photoman
Member
If you go with a J frame, I would recommend the Model 60. I think it would be advantageous having the single action option in the field.
Backpacking/Camping...Revolver advice
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Weight is always an issue for backpackers, but many backpackers ignore vital tactical issues to save a few ounces. I'd let the primary threats of wolves/black bears/drunken idiots should drive your choice.
The 357 is probably adequate wolf medicine, but they work in packs so you may need more than six shots, and you'll need them fast. That makes me think moon clips or a high-cap mag. The 357 strikes me as very light for bear defense, but five shots will probably be plenty, which makes me think of a 44 or 45. Anything adequate for bears or wolves would do for drunken college kids, so that's a wash.
Based on that, I'm thinking of a scandium 44 backed up by speedloaders or a scandium 45 ACP and moon clips. The scandium N-frames are only a few ounces heavier than the 640. The ammo is heavier, but you'll have the right thing when you need it.
After all, nothing is heavier than gear that turns out to be useless because it fails you when you need it.
Okie John
The 357 is probably adequate wolf medicine, but they work in packs so you may need more than six shots, and you'll need them fast. That makes me think moon clips or a high-cap mag. The 357 strikes me as very light for bear defense, but five shots will probably be plenty, which makes me think of a 44 or 45. Anything adequate for bears or wolves would do for drunken college kids, so that's a wash.
Based on that, I'm thinking of a scandium 44 backed up by speedloaders or a scandium 45 ACP and moon clips. The scandium N-frames are only a few ounces heavier than the 640. The ammo is heavier, but you'll have the right thing when you need it.
After all, nothing is heavier than gear that turns out to be useless because it fails you when you need it.
Okie John
snostud83
Member
I'm looking for a new revolver to take with me on a 60+ mile backpacking trip along the superior hiking trail (northern MN) but then to have as my go to camping gun. I take a few trips a year to the BWCA and voyagers Nat. park.
Weight is an issue as is caliber. I already know that I can't handle the magnum loads in the ultra light J frames, but .38+p is alright.
My first thought was to get a 442 or 642 and it could double as another city carry option, but then I'm thinking that I might want the .357mag so I'm also looking at the 640.
What are your thoughts?
There are black bear, wolves and moose...although they've never been an issue so far.
My only problem thus far has been with drunk jock type college kids and last year we had a feisty raccoon try to attack one of my friends.
I've thought about a pistol but I don't want to have to worry about it getting exposed to the element or getting submerged in water and not being able to clean/lube it for a week.
Thanks in advance!!
Weight is an issue as is caliber. I already know that I can't handle the magnum loads in the ultra light J frames, but .38+p is alright.
My first thought was to get a 442 or 642 and it could double as another city carry option, but then I'm thinking that I might want the .357mag so I'm also looking at the 640.
What are your thoughts?
There are black bear, wolves and moose...although they've never been an issue so far.
My only problem thus far has been with drunk jock type college kids and last year we had a feisty raccoon try to attack one of my friends.
I've thought about a pistol but I don't want to have to worry about it getting exposed to the element or getting submerged in water and not being able to clean/lube it for a week.
Thanks in advance!!
volgunner
Member
Among the choices you mention, I'd go with the 640. I'd also look at an SP101 or a 686 w/ the two and a half in. barrel if you're really going to load .357's.
SuperMan
Member
When backpacking, canoe tripping, fishing or boating my favorite fun is the S&W 60-10 (the new ones with the IL are the 60-15s). It has a 3" full underlug barrel and shoots as well with full .357s as does a 3" K-frame.
When backpacking I carry the gun and extra ammo in a pouch on the left side of the hipbelt. Doesn't alarm Greenies and is right there when I need it...
Ammo for penetration on bears would be the Fereral CastCore .357 Magnum. Right now I have some Sellier&Ballott 158 spire point fmj.
This gun has done a week on the St. John's River in Maine with 7/7 rain days as well as The Moose River trip just to name two...it has been soaked and not maintained till it arrived home with no damage...
As to weight...the extra pound means nothing if it could be your life.
Bob
When backpacking I carry the gun and extra ammo in a pouch on the left side of the hipbelt. Doesn't alarm Greenies and is right there when I need it...
Ammo for penetration on bears would be the Fereral CastCore .357 Magnum. Right now I have some Sellier&Ballott 158 spire point fmj.
This gun has done a week on the St. John's River in Maine with 7/7 rain days as well as The Moose River trip just to name two...it has been soaked and not maintained till it arrived home with no damage...
As to weight...the extra pound means nothing if it could be your life.
Bob
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Consider a Glock, perhaps the light and compact Model 36 in .45ACP. It's about impervious to the elements, quick and easy to field strip without tools (unlike revolvers), can easily be modified to accept a lanyard, and if it gets dunked, just field strip it, wipe it down or rap on a stump to dislodge H20, and you're back in business (not so with a revolver --- don't ask me how I know).
snostud83
Member
Thanks for all your thought. You've definitely given me something things to think about.
