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Guns: Your prefered wilderness carry options?

I carry a Charter Arms Off Duty .38 Special in a pocket holster when I hike. Super light, small, but easy to get to. I used to carry my .357 magnum, but I never needed it and it was getting too heavy as well as being in the way.

The Safe Packer Ejes posted is a great idea. I'll have to look into getting one.
 
I used to carry a .45acp, strong side open carry, but the thing weighs over 30oz loaded, plus an additional mag and I never needed it. So, I bought a Bersa Thunder .380acp and somebody gave me a Fobus paddle holster that fits the Bersa. I figure that it'll carry just fine while carrying a full pack w/waistbelt.
 
Lightweight .44 special, chest rig or in a jacket pocket, stays in the hip pack.
 
It's interesting how many of you have switched to lighter weight guns. I've been struggling with that decision for a while now.

I used to carry a full size 357 mag. and switched to a smaller 3" SP101 in 357 mag. but I'm still considering getting an 642 Airweight in 38 sp.

I carry a handgun mostly because I like them and the peace of mind that comes with having one. I've never needed one and the likelyhood of having to use it is so small that I have to wonder why I've been lugging around a heavy revolver for so long. Most of my time in the woods is for hunting and I'll usually already be carrying a rifle so the handgun is really a novelty.

I guess the only time I wouldn't have quick access to my rifle is when I'm in the tent sleeping in which case the revolver would be the first thing I'd reach for.

What do you guys think of the 642 Airweight for a kit gun?

Collecter
 
I think it's fine. I have a 442 in my pocket all day as a normal "kit" gun. I like the .44 special for the hip pack, although I just picked up a 340 in .357 since I have a bunch of JetLoaders for the .38 already. I think the .38 is a minimum for defense, and the .22 for food gathering.
 
Kahr PM9 loaded with Speer 124gr+P GDHP in a Milt Sparks Watch Six IWB strong side . It is so light you never know it is there, yet provides adequate stopping power.:thumbup:

A question: Is a .22 really THAT much lighter than a .38 revolver? I don't mean to be critical, but a .22 has very very little stopping power. Deadly, yes! But will it stop the attack of a 2 or 4 legged creature. Probably not.

I think some of you should reconsider your choice. If weight is really a big issue for you, perhaps a small Kel-tec in .380 or .32 with good HP defensive ammo would be a good choice. Neither caliber is ideal, but certainly preferable to a .22 and extremely light weight with a flat profile that carries well.

Again, I do not intend to offend anyone, but merely point out that there are much, much better choices in a sidearm than a .22.

Those of you who go unarmed... I think that is just silly (Chuck Norris and Rambo excluded). Why risk it? The sidearm doesn't take up much room or weigh very much. Especially if you are responsible for other people such as women or children. The odds are you will NEVER need it. But, I conclude, why risk it? It is better to have it and not need it, than it is to need it and not have it.;)
 
No Offense taken but if a 2 legged critter was to disrupt my camp/hike/outdoor activity and direct the threat towards me/Family....pulling a firearm of any caliber should stop the invader if not being shot by any caliber will....If I can not stop some one with a .22 caliber ,I might as well pack a slingshot. like I mentioned I toted a .357 GP100 4" barrel for quite sometime and never need it and yes there is quite a difference in weight. the upside of the 22 is if I decide to take small game there is something left vs.packing more than one caliber. just my 2cents... this subject is no different than who prefers what knife and why...everybody will not agree...
 
now ,I will mention that if we (Family) are hiking or camping in Cougar or bear area then yes the 357 does fore shadow the 22 ... but most of my outdoor activites are not in these areas.....
 
If I'm hunting whitetail deer, it's my S&W 29 Classic with a 2X Leupold. My favorite for small game hunting is my 3-screw Ruger Single-6. When I feel the need to carry for self defense it's either my 4 inch barreled S&W 686 with my favorite handload or my Kimber 45 with Winchester Silvertips. I think that the most important thing with a handgun is being proficient and confident. I carry each of these on my hip in quality leather.
 
