Handgun for Backpacking

[Jeff P]

Here is my fav, S&W 329PD http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it's an easy pistol to carry. Use the supplied rubber grips, kicks like a mule in 44 mag. Note the pistols weight. Easy to practice with 44 specials rounds.
I wouldn't worry about California bears.
But my wife has met two people robbed by a person wielding a knife on the John Muir Trail.

[dbbspider]

For hiking in CA, I carry a Charter Arms pug in .44 special and an old Ping 6 iron (doubles as a walking stick and a defense weapon). .44 special is plenty for CA.

[Kurgan]

DFG reports a total of 12 bear "attacks" in California since 1980 and none of them fatal. I'm personally not too worried about that. You are somewhat more likely to be attached by a mountain lion than a bear and far more likely to be attacked by a two legged scumbag.

Personally I believe that any handgun is marginal for shooting a bear. I wouldn't want to shoot one with anything smaller than a 44 Magnum with at least 240 grain softpoints and if I did, I'd shoot it as many times as I could get shots off. If I was in an area where I really thought I might need to shoot one, I'd use a 12 gauge with OO buck or a rifle.

I carry a Ruger SP101 in California.

[Socalman]

If in grizzly country you need the bear spray if you are concerned about them. The less aggressive black/brown bear (they are the same) will generally be frightened off by lots of noise. Other 4 legged predators can be taken out with a .357, .40 or .45 though if a mountain lion gets your neck from behind, you will never have a chance to fire your weapon. I would generally be more concerned with 2 legged predators and for those most any handgun will suffice. Ok, the smaller calibers are not the best choice.

[kayaker]

I have a Ruger SP101 that is my woods gun. If backpacking even that is heavy, anything bigger or heavier is just a PITA in my opinion. A compact Glock is another good option. I've hunted and packed in Cal. a lot and anytime I've seen a bear it was a none issue but you just never know. Loaded open carry is legal on National Forest and BLM land. Due to recent changes in the law it might even be legal in National Parks, it is in other states, not sure about Cal.

[SoCalEnthusiast]

So you think a 9mm is too small?

[smittty]

So you think a 9mm is too small?

Not too small for breaking bottles and it's good for shooting straight up in the air. Just make sure you use lead free.

[maddoggie13]

Kel tec 2000 and glock both in 40 s&w.

[kayaker]

So you think a 9mm is too small?

If you are thinking about protecting yourself from a bear? Yes, I think it's too small.

[meyerlemony]

Really, for a bear in CA, a better bet is a can of bear spray and good "bear country manners." No food in your tent/car, make noise going down the trail so you don't surprise any, and you should be just fine.

There is something to having something nice and light in case you run into any two legged problems. Although bear spray works quite nicely for those, too!

[jeffrice6]

Ruger! Either 357 or better yet .44

[fmunk]

If a bear's running at me I'm gonna blast it and worry about paying the fine later.

If the fine is so great that it would put me in financial hardship for years to come, I'd rather just have the bear eat me.

These are black bears we are talking about. I think it's the last species you'll have problems with. It's mountain lions and the two legged kind that are the ones you need protection for. Both have a long track record of attacks, and neither gives a rat's *** to the state's asinine laws.

[Justintoxicated]

So you think a 9mm is too small?

Depends, if you want to piss the bear off it's probably fine.

If I was worried about Bears, 454 Casull, 460 or 500 S&W is what I would pack for hiking (if it was allowed).

[fmunk]

So you think a 9mm is too small?

Don't bother installing sights on that 9mm of yours. It'll hurt less when the bear shoves your pistol up your a**.

A large male black bear can weigh more than two NFL linebackers combined. If you can put a bullet in the bear's eye socket while under stress, you might have a chance.

[bbgughj]

.44 Bulldog would do ....