Hiking Gun?

[Neogumby]

Do you carry a handgun when hiking? If so what model/caliber? Where do you go hiking, and what are certain "threats" you have to be cautious about in your neck of the woods?

I would go hiking a good deal in Florida, and I always carried my 45 on me for gators (which were present in spades). Curious to see what other people are doing in other locales.

[rogerme]

I always have a sidearm. If I am going in the woods I carry a Ruger 44 as well as a ar. We got bears moose among other critters but those are the two that I would be most concerned about. Hiking is anything past my curtilage..

[Artful]

I carry several different handguns - for general messing around 45 ACP 1911 - either single stack or double stack with aluminum frame and commander slide works well for smaller 4 legged and all 2 legged predator's. If I'm small game hunting 22LR Ruger Mk2 with suppressor works well. Social walks in the park 9mm does well.

[66427vette]

John Ross / performance center Smith Wesson 500 . You never know when you will run into a yeti.

[CanNotHear]

Glock 20SF, 230 gr WFNGC, also in Florida.

[Brittsc]

My buddy that hikes a good bit carries the scandium 357 mag by S&W. Pricey but light.

Britt

[finn]

.22 pistol for snakes. Hiking 2-5 strong, the bigger animals aren't nearly as big a concern.

[AkGun&ammo]

A lot depends on time of year, and what State I happen to be in.

March thru November here in AK- normally a 45 Colt lately been a Smith Mountain Gun, but usually a Ruger Blackhawk. (300 gr load)
If going to areas with greater chance of furry encounter- a 460
November in Texas- a Glock 20SF w/ 180 gr loads or if in Town a Smith Airweight in 38 SPC
Kansas- Well- got to play the concealed carry real careful- so Smith Airweight in 38 SPC with a lockable storeage container available in vehicle.
In July on a drop off salmon stream- a 300 WSM in camp, a short 12 ga, and a 460!!!
In Anchorage- a good concealable in minimum caliber to do whatever needs doing.
In Fairbanks- depends once again on areas.... some are more dangerous than others

Chris

[jlwilliams]

When I carry hiking it's the same as anywhere else I may carry. 9mm pocket gun (pf9) or Glock 17 depending on clothing. I'm considering switching to a wheel gun for a few reasons. If I do it will probably be a 38. The only threats likely around here are two legged or dogs.

[jurist]

Integrally suppressed Ruger Mk 3 most of the time as its especially quiet and handy for small game or an impromptu target practice session. Other times, CZ-75 SP-01 Shadow, or Glock 17. If I'm going camping and have a backpack I bring a broken down LWRC PSD with suppressor, but usually the rifle stays in the truck.

[shud1970]

I carry a Glock 27 with Cor-Bon 135 gr HP. I have the +2 ext grip on my mags so they carry 11 and +1 in the G27 with a spare mag of 11. It's small and easy to carry and has the .40 cal power.

[Buckleup]

XD .45 for me. 2 Extra mags (30 rounds total). And a built up Ruger 10/22 (with 2 extra mags, and 100 extra rounds in a box). All of that is for more than a day hike. Day hike is only the XD. Most of the bears that I have seen over the years, just run off as soon as they see me.

[BISHOP]

I bought the Glock 27 for JUST THAT purpose.
I consider it a "throw away" gun. I actually don't like Glocks but bought this one because I liked the tineyness of it. I have a Pearce +1 on the mags that match the gun PERFECTLY and makes it s oyou can actually hold the gun properly.
The finish is durable enough for sweat and rain, and the 40S&W cal is NOT A 9MM.
I used to take mine fly fishing and several times (while in the pocket of the waders) it was submerged for hours in the cold Maine waters.


BISHOP