of doin' just that. But that is about all it does.

You will be hard pressed to find any suitable loads over 140 gr., and good luck finding any 180 gr.'s at all.

It is a "tee-shirt" round, and a good one.


Not too sure RE: the 10 mm out of a 3.78 Bbl. either. "Good enough" is pretty subjective. Some chrono data that clocks a 180 gr. bullet in excess of, say, ~ 1200 fps? would seal-the-deal for me.

That form-factor will get you a Glock 23 .40 S&W w/ a 4" Bbl. and an honest 1050 fps from a 180 gr. round.

I don't know what length Bbl. Underwood uses for their 10 mm tests, but they advertise 1300 fps in 180 gr. and that's what I get out of my heavy .357 mag Blackhawk-only hand-loads... and that's somethin'.

[igorts]

my 10mm clocks at 1650 from g20.
how much loss do you expect in -2" on g29?
recalled, it's not 180, 155grn

[Dead*Reckoned]

When I'm hiking, in bear territory. I'm am the least concerned with bears. I carry a glock 19. The only time I will ever need it is to shoot a mountain lion that is mauling me. I don't think a 124 great +p hollowpoint is undergunned in that scenario. Shot placement will matter a lot more on a cat.

[trooper357]

Ok, I am going to look at some guns today. The gun store has a bunch of Glocks so first thing I want to do is fit it to my hand. I have average to small hands for being 6' tall. Next, is weight but I think they all are fairly light except maybe the larger 45's. So I am thinking the .357 or 10mm models. I do want a 4" barrel as I think they might have a little more velocity than the 3.46 or 3.78 inch. While still wanting to keep the gun compact and light for hiking/fishing, I want some fire power for protection. Kind of thinking the G32 for a .357mag. Then G20 for a 10mm but I really think it may be too big. I like the compact size and the sub-compact I think is too small but I won't know for sure until I put one in my hand.

[ontmark]

Whatever you choice to get. It must be available and carry well. I have found that a good vertical shoulder rig will allow you to carry anything you want. I have carried a S&W Model 28 with a 6 inch barrel with a fully loaded framed back-pack and it worked very well. T shirt and a light weight nylon windbreaker over the rig. If you slip while climbing the backpack will take the impact and not the Gun.
Good luck on your selection.

[Dirty Monkey]

I just carry one of these around

What I carry around while hikinig or camping is, .44 Ruger superblack hawk 7.5 barrel or my SA 1911. I like my XDM 9mm, but i'm afraid its not enough umph!

[Red Devil]

Also, you will be handling EMPTY pistols, so you should also find a rental range or someone who has one to handle loaded as well, and to shoot. Ammo will make a light pistol heavy quick.

Light weight Glocks and high pressure rounds are... interesting.

If you don't plan to shoot a lot, that 10 mm ain't worth a damn it you miss w/ it.


You've shot a .45 ACP.

Along w/ the 9 Euro, they will take the least work to keep you on target.

And the G36's seem to be on the very accurate side, probably due in no small part to that fact.

[Oceanbob]

Originally Posted by trooper357

Ok, I am going to look at some guns today. The gun store has a bunch of Glocks so first thing I want to do is fit it to my hand. I have average to small hands for being 6' tall. Next, is weight but I think they all are fairly light except maybe the larger 45's. So I am thinking the .357 or 10mm models. I do want a 4" barrel as I think they might have a little more velocity than the 3.46 or 3.78 inch. While still wanting to keep the gun compact and light for hiking/fishing, I want some fire power for protection. Kind of thinking the G32 for a .357mag. Then G20 for a 10mm but I really think it may be too big. I like the compact size and the sub-compact I think is too small but I won't know for sure until I put one in my hand.

The .357 SIG is NOT a .357 magnum. Just get that straight before you buy one.

Google is your friend.

[Red Devil]

And lastly, an SD/pack pistol will be fired Uncovered... no ear muff and only glasses if you happen to be wearing any at the time.

Std. pressure .45 ACP out of a Short Bbl. (and 3.78" is not all that short) is a "Boom!"

.40 S&W " " " " " is a "BANG!"

