canoeguy
US Veteran
Just spent a very pleasant week camping and hiking in the Jefferson National Forest, Mount Rogers Recreation Area in far Southwest Virginia. Great time to visit, weather was nice, and with kids back in school, me and the missus had the place almost to ourselves. Only saw two other people, both hikers, from Sunday to Thursday. Hiked day hikes on the Appalachian Trail and other trails and Forest Service roads.
Took one of my favorite revolvers, a Model 66-4 4" .357 I bought new in 1997. Very accurate, and enough power to take care of most problems encountered in the Eastern Woods. Most problems being people oriented, as the black bears there are not numerous or noted for an appetite for humans. Criminals, on the other hand, have been known to prey on defenseless hikers, with some particularly heinous crimes committed on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.
Most of my carry was open, the Bianchi #5 is very comfortable and secure. With a 1 1/2" leather belt, I didn't even notice the weight of the revolver.
On the Appalachian Trail, resting at a bridge crossing a mountain stream. elevation about 3500 feet, Mount Rogers is the highest mountain in the State of Virginia, at about 5500 feet:
We hiked 8-10 miles a day, using one of the public camp grounds as a base of operations. It was great to have the place to ourselves, I'm sure it is much busier in the Summer months.
I also have an Inside the Waistband holster for more discreet carry of the revolver, a Wild Bill's Concealment "Summer Special" that will conceal nicely with an un-tucked shirt or short jacket.
Took one of my favorite revolvers, a Model 66-4 4" .357 I bought new in 1997. Very accurate, and enough power to take care of most problems encountered in the Eastern Woods. Most problems being people oriented, as the black bears there are not numerous or noted for an appetite for humans. Criminals, on the other hand, have been known to prey on defenseless hikers, with some particularly heinous crimes committed on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.
Most of my carry was open, the Bianchi #5 is very comfortable and secure. With a 1 1/2" leather belt, I didn't even notice the weight of the revolver.
On the Appalachian Trail, resting at a bridge crossing a mountain stream. elevation about 3500 feet, Mount Rogers is the highest mountain in the State of Virginia, at about 5500 feet:
We hiked 8-10 miles a day, using one of the public camp grounds as a base of operations. It was great to have the place to ourselves, I'm sure it is much busier in the Summer months.
I also have an Inside the Waistband holster for more discreet carry of the revolver, a Wild Bill's Concealment "Summer Special" that will conceal nicely with an un-tucked shirt or short jacket.
