CCW Revolver for Hiking

When I first started hunting and hiking in bear and cougar country in the Cascade mountains, I carried a 4" 686+ with 158 grain JSP hunting loads. It needed a 2" belt to carry comfortably. But, after a while I noticed that I was seeing very little bear or cougar scat and tracks and more dog, coyote and people sign. So, I shifted to a 3" Model 60 with the same 158 JSP loads. Much easier to carry for the likely threat. The Model 60 is comfortable for me with the 158's, but I am considering the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator loads for the slight chance of a bear encounter. If I were to resume using the 686+, I think I would buy a Trail Packer holster and attach it to the kidney belt on my day pack to ease the load while still providing concealed carry. Hope this helps a bit in your decision making.
 
I'm a fan of the S&W K frames. Carrying a 2 1/2" through 4" on a good gun belt in a quality OWB holster in the woods is my preferred firearms system. If you must be discreet (or politically correct with the granola crowd) a light field vest or untucked shirt in warm weather should suffice.

I'd like to see the new Model 66 offered in a 3" barrel and then I might even give it a try. We'd have to see if the younger set would get behind a new line of revolvers though, before Smith and Wesson will start giving us more options in their wheelgun line-up.

Revised: The exciting news is that S&W is bringing out the new Model 66 in a 2 3/4" version. That would be worth a look at least.
 
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I had a 649-? in 357. I traded it for a 31. I have a 60, 649, and 642 in 38 special and am very happy with them (the 642 is my main off-duty carry gun). If I feel the need for a 357 smaller than my 686, I will carry my SP101. I have SP101s in 357, 327, 22lr. (Never say never) You will never be able to break it. Worth every penny.
 
Overall, for the OP's stated use - hiking - .357 Magnum is an excellent choice east of the Mississippi. West, I prefer a .44 Magnum. Either is effective against two and four legged predators, the latter marginally effective for large bears.

The other requirement is concealment. The easiest way to conceal is with an IWB holster. The maximum practical barrel length is 3", so that or a 2-1/2" would be appropriate. In steel, these S&W revolvers weigh about 40 oz, which with hand-filling grips handle even the stiffest .357 recoil with ease. A 3" 66 would weigh about 35 oz, also ample mass for recoil control, but on the $$ side for starters.

There was also a scandium framed .357 Night Guard, now discontinued. At 25 oz recoil gets to be a factor, but not like in a 15 oz J-frame.

I use a Sparks VM2 for mine. It has a wide back which spreads the weight well. Worn it all day with the 3" and almost forgot it was there. I also have an Alessi shoulder holster, which is comfortable and easily concealable under a light vest or jacket. You need an open front for accessibility. I've used it with a backpack, and for driving (for accessibility). You can't really conceal a tanker type holster. The butt is right in front and sticks out a bit.

I conceal even where open carry is allowed, so that the bed wetters on the trails don't get excited.
 
Small and light has always been a draw for me. Doesn't matter if it's phones, guns, etc. I've always appreciated "micro" technology and thought if you could do the same with less why not?
Now having said that I'm a big proponent of define the Job and let that dictate the tools. Military/LE folks seem to say something like "mission dictates equipment".
In your case weight seems important but size less so. Why not a 386xl, hunter. It's a bit rare but I'm sure they are out there. 357 in a light weight 6 shot revolver. 6" for sight radius/ ballistics, proven 357 caliber, all in a full sized grip and light weight.
 
I spend a lot of time wandering around the hills to the west of me, normally carry a 60-15 (3"), sometimes a 60-14 (2.125"). I have a 66 2.25" but its a bunch heavier.
 
How about the 640 pro? Compact, 5 shots of .357, stainless, full grip, night sights...


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360sc is an older model that goes for under 500$
12 oz 5 shot .357; carry in a pocket holster and forget about it
Or the more modern 340pd/360pd
Liberty 357 ammo is very light " 50grain & 2000 fps
 
When I'm out and about in the Colorado mountains, I carry a Colt 1911 45acp loaded with the handloads I use for everything from sd to target shooting.

I've shot a few fairly large animals that with this setup with sucess.

To me, the 45acp in a 1911 will solve any problem I might encounter while being much, much more pleasant to carry than any of my revolvers (except the M 34 or M 38, nether of which is as useful against Colorado black bear or mountain lion as the 1911) regardless of frame size.

Speed is paramount in encounters with large predictors. They move much more quickly than most folks can imagine and can get to you in a flash.

