CCW Revolver for Hiking

[Rpg]

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.

 

[silentflyer]

Model 19,66 or 15 with 4" barrel

 

[kaaskop49]

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.

^^^^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.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Dave Lively]

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.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Short answer for a CCW hiking kit gun. 442, 637, 642 are your best options, hands down. If caliber isn't a big concern, a 317 would be my choice, and might be anyway . . .

 

[CDR_Glock]

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.

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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[5erdriver]

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.

 

[markeb]

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.

 

[Edmo]

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

 

[ColbyBruce]

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.

 

[Big Cholla]

I hunted and more importantly fished all over Alaska for several years. I tried every method of concealed carry while doing so possible. Why carry concealed? It was because of the constant rain and wet brush conditions playing havoc with my blued handguns. While hiking you are going to face the same conditions. And, wanting to stay concealed appeals to me also. BUT, there could be the requirement to make a quick presentation to either a four legged critter or a two legged bad guy. I fished among the grizzly population and found that I wanted my S&W M 29 protected from the wet conditions but still accessible. I settled on wearing an extra large light rain coat over everything else with the M 29 in a shoulder holster by Bianchi. It is spring reinforced around the cylinder and the grip was in a perfect position for drawing.

I suggest two options for the handgun of choice; the S&W M 640 Pro in .357 mag or the S&W M 66 in .357 mag with the 2.5" or the 3" barrel. Try them with the Bianchi X-15 Small holster under a extra large (for you) windbreaker. Keep the top of the windbreaker unzipped down to about heart level and the handgun will be available for quick presentation. Carry at least one H&K speed loader on your strong arm side in a pocket of the windbreaker. I would have at least one more speed loader in my backpack.

The handguns suggested are both of stainless steel. But most of the internal parts are not stainless. Under any sort of coat the handgun will be subject to moisture. So, when you are in camp, the grips should come off and a slight spritzer of lube oil should go into the handgun thru the gaps leading inside. Then wipe every thing off and put the grips back on and you are good to go. The Uncle Mike's Boot Grips are an excellent choice as they are easily removable and provide a great ergonomic grip (at least for me). When I fished Alaska, I carried the smallest can of WD-40 that I could find as every once in a while me and my M 29 would get soaked while doing some foolish thing or another. Spray the dunked gun inside and out with WD-40, wipe it off and take care of it as soon as possible back in camp or at home. My M 29 went swimming with me twice with no resulting rust or other complications.

There is one other possibility for a ccw gun while hiking; S&W made one with a titanium cylinder in 44 Special. It is the Model 296. I personally think it is a candidate for first prize in "The Most Awkward Looking Handgun" category. But, it is light, powerful, very moisture resistant, but it has a five shot capacity.

My first choice would be the M 640 Pro because of size, light weight, Tritium night sights, and is .357 Mag. Practice and you will be surprised at how fast it can be reloaded using speedloaders. IMHO, this is the ideal handgun for concealement and to be carried on high altitude mountain hiking.

My second choice would be the M 66 or the M 65 with a 3" barrel. A little heavier, but with six shots.

For a person that is a little bigger and heavier than usual, I would recommend the M 296. Why, because the recoil is going to be substantial when loaded with heavy grain weight self defense loads.

I recommend that you travel around the Denver area and go to every gun shop that has a range and rents handguns. Try everything out that you can find that comes close to your requirements. ........... Good luck. ............

 

[flagman1776]

I'd choose a 3" K frame... in my case, I'd bring out my 3" 66-2... my ex-GF declined to sell the 3" M13 back that I'd bought for her but it was a fine gun. But I know these are rare & there are other similar options. I wouldn't hesitate to carry a 4" or fixed sight if that's what you have.

 

[Pavia]

Short barreled 686 is a great choice. The Glock 29 10mm is also a fine choice. I have both and they are easy to carry with a good belt and holster. The recoil of the G29 is somewhat lighter than the snub 686 with full power 357 loads... more of a push like a 45.

