Do you carry a firearm in the great (recreational) outdoors?

handguns are seen as next to useless in bear country ( Defender type shotguns are #1 choice ) which is pretty much the only reason for carrying one in the bush in my experience.
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Ah, but you forget its serves as a snake eradicator, a plinker (maybe that's an American trait ;) ), a signal device, a harvester for the meat pot, and most importantly peace of mind.

Pentlatch, I'm just giving you a hard time. :p

Shoulder guns are well-advised in Bear country, esp. vs. Brownies. I mean, you do hear of successful handgun Black Bear hunters using .44 Mag, .454 Casull, and the like--but this requires a skill in stalking, and serious shooting skills. I wouldn't even dream of trying to takedown a charging Brownie with anything less than .45-70, .338 Mag, or other .40-cal. rifle (and even then I'd question my shooting skills)!

But there's also something to be said about excercising your freedom of choice and carrying ineffective bear medicine should you decide. :D
 
Guncollector,

Thats the same Smith I carry also (mine is black with a hammer). I have the Crimson Trace grips on mine. If you get them I would suggest getting the new rubber model as opposed to the hard plastic. I have both and much prefer the soft rubber. I think they are great on the snubs.:)
 
Guncollector-

I would but they are both in use. I bought one set (hard plastic) off of ebay for $150. That was a steal. I really like them though.
 
Doc, You are correct, sir. Al vs. Ti, just a matter of electrons :p

Guncollector, I have shot the 342, and my buddy's .357 Scandium version. I'm not recoil shy, but the .357 was not fun. My reasoning for .22 was more a matter that I thought it would kill small game more cleanly for survival. I like the idea of single action fire for such shooting. Also, the adjustable sights give me a better sight picture than the groove one the DA models. I don't have my S&W catalog handy, but an adjustable sighted, exposed hammer .38 might be the best compromise.

Pentlatch-Where I go, bear attacks aren't too likely, and pepper spray seems to be the ticket for them wherever you are. When I worked in a gunshop, we told people to pick any handgun they wanted for bear defense, but to file off the front sight, so when the bear sticks it up your a$$ it won't hurt so much. :D My only reason for a handgun would be worst case survival and two legged predators.
 
I agree with Geraldo about those two legged predators. They can be just as dangerous in a remote woodland setting as they are in concrete jungle.

Carry a firearm in the great outdoors?

You bet ya!
 
Long guns are really great for bear protection..But just think a minute about what a person normally does with his rifle or what have you when he gets back to the tent..I usually set it aside to start dinner..most bears don't send calling cards...they just come in uninvited when the grub starts cookin'..I always have my 44 on my side..
Doc I have a model 317 Smith and I love it ..great little kit gun...
 
It depends, either a Para-Ordnance 7.45, Glock-26 or Glock-30. The shorter the outting the larger the firearm.
 
I will grab a firearm or two EVERY time I head out! If I can't take a firearm, I feel nekkid!

Longarms: Marlin 1894S in .44 magnum or a Ruger 10/22 for plinking or my Marlin 780 bolt action for some serious gopher/black bird shooting. The 780 has a tall Harris bipod and a 6-24x40mm scope for some serious 100+ yard .22LR shooting.

Handguns: one of two Rugers. Redhawk with a 4" barrel in .44 magnum. This is my main sidearm for hunting, plinking and CCW. For fun and small game shooting a 22/45 with a 5.5" bull barrel. This is great for squirrel size game out to 50 yards or so, open sighted!

Guns and outdoors were made for each other...Unless I have a bow or wristrocket, sometimes the gun goes along too though! ;)
 
I just got a new outdoor carry gun that is awesome. It's a S&W .357 7 shot magnum. Full power .357, 19 oz loaded. I included my G32 for size comparison.
 

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I always carry a handgun in the wilds no matter what the laws say. I like a good .45 auto: Sig, Glock, or Colt 1911. I like packing the gun down the front of my wasteband, so the Sig or Colt usually feel better for this. But I actually prefer shooting the Glock and am thinking about getting a shoulder holster from Survival Sheath Systems for my Glock 30. I am also thinking about getting one of the light weight S&W j-frames to keep in my pants pocket.
 
Most times I carry a firearm in the outdoors, the type varies according to where exactly I happen to be. Most times I carry a Springfield Champion (Commander size) 1911 .45 ACP Odd choice in Alaska, yes? Perhaps I can explain.

bears just don't bother me. I run into quite a few every summer, they leave me alone, I leave them alone and we all get along just fine. It's people that tend to worry me, and a .45 is plenty for them.