10 mm Auto or .357 Mag. is a dial tone for an hour or so and then ringin' for the rest of the day. NTS.

[trooper357]

I really like the G20 10mm. If not, maybe the smaller G19 9mm.

[DuknBucks]

S&W 686 in .357 mag

[fmunk]

Technically, where in CA can you legally carry?

[Red Devil]

Originally Posted by trooper357

I really like the G20 10mm. If not, maybe the smaller G19 9mm.

If the G20 is small enough? It's the best woods Pistol runnin'.

200 gr. Underwood XTP at ~ 1250 fps. is bad medicine.


If you like the G19 form-factor better? Suggest the G23 in .40 S&W.

Same size/weight/Bbl. length but shoots 180 gr. .40 (10mm) bullets.

And in LeftCoastastan you only get Ten anyway, so better off w/ Ten of those.

Really like the G23 and packed it for decades, but pack the G36 now because it suites me better.


Suggest you shoot that G20 first, though... full-throttle field loads and uncovered if possible. Better to find out now as later on.

[trooper357]

I think the Gen4 G20 with the new double spring helps with recoil. I'm 6' and weight 180 and I don't think a 180 or even a 200-220gr is going to bother me. I am not totally sold yet. But I think something close to it is what I need. It's a lot smaller and lighter than the Colt Trooper MKlll 6" I carried for some time. I wonder why they have a 10mm in only large and subcompact but no compact? I would really like it better in compact size.

[Intimid8tor]

It's a tough call and everything is a trade off. I don't own any revolvers right now, but the next gun I buy will likely be a Ruger GP100 in 357mag. This gun will primarily be used when we go out hunting as a backup gun. I like the feel and the reliability. You never know what position you will be in when you need to fire and I don't want any possibility of a jam.

[jumbopanda]

A 10mm Glock sounds like a good bet against mountain lions and whatnot, but I don't know how effective it would be against bears.

[LexLuther]

Wow, lots of posts here for heavy guns...
I have carried most mentioned here, and for your stated type and frequency of use, I would go with an air weight 357 smith snub nose revolver. If the gun is heavy, you will not be as likely to carry it. Any Glock is a relatively heavy gun compared to the air weight. In a stress situation, the trigger pull is the same every time just like the Glock, and no safety, etc as well.

[den888]

A 4" .357 would be ideal. You can load it up or down and even load snakeshot, if you need to. Very versatile.

[USMC 82-86]

I would say anything .357 mag or larger.

[trooper357]

Originally Posted by Red Devil

If the G20 is small enough? It's the best woods Pistol runnin'.

200 gr. Underwood XTP at ~ 1250 fps. is bad medicine.


If you like the G19 form-factor better? Suggest the G23 in .40 S&W.

Same size/weight/Bbl. length but shoots 180 gr. .40 (10mm) bullets.

And in LeftCoastastan you only get Ten anyway, so better off w/ Ten of those.

Really like the G23 and packed it for decades, but pack the G36 now because it suites me better.


Suggest you shoot that G20 first, though... full-throttle field loads and uncovered if possible. Better to find out now as later on.

That's a thought with the G23 in .40 S&W. It's close in bullet size yet the gun is compact VS full size. I'll have to try both the G20 and G23 and see which fits me better. Thanks for the suggestion. I had also considered the G19 9mm but I really want a little more knockdown power.

[BluNorthern]

4 4/8 barreled Ruger BlackHawk in 44 mag.
Buffalo Bore or Garret Ammo.

No worries.......

[Red Devil]

Originally Posted by trooper357

That's a thought with the G23 in .40 S&W. It's close in bullet size yet the gun is compact VS full size. I'll have to try both the G20 and G23 and see which fits me better. Thanks for the suggestion. I had also considered the G19 9mm but I really want a little more knockdown power.

The G23 is a really nice combination for a field pistol.

I just got Two more for my Boys.

W/ 180 gr. HST it's a good stopper, w/ 180 gr. TMJ it'll punch through the brisket of a big hog. I carry a mag of each in the field and load'em as need be.

