handgun choice

[SpookyPistolero]

You can check out Springfield too, if you find the 1911 style fitting your hand well. The Milspec model is a great, basic pistol. Here is my loaded model:

 

[Tom Krein]

I carry a Glock 20 IWB everyday! If I go hiking or camping it is going with me!

The gun and two extra mags give me 45 rounds of 10mm!! The 10mm is just under .41 mag in power and is a good stopper.

Its not bad to shoot and can be managed without too much training.

Lots of GOOD advice in this thread! If you are not familiar with handguns get a revolver! Much easier manual of arms. I would also suggest getting a .22lr to start with and progressing to a .357mag.

Tom

 

[mystical woodsman]

I am still learning about handguns myself, speaking in a humble tone. I have a 357 Taurus found here: http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver. Taurus is like Toyota, when they first came out, they were crap, but over time, they refined their technique and now they are top of the line and one of the leading manufacturers of handguns, in quality and price to boot. If you have never fired before, I would start out with a small caliber just to get over the awkwardness and learn to NEVER point it at a living creature unless you intend to kill it (human or otherwise). This goes when it is loaded or not, to ingrain the habit which will always prevent an injury or death if it somehow ever accidentally went off.
I chose the 357 mainly for the potential bear I might run into. As for humans... well, if it can kill a bear it will kill a human too (duh). That is why I just went straight to the higher caliber. I have shot quite a few smaller calibers, but considering the fact that most of them can't kill a bear, or quick enough before they maul you first THEN die, I opted for the 357. 38 Calibers can be used to train with your 357 because they are the same size, but 357 rounds are designed to be longer just in case someone tries to use them in a 38 which could have disastrous affects LOL. 38's are good to train with because they are less costly and don't have such a loud BANG and recoil.
I don't have a CC YET, but I plan to and you should to. Nothing is greater than exercising our 2nd Amendment than concealed carry... before it is gone. If you choose not to get it (you better consider the reciprocal laws of your state first if you plan to ever travel with it tucked away on your body somewhere), just be careful... if you are "illegally" carrying, I am sure while passing another human on some small trail in the buttcrack of some moutainside, and miles and miles away from the nearest redneck, I am sure allowing your piece to be somewhat visible as they pass you should all but make a potential perp to think again. I am sure if he is not the criminal type, and is a good ole' citizen, they might narc on you but by the time they look for you (if they do even) I am sure you would be long gone by then hopefully.
If you ever find yourself being chased by hounds or hungry dogs, I heard that you can spray mace on your shoes and they will have difficulty tracking your scent. Again, I just heard that somehwere.

Peace.

 

[k_estela]

.357 perfection IMHO

4" Custom Smith and Wesson Model 66. With .38's, she hardly kicks and becomes a great training firearm for newbies. With full house 180 grain Federal Hard Casts, recoil is up but not unmanageable.

Even though my preferred and EDC firearm is a Glock 21, this one is fun to shoot and occasionally comes with me into the woods.

 

[Robert H]

Beautiful 74, spook! 223 or 5.45?

 

[Robert H]

I always carry my Glock 23 .40 but I'm switching to my FN 5/7 5.7x28mm.The pistol and sixty rounds of ammo is much lighter weight compared to my Glock and 30 rounds of ammo. I always Carry my Glock in a tactical hip holster. I finally found one for my FN made by Safariland and they make one that also accommodates a weapon light. :thumbup: I'm left handed so it's not always easy to find a holster for my needs especially for a weapon such as the FN.

Since I go out usually by myself. I carry a little more gear then I normally would if I was with a group of friends. Also since I video tape field tests I have the added weight of camera gear. Video camera, tripod, digital SLR and 2 lens. I try to cut weight where I can so I'm switching weapons for when I go out in the woods as soon as I get the holster

Not only is that gun light. It's lighter than the knife above it! I've been making some shoulder rigs for that gun. Very comfortable way to go.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Beautiful 74, spook! 223 or 5.45?

Thanks! It's 223. I've got nothin' but Weigers for it, steel is great in those things. The comp is AK-USA, it works really well. Very accurate little rifle :thumbup:

 

[Robert H]

I love the 74. Just picked up a .223 Arsenal not too long ago, but I have a Belgian up on Ultimak's site http://www.ultimak.com/pic25.htm

But that was before I completely railed it out.