Secondly, from what I do know of bears there are not many handguns I WOULD feel comfortable taking on a charging bruin with, but I know I can shoot my .45 ACP fast, and accurately enough to discourare just about any attacks. At the very least there's at least the grim satisfaction of knowing if the bear eats me at least I'll hopefully have a decent blood trail for the brown shirts to follow.:D

There is something to be said for all the hot new .50 action express, hot rodded 45 LC, etc. out there but I've noted when it comes to a pragmatic application most of the guys I go out with that carry that kinda gun rarely have it on hand. it's in a backpack, at the camp, beside a tree, or whatever, it is rarely at hand. my 1911 is with me at ALL TIMES, whether I'm gathering firewood, going to the bathroom, or whatever, it is there with me. Not that these handcannons don't have there place, and are bad at all, they just aren't right for me.

so explaineth my unusual choice for a weapon designed for bipedal threats in bear country.

When I'm at a cabin, or in a motorboat, or airplane I do also like to carry a slug loaded 870 to keep around camp, as long as I don't have to lug it all over hells half acre myself.

There's lots of other guns that come out from time to time when I go to play outdoors, but those two are the most consistent.

Hope everyone has a good and safe summer doing whatever it is you do in the outdoors!


:D
 
S & W Model 629 Trail Boss (44 mag, 3" barrel). Except in Alaska, where it's a Gary Reeder African Hunter (500 Linebaugh, 4 7/8" barrel).
 
Nothing too fancy...just my 870 with alternating 2 3/4 00 Buck and slugs. In the tent I keep OC which is faster to get in action and will not result in fatalites due to my half awake state. If time permits, I will chamber a round and take a look around during those sounds in the night.
 
I heard a while back that some of the Yosimite park rangers carried the Desert Eagle .50 for bears. Any word on this? Somehow I kind of doubt the veracity of the rumor.
 
As those of you that know me know, if I'm not working somewhere around the country as a FS engineer, and if I'm not typing away here, then I'm probably off camping somewhere...

I always bring firearms, and I'm almost always carrying a firearm, legal or not... :D

Long gun choices might be an 870 with sabot slugs, or a Ruger M77RLS shorty in .308...but the 1894S Marlin in .44 mag is always there! Federal 300 gr. FMJ solids are the round of choice...I bought a few 50 rnd boxes a few years back, I don't know if they're still made.

Hand gun choices might be a S&W 629 'mountain gun' in .44 mag, or a SIG P-220 in .45 ACP, but the S&W 442 'airweight' Centennial .38 and Ruger GP-100 4" SS are always there! I picked up a few boxes of IMI 180 gr. FMJ +P .357's a few years back...(Yes, +P .357's!!!)

Strictly 'Bear Bait' ammo, but it'll work on the two leggers as well...lol ;)

Good thread guys, thanks for the input...I'm glad we all feel the same way..."Judge me in court if need be, but don't bury me before my time..."

Mel

p.s. Kampf, someone told you a story...it's SIG P-226's I've seen each year for most of the last 10 at Yosemite...
 
Good thread! I always carry a handgun when out in the woods, hiking, camping or kayaking with my family. After having a close encounter with three "Deliverance" types when I was alone with my wife and two younger kids, my family agrees as well.

So, I carry one of either a Glock 26, 19 or 23, or a S&W 642.
 
Out of curiosity, how do you guys carry while in the backcountry?

While hunting, I have an Eagle Industries hunting-vest with crossdraw holster built-in for my backup (and all kinds of assorted pockets for survival gear, ammo, calls, whatever). If I'm not using the vest, then usually in a strongside hip holster.

If hiking/camping in a National Forest area, then I prefer more discreet carry, and use a fanny pack, or a camera pouch on my pack's hip-strap.

If in a National Park, Recreation, or other prohibited area, well, let's say you won't ever see a firearm on me.

Let's hear it from you guys...
 
Dave in PA,

Let's just say that I know exactly what you mean. I only carry in the National Forest where it is legal, and usually a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 or .45. It is on my hip in plain view, and there has never since been a problem with anyone, including many Rangers that I stop and talk to. Perhaps my being polite helps. The deterrent value of open carry of a large gun on the "Deliverance Types" cannot be overstated.
 
I carry my 17 in a black leather beltslide and my Airweight in a cheap Uncle Mikes clip holster.
 
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