For large bears, the best use of any pistol is to try to get the weapon in your hand and put it point blank in the mouth or between the eye and ear of the bear, then pull the trigger repeatedly. The bear taking you down and treating you like a rag doll is the probable situation you'll be in, if you are charged by a large bear and decide to use a pistol to end the attack. Hopefully you'll survive.

 

[Buckeye63]

I live in TN .... Black bears ... Dogyotes , coyotes and two legged predators... My Charter 44spl .. is agood choice for me .. But yesterday while stomping /romping in the woods .. I carried my Taurus PT145 45acp
stoked with 200gr LSWC .. 10+1

 

[Brian in Oregon]

My old, trusty Model 19 is on my hip in this pic. Have carried it hiking and hunting since the early 1980s whenever I've belt carried a handgun, save for a few times when some of my collector S&W's have gone afield. For pocket carry, I usually go with a Model 12.

I think one would be well served by a fixed sight Model 13 (blue) or a Model 65 (stainless), or adjustable sight Model 19 (blue) or 66 (stainless) with either a 3" or 4" barrel. One of the best features of a 357 Magnum revolver is the ability to use 38 Specials for practice. A revolver is not picky about bullet design or power level. This is one reason why I prefer a revolver in some areas. In the pic above, I'm in an area fairly active with rattlesnakes, so the first two charge holes have snake shot in them.

The 10mm auto packs a lot of power, but has a range of power levels that might need tuning via springs on an auto (as I did on my Colt Gold Cup 10mm). This is because 10mm loads range from 40 S&W levels to loads somewhere between the 357 and 41 Magnums. Glock makes 10mm handguns in various sizes, and for being in the woods after dark, night sights are a nice feature. Recoil is brisk but manageable. As with all guns, the smaller the Glock, the more recoil.

 

[one eye joe]

I WOULD GO WITH THE 4" MODEL 629 MOUNTAIN GUN IN .44 MAGNUM, FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE LARGE AND DANGEROUS CARNIVORES, THAT YOU MAY RUN AFOUL OF IN COLORADO. ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT YOU MUST ADDRESS IS THE ABILITY (OR LACK THEREOF) TO PUT REPEAT SHOTS RAPIDLY ON TARGET, OUT OF A WILDLY RECOILING, LIGHT WEIGHT, BIG BORE HANDGUN---WHEN TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. TO STOP THE CHARGE OR ATTACK OF A BIG CAT, OR A BIG BEAR, ARE TWO INSTANCES THAT COME TO MIND.......

THE MOUNTAIN GUN CAN EASILY BE CARRIED IN A SHOULDER HOLSTER FOR CONCEALABILITY, COMFORT, AND A GOOD LEVEL OF PROTECTION. CARRY A HEAVY HARD CAST BULLET, THAT CAN PENETRATE, AND SMASH BIG BONES, AND YOU SHOULD BE FINE......

 

[colkid]

I agree with one eye joe-
I carry a 4" 629, in a modern military belt and holster for the that type of pistol.
They have a bale lock and are very secure.
You can also used the standard Berreta model 92 magazine holder. Take out the plastic and you can put two speed loaders for the 629 in it.
In Colorado I want the .44 mag for Bear and Moose/Elk.

 

[one eye joe]

I agree with one eye joe-
I carry a 4" 629, in a modern military belt and holster for the that type of pistol.
They have a bale lock and are very secure.
You can also used the standard Berreta model 92 magazine holder. Take out the plastic and you can put two speed loaders for the 629 in it.
In Colorado I want the .44 mag for Bear and Moose/Elk.

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT, colkid. BEING FROM NEW ENGLAND, I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THOSE HUGE MOOSE AND ELK......

 

[David LaPell]

The last revolver I had that I carried and concealed was my Ruger SP-101, I was surprised at how much I liked the gun and just how pleasant the gun shot. I don't have it now, but eventually when I can count enough pennies I plan on another .357 Magnum, maybe an SP-101 with a 4 inch barrel this time.

My main carry gun this year on the trail was my Beretta Nano because it was so concealable, I ran into many hikers this year while I was out with my son and none were aware of it (we have a lot of downstate hikers who you'll meet miles back on a trail in flip flops and yoga pants with no gear at all, not even so much as a compass). I sold the Beretta recently as it was replaced with what will most likely be my warm weather gun, my Makarov PM. I got this one for $350 and that's the price you can get some of them at very easily.



