Handgun for the hiking, your choice?

[Biggin]

I normally carry my 5 shot NA .22 LR revolver, it is very light, reliable, and can be carried in the front or side pocket of my zip off pants. It is a small caliber, but will handle dogs, and scare off most animals if needed.
Which is better to carry a light weight gun or nothing at all?
Better to have something with you than have the biggest gun at home.


I also have a Kel-tec .380 that I carry if I am really concerned on my trips.

Just like all gear, each person has different things that work for them.
I am glad to share my thoughts and hear of yours

[The_Saint]

Anyway, FWIW, I carry regardless. Concealed means concealed, period.

I like my S&W M&P .40C

As a bear minimum, I may carry my Berreta 950 (.25acp)

Yes, it's a heavy option regardless. Just be sure you train on a regular basis and are proficient with this tool. Yeah, I said tool, because that's how I see it, as a part of my gear.

SMSP

Really, a .25 ACP against a bear? I wouldn't even recommend that for defending against a person.

[StubbleJumper]

Really, a .25 ACP against a bear? I wouldn't even recommend that for defending against a person.

It would probably be lots for a black bear. Really what you need is something that will make a loud bang to scare him into the woods (there are bear-bangers designed for this exact purpose). I agree that you'd want something a little more robust if you actually wanted to kill a bear.....probably 9mm would be preferable if you thought that there was meaningful risk of a grizzly attack.

Even against a human, a .25 might do the job. Is the goal to actually kill an assailant (in self-defense) or is it enough to just wing him and then flee? ISTM that you'd probably be ok if you just wounded your assailant and then hike away....if the other guy can still hike 2.5 miles per hour with a hole in his abdomen then he's a better man than me!

[Wags]

i think he meant "bare" not "bear"

[Bucherm]

I carry the M134 Minigun. I find it a useful deterrent against wildlife, axe murderers, and aliens who are hunting me for sport.

[Mizirlou]

...Let's keep it eastern USA specific...

Not saying what I carry but lethal force is in my vocabulary. Eastern USA specific? Target specific.

[sheepdog]

It would probably be lots for a black bear. Really what you need is something that will make a loud bang to scare him into the woods (there are bear-bangers designed for this exact purpose). I agree that you'd want something a little more robust if you actually wanted to kill a bear.....probably 9mm would be preferable if you thought that there was meaningful risk of a grizzly attack.

Even against a human, a .25 might do the job. Is the goal to actually kill an assailant (in self-defense) or is it enough to just wing him and then flee? ISTM that you'd probably be ok if you just wounded your assailant and then hike away....if the other guy can still hike 2.5 miles per hour with a hole in his abdomen then he's a better man than me!

I'd rather shoot a black bear with a .25 than a griz with a nine.


Of course I'd gladly pay you tomorrow for a hamburger today.

[StubbleJumper]

I'd rather shoot a black bear with a .25 than a griz with a nine.


Of course I'd gladly pay you tomorrow for a hamburger today.

I'd rather shoot a griz with a 9mm than a .25. But, I'm a lover, not a fighter, so prefer to not shoot any bear.

[Luddite]

I'd rather shoot a griz with a 9mm than a .25. But, I'm a lover, not a fighter, so prefer to not shoot any bear.

http://www.uzi.com/

[sheepdog]

I'd rather shoot a griz with a 9mm than a .25. But, I'm a lover, not a fighter, so prefer to not shoot any bear.

I prefer bears that run away after a nice photo op!!

[SMSP]

i think he meant "bare" not "bear"

Even with the wrong word, there is no context about it being specifically for a 'bear'. But yes, I meant 'bare' as in at the very least.

SMSP