Ideal field gun for National Park carry?

[cowboy117]

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

 

[faraim]

Over the years I've known two serious woods ramblers. The first covered most of northern Michigan with a Lee Enfield Jungle Carbine over his shoulder and a Kit Gun on his belt. The second spent his spare time exploring the rivers in central Alaska fly fishing with a Glock 17 loaded with smg ammunition. He was convinced he could get 3 to 4 shots off in the time most could squeeze off one from their .44. I've never hiked anywhere near bear threats, and most of my camping has been on Boy Scout reservations. When walking the dog in urban areas a lightweight Bodyguard stays with me.

 

[florida1098]

Glock 29 loaded with Double Tap or Buffalo Bore is my first choice.

 

[Stainz]

John Taffin called the .45 Colt 625MG 'a perfect pack'in pistol' - I agreed. Years ago, I bought my '02 new variant an older sibling - which I fitted with Dymondwood Combats and a belt holster. Great for open carry.

I have a CCL - reciprocates with other states in the SE. A CCW just makes more sense in some instances. I carry a 296 in most SE states' woods now - substitute the first two 200gr Gold Dots with 240gr LSWCs, probably a bit better for 4-legged dangers, leaving three more GD's for 'other' critters. Carried in a Mika pocket holster, it is more sheeple friendly. A good pocket knife is also important.

Stainz

 

[woodsltc]

These kind of threads make me uneasy..........I'm not so much concerned about what most of the folks on this forum will do, but about the yahoos out there that may act like a bunch of mall-ninjas and Rambos in the Natl' Parks. We have a new law that makes it OK to carry in the parks.............I just hope that folks will act responsibly and respectful...no reason to be conspicuous.

In Tennessee we can open carry or carry concealed "if" you have a carry permit. I spend a lot of time in the back country of the Smoky's Nat'l Park and the surrounding Nat'l Forest land....I intend to legally carry but not in a way where it will draw attention to myself. Truthfully, the new law just makes legal what many in the back country have been doing all along.

Don

 

[arizonaguide]

confused: 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????

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).

 

[arizonaguide]

...that being said... Bearspray, Bearspray Bearspray!~!

The second spent his spare time exploring the rivers in central Alaska fly fishing with a Glock 17 loaded with smg ammunition. He was convinced he could get 3 to 4 shots off in the time most could squeeze off one from their .44. I've never hiked anywhere near bear threats, and most of my camping has been on Boy Scout reservations. When walking the dog in urban areas a lightweight Bodyguard stays with me.

Let me give folks an idea of how much time (and skill required) you REALLY have to draw and fire...in many cases (for the untrained/trained alike) it's often BETTER to have bearspray.
YouTube - Bear Attack Easton Bowhunting TV
You may have about THIS MUCH time (one shot, maybe two), and any medium power or less handgun may not do it against bear.

Take a look at this video, and try to imagine a stop with a Glock 17 with 9mm. Especially if you tried those Defensive Hollowpoints that are probably in it right now (no real penetration on a bear). Always carry a HEAVY PENETRATING ROUND (.357 or better) for big wildlife. (Hardcast). And SHOT PLACEMENT is also critical.

Can YOU draw, fire, and accurately hit a bouncing basketball on the hood of a 57 Buick coming at you (or your wife/kids from 50'away) at 40mph? Do you practice THIS on a regular basis?
If NOT, then bearspray MAY be a better choice.

YOU CAN come across this same scenario (as in the video) just walking on any trail in many of the National Parks, or on the outskirts of just about any town in the USA. Don't think you have to be in remote Alaska to find a Bear with Cubs.
Or a Couger. Or semi-wild dogs. (or even "normal" house dogs just being jerks...which is the animal that kills the MOST Americans each year).

I carry bear spray along with my pistol, (and carry a 12ga w/slugs) when possible...and will (attempt to) reach for the spray first in such an event. The folks in the video were LUCKY in SO MANY WAYS.

 

[crofoot629]

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

 

[duckloads]

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.

 

[Combat_Diver]

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

 

[okie john]

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

 

[arizonaguide]

If bears aren't in the mix...

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.

 

[arizonaguide]

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.

 

[Miami_JBT]

.45 Colt

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

 

[balldboy]

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

 

[arizonaguide]

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

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.

 

[senecaap]

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.

 

[MTKTM]

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.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

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.

 

[bubbajoe45]

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.

Right you are! Odds are higher in Glacier.

 

[Catshooter]

Paladin,

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


Cat

 

[ImportJunk]

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

 

[buckeyefan]

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.

 

[indiandave]

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.

 

[arizonaguide]

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

 

[66SLOWDRAW686]

NAT PARK

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...

 

[tpd223]

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.

 

[FredBart]

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!

As Feralmerril knows, only Rangers in Alaska were issued .375H&H rifles for bears. My wife's cousin worked at both Denali and Kodiak and brown bears are a serious threat there. When he worked at Glacier (Montana), he was a ranger working the backcountry and they were not even allowed power tools like chainsaws. The cousin and his wife are now armed "police" rangers ( in Utah and soon going back to Alaska) and they have more problems with humans than wildlife.

The year my wife and I visited him in Glacier, two tourists were eaten by brown bears and I would have liked to have had a powerful handgun with me. At the time, the park service recommended wearing bells to alert the bears you were coming. "It's Dinner Time."