Handgun for Backpacking

[SoCalEnthusiast]

so your saying a 9mm doesnt have enough power? i dunno man.

[Sam .223]

I carry a g17 or a usp 40. I've run into all sorts of predators and a few pot farms and wouldn't hike without a side arm at the very least, sometimes I carry my light weight ar if I feel there may be a need.

[SoCalEnthusiast]

whats the worst predator that you've encountered!?

[SoCalEnthusiast]

whats the worst predator that you've encountered!?

[John Browning]

what do you mean pot growers?

People grow weed out in the national forest (illegally of course) and are known to be armed.

so your saying a 9mm doesnt have enough power? i dunno man.

In California, the 9mm is plenty for back country carry. In places with Brown Bear and Moose, there isn't a handgun large enough and I'd bring a 12ga.

[kcjr1125]

Ruger Alaskan in .44mag

Or in 454

[rsrocket1]

just shoot the spray into their nose and they are seriously out of commission.

C'mere Yogi and sit still while I spray this "liquid pikanic basket" up your nose. BooBoo can get some after you.

If you really want to feel safe bring this:


or this "beam me up Scotty":


Just enjoy your hike, stay on the established trails, use a bear cannister if you think you must and keep your hiking stick handy.

[SOAR79]

I'm thinking my 357 snub nose should be enough

[SacTown]

I carry my Glock 29 loaded with Double Tap 200 grain hard cast. Great for 2 and 4 legged critters while not being a burden to carry along.

[SoCalEnthusiast]

I carry my Glock 29 loaded with Double Tap 200 grain hard cast. Great for 2 and 4 legged critters while not being a burden to carry along.

Have you ever had to use it? The outcome?

[Cucv]

Why not just carry a 45/70 rifle?

[Dirty Monkey]

It depends where I go. I usually carry my 1911 .45 or my Ruger SBH 7 1/2 .44mag with Hot loads. I have been thinking of getting a short lever action rifle, .44 mag.

[SacTown]

Have you ever had to use it? The outcome?

No thank God. Situational awareness goes a long way to avoid these types of confrontations, however, if you're walking through thick brush/woods you can only do so much to avoid. This is why having whatever you have on you (firearm/bear spray) readily available to be used in a quick fashion. Risk factors in the CA woods: humans (specifically pot growers) > mountain lions > snakes > black bears. Or something along those lines. Basically you have other things to worry about than just bears. Try to avoid these if at all possible.

[raws]

Idk where you're hiking but I'm assuming its mainly CA since this is Calguns. That being said, the only bears you're going to encounter here (and in most of the US for that matter) are black bears and they aren't especially large or dangerous to humans, so something in .40, .357, or .45 should be more than enough. That'll be more than enough to protect you from anyone you'd encounter out there that wanted to harm too.

[raws]

Also as far as mountain lions go, if one wants to attack and kill you it will whether you have a gun in your backpack or not. The general rule with mountain lions is if you see one it won't attack you. If one wants to attack you won't know until it does.