Now that the National Parks are open to legally-armed citizens complying with state laws, I've given considerable thought to what I'd like to pack while hiking trails that are somewhat far from civilization. I have but one gun in my inventory that I consider ideal for packing in the field as a defense gun against either 2- or 4-legged critters.

First, I'd like the gun to be fairly light, although not so light that it would make the recoil painful and preclude fast follow-up shots. Second, I want an effective stopping cartridge. The .44 magnum and the .41 Magnum are just too much, and the .357 magnum sometimes isn't enough. I want the finish to be stainless, so that bad weather won't affect the gun unduly. The barrel length should allow one to sit down comfortably with the gun holstered. The gun should go bang every time the trigger is pulled, with little or no chance of a malfunction. In the rare event of a malfunction, a quick second try capability would be mandatory. Simpler is better. Nothing to remember except point and pull the trigger.

Now let's go back to caliber. One would want a large cross section, more than adequate stopping power, and manageable recoil. These criteria point to the .45 Colt. I'm not talking about Cowboy loads, but a substantial power level in the order of a 250-grain bullet at around 1,000 fps. I like the "chop factor" of hard-cast semiwadcutters for good frontal impact and bloodletting ability. These loads are not hard to handle; the recoil is more of a shove than a whack, and allow for fast repeat shots.

To me, this would indicate a .45 Colt-chambered stainless revolver with a slim 4-inch barrel. The Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun series would be ideal, but I would want the old-style hammer (firing pin on the hammer) and cylinder release, and a red ramp front sight for easy acquisition in the field. I like the older square grip configuration for a more substantial grip. Forget about the dumb lock S&W is putting on most of its newer revolvers. I'd want the gun to have a smooth action job to provide a slick double action pull.

Here's what I've settled on. It's a model 625-6 Mountain gun, modified as above. The stocks are smooth Ahrends retro classics to convert the round butt to square. You'll find this baby on my hip when I'm in the field. I don't think I could be better armed with a more appropriate gun. How about you?

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Good choice.

Double Tap makes a 255 gr SWC load at 900-1000 fps and about 500 ft pounds or energy.

When I carry a revolver while camping or hiking, I carry a speedloader which can be accessed quickly and also another 30-40 rounds in a zip lock bag stashed in my pack.

I am not going to be very popular here. First, I like to pack and do as much as anyone here. I worked two seasons with the park service. 1960 in yosemite and the grand tetons in 1961. We didnt even think of packing guns on the job back then. Maybe the goverment didnt care for our safety? A number of times as a fire fighter we were dropped far in the back country for days (by heliocopter) and then spent another day walking out when we put out a lighting strike or whatever.
Another time I and my boss wrestled a shotgun from a tourist that was going to shoot a coyote that a woman was feeding!
The only time I recall wanting or needing a gun badly, was once I was crawling through very thick manzanita as a blister rust checker and comeing on a VERY fresh cougar killed deer. That did make me more nervous than any other experiance. I know of a incident in yellowstone where some idiot tourist put their kid on a bears back for a picture. The bear killed the kid! How about the guy about 20 years ago that was a cannibal and found with some human fingers wrapped up in wax paper?
Then that guy that killed those two or three women out of long barn near yosemite?
When you work in the park service you see almost unbelivable things dudes will do. As soon as they get past the park entrance sign you are apt to see a car stopped dead center in the middle of the road with all the doors open and the people standing on the shoulder takeing pictures of animals or the view!
Haveing been there, done that, I belive guns are far more needed for protection from humans than critters!
Another time I and a girl friend was sleeping in the open without a tent. Other campers were partying and makeing racket. The next morning a guy was found about 80 yards from us kicked almost to death and dieing!
Times have changed. The animals havent. I just find it ironic that 50 years ago not a thought was given for us who lived working there to be armed and now even the tourists are permitted to carry guns. I think it is a good thing though as long as the good guys know how and when to use them. Far as the bad guys go, its all irrelative as they are going to do what they want, law or no law.

Could be wrong but my understanding is that you can now carry concealed if you can legally do so in that state. Nothing about open carry has become legal. Since CCW is just that, "concealed", most folks will never know the difference. I just hope that those who carry concealed keep it that way and don't go around flashing their guns and screw it up for the rest of us.

How about a Browning BLR lever action take-down rifle in .358 Winchester in a light back pack with a few extra loaded mags.

