CCW Revolver for Hiking

[two-bit cowboy]

I'm another fan of the 640 Pro, every day, all day.

Last weekend four guys -- four miles from here -- saw four wolves (spill-overs from the Yellowstone experiment).

Made me seriously consider pulling out my 4" 500 in its Simply Rugged Sourdough at 10 o'clock as more than a "summer" carry.

What you wear depends on where you are. Gotta' pick the right tool for the job.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[planojack]

I live in the VA mountains on the far side of nowhere. No grisly bears, but plenty of black. I used an effective 110 set up to keep them off the porch. My do it all gun is a Taurus Titanium 2.5 barrel in .44special. It is rated for +P, but my hands are not (I'm 82). Practice is with sissy loads. In snake season it is loaded with a shot load in the first cylinder. It cut a copperhead in two last summer. Only 5 rounds, but all the weight I can handle.

 

[jtcarm]

My EDC gun is a 3" Model 64 (concealed.)

It's not that heavy.

 

[John Rus]

What would be a good firearm choice for Great Whites while surfing?

I have actually have thought about that. But since I don't surf I don't care.

 

[1-1917]

Model 13 pops into mind. Not at every sporting goods store but relatively cheap when you find them on the used market. I like the idea of fixed sight revolvers for everything but shooting paper. I like the 1911 idea too, real 1911..

 

[George28]

640 Smith in .357. Weighs about 23 oz dry. Or a hammerless SP101, which comes in at 25 oz dry. To balance out your load, try carrying one on each hip.

 

[TAROMAN]

When I was transferred to Arizona (a hiking paradise) in 1973, I purchased a new Model 60 that was my constant companion.
Southern Arizona was a bit dangerous even back then:

Cost me a big $123.00. Seemed plenty steep for a 2LT under 2.

 

[tkdguy]

I have both the...

Smith 3" model 60 and the Ruger SP 101 3" and both in 357. Depending on what you are hiking or the carry weight and topography the Model 60 is a super trail gun loaded with 158 357 for the trail or 38's at the range or personal carry. The Ruger is a true 357 and loaded with 158 or heavier may suit your preference. Either one will do. The Model 60 is ACCURATE BY FAR. You can hike with it and not feel the weight.

 

[329]

Personally I would carry my Kahr PM45 over my4 inch 629 in the mountains. If I carry my 629 in the woods it is in Diamond D guide rig. It is just to much for me to carry on a waist belt holster.
You can get some stout +P 45s from Buffalo Bore. The Kahr shoots relatively easy for a very light 45.

 

[jsmith357]

357 in a small gun is TOO much for me. Think about a 3" J-frame with BB hard cast 148 WC. Its a lot of a round in a small, light gun. I use a 3" Ladysmith model 60.

 

[Ranger514]

You can easily carry a 4" inch barrel handgun in specially designed gear that includes concealed carry waistpacks, courier packs, or chest packs. Try renting a variety of handguns to find the one you shoot best; then, figure out the best system to keep it easily accessible when carrying a day pack of food, water, and other necessities. I never found open carry holsters to be the best solution for my needs, but to each his own.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Don't do much hiking anymore but it would have to be one of my lightweight .4x Night Guards, just to feel secure.

PS: Just converted the M357 to red ramp front sight & white outline adjustable rear sight, like the M325, finally. (Never saw much sense in having a front only night sight.) Added some Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips too.

.

Night Guards: 396-357-329-325

.

 

[CQB60]

Backpacking & hiking through the woods is about the only place I'm not shy open carrying a firearm. I've found that wheelguns don't generally elicit the same response or questions from folks I randomly encounter on the trail as do pistols. I actually carry a second revolver, a 22 caliber just for snakes.

 

[OlongJohnson]

386. There are a few different versions in the 2.5-3" barrel range. Forget the XL Hunter unless you actually plan to hunt with it. The barrel will get in the way.

Or join me in lobbying S&W to do another run of 327PDs. It's frankly a whole lot better option outside AK than the 329PD.

 

[BuckeyeS&W]

I'm a big fan of K frame Smiths and in 357 magnum I would consider a model 13 with a 3"-4" barrel about perfect I would even give the new model 66-8 a look also. I have model 13's , 66-8 and a 617 all K frames all in 4" barrel configuration and I am never without one when hunting,fishing,or hiking. The K frame fits me and is a excellent revolver . I can load 357 magnum from hot to mild target loads and this caliber will take care of anything in my neck of the woods.

 

[shinbone]

Unless in wolf or grizzly country, I carry a CZ P-07 for the two-legged varmints. Hits where I point it, dead nutz reliable, and 9mm is plenty enough for any bad guys wanting to take advantage of a lone hiker far from help.

 

[SuperMan]

Another vote for the S&W Model 60-10 or 60-15 3". With the Pachmayer Compact grips it takes the bite out of shooting it.

Mine is my main backpacking, fishing and boating handgun when I want to keep things out of sight. I find it no more unpleasant to shoot than the 3" 65 I have.

Was shooting both guns this past Saturday with both .38s and .357s an have no problem controlling the gun.

For carry I have used:
DeSantis Speed Scabbard
REMORA IWB holster
BagMaster Vertical Carry Pouch

A friend uses a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake that can be used IWB and OTB. I just ordered a Hill People Gear Runners Kit Bag to use with a Mountainsmith Lumbar Pack...

And I agree with you...I always keep my gun concealed except while hunting...



Hides nicely in a Medium Pouch...



Bob

 

[kelljor]

Little late to the party, but it is what it is. I have a Model 60 3", have fired a grand total of 2 magnum rounds (125gr critical defense) and that was more than enough for me. When I carry it camping, hiking or just hanging around the campsite it's stoked as follows: first two rounds snake shot. Next three are either wadcutters (decent penetration and cuts a nice hole in whatever) or something like 140 grain flatnose or sjswc. Same story for a smith 66 combat (2 7/8 barrel) except 2 snake shot, 2 wadcutters or the 140 gr, and two 140ish grain magnums. Don't like to carry that one too much, though, it's one of the nicest guns I have so it's mostly a fun/range gun. Now, if I get deeper into the woods, I carry a 4" Taurus model 65 (has a fantastic trigger, not sure how that happened) with the usual two snakeshot and the other four are around 140 grain magnums. That goes out with me most often. I open carry that and the 66, the 60 is usually hiding under a loose shirt or in a fanny pack. Had a 3" sp101 for a while, and it was nice but I hated the trigger. No need for a 14lb trigger pull on any pistol, and had to use both hands and a foot to cock it for single action. I have also been known to lug around an LCRx; mostly EDC, with wadcutters or Hornady 110 gr Critical Defense.
And because I am basically lazy, I practice with all using wadcutters. Easy on the arthritic hands, and the place I buy them has good sale prices from time to time.

 

[DeafSmith]

I normally use this...



But I just got in a vintage Hunter 1100 holster from an auction bid...$15!!! Tan. And in excellent condition! Fits the Security Six perfect. So when I don't want a full belt rig I just stick that old Six into it and go.