Big Critter Self Defensive Carry Handguns

[flyerdoc]

Well, I originally was looking for a 629 but could find none anywhere for a variety of reasons (cost/configuration etc.) So, don't flame me, I went the Ruger route. Picked up an Alaskan 2.5 inch SRH in 44 Mag and couldn't resist a Toklat version 5 inch SRH in .454 Casull. I post this knowing this site is tolerant is of various makes and was curious to know what your favorite defensive hiking/hunting/fishing gun is. Not a primary weapon, a "just in case the SHTF" carry. Grizz is everywhere

 

[silentflyer]

Nothing wrong with a Ruger for that need....

 

[Cal44]

I'd probably carry this 629 2.5" everywhere in the lower 49.

No Grizz down here.

I consider the M69, L frame 44 mag, as the best "Big Critter" guns for the lower 49. It's lighter than the N frames, and has a 4" barrel to get the most out of the ammo.

But I don't have one. (There is one in a LGS calling to me, though).

 

[Mainsail]

You don't mention what kind of 'hiking' you will be doing.

I had a Ruger Alaskan in 44 mag that I bought for hiking. I was doing long day-hikes and multiple night backpacking trips, over steep terrain, and many of them off the trail system. We have remote lakes out here that were seeded with trout many years ago, and many of them can only be accessed by navigating the forest without the aid of a trail. For hikes like that I was often leaving the mighty Ruger home - it was way too heavy. I ended up with a Glock 20SF with ten rounds in the 15 round magazine, carried in a Bianchi M12 flap holster on the pack's hip belt.

Light is right. But dang I loves me some Ruger hand cannon.

 

[flyerdoc]

I'd probably carry this 629 2.5" everywhere in the lower 49.

No Grizz down here.

I consider the M69, L frame 44 mag, as the best "Big Critter" guns for the lower 49. It's lighter than the N frames, and has a 4" barrel to get the most out of the ammo.

But I don't have one. (There is one in a LGS calling to me, though).

That is exactly the model I was in search of, could find it nowhere locally, but I am still on the lookout for one. Beautiful gun!

 

[flyerdoc]

You don't mention what kind of 'hiking' you will be doing.

I had a Ruger Alaskan in 44 mag that I bought for hiking. I was doing long day-hikes and multiple night backpacking trips, over steep terrain, and many of them off the trail system. We have remote lakes out here that were seeded with trout many years ago, and many of them can only be accessed by navigating the forest without the aid of a trail. For hikes like that I was often leaving the mighty Ruger home - it was way too heavy. I ended up with a Glock 20SF with ten rounds in the 15 round magazine, carried in a Bianchi M12 flap holster on the pack's hip belt.

Light is right. But dang I loves me some Ruger hand cannon.

I go mostly long day hikes using all available daylight so the little extra weight isn't really a factor especially when using the 2.5 inch carried in the Alaskan Guide rig (Double Diamond Leather), you hardly know its there...I am in PA and hope to do some canyon/mountain hiking in AZ where I understand I can ship my revolvers to with recip CC permit from PA (have to do more checking on that though). May do a multi day hike there time permitting.

 

[Rpg]

I carry a 1911 in 45 acp with 200 gr hard cast swc at about 1,000 fps.

Plenty for anything here in Colorado, pleasant to carry, quick into action and the gun I shoot most.

The hand cannons are over large, heavy and slow.

 

[JJEH]

Big Critter Self Defensive Carry Handguns

I chose the M&P 45 with the 4" barrel for right now. Gives me 10 rounds of 255 gr. Hard Cast FN (925 fps/M.E. 484 ft. lbs.) per magazine. That should be enough for two- and four legged critters where I live.

Sure would be nice to have a .454 though...

 

[crazyphil]

Cal44 There are grizzly bear in Idaho, Montana & Wyoming mostly in and
around Yellowstone Park, but they are gradually migrating from there in
all directions. Populations are growing. People have been killed by grizzly bear in the park and at least 2 of the 3 states mentioned above. My choice for grizzly repellant would be 12 Ga. pump with heavy slugs. I know it's difficult to fish with a long gun over your shoulder. If I had to
rely on a sidearm I would want something I could shoot very accurately
and fast with heavy hard cast projectiles. Or another tactic is to take
someone with you who runs slower than you do.