The glock 36 intrigues me. I've never actually fired a glock so I might have to look into it. Is the .45 round a decent choice for my purposes? I'd have to believe that recoil would be a bit tamer.
As far as the other suggestions, I'll certainly look into those as well. Cost is a bit of an issue. My budget is maxed at about $600 right now.
The glock 36 intrigues me. I've never actually fired a glock so I might have to look into it. Is the .45 round a decent choice for my purposes? I'd have to believe that recoil would be a bit tamer.
As far as the other suggestions, I'll certainly look into those as well. Cost is a bit of an issue. My budget is maxed at about $600 right now.
I would look at a small 22 mag revolver such as the Taurus 941 or the S&W equivalent. They hold 8 shots and a full box of ammo takes up almost no space. It sounds like the firearm will be as much for your own piece of mind as anything. Nothing wrong with that of course. If you do happen to fire a warning shot at drunk teenagers a 22 mag sounds louder than a 44 mag anyway, and will certainly be enough to handle a wayward raccoon..
Weight is always an issue for backpackers, but many of them overlook key tactical issues in a quest to save a few ounces. Instead, I'd let the primary threats (wolves/black bears/drunken idiots) drive your choice.
The 357 is probably adequate wolf medicine, but they work in packs so you may need more than six shots, and you'll need them fast. That makes me think moon clips or a high-cap mag. The 357 strikes me as very light for bear defense, but six shots will probably be plenty, which makes me think of a 44 or 45. And anything good for bears or wolves would do for drunks, so that's a wash.
I'm thinking a scandium 44 or 45 backed up by speedloaders or moon clips might be the way to go. These guns are only a few ounces heavier than a 640. The ammo is heavier, but you'll have the right thing when you need it.
After all, nothing is heavier than gear that turns out to be useless because it fails you when you need it.
Okie John
The 357 is probably adequate wolf medicine, but they work in packs so you may need more than six shots, and you'll need them fast. That makes me think moon clips or a high-cap mag. The 357 strikes me as very light for bear defense, but six shots will probably be plenty, which makes me think of a 44 or 45. And anything good for bears or wolves would do for drunks, so that's a wash.
I'm thinking a scandium 44 or 45 backed up by speedloaders or moon clips might be the way to go. These guns are only a few ounces heavier than a 640. The ammo is heavier, but you'll have the right thing when you need it.
After all, nothing is heavier than gear that turns out to be useless because it fails you when you need it.
Okie John
BlackSky
Member
This is my camping/hiking/fishing gun. When I'm doing these things I'm always always in the CA/NV Sierra high desert. No wolves around, lots of mangy looking coyotes, a good amount of black bear and I'm sure a healthy dose of bad 2 legged vermin.
I'm comfortable with being able to death with nearly all threats I might face up there. It's a 586-7 seven shot .357 with Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast lead flat points. (rounds in picture not my normal mountain carry rounds).
I'm comfortable with being able to death with nearly all threats I might face up there. It's a 586-7 seven shot .357 with Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast lead flat points. (rounds in picture not my normal mountain carry rounds).
chp
Member
Love the matching grips BlackSky.
If you are serious, leave the poofter piece at home. The 329pd is the backpacking revolver. But you have to man-up those wrists for it.
329pd information
329pd information
snostud83
Member
I think that you hit the nail right on the head and I didn't even realize it. Now that we're allowed to carry in National Parks(with state carry permit) I just want to for my own piece of mind. Much like I do everyday. It's just that the possible threats have changed.
Thousands enjoy the outdoors up there every year and never had much if any trouble.
Thinking about it that way, I'll probably go with the 642 load up with the best rounds that I can get and should the worst happen, well who knows if anything larger would have helped.
Are there any recommendations on ammo in .38 special/+P for my situation?
rburg
Member
A big consideration is your plans for the gun. Do you plan on shooting it on your hike, or is it just for defense? Ammo is heavy, centerfire ammo heavier. Heavy recoiling ammo suitable for defense is unpleasant to very unpleasant to fire. Accuracy can suffer from that, too.
Think back on the number of times you've used your handgun for defensive purposes on hikes. Yes, I know the number and don't try to divide by it. Even a nice 22 will impart terrific confidence, as compared with a piece of firewood. For that reason (and a wide range of ammo you can even carry along with you), the best camp gun, by a wide margin, is an accurate little 22. I'd stay away from 22 mags because of the muzzle blast, and the need for ear muffs (along with ear plugs) on 351s. Yes, I own one and like it, but its not a plinker. Probably the best gun for camp and backpacking use is one of the old M43s. You can even carry along CB caps for nearly noiseless shooting. And Stingers and the like for more social purposes.