Shootable uncovered too. (although I wouldn't make a casual habit of it)


I'd sure like to see Glock come out w/ a .40 slimline based on the G36. Just use the same top end as the G23 but bevel the muzzle end, and stuff Nine (yes, I tried it) .40's into a modified std. G36 sized mag and frame.

I would buy a case of'em.

[L84CABO]

Originally Posted by trooper357

Ok, I have posted questions regarding a small lightweight revolver to carry on my hip or in my fishing vest while hiking and fishing for protection against bears, mountain lions, other 4 and 2 legged aggressive animals.

I really don't think that what you're looking for exists. The crux here is that you are looking for protection against bears. And anything that is going to be reasonably effective in that regard, in a pistol, isn't going to be small and light. A pistol would not be my first choice for protection against bear. But if I was going to carry one, I'd be looking for the biggest badest thing on the block. 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, etc.

[trooper357]

Originally Posted by Red Devil

The G23 is a really nice combination for a field pistol.

I just got Two more for my Boys.

W/ 180 gr. HST it's a good stopper, w/ 180 gr. TMJ it'll punch through the brisket of a big hog. I carry a mag of each in the field and load'em as need be.

Shootable uncovered too. (although I wouldn't make a casual habit of it)


I'd sure like to see Glock come out w/ a .40 slimline based on the G36. Just use the same top end as the G23 but bevel the muzzle end, and stuff Nine (yes, I tried it) .40's into a modified std. G36 sized mag and frame.

I would buy a case of'em.

The more I research the G-23 .40 the more I like it. Almost identical to the 9mm G-19 with the exception of .40 caliber VS 9mm. Not sure why it weighs 1oz more than the G-19 unloaded as it has the same frame. Must be the barrel weight?

[trooper357]

Ok, now I am confused. I go on one of the GLOCK websites and it is different than another GLOCK.US website in regards to model lengths, weight, etc. Are US models heavier and larger? Or did maybe they downsize?

[kaboom]

Take a look at the S&W 329. I have the 329PD. It's pretty much a model 29 with all the latest tech. It has a lightweight alloy frame and titanium cylinder. The 4" model is damn light (25 ounces), and the 2.5 even more so. It's not much fun to shoot with magnum loads, but when you need it, you won't mind.

[trooper357]

Originally Posted by trooper357

Ok, now I am confused. I go on one of the GLOCK websites and it is different than another GLOCK.US website in regards to model lengths, weight, etc. Are US models heavier and larger? Or did maybe they downsize?

Actually the difference is with the model 20, 23, 19 (the ones I checked) all show a little longer in length on the GLOCK.US site. Maybe a newer model? Slight difference in weight also.

[gunsandrockets]

GLOCK EXPERIENCE

I have a friend who owns a Glock 20 and a companion Glock 29 in 10mm.

I own a Glock 23C (compensated model) and have fired a friends Glock 23 in .40 S&W.

10mm vs .40 LOADS

Beware of 10mm factory loads. Virtually all of them are down loaded to .40 S&W power levels. If you want the full power advantage of 10mm use the longer barreled Glock 20 and clock the ammunition yourself, don't necessarily trust what some salesmen tells you.

SIZE/WEIGHT

The compact Glock 29 in 10mm is almost the exact same size and weight as the Glock 23 in .40 S&W. Unless you are planning on getting an additional Glock 20 in which case magazines could be shared with your Glock 29, I recommend a Glock 23 vs the Glock 29.

RECOIL

Even the Glock 23 in .40 S&W can be somewhat unpleasant to shoot. The compensated model Glock 23C is much more comfortable to shoot. The comp system works.

[Red Devil]

Originally Posted by trooper357

Actually the difference is with the model 20, 23, 19 (the ones I checked) all show a little longer in length on the GLOCK.US site. Maybe a newer model? Slight difference in weight also.

I just use this one.

glock.com

Just pointer over the caliber and a drop-down box will give you the models, then click.

If you want to compare? Right-click on the model and open it in a new window. Then click the tool-bar tabs for side-by-side comparison.

The 360 view slider is nice too when making comparisons.