When I worked yosemite one weekend while lounging around our tent I happened to see one of my buddys sitting reading with his back against a tree. I seen a bear walking right towards the tree from the otherside. I probley should have hollered a warning but instead fished out my browning hawkeye. I got a nice picture of him and the bear running opposite directions! Hope I can find it!

You carry by following the laws of that particular state. Before the previous, short-lived, law was revolked, you could only carry concealed. Now you can carry either way as long as that's permissable in the state in which the park is located. Here in Georgia we can do either. And like you Capt Steve, I hope others don't mess it up for the rest of us. Let's all carry responsibly.

That's right, according to an Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument LEO I spoke with last week --- whatever is legal in the state is legal in whatever state(s) [watch this --- there may be more than one state jurisdiction in a park] the park is in. That's our most dangerous "park", much of the backcountry closed because of danger from smugglers.

Since you asked --- 4" 686 with either 158s or 125s. I can't decide if your 45 would be my first choice then the 686, or the other way around. Since I have a 686 and no 45s I'll go with it.

The wife and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon this year and I wonder --- Does a handgun have to be concealed? Or can it be carried open???
I think that I understand the park rules follow the state laws and AZ requires CC (unlike here in TN). Is this correct????

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In dog years I'm dead.

Depends on which national park. If there is a reasonable possibility that bears live there, I would rather be carrying something that throws .43 caliber 240gr hollowpoints about as fast as the factories load them. I realize that bear medicine is a slightly controversial subject, but right now I believe that that is the best bet. I do own three guns that would work just fine with that ammo, but only one is stainless, and for me that is fairly important. In addition, it has a 3" barrel, so it is pretty easy to conceal, and is double-Magnaported and has a set of Fishpaw grips that help greatly to keep recovery time reasonable.

If bears don't need to be figured in, I don't see anything wrong with most .357 Mag, .45ACP or Colt, or even some .38 Spl loads. There are dozens of guns that might be perfectly satisfactory as long as they are familiar, comfortable to carry, and can be fired fairly quickly. I would not exclude the 1911 or other good autos from the list. In fact, based on the fact that I once dropped a gun in dirt that was almost like a fine sand, the 1911 might be near the top of the list, as it is perhaps the easiest of all guns to detail disassemble.

Whoo-hoo! Bear thread!!! I feel pretty good about having a .44 with me whether in a park or just the regular old Nat'l Forest; I've carried both mags and Specials. Around these parts, cougars and wolves are far more prevalent than griz; black bears usually run the other way, but a .44 Spl will handle them if neccessary. You guys are correct - humanoids are probably the more likely threat. I have both 3" and 4" .44s depending on the location, time of year (dress), duration, etc. I prefer blued, but use stainless and hard chrome especially when fishing.

while I have plethora of smith n ruger revolvers in suitable calibers I find myself wanting a Glock 20 for woods protection duties.

I'd imagine any of my 357/44 revolvers would be fine though. I even carry 9mm and .45 occasionally in the rural woods around here and think I'd be fine.

I can tell you from experience there is no rifle that feels big enough if you see a brown or a grizzly bear. If I am poking along in the woods my model 60-10 is packable enough.............

S&W 640-1,125 gr.HP's,Simply Rugged holster,two speed strips,4 in each.

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WALSTIB

I believe you're right on that. I have a nice pancake concealment holster that should work for this gun; the only change I'd make would be to apply a set of Ahrends finger-groove concealment stocks in the round butt configuration; they are less likely to print than the stocks you see on the 625. Here's a shot of the concealment grips I like mounted on a 624 Lew Horton Special.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I do know that we in Arizona are allowed (even encouraged) to Open Carry, but I'm not sure if the National Park carry is different. I'll have to verify that before my next trip.

ONE reason to carry a weapon in the National Parks these days is not just for wild animal defense...but because many of our National Park areas have been taken over by Illegal Drug Growers. Not only do they stand ARMED guard against "normal" tourists stumbling upon their crop, but booby trap the surrounding area as well, to my understanding.
I have heard the horror stories out of California.


My choice: 3" Jframe in .357. (carried concealed with a CCW permit).