Once you step up to the 38 range, ammo becomes a problem. You just can't carry enough to have a lot of fun. When you get up into .357 guns, recoil becomes a terrible issue. The guns can be light enough to carry, but you pay the price on ammo. Carrying an variety of loads for different uses almost disqualifies the guns for camp uses. They're fine for defense. I tend to prefer a slightly longer barrel, but you can find nice 3" 337-1s, 386, etc. Light, powerful, but somewhat unpleasant to fire in any volume of shots. Or even a nice little 396 in 44 Special.
Think back on the number of times you've used your handgun for defensive purposes on hikes. Yes, I know the number and don't try to divide by it. Even a nice 22 will impart terrific confidence, as compared with a piece of firewood. For that reason (and a wide range of ammo you can even carry along with you), the best camp gun, by a wide margin, is an accurate little 22. I'd stay away from 22 mags because of the muzzle blast, and the need for ear muffs (along with ear plugs) on 351s. Yes, I own one and like it, but its not a plinker. Probably the best gun for camp and backpacking use is one of the old M43s. You can even carry along CB caps for nearly noiseless shooting. And Stingers and the like for more social purposes.
Once you step up to the 38 range, ammo becomes a problem. You just can't carry enough to have a lot of fun. When you get up into .357 guns, recoil becomes a terrible issue. The guns can be light enough to carry, but you pay the price on ammo. Carrying an variety of loads for different uses almost disqualifies the guns for camp uses. They're fine for defense. I tend to prefer a slightly longer barrel, but you can find nice 3" 337-1s, 386, etc. Light, powerful, but somewhat unpleasant to fire in any volume of shots. Or even a nice little 396 in 44 Special.
snostud83
Member
Very good information and you're input is very appreciated.
The main purpose is strictly defense when camping.
I also like the idea of being able to use it as a second option to everyday carry(not that that's a deciding factor)
I'd simply just like to have something more that a .22.
dla,
Maybe you're right but that's not going to happen anytime soon. I've shot .357mags and a 5" 629 with target loads.
.357's are fine in the right frame.
The 629 was just too much for me. I know my limitations. thanks
crofoot629
Absent Comrade
Lighter is better.
Emory
Emory
BSkerj
Member
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+1..I have packed thoughout the Northern Rockies my whole life...I either carry my 3" 317 or my 642. The only time I ever used one (the 317) was to kill a grouse to suppliment my meals. They call the 317 a "kit gun" for a good reason...it is always in my "kit". Lightweight and very adequate when loaded with Stinger HP's.
I don't know about you, but trying to put down a bear that is coming at you with the speed of a quarter horse with anything less than a 12 gauge loaded with buckshot is pretty much futile.. on the other hand I don't know of a 2 legged predator who would care to mix it up when a revolver is pointed at them, no matter the size of the hole at the end of the barrel....JMHO
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USAF385
US Veteran
I personally carry 3 in .44 Mag while camping / hiking
Something to consider.. the Glock 30 and the Glock 36 (both .45) are practically identical in size.
they are the same size in height and length,
G30: LENGTH - 6.77 in. HEIGHT - 4.76 in.
G36: LENGTH - 6.77 in. HEIGHT - 4.76 in.
The difference: Width.
G30: 1.27 in
G36: 1.13 in
difference of .14 in.
The 36 is about 3 oz lighter.
As far as capacity
G30: 9, 10 (standard mag), or 13 rounds
G36: 6 rounds
So.. the G30 is .14 inches wider, 3 oz heavier, but holds 10 rounds standard.
Something to consider.. the Glock 30 and the Glock 36 (both .45) are practically identical in size.
they are the same size in height and length,
G30: LENGTH - 6.77 in. HEIGHT - 4.76 in.
G36: LENGTH - 6.77 in. HEIGHT - 4.76 in.
The difference: Width.
G30: 1.27 in
G36: 1.13 in
difference of .14 in.
The 36 is about 3 oz lighter.
As far as capacity
G30: 9, 10 (standard mag), or 13 rounds
G36: 6 rounds
So.. the G30 is .14 inches wider, 3 oz heavier, but holds 10 rounds standard.
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VAdoublegunner
Member
I usually go with a 3" Ruger SP101 for that purpose. I don't worry about heavier 357 Mag loads being used in it, and even though it is a little heavier than the S&W is much easier to shoot well because of where that weight is located.
If I needed something bigger, the 3" S&W 696 with some suitable 44SP handloads would go. The L-frame carries OK. Better, a 329PD if I had one. But both of those are likely out of your budget range, if you can find them.
There is always the S&W 1006 or whatever the Glock is in 10mm. That can be a very potent protection pistol with the right load! In bear, wolf, or meth head country, it isn't a bad choice.
If I needed something bigger, the 3" S&W 696 with some suitable 44SP handloads would go. The L-frame carries OK. Better, a 329PD if I had one. But both of those are likely out of your budget range, if you can find them.
There is always the S&W 1006 or whatever the Glock is in 10mm. That can be a very potent protection pistol with the right load! In bear, wolf, or meth head country, it isn't a bad choice.
