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I've spent a lot of time in the back country, and my thoughts are that a good 12ga with buck and slugs is what you're going to want for bear country if you're stationary for a while or car camping. I used to have a double coach gun that broke down for transport and was easy to transfer into our tent. Now, for a long-gun I'm going to bring a Winchester model 12 takedown and a couple boxes of shells.
If you're through-hiking/camping/portaging a canoe, etc. weight becomes a major concern, and at that point, I'd probably downsize to a reliable major caliber weapon that is as light as possible, for big cats/coyotes/tweakers. From my current collection that would be something like my Smith Airweight and 3-4 six-round speed strips, or my Shield 9mm and 2 spare 8-round mags. I also just got a backpacker stock for our PC carbine 9mm that makes it into a very slick little package. Not great for bears, but for everything else it'd do fine. Both handguns are quick to deploy and are carried in a Hill People gear chest rig. I fly-fished all over Missouri, hiking/wading/scrambling with my Shield 9mm and a spare mag and always felt well-armed.
For hiking and bears - I really do feel like bells/clapping/singing/whistles are good to avoid startling momma bear, with a big can of bear spray on your shoulder strap as a main line of defense. If I were to buy a handgun for bear county, I'd probably look for a lightweight K-frame size .357/44 mag revolver. I don't know if I could be effective with a .454 casull rig.Last edited by MissiontoMars; 03-12-2022, 11:47 PM. -
I backpack and carry a LCRx3 38 sp.
Ammo is Buffalo Bore 38sp Outdoorsman. 5 in the revolver and 5 more in a speed strip.
That’s the most gun weight I’m willing to carry. I started with a 4” 686 and over time changed to lighter weight guns until I found the Goldilocks of backpacking guns!Comment
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I usually bring my Glock 26, or a ruger .357, but was thinking the same thing. Need Glock 29🙂Comment
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G19 if mobileOriginally posted by KestryllOriginally posted by CALGUNS.NETComment
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My camping backpacking gun is a S&W 640 Pro10/15/2022 - Called to get on the list
2/18/2023 - Interview set
4/27/2023 - Class
4/30/2023 - Live Scan
5/9/2023 - Interview
6/26/2023 - Approval Letter
8/1/2023 - IssuedComment
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M&P Shield for hiking. It's lightweight. 1911 in campgrounds or a 14.5" AR.Comment
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I keep a Glock 20sf in a Kifaru “tombstone” holster on my pack belt while on backpacking trips.When the battle drum beats, it is too late to sharpen your sword."
Sir Winston ChurchillComment
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GP100 4" .357 mag.
Sent from my SM-G996U using TapatalkComment
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This.
To OP:
9mm Shield for backpacking. 9mm will work just fine on mountain lions. But think long about if its even necessary.
For camping: Glock 21.
For bears are you talking about black bears or brown bears? There is a difference. Black bears are timid, brown bears are extremely aggressive. There are no brown bears in CA. I wouldnt bother carrying a gun for black bears. If you are near brown bears, you really should have a guide and not be on your own. Unless you plan to backpack in Alaska or Yellowstone, I'd forget about carrying a gun for bear protection. A lot of people throw around terms like "bear country" like all bears are the same. Its kind of a dumb term to use. For black bears at a campsite just bring some bear spray and secure your food. Dont be a slob and you wont have to worry about black bears.Last edited by Tere_Hanges; 03-13-2022, 2:29 PM.CRPA and NRA member.
Note that those who have repeatedly expressed enough vile and incoherent content as to render your views irrelevant, have been placed on my ignore list. Thank you for helping me improve my experience and direct my attention towards those who are worthy of it. God bless your toxic little souls.Comment
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SW 29 or 629 3".Comment
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Two very strong recommendations- Glock 19 and/or S&W Shield in 9, off roster.Comment
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