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Made in USA - Buy American

IMO, the farther in to the backcountry you go the less need you have for a gun. Why? Because the overwhelming threat in a park is not the critters, especially the bears, but some of the humans you encounter. For that reason, my primary concern in choosing a handgun will be its suitablity for use in self defense against human aggressors. Just about every bear you meet will have sense enough not to mess with a human. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about every human.

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Pisgah

I would pick either my M625 .45 ACP Mountain Gun or my M629 .44 Magnum Mountain Gun.

The ACP loaded with 230 gr HydraShocks and the .44 loaded with .44 Special CorBons, with a speedloader filled with Maggies.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Feralmerril, you've got my vote. I lived in SoCal long enough to see so much stupidity. I'm lucky enough to now have some land between me and the two legged critters. 4 legged ones haven't been a problem.
Most don't want to be anywhere near a human.

I have a Ruger Alasken in .454 & .45 Long Colt for my back woods gun .
I love the .45 Long Colt .
The only thing I would change with your excellent choice would be the addition of a lanyard ring . I added one to my Alasken and I love it .

I go into the mtns all the time in Colorado where there are Black Bears but mostly I carry for self defense against two legged types. I usually carry my .357 Mtn Gun loaded with 158 or 180 gr's and feel like it is adaquate for the job.

Just a heads-up. Tuff Strips is making "Speed Strips" in all popular large calibers. Google them...$8.49 a pair, comes in black or orange. I ordered .44 and .41 sizes.

If you are happy with it, who cares what anyone else thinks ? For same purpose I have chosen the S&W 329PD.

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Hook686

I'd like to get a 460 Rowland conversion for a 1911.

The 460 Rowland is roughly .44 Mag ballistics from a 4” revolver with regular factory loads.
With the Clark conversion and comp, recoil is reported to be relatively soft. Load it up with a 10 round mag, and 11 rounds of 44 mag in a 1911 would work for me in grizzly country.

Around here, I guess I’ll stick with the .40 cal Glocks and 45 acp 1911’s I already own.

Emory

A M625-9 MG in .45 Colt can be found on me at the times you listed. In my neck of the woods rattlesnakes are the my biggest threat, so I carry a couple of rounds of CCI shot.

faraim,

You reminded me that the only times I've seen bears is while unarmed (folding knife only) and on BSA ranches (Philmont and Charles L. Sommer Canoe Base) First at Philmont in NM had a black bear at about 15 feet right after hanging the bear bag. Last time was while canoeing in MN/Canada, had pulled into a spot looking for a campsite and came face to face with a blackie. He hightailed it back into the underbrush and we back out onto the lake! My choice of a backwoods gun is my Smith M58, well at least until I find either a M357PD or M357NG. (41aholic here)

CD

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De Oppresso Liber

I think you're on the right track. If bears aren't in the mix, a 1911 with a couple of spare mags would fit the bill. So would a lot of other things.


Okie John

Therein lies the keywords.
DO you prepare for the worst (bear), and carry a Heavy HOGLEG (and expect to be "good" with it under EXTREME pressure), or carry something convenient (like a 1911, .357, or even a 9mm or .38 for "basic" protection) and just suppliment THAT with a small can of belt-clip bearspray.

Arizona: I "compromise" and usually carry a Jframe with Heavy/Hardcasts (soon .357 Jframe) and a belt-clip can of spray.

Alaska...different story: 12ga w/slugs or .300+rifle. (some people DO use 454/500's...but not ME!) and a can of spray.

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Made in USA - Buy American

IF you are hiking with a buddy, you can get by with as little as a .22...(or spray) for anything from Bears to Cougers.

..cuz ya just gotta shot HIM in the kneecap (or spray HIM), and outrun HIM instead of the BEAR. Bears are attracted to a blinded buddy who's flailing around on the ground...and tastes like pepper. A .22 is fine for that.

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Made in USA - Buy American

.45 Colt

It's my Everglades Park gun. Bears aren't a problem. Gators and Drug Runners are....

Hiking with a mother in-law in flip flops adds a certain something to meeting a cougar or bear.

A round butt model 21 or 22 might work just fine, I'd opt for a 581 with some weigthy hard casts and a speedloader of Fed. 125 JHPs.

Pete

There ya go!

Reminds me of the old "Alaskan Divorce" story...

He and the wife go camping in Bear country, and he gets up EARLY to go fishing....As he leaves (with his fishing pole in his hand)...he lays 3 strips of raw bacon across the top of the tent.