Some good points there Texastony. And I agree with you that everyone will certainly disagree on the brand of knife or proper caliber or type of sidearm. Such discussions can be fairly toxic as everyone has well justified opinions of the gear they choose to carry..

I prefer a larger caliber because it provides more stopping power and weighs no more that a comparable sidearm in a small caliber.

Granted, the odds of EVER needing to use a sidearm are very, very remote, but one must consider the randomness of the outdoors when planning such an adventure. I tend to prepare for the worst when packing. I always take a poncho, even when the weather is supposed to be clear and sunny...just in case it rains. I generally pack a bit more food and water than I will need... just in case I need it.

My choice in sidearms is along the same line. I agree with you that a .22 will work for most occasions. But what about a rabid animal, or worse, a person on drugs who does not fear the sight or load bang produced by the .22? What if you must rely on that sidearm to STOP the attack?

Personally, I would like to have a 12 gauge at this time... but limited to a sidearm I would like the most powerful caliber I can comfortably carry and shoot effectively. For me, my minimum is a 9mm or .38 spcl with good defensive ammo. If the size and weight of the sidearm are comparable, then why not carry the larger caliber. The only thing you have to lose is your life. Why take the risk?

Again, I understand that the odds of the above scenario are extremely remote... but I try to plan for the unexpected rain shower, need for extra food or water, and yes, the need to defend myself and those whom I love.
 
I sort of agree with the comments about choosing the larger caliber if the gun weighs the same. I like the s&w 317 (22 lr) but its bloody expensive considering the the same gun in 38 sp is about the same weight and costs a lot less.

For those who have the 317, how heavy is the double action trigger pull?

I guess i should post a new topic...is the Airweight in 38 sp. enough power for a general woods carry kit gun?
 
Depending on where I'm going, I'll take along my old S&W Model 34-1 .22 Kit Gun with a 4" barrel and round-butt grip, or maybe "borrow" my wife's Charter Arms .38 snubbie. If mean critters may be around, my S&W Model 625-6 .45 Colt Mountain Gun will come along.

Ron

Some "eye candy": My Kit Gun
m34-1.jpg
 
kdstrick,I will go along with you and your valid points..I do have a GP100 .357 & XD9mm but while out and about fishing or whatever I always pack my .22 ,I have been looking into an airweight 38+p revolver just keep spending my $$ on blades LOL !!!
 
texastony, I was "eyeing" one of those airweight S&W .38's myself in my local gunshop in Giddings, Texas when I was home last time....it seems to keep calling my name every time I go in there!

Ron
 
KDSTRICK - " Again, I do not intend to offend anyone, but merely point out that there are much, much better choices in a sidearm than a .22. "
Click to expand...

Not for a novice to learn the fundamentals of shooting accuractely, functioning, and safety.

I certainly agree that out in the boonies, I always have a heavier caliber handgun on my person, but...

For a person,man or woman, who has never fired handguns, the very best way for that person to learn to shoot accurately and the proper fundamentals, is to shoot a thousand rounds or so through a good .22 LR handgun, with virtually no recoil and very little report..

THEN move on up to the heavier calibers.

No offense taken on my part, by the way. ;)

L.W.
 
Smith and Wesson 642 .38 special +P
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plus a Barami Hip Grip
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It's what I carry anytime I'm not at work.
Works great. No holster needed. I've hiked at least a total of 20 miles with it. I've not had one problem with this set-up.
And if five rounds of .38 Special +P won't stop an attacker, what will?
 
In Alaska, I carried a United Sporting Arms Seville in .44 Magnum in a strongside, hi-ride holster. Hi-ride let my pack waist belt strap over the holster. Saved my ass once.
Since moving to Oregon, I haven't carried anything but a Ruger MK 2 .22. Bears here stay away, and no Moose to speak of.
 
bushman, if I was in Alaska, I would carry my 5 1/2" barrel Ruger New Model Flattop .44 magnum revolver! In fact, when I hog hunt at home in Texas, it's usually the revolver I go to.
 
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