If you want something even easier to conceal, the Polish P64 in 9mm Makarov isn't bad and you can get them for under $300 all the time, $265 usually for a really nice one.

My other trail gun which no one ever seems to notice or bother with, is my Smith & Wesson Model 39. These are the best of the early Smith & Wessons semi autos, are easy to conceal and are in 9mm, not a bad gun for being out and about. After a while you never even know its there.

 

[Arik]

There is nothing around here that would be considered "woods" what we do have nothing more than a stick or a rubber band is needed. Just in case a squirrel or rabbit decide to make you it's lunch.
However, when I do go camping in the mountains there are black bears and mountain lions. I'll have a handgun as backup but my main self defense is a rifle

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[digiroc]

Woods Carry Gun ...

Black Bears are the most dangerous 4 legged critter possible to confront while hunting/hiking in the woods around here.

Biggest concern is for 2 legged critters. Which are likely to be armed and dangerous during hunting season.

This is my solution: the FastFire3 on it aids in long shoots (I hunt deer with it) and the Crimson Trace laser grips are a great aid for fast up close aiming ...

This Safariland cordura holster rides it high at between 3 & 4 o'clock and tucked in tightly. Light cover garment or even a loose sweatshirt hides it well.

If I carry the .44 on my 1.75" Tactical belt I'll usually carry my 340 Pro Series .357 on the weak side to balance the load, (or in case the critter is on me before I can unload the .44!)

digiroc

 

[Mister X]

I don't spend much time thinking about this subject, but if I was considering going someplace where I thought a bear(or any large four legged predator) attack was relatively likely, I would probably reconsider my plans.

I like Massad Ayoobs perspective... "To be brutally frank, I do not f*** with bears...bears do not f*** with me...this has worked out well for me AND the bears and I see no reason to change the paradigm. "

A quote from another forum that makes a lot of sense...

"Seems every time someone mentions backpacking or heading into any woods for whatever reason the advice handgun wise is always a single action 454 or 44 magnum, or double action 44 mag or 45 colt. The prime reason being bears, cougars, wolves rabid wombats etc... Now of course I'm not saying animals don't attack, they do, but it's very, very rare and not always but often preceded by a great amount of stupidity on the victims part before an attack occurs anyway.

Just some thoughts:

Meth labs are being pushed deeper and deeper into the wilderness by law enforcement. Methamphetamine makes users very paranoid and dangerous. Some big cooks use a number of armed addicts to circle the parameter of the cook for protection....

With the border crackdown since 9-11 marijuana growing patches in our area seem to be increasing. Since the property forfiture laws went into effect growing in national parks or state land seems to be in vouge. Booby trapping the area around grows is still common. When your laying wounded from their little "shotshell" landmines as they come to harvest, calling 911 will likely not be on thier minds.

Anybody think Ted Kazinski (sp?) was the only paranoid schizophrenic hiding out in the woods. Even in my small town there is a rather odd fellow who would head out into the woods with a rifle when "they" were after him. After a 2 month stay at a psychiatric hospital that surely "cured" him he's back out and off his meds again..

Remember Platt and Mattix from the famouse FBI shootout? They got one of their guns and car from a fellow out in the middle of nowhere target shooting. They shot him and left him the swamp for dead.

Could not find the numbers real quick but do a search on "murder and national park" and I bet it makes bear maulings look as common as Rosy O'Donnell for NRA president nominations.

Considering the possible increased range of an encounter, no 911 for a considerable time if trouble occurs, possible multiple attackers in a drug lab sitaution, and in a scenario that "retreat" could actually turn in into nothing more than an extended running gun battle I'll take my G-17 with three highcaps over a 5 shot single action anyday."

