Which N frame should I take on this Alaska trip?

feralmerril,
I'm actually flying to Anchorage and renting a BMW 1200 GS.
The mounties are really serious about their handgun laws. Onetime they found a magazine for a 1911 that had got lost behind the seat of my truck, I was stuck at the border for hours.
I never took the chance of carrying a handgun in Canada.
 
I vote 329PD with X-frame grips. It's as perfect as your going to get for power to weight ratio in AK, why did you buy it? ;)
 
I bought it for the power to weight ratio and I packed it a lot while guiding hunters in Alaska. It also shoots great for me.
The only reason I decided not to take it this time is the little steel shield above the cylinder gap has been cut through.I just noticed it after posting this thread.
I guess I shot it to much.
 
What? You're not going with a whistle and pepper spray? How about a grogger?

JET-193-2T.jpg


BTW, what is the wife going to use?
 
I think you should bring them all and leave the least favorites with me here in Wasilla:) They will have a good home:) Seriously, I would carry the 629 and a 12 gauge with alternating slugs and triple odd buckshot:) Kyle
 
Take the 29-2. It may be nice but that is part of the fun. Carrying a nice gun. What are you saving it for? Any little dink it gets will just be a fond memory of the trip. Can't shoot it when you are fishing in Heaven that's for sure.
 
Just carry a bell and make a lot of noise...that should do it. Guns are dangerous anyway and are illegal in national parks pending a environmental study.... Plus bears are cute and cuddly.
 
Last edited:
I think you should bring them all and leave the least favorites with me here in Wasilla:) They will have a good home:) Seriously, I would carry the 629 and a 12 gauge with alternating slugs and triple odd buckshot:) Kyle

I'll second that again only the first shot from my 870 would be 00 buck to hopefully blind the bear and maybel penetrate the skull or hit the spine. Your chances of stopping that bear go up 98% using a shotgun properly loaded over a handgun if in the HIGHLY unlikely and extremely remote chance you are attacked.

Run a 100 yd. sprint as fast as you can and try drawing AND hitting a 15" X 15" target shooting DA as quickly as you can with that handgun from 25 yards, then try the same with the shotgun. It'll kind of simulate your hearbeat in the event one is coming at you at 30 MPH in a full charge. 1K says you'll hit it with the .12 gauge at least once out of 5 rounds. 1K also says you you'll miss every shot with the .44.

When I lived in Kodiak there were local folks who had never seen a Kodiak in their lifetime, let alone attacked by one. I was fortunate enough to be flying in helicopters for the US Coast Guard and saw hundreds of them beautiful creatures both on the Island and the penisula / mainland. Also had the pleasure of having a 8" bear walk right past me from about 7 yards when I was glassing for mountain goats on Crown mountain. Never heard him coming and as soon as he went into the alders he dissapeared like a ghost. My heartbeat DID go up on that event. If you do see one consider yourself lucky and enjoy the experience.

Relax and enjoy the scenery on the bike and if your hiking. Many, many more people die from hypothermia and exposure than bear attacks in Ak. I'd personally be more worried about hitting a deer or moose while riding than a bear attack.
 
Last edited:
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the replies.

The winner is..... The 625-6 .45 Colt.
I worked up some loads that give 1050 fps with the 285 gr bullet this week. They are the most accurate yet in this gun. I got some 3" ,3 shot, groups at 50yds.
Since it's my newest toy I've been shooting it the most.

The 329 is going back to S&W to have the flame cutting issue resolved.
The 629-2 just got back from S&W, the trigger stud had worked losse from to much shooting, it's probably due to retire.
I don't really have a good holster for the 29-2 or I would be more tempted to take it.
 
A Galco Phoenix strongside/crossdraw holster is an excellent choice for riding anything. I have one for my 27-2, 5", and my 25-7 also with a 5" barrel. Suede lining protects the finish of polished guns too. Just a heads-up for your 29-2, 5".:)

I think you made a wise choice for a carry gun. ;)
 
Sorry for the too late reply.
The weather has been pretty good but we have a lot of smoke from the fires to the West and North. If I'd read your question in a timely fashion we could hit the range with the Title II stuff. If you get to Valdez again PM for a get together.
 
Hey guys,

The winner is..... The 625-6 .45 Colt. QUOTE]





Yes Sir, it sure is! I would fell pretty well heeled with a good hard cast 45 load.

I've carried both the 44 & 45 in big bear country, just because.

If I thought I'd be hikin' & off the highway, I'd carry this'n. A '86 take down model in 45-70. But that's just me talkin' here...

1886Winchester.jpg


Makes a short 20" carry package to haul on the steel horses.

Su Amigo,
Dave

I see your already in AK, hope you all have a grand time!
 
We just got back from a great trip. Didn't have to shoot anything!
My wife and I were walking down the trail from Kennecott to Ruth glacier when we met another couple. I was carring the 625-6 in a crossdraw holster.
The woman almost snarled at me "What do you think you're going to shoot?"
I tried to be polite and said "nothing, I hope"
Don't think she got it.

Dave,
I like the look of that rifle. I have a serious soft place in my head for Winchester lever actions with pistol grip stocks. I've got it bad for Model 71's, got a 50 Alaskan and a 450 Alaskan and a pile of 348's.
I've tipped over seven brownies with the 450 and the gentleman I bought it from said he killed a brownie and polar bear with it. It's a great guide's rifle, it's got the handling, power, rate of fire and accuracy for messing with the big bears.
 
Last edited:
akjaeger,

You should have told her- "uptight, loudmouthed, flatlander pukers".;)

I guess that is what they still call them up there. People like her would be the first one to cry for help while their loved one was being mauled, or worse.
Then she would be on the news saying "Thank God this man had his gun and saved our lives!":rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
The wife is one of those high speed, low drag types. She kinda reminds me of a mountain gun. Everything you need, just the right balance, beautiful curves, easy to take along and a knockout punch.
Never met a woman with that much energy, she keeps me on my toes!
 
Perhaps I misread your question. Did you say that you had a Ruger in .500 Linebaugh? Yeah, that would be the answer. I know that I carried mine when I was in Alaska both times. And felt good about it.
Sonnytoo
 
Hey guys,

The winner is..... The 625-6 .45 Colt. QUOTE]





Yes Sir, it sure is! I would fell pretty well heeled with a good hard cast 45 load.

I've carried both the 44 & 45 in big bear country, just because.

If I thought I'd be hikin' & off the highway, I'd carry this'n. A '86 take down model in 45-70. But that's just me talkin' here...

1886Winchester.jpg


Makes a short 20" carry package to haul on the steel horses.

Su Amigo,
Dave

I see your already in AK, hope you all have a grand time!

Keith44spl, Nice 45-70 sir!!! Great carry rifle that would do a number on any bear. Love my guide gun cept for the slight push it gives. Thank God for my Rock Chucker!

Dirty Harry/Gun 4 Fun, I like your comment!! I'd of told em to pack up her happy a** and go back down south with the rest of your tree hugging friends. "You're in the "Last Frontier"!

Akjaeger, Hope your trip is great and you actually get to see one. Lot's of folks who have lived there for years haven't. They are amazing at blending in for a large beast.
 
originally posted by Sportsterguy
Dirty Harry/Gun 4 Fun, I like your comment!! I'd of told em to pack up her happy a** and go back down south with the rest of your tree hugging friends. "You're in the "Last Frontier"!

+1
And to that I might have added, " , and if you keep bumping your gums, it might just be your last frontier! ;):eek::D
 
Last edited:
Back
Top