For me, the 1911 is the quickest handgun to deploy and get good hits with. Don't imagine that you can dawdle with large carnivores.

I sure wouldn't select a 357 j frame unless I shot hundreds of the mag ammo each month for a while and could demonstrate both speed from the holster and quick hits.

If you can locate a range with a 'charging bear' target set up ( bear comes at you at 30 mph over 50, then 25 yards) you might be shocked about what you can't do.

Pick a defensive system, master it, don't mess with a 'rotation' of hand guns: stick to one and master it.
 
Rpg said:
When I'm out and about in the Colorado mountains, I carry a Colt 1911 45acp loaded with the handloads I use for everything from sd to target shooting.

I've shot a few fairly large animals that with this setup with sucess.

To me, the 45acp in a 1911 will solve any problem I might encounter while being much, much more pleasant to carry than any of my revolvers (except the M 34 or M 38, nether of which is as useful against Colorado black bear or mountain lion as the 1911) regardless of frame size.

Speed is paramount in encounters with large predictors. They move much more quickly than most folks can imagine and can get to you in a flash.

For me, the 1911 is the quickest handgun to deploy and get good hits with. Don't imagine that you can dawdle with large carnivores.

I sure wouldn't select a 357 j frame unless I shot hundreds of the mag ammo each month for a while and could demonstrate both speed from the holster and quick hits.

If you can locate a range with a 'charging bear' target set up ( bear comes at you at 30 mph over 50, then 25 yards) you might be shocked about what you can't do.

Pick a defensive system, master it, don't mess with a 'rotation' of hand guns: stick to one and master it.
Click to expand...

^^^^what he said. Solid advice. I would simply suggest that you select the gun with which you are most familiar and the most comfortable. Although I don't really like it, I always choose my Model 67 when qualifying for my CCW: I have fired almost 19,000 rounds through it. I just point it and allow it to shoot itself. Never fails. :D

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
I live in Georgia and frequently go hiking in the GA/NC mountains. In the past 15 years I have completely worn out 3 pairs of boots. If the area I was planning to go to was not on fire I would be in the woods right now. For most of that time I never carried but a few years ago while hiking quietly by myself I surprised a feral pig nursing her young. The sow responded much more aggressively than the few black bears with cubs have walked up on and I decided that if ran across an aggressive criminal, pig or bear again I wanted something more than sharp stick. All the pig did was make threats and it did not have claws or long sharp teeth but in my defense it must have weighed 250-300 pounds. While the pig is what prompted me to start carrying by far the biggest threat here would be walking on two legs so if all I can carry is something big enough for criminal threats but too weak for bears and pigs it is still worth carrying.

I am still searching for the best carry option. Like you I prefer to carry concealed. Even though open carry is legal here in 2000 miles of hiking I have only seen a couple of hikers and a few hunters open carrying and would rather not draw attention to myself. Concealed carry with a pack is harder than it sounds. Particularly when it is too hot to wear a cover garment of some type.

What I carry most often is a Glock 19 which fits into the big enough for criminals but too weak for 400 pound animals category. In an IWB holster at 3:30 it is slim enough to not be very noticeable and just barely clears the straps on my pack. A Glock 29 is thicker but has a similar profile and is a lot easier to conceal than a big revolver. I have considered buying one but while Glocks are normally extremely reliable 10mm ammo varies so much in power even Glocks can have trouble when loaded with the hot ammo you would want for bears. Search "What RSA for a Glock 29 with Underwood ammo". And while a hot 10mm is about as powerful as a 357 a 44 is a big step up in power. I still might buy one despite that. I have shot a friends G29 with hot ammo and it is much more controllable and less painful to shoot than a lightweight 357 snubby.

Nearly 2 years ago I bought a S&W 69 which is a L frame, 5 shot 44 magnum with a 4.25 inch barrel. It is much harder to conceal. About the best I can do is "concealed enough" carry with it. If anyone is looking it is obvious I have a gun but the people most likely to be upset with that are also the least likely to notice. The best carry option I have found with a gun that size is an OWB pancake holster at 3:00 which means unless it is cool enough for a cover garment I cannot carry it concealed. When I ordered my holster I got loops to allow IWB carry but the grip of the gun always got hung up in my pack straps. I also tried the Hill People gear bag but found getting the gun out was slow and it is uncomfortable in warm weather. Going back to the pig incident that prompted me to start carrying I was surprised how fast the whole thing happened. An encounter with a criminal would probably be just as sudden

BTW, I really like my 69. If you decide to go with a big gun it is definately worth a look.
 