This article makes some good points as well.... How to Pick the Right Sidearm for Backup Bear Protection | Outdoor Life

Other than that, if you insist on a light revolver, I would look a 640 coupled with some bear spray as an option. Since an enjoyable hiking experience is the goal, carrying a long gun or heavy magnum revolver would largely spoil it. And I'm assuming this is a "just in case" situation. I've seen a lot of backwoods types say animal attacks are often muzzle contact affairs due to their quickness and stealth. An enclosed hammer revolver would retain operability in such cases. At farther distances with a possibly charging animal, I myself would want more capacity.

 

[digiroc]

All Good Points Mister X ...

In the case of a mauling by either a 4 legged or 2 legged critter the strong hand (right) would instinctively cover my face and head, leaving the weak hand (left) for the .357 640 Pro, using it for contact shots on the attacker.

Contact shooting with your G17 may not work out so well, other than to press check for a round in the chamber.

If I have my druthers it would be an aimed shot, whether laser or red dot with a full power .44 Mag and four follow-ups if that doesn't settle things down.

Of course a 12 ga. slug gun at the ready would be best of all, short of a .308 battle rifle. But we are talking about a walk in the woods here, not an assault on a meth lab.

digiroc

 

[missouri dave]

Smith 296 maybe?

 

[Pavia]

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

 

[drive_sideways]

Why would u wanna conceal carry when hiking?
Open carry when hiking isnt frowned upon as far as i know.


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[Groo01]

Groo here
For a 357 , start with a 3in.
The round starts to get going at that length.
5 shot frames are thin and hide easily but to shoot well require
the grip to fit. I use Packmayr thin Decelerators [ not the compac]
A 3in 6 shot would be next.
A thought , an S&W 325 is light , but large.
easy to hold, and with moon clips for 45acp, fast to reload.
The gun can shoot 185gr target loads up to 45 super or hot 45AR.

 

[Doc TH]

hiking revolver

Well. you've gotten many replies. To simplify, I would agree with 2 responders - A model 640 is sufficiently heavy to allow controlled 357 mag shooting. I can do it without discomfort and I'm sure I'm older than you. Otherwise I'd take my Model 13 3 inch. Now, these are hard to find today, but any 3 inch K frame would do as well.

 

[dwever]

I'm in the woods almost every morning at sunrise to give Moses some off-leash exercise. I've primarily used my .357 8 Shot w/2.625"barrel (37 oz.), and this year I've enjoyed adding a 5" Model 327 Eight Shot as an option (41 oz. w/optic and rail).

Either way, for woods I will not carry a J Frame airweight for which there is too dramatic a compromise in recoil, and the extra capacity of 8 in the 627 and 327 are nice. My outdoor ammo is moon clip loaded 600 ft. lbs Federal Premium Barnes in the 5", and 400 ft. lbs. Buffalo Bore Short Barrel for the snub.

While [open carry in Georgia] completely legal you become "that guy with a gun". A lot people assume you are either making an in your face political statement or are up to no good and treat you accordingly. These people are in the minority but I see no reason to make others uncomfortable, even if they have no reason to be. Since the biggest threat here would be criminals all the usual arguments in favor of CC still apply while hiking.

Exactly. Here in Alabama open carry is legal, but there are still calls to LE because people are uncomfortable with the guy in Starbucks with his Glock and two reloads (when carrying open, they also seem to gravitate towards a visible tactical fixed knife, black boots, green pants and black shirt, it's uncanny). And I understand the customers' nerves. Heck, I find myself compulsively tracking any open carry person the whole time I'm in a store unless it's the old timer with his J frame. In the woods less of an issue, and as Dave noted, during hunting season no one cares.

This morning's 'super moon' from the iPhone.

 

[Dave Lively]

Why would u wanna conceal carry when hiking?
Open carry when hiking isnt frowned upon as far as i know.

It is in Georgia. While completely legal you become "that guy with a gun". A lot people assume you are either making an in your face political statement or are up to no good and treat you accordingly. These people are in the minority but I see no reason to make others uncomfortable, even if they have no reason to be. Since the biggest threat here would be criminals all the usual arguments in favor of CC still apply while hiking.

This is less true during hunting season and I get the impression that in states where grizzlies are a real threat open carry is common enough that nobody pays much attention to it. But around here the cons of open carry outweigh the pluses, at least for me. I am less concerned about printing while hiking though.