 

[22-rimfire]

I shoot Glocks too. I am especially fond of the medium sized Model 23 (40 S&W) which would be a good personal protection firearm. It is not a hunting firearm. It is intended for dispatching feral 2-legged animals. I generally prefer revolvers, but the Glocks are very dependable.

I agree that if you are not familiar with handguns, the place to start is a 22LR in either a revolver or semi-auto pistol.

 

[noss4]

Robert H: The FN is just crazy on the weight issue as you know. The gun is mostly made of polymer with the slide made out of stamped/formed sheet metal then covered with a polymer cover. My browning 22LR target pistol is almost twice as heavy as the FN with 21 rounds of ammo. It's very light and has
a lot of fire power. :thumbup:

 

[gm47]

Terrill,

I am suprized your wife has not taken that revolver from you also. You have a hard time holding on to them.

Geoff

 

[Robert H]

I made a triple mag shoulder rig for it once. Somebody is out there with a sweet 80 round carry package that weights under 5 pounds.:thumbup:

 

[noss4]

I made a triple mag shoulder rig for it once. Somebody is out there with a sweet 80 round carry package that weights under 5 pounds.:thumbup:

Very nice.:thumbup: It's hard to find commercial holsters and mag carriers for it.
and since I'm a lefty it's even worse. :grumpy:

 

[Bears Breath]

Like they all said, check out a few before making any final deals...They are all fun to shoot...I choose the Kimber pro 4", 45 cal...I just like the way it fits in my hand...

 

[junoir]

I have a friend who has carried a ruger mk2 .22 for years, and sucessfully defended himself against 2 attackers recently. But now he is upgrading to a .45 acp because he said that had the circumstances been any different he could not have stopped them. It was the only gun he had and he said he got lucky, but if they had not given up so easily things could have been very different. Incidently, he picked the springfield milspec 1911 for simplicity and reliability.

 

[Pilot1]

Thanks! It's 223. I've got nothin' but Weigers for it, steel is great in those things. The comp is AK-USA, it works really well. Very accurate little rifle :thumbup:

Spook,

It looks just like my Polish Tantal in 5.45! Is that folding stock off a Tantal? Years ago I bought six Weiger mags for my eventual .223 AK which I have not bought yet. Instead I have three AK-74's in 5.45.

With regards to a backpacking gun, I think a 4 inch .357 mag revolver is a great all around choice. I usually carry a Ruger GP100. Sometimes I just carry my 9MM CCW gun which is a CZ-75D PCR (compact, alloy frame) because it also accepts the CZ Kadet Kit .22 conversion, so its like having two guns in one.

 

[mikeal]

I've been looking at the Glock 36 lately. .45 acp, 6 shots, 27 oz loaded. I have the 21 and love it, but it is a bit too bulky to conceal (especially in South Florida). Six rounds may not seem like much, but it is alot more than none.

Does anyone have any experience with the 36?

 

[Terrill]

Terrill,

I am suprized your wife has not taken that revolver from you also. You have a hard time holding on to them.

Geoff, she already has one of mine (now hers) 686's and the mod. 60. Her mother has my other 686. I made threats when I bought this one. IT IS MINE!

 

[misanthropist]

I carry a Glock 20 IWB everyday! If I go hiking or camping it is going with me!

The gun and two extra mags give me 45 rounds of 10mm!! The 10mm is just under .41 mag in power and is a good stopper.

Its not bad to shoot and can be managed without too much training.

Lots of GOOD advice in this thread! If you are not familiar with handguns get a revolver! Much easier manual of arms. I would also suggest getting a .22lr to start with and progressing to a .357mag.

Tom

NICE!!!

If you're going to pack a Glock around, that's the one to have!


Anyway I am a big believer in .357 mag, but if you are going to carry a Glock, make it a twenty!

And load it with max loads of Blue Dot for maximum enjoyment...boooOOOOOOOOM!!! Love that three foot muzzle flash, so satisfying!

In all seriousness, there are lots of loads a reasonable, intelligent person can use in a 10mm handgun...but I am neither and I want my Blue Dot!

 

[j williams]

The Glock 19 is my choice for an all around, reliable, durable handgun. I love my .45s but for the weight and ammo capacity, I find myself packing it the majority of the time.

Terrill-
That is an beautifull Ruger you got there.... Truely a piece of functional art.