Suggestion needed for back country pistol

[Taggart]

You know in all my back country trips I have taken in the last couple of years I have yet to see a bear. On average I go back country about 20 times a year, and with the smell of fish on me you would think that I would eventually see one, lucky I haven't but I am ready for one.

They've seen you. Black bears are very timid. I've seen a few in the coastal mountains and Sierra national forests, but only brief glimpses of their hindquarters as they ran away. I used to carry bear spray but don't bother anymore. You're more likely to see them in national parks where they aren't hunted and aren't as wary of people. Even there they are not a threat.

I have a Smith & Wesson Model 386sc .357 magnum revolver I like very much for general outdoor use. It lets me select from a wide range of loads including shotshells or heavy self-defense loads. 18.5 ounced unloaded.

I have this same revolver and for the same purpose. It's very light, compact, corrosion resistant, has a great set of factory sights and grips, has a capacity of 7 rounds, is extremely reliable, and there are lots of cartridge and holster options. I don't think it can be beat as a trail gun outside of grizzly country. The only problem is that it's been discontinued, but I see them sometimes on Gunbroker.com.

BTW, I'm not a fan of snake shot and don't bother carrying it. I've never come across a snake that didn't hurry out of my way when given the chance, so I don't see any point in shooting them.

[Oceanbob]

This guy went Swimming with his GLOCK 29 10MM

Taking the G29 rafting today

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I'm going rafting/tubing down a local river in just a little bit. I'm not that worried about needing a pistol for SD use, but you never know. I've seen Deliverance, and a G29 would have saved them from a bit of rectal pain. I plan to avoid such discomfort in my life, so I'm thinking I'll take my loyal companion along for a ride. Plus, after carrying for nearly two years, I feel pretty naked and vulnerable without it.

The pistol WILL get wet. It will likely be fully submerged for most of the trip. I'm kind of excited to test it, along with my ammo. I plan on keeping it in the cargo pocket of my bathing suit. I'll have it lashed to me with parachute cord, through the lanyard hole. I'll also be carrying in condition 3 (empty chamber) since I don't want my leather holster to get soaked, and a accidental discharge could ruin my day.

If I do, in fact, go tubing and take it, I'll likely test fire the ammo after I get done (after I clear all of the water from the gun). I'd like to know how well my ammo will hold up in water. As I said, it should be submerged most of the time (about 3 hours). I guess we will see how it goes.

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And the verdict is . . . FLAWLESS!!! I was in the water for 3.5 hours. The gun was submerged nearly the entire time. I had it tied to my bathing suit, and in my pocket. I barely noticed it. I even jumped off a 30 foot cliff twice with it in my pocket. On the way home I stopped and dumped the mag. Not a hiccup. It did start to rub against my knee once I got out of the water. I am utterly impressed with both Glock and my hand loads. I'm sorry, but I don't think it gets much cooler than having a gun soaking wet for 3.5 hours, then firing it WET, and not having a failure. Absolutely too cool. I'm beyond sold. Glock is the best.

EDIT: I forgot to add that the gun has 340 rounds worth of crap built up in it as well. I put 340 rounds through it Saturday and Sunday and didn't clean it until just now. Amazing gun

Thread here:

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1350840

[jptopz]

As if you haven't heard it yet, you cant beat a Glock for durably and function under water. Just make sure that if your pistol gets wet you carry some oil and a rag with you so you can strip it down, and oil it up.
If you are not worried about bear stopping power how about a mid sized Glock 19, 23. That way you can conceal it in the future, but still have fun shooting it at the range.

[Snapping Twig]

I am going to suggest what I use for the very same purpose - 3" RB .44mag.

You simply can not do better.

Concealable, powerful, accurate.

Load it with Spl's for controllable fire, shot for snakes, mags for penetration.

It is accurate to great distance, does not hurt to fire with magnums, hides away and won't be burdensome, weight - it's a pistol full of big bullets - get a proper holster system that spreads the weight.



I had this one made custom for me 20+ years back and I do not set foot in the woods without it.

[Striker]

Depending on what you can conceal and shoot well; Glock 26 or 27. If you can conceal something a little larger; Glock 19, 23, 32 or HK USP compact in 9mm or .40

[Mikeb]

I vote for the long colt in a cowboy holster. Think of it as a fashion statement. And if I saw you while hiking I'd probably just say "Howdy".
take care
Mike

[almaster666]

a snub nose .357 or a Glock 27 would probably be a good solution.

[MAC USMC]

You mentioned weight as a negative factor since you will be fly fishing. For that reason alone I agee with 003 about the .22 Magnum. This is a powerful round, the ammo and the weapon are NOT overly heavy and the guns are available in stainless steel. .22 Magnum ammor is a sold everywhere and has been popular for a long time. I met a old guy who shot numerous whitetail deer with his .22 Magnum (on his own land), said they were all one shot kills. i would not recommend this practice for humane reasons.

I tend to like semi-autos and suggest you re-consider "bear trouble" potential. They can be very unpredictable at times particularly if they are with cubs, ill, injured or cornered. I would carry a .45 in the back country. Do not concern yourself about someone seeing your weapon out in the woods. That is a GOOD THING my friend. It is called a DETERRENT FACTOR.

Carrying a gun on you is NOT supposed to be "comfortable" - it is supposed to be COMFORTING.

[llamatrnr]

Since you already have a 1911, I'd stick with that caliber with a Glock 30SF or 36. The 36 accepts Glock 21 10-round magazines, too.

Welcome to the forum. As you can already see, there are many opinions, but the one thing we all agree on is that new members are always welcome. Don't be shy about posting; everyone here was a new member once . . .

[tbhracing]

Tagged. I would go with the Glock 19. Thats my travel/road/wild gun.

ADD- I would NOT get a 10mm pistol. You will regret it down the line.