 

[arjay]

Like Mainsail,on long high treks,the gun gets left behind.I have carried a 629 or an anaconda in grizzly country,but it's gonna take an incredibly lucky shot if an attack happens.I do carry a 1911 for fishing in certain areas where I've had trouble with moose.Some of them are fairly placid,some aren't.

 

[Motorsporting]

I am in PA and hope to do some canyon/mountain hiking in AZ where I understand I can ship my revolvers to with recip CC permit from PA

Not trying to derail the thread (I usually carry a double stack .45, but that's only because I don't have anything bigger), but why would you ship your guns? Why not fly with them? It's really easy to check firearms.

 

[LEO918]

Jeff Cooper once said: For grizzly/brown bear the .357 should be sufficient as you 'll be shooting him in the mouth.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'm in Pa. and OK with a 3" model 66.... though will admit to taking a Ruger 77/357 carbine for day hikes at the cabin........ w/ 158 soft points.... there have been comparisons to a 30-30 out of a 16 inch barrel.

A nice point about Pa. is Coyotes are almost always in season.......so with my licence in my wallet......I'm good to go as there are a lot of Coyotes in the ridges behind the cabin....no orange required

I spent 2 summers in Alaska in the 70s..... the locals gun of choice, out on a homestead, was an 18" Mossburg 500..... w/ stock.... the pistol grip version is a joke........

 

[flyerdoc]

Not trying to derail the thread (I usually carry a double stack .45, but that's only because I don't have anything bigger), but why would you ship your guns? Why not fly with them? It's really easy to check firearms.

To be honest, I have not looked into either method yet, just assumed it would be easier to ship. Now, the only thing that worries me about flying with them is the following scenario. You board the plane fine, but then due to weather complications your plane is diverted to another airport, in another state! What happens if you new destination state is not one of the gun loving states. What would happen if they diverted you to the Republic of NJ (Newark Airport). What happens to your gun then? What happens to you???

 

[Motorsporting]

To be honest, I have not looked into either method yet, just assumed it would be easier to ship. Now, the only thing that worries me about flying with them is the following scenario. You board the plane fine, but then due to weather complications your plane is diverted to another airport, in another state! What happens if you new destination state is not one of the gun loving states. What would happen if they diverted you to the Republic of NJ (Newark Airport). What happens to your gun then? What happens to you???

That is a realistic worry, and I remember hearing about that exact problem a few years ago. I feel like a law was put in place to correct this problem, but I don't remember. I also think that, assuming you don't have to leave the airport, all would be fine. Either the airline will transfer your bag (meaning it was never back in your possession), or you will have to claim it at baggage claim and then re-check it for your new flight. I do know, that as long as you follow the directions (TSA and airline) that checking is no big deal. It's a little daunting the first time, but after that - no problemo. Maybe usconcealedcarry.com , Handgunlaw.us or Concealed Nation – Promoting Responsible and Legal Concealed Carry might be helpful?

 

[crazyphil]

If you have an un-scheduled lay over like in New York for example,
whatever you do don't take possession of your luggage. Have the
airline transfer it to you flight. People have got into big trouble in NY
just for a layover when they claimed their luggage with guns inside.

 

[Mtnfolk325]

I spent 2 summers in Alaska in the 70s..... the locals gun of choice, out on a homestead, was an 18" Mossburg 500..... w/ stock.... the pistol grip version is a joke........

I agree with Bam-Bam, I spent the summer of 2010 living in a spike camp on the Stampede Trail west of Healy. I carried a Charter Arms Bulldog Pug loaded with Speer 200 grain HP in a Sourdough Pancake but ALWAYS had a Mossberg 500 Mariner within arms reach. Talked to AK FWS & NPS from Denali a couple times a week (they would stop by for coffee during their back country ATV patrols) and they all concurred with the Mossberg. The whole summer I had way more problems with Mama Moose than Bears .....

 

[BC38]

I lucked into a SS Astra Terminator. 2-3/4" barrel, a tad lighter than a 3" S&W N-frame due to having a 1/2" less barrel and a K-sized grip on the N-sized frame.

For $350 I couldn't pass it up. It may not last 100 years like a S&W, but it ought to easily last the rest of my years!

 

[DD357]

My normal carry gun, 2.5" 19. Now we have no bears around here either.

 

[Shark Bait]

In NM we have black bears and mountain lions. A 44 magnum is plenty for them. I have a 4 inch 629-4 that is my standard field gun. But I might also opt for my 24 or 624 with Buffalo Bore Heavy 44 Special loads.