P.S. the wt. difference RE: the G23/G19 is 0.32 oz on the Gen4, same/same on the Gen3... could be anything or a whole bunch of even smaller things. Loaded wt. is an aggregate of round ct. and bullet wt. Don't know what they use.

[trooper357]

Originally Posted by Red Devil

I just use this one.

glock.com

Just pointer over the caliber and a drop-down box will give you the models, then click.

If you want to compare? Right-click on the model and open it in a new window. Then click the tool-bar tabs for side-by-side comparison.

The 360 view slider is nice too when making comparisons.


P.S. the wt. difference RE: the G23/G19 is 0.32 oz on the Gen4, same/same on the Gen3... could be anything or a whole bunch of even smaller things. Loaded wt. is an aggregate of round ct. and bullet wt. Don't know what they use.

That's the GLOCK.US site: http://us.glock.com/products/model/g23gen4

Here is the other site: http://www.glock.com/english/index_pistols.htm

Try to check gun lengths on both sites. They are different. LOL....who ya gonna trust.....

[terdog]

I had a similar situation.

I had a 1911 chambered in 10mm. It was a great gun, with a 8" slide, just beautiful.
But, when I went exploring or fly fishing I wanted to carry, and it was just to damm heavy.

I looked around & decided to stay with a semi-auto & went with the little brother to the 10mm, the 40 S&W. Since I prefer a longer barrel, I went with the Glock G35. I couldnt be happier. Larger capacity, eats whatever I feed it, tough as a rock. I even bought a 9mm barrel to save $$$ when plinking.

Let me know if you wanna run a box through it, and we can go kill some pine cones.

[Red Devil]

Originally Posted by trooper357

That's the GLOCK.US site: http://us.glock.com/products/model/g23gen4

Here is the other site: http://www.glock.com/english/index_pistols.htm

Try to check gun lengths on both sites. They are different. LOL....who ya gonna trust.....

Convention - Both are correct.

Euro site: is Bbl/slide length.

US site: is OA length. (Bbl to Backstrap)

(as confirmed on my G23 Gen2)

[Oneaudiopro]

I think you had it right in your original post.........Ruger SP-101 in .357. When your life might depend on a firearm, nothing can beat the reliability of a good revolver. Its also stainless so it will stand up to the elements and any other type of environment you might be in without any adverse effects. And if you were to ever be injured severely out in the elements, you can load and fire with one hand if necessary. You can also carry a revolver in a holster or in a pack without the possibility of an accidental discharge, unlike alot of autos out there. If you prefer a more powerful cartridge than a .357, the choice is yours, but a good revolver makes so much more sense than an auto. Just my $.02.

[fmunk]

Originally Posted by fmunk

Technically, where in CA can you legally carry?

No one knows?

[RobertSmith]

As the saying goes, "the best gun is the one you have". When in the woods, carrying is a no brainer. I like comfort over caliber, but I will not carry anything less than a 40 cal. Check out this sweet wetsuit jogging belly band. Pretty badas s for carrying a subcompact firearm. Hiking, climbing, off road motorcycling...... Comfy and discreet all the way..

Pistolwear.com

Jogging Holster

[Neptune]

If I'm hiking, I almost always carry one of my 1911 pistols in .45, but if I get into bear country, I always carry my .454 Casull. Mountain lions are soft skinned, and anything from a hot 9mm on up should work fine, the bigger the better. Bears require a .357 Mag or 10mm at the least, and preferably a .44 Mag or better if available. We're talking black bear country here. If you're in grizzly county, a hot .44 Mag or better backing up a sizable rifle is the way to go.




__

[trooper357]

Originally Posted by RobertSmith

As the saying goes, "the best gun is the one you have". When in the woods, carrying is a no brainer. I like comfort over caliber, but I will not carry anything less than a 40 cal. Check out this sweet wetsuit jogging belly band. Pretty badas s for carrying a subcompact firearm. Hiking, climbing, off road motorcycling...... Comfy and discreet all the way..

Pistolwear.com

Jogging Holster

Isn't it illegal to conceal a gun in California without a permit?