Handgun for the hiking, your choice?

[IsNotAHome]

What handgun(s) do you like for hiking? Let's keep it eastern USA specific.

I'm in the 9 is fine camp and I like the PM9. Others I'd carry are the PF-9, and PPS. The new SIG looks interesting, that is once the "beta testers" get through with it.

I load alternating JHP (124g +P) and FMJ (NATO spec).

What do you carry while hiking, or what are you looking at? What loads do you prefer?

[Rocket Jones]

I think this is probably the wrong forum for this discussion. I'm fine with you carrying legally, but why advertise? Keep quiet about it and avoid the fuss and handwringing.

[Llama Legs]

12mm Gyrojet.

[IsNotAHome]

You can get a Florida non-resident permit and carry on the entire southern half of the trail.

[Mountain Wildman]

I like the Taurus Millenium PT145 PRO for every day carry, 10 + 1, 45 Auto PMC Starfire 230 grain SFHP, Fully loaded with 11 rounds weighs 28 ounces. Only $400

For hiking I think the Kahr Arms PM9 9mm 7 + 1 weighs 15.9 ounces unloaded would be perfect.

If hiking in Grizzly country, I would go with a revolver in either 44 Mag. or larger.
Heavy, But effective.

[SMSP]

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

[txag]

Smith & Wesson .357 Airweight. Keep a couple of .38s in the first chambers just to make noise without the kick you will feel for a while (like a day). Sits in my front pocket - never know it is there.

[Elder]

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



SMSP

You pull that on a Bear, he'll laugh as he eats you.

[Feral Bill]

Search for any of several threads on this topic, each of which degenerates into into a shouting match.

[Torch09]

What handgun(s) do you like for hiking?

... none of them...

[emerald]

Today, early though it may be, I agree with our self-proclaimed registered abuser, not to make nice, but because he makes good sense.

[skinewmexico]

Too heavy, not needed. And I have a CHL.

[Tuckahoe]

If carrying isnt your thing, then why not skip this thread and leave it to those that do? No one gets in a pissing match and there is no reason to lock a legit thread.

[StorminMormon]

Agreed, if you don't carry or you are (for whatever reason) against it - then go find another thread. The fact is that a lot of people carry. It's legal. It's our gosh darn right under the Second Amendment so deal with it.



Personally, I carry a Walther P99 Subcompact (10 + 1). But I'm looking to "upgrade" to something a little lighter like a S&W Airweight .357 and I'll carry some extra ammo.

[LockJaww]

Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun 44 Mag....

[StorminMormon]

Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun 44 Mag....

I have a Ruger Super BlackHawk .44 Mag with a 10" barrel. I wish I could carry that because it's DEFINITELY an anti-bear gun. However, it's too large to qualify as a concealed gun so I would have to get a hunting permit in each state and carry it open (where permitted, of course).

[burntoutphilosopher]

i didn't carry on the AT,

but in a lot of my hikes i do,

i carry a Beretta PX 4 storm in a shoulder harness and it's an excellent tool. dependable, feel good, and relatively lightweight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMbImbbkd1I

a good universal shouldr rig works well for hiking, as you can use the side straps around you pack's waistbelt and move universally. i have done countless 10 to 12 miles hikes with this on and no discomfort whatsoever.

[KMACK]

Kel-Tec P32

[Miner]

I don't like carrying a gun hiking due to the weight, however, I was interested in this thread thinking I would learn about few lightweight models that are out there that might change my mind. Instead of seeing something like a Walter 22 (.22 at 15oz), I'm seeing magnums!? Too many of the guns listed are far too heavy for any sane person to want to carry on a 2000miles thru-hike. Added such a huge weight goes against my personal trend of the last several years of carrying less weight. I bought a glock 23 years ago with the idea of taking it backpacking put after feeling the added weight of 10rounds of .40 in it, I gave up the idea. Obviously a 26 or 27 would have been better, but the issue of ammo weight remains. The only guns likely to be light enough for most long distance hikers to consider in this age of UL backpacking would be a small caliber like a .22. How about some REALISTIC options instead of these bricks?

[Secret Squirrel]

Ruger .380 ACP

Also, KAHR carries specializes in lightweight handguns. I have a .45 ACP single stack that has a polymer frame and weighs 28 oz loaded.