Miami, that's a pretty Ruger (above). Nice pic.

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Made in USA - Buy American

Here in the Smokies we have black bears, but they usually head the other way. If they don't the .45ACP is more than enough to handle them, my grandfather was probably the first handgun hunter in the area (by neccessity, we was po' and surplus .45 was cheap) and he took most of his bears with the GI 45. When I hike around here, I usually take a Colt Det. Special, because around here it is the human animal that is the biggest threat, ditto when I am in the parks of the Southwest. In the Grizzly areas, I start getting comfortable at the .45acp-.44 special threshold. The main concern for my park guns is always Human threats first and Animal threats second. I have to rule out the .460-.500 and any other howdah, they are just too big for any appication but dedicated hunting.

My nearest NP is Glacier, and griz attacks have happened there over the years, sometimes fatal ones. Crime isn't much of a problem, or hasn't been. When I hike in Glacier NP I'm going to be packing a 4" 500. I agree that they might not be the way-to-go in many/most NPs, but Glacier is an exception to that IMHO, at least here in the lower 48.

For most of my purposes, I carry a 3" Ruger SP101 and Speer 158 Gold Dots. Most of my National Park time is seakayaking eastern coastal areas or hiking the Appalachians. That will work fine unless I go to Alaska. Not too worried about bears, moreso predatory humans.

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" I said, good DAY! "

Right you are! Odds are higher in Glacier.

Paladin,

The only problem I see with either of your sixguns is they're empty!


Cat

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Think for yourself.

If you are serious about your safety and not brand loyal, Glock 20. Good for man or beast.

My 629 Mountain Gun in a Simply Rugged Sourdough packed with 305grn Buffalo Bore hardcasts is on my backpack(hipbelt) when I bowhunt here in Washington. More than enough for the most likely problem(humans) and the least likely(black bear). Actually cougar would be the least likely, and my setup takes care of them too. I prefer having more than enough rather than enough when it comes to my or my family's protection. Just have to do my part with the revolver. We can open carry here, so it is with me when I am in the woods.

My property boarders the DWNRA. I walk my two dogs there every day.What ever is my carry gun at the time is what I use. Lots of black bears here but they tend to be very shy.

I still think I'm going to stick with my Bear Spray.

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Made in USA - Buy American

WELL I CARRY 66-5 3'' OR 686-4 4'' 7 SHOT & PEPPER SPRAY BEAR SPRAY WHAT EVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. I'M GOING TO BUY S&W460 5'' THATS RIGHT IF YOU CAN PACK IT WHO CARES WHAT SIZE YOUR FIREARM IS. ITS THAT YOU HAVE ONE PRACTICE ENOUGH TO USE IT WHEN YOU NEED TO. DON'T FORGET ABOUT THOSE POT GROWER TAKING OVER OUR NAT PARKS. THEY CATCH YOU YOU COULD BE DEAD. THEY CARRY AR-15 MAC-90 & THEY DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE. THEY ARE THE ONES I'M WORRIED ABOUT THEN THE OTHER IDIOT TWO LEGGED HUMAN. I CARRY THE BIGGEST BEAR SPRAY I CAN FIND LATELY 55OZ CAN ALWAY FOR ALL 4 LEGGED CRITTERS UNLESS IT HUNTING SEASON. SOMETIME I CARRY MY 357 SIG P.P. DON'T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS DOWN...

I'd carry according to the area.

I don't make it to Alaska or big bear area much, so my 9mm Glocks and S&W J frames are fine for what I'd run in to around the areas I hike and camp.

I have taken my Glocks hiking, kayaking, etc. and count on them as they are so rust resistant, durable, reliable and so easy to detail strip after they have been dunked and need a good cleaning.

If I was to go to bear country I'd likely take a Glock 20 SF that had been souped up with Double Tap or Buffalo Bore ammo.
I am well aware that it's rather small for bear, but my carpal tunnel and arthritis REALLY don't like bigger calibers.

In Alaska I'd likely get a Ruger Alaskan or a S&W .500 snub, strangely enough the friend's .500 that I have shot wasn't too bad recoil wise.

I find that pocket and/or fanny pack carry are great for hiking with a pack due to getting the gun away from the lower back and hips. The old "Tanker" style holsters work well for this also.

A big +1 on the Tuff Strips, great product that was way overdue.