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dwever said:
Here are three for hiking.

If the protection also applies to dangerous game my choice would be the 327 TRR8. Conceals fine with a light jacket, but not so well if it is hot. Has a scandium frame so the whole gun is only 35 ounces and is therefore a very easy carry (see picture 2). Is an 8 shot. Handles very hot loads with no problem whatsoever (550 - 750 ft. lbs. of .357 Magnum). With the two minute installation of the lower rail it can take a Streamlight 800 Lumen weapon light (and laser) such as the TL-2 HL G which can super light up the woods. Drawback is you're going to pay Simply Rugged $190 for a holster that accommodates that weapon light (I know) or accommodates an optic.

If you're only needing protection from other humans: the 627 or 586 L-Comp. Both weigh in at 37 ounces and can easily handle .357 Magnum 540 ft. lbs. (I was shooting just such American Eagle today) which is probably too much for human concerns. The 627 is an 8 Shot the 586 a 7 Shot.

All three have numerous holster options from companies like Galco and Simply Rugged.
All three are cut for moon clips.
All three are highly accurate.
I also use the 627 with CCI Shot in the Summer for reptiles.

For a woods and weapon light I choose the Surefire 2211 X. A small 300 lumen weapon light for your wrist that puts the beam right where you need it when you're support hand is on the weapon using a normal two-handed grip. Takes a battery, the 123A for 90 minutes run time on high and 13 hour run time on low. There is also a USB rechargeable version that has a much lower profile since it doesn't need the housing for the 123A, the 2211. It has the same Lumen ratings, but 60 minutes on high, and still 13 hours on the same low (be careful not to buy the older 180 lumen version of the 2211). I wear the 123A version on duty and no longer have a back-up flash light on my duty belt, just my primary.
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I agree with the 3" L-Comp. 7 rounds of 357 from a large frame is ideal. This is my recommendation. It handles recoil well, it's accurate and it has a high capacity.

4" and 5" barrels are better suited towards a shoulder holster.

My 7.5" Performance Center 629 44 Magnum carries well in a Bandolier holster.


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For a woods/trail gun I carry a 625-5 4" .45 Colt bought specifically for defense against black bear and anything smaller in NC, GA, & FL. I pack it with Buffalo Bore .45 Colt ammo, standard pressure, 255gr. gas checked soft cast bullet rated at 1000 fps with a M.E. of 566 ft. lbs.
 
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When my grandson and I venture off the beaten path, which isn't far, I carry a 3" M60 with the first 2 rounds 38 shot shell and the other 3, 38 +P Hornady CD. We usually don't encounter too big of critters hiking outside the city limits. No bear sightings yet.:D
 
Handgun carry in the woods for me can be broken down into several categories: 1) Carry for plinking & small game; 2) Carry for two-legged critter defense; 3) Carry for four-legged critter defense or big game hunting.

Category 1 - I would take something chambered in 22LR. My choice for this category is my Ruger MkII.

Category 2 - Here I would opt for one of my EDC handguns, likely an auto. If I want to blur categories 1 & 2 a bit, I might choose to carry a revolver in 38 Special or 357 Magnum which can shoot both self defense ammo and light target loads. Why a revolver? They function with a wider variety of ammo when compared to an auto. This includes shot shells.

Category 3 - I would take a revolver in 44 Magnum. My choice is my 629 Mountain Gun.

It has been said before and it still holds true, "ounces equal pounds when hiking". Therefore, if I feel safe leaving my big heavy revolvers at home I will.

Below is my Ruger LCRx 3" chambered in 38 Special +P. At approximately one pound, it makes a light weight option. As a bonus over my snubbies, the 3" tube gives more velocity for my +P defensive rounds and the increased sight radius makes it easier to shoot accurately at small game.

I now live in Arkansas where four-legged threats are very rare so the light LCRx is my choice for the hiking trails and as a companion to my hunting long arms.

Edmo

image_zpsesem8df8.jpeg
 
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Consider a S&W Shield in .40 S&W or .45 a.c.p.

Small, thin, light with plenty of punch up close. I sometimes carry my Glock 19 & 31 in a small of the back holster with a daypack and it is comfortable, though it would not work well with a full size backpack. Try a cross draw holster.
 
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