Help me choose a gun

[Rat Finkenstein]

Man, there is schizophrenia in the water tonight!

Giardia maybe.

 

[TDahlgren]

I'm not sure why these don't get more attention. I have one in .45 colt, and use handloads with 255 gr. keith hardcast lead doing about 900+ fps. when hiking in bear country. They are a little hotter than most factory stuff, but still relatively mild on the shooter and they will penetrate plenty deep in any ornery critter - enough to do the job as long as you hit the vitals.

The .45 colt model is no longer available, but they now offer it in .44 mag. A buddy owns one and speaks well of it. If that's more than enough then the .357 mag. is also an option.

http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=TS2

 

[HighDesertWalker]

I suppose there is no point in carrying shelter or fire making supplies while in the woods, since I have never been lost or stranded or injured in the woods?

A gun is a valuable survival tool. It can easily provide food in addition to defense.

Any anti-gun society is utterly flawed, so yes, it is stupid. Not saying you support it, or embrace the lies. I never said where I live is perfect, but I could not even exist within your system.

I think it's sufficient to say that carrying a firearm is a personal choice. I have no problem admitting that my own preference is based on a mix of reason and emotion. Having a single action revolver shoved in your gut and cocked can make you feel pretty vulnerable, especially if you thought you were in a "safe place". Those feelings don't go away easily.

I'll mention one other experience. When I was traveling across the eastern part of Texas in the 1970s with my first wife we became lost and stopped to study the map. A fellow pulled up beside me and asked where I was going. I told him what highway I was looking for and he said to just follow him and he'd take me right to it. I followed him for awhile until it seemed like we were being led away from the main thoroughfares and into a wooded area. I didn't like the guys looks anyway, so I broke off following him and returned to the main highway. Years later I recognized the unforgettable mug of the overly helpful stranger from a photo in a book. Anyone familiar with the name "Henry Lee Lucas"?

http://www.houseofhorrors.com/lucas.htm

My ex and I were very lucky. My instincts protected me as they had years earlier in my dorm room when I talked a guy down who was holding me at gunpoint. Henry Lee was not known for wasting much time with his victims. When he got the advantage on a couple he shot the man immediately, because the man posed the biggest threat to his own health. Then he shot the woman very quickly as well because he "had no use for a live woman".

It's in the nature of being human that we are not always entirely rational. Sometimes we make decisions based on gut feelings or intuition. Sometimes we are influenced by past experiences. Although many may feel that there is no need to be constantly prepared to defend oneself in our modern society, you would have a hard time convincing me of that. Not that a gun necessarily guarantees anyones safety, but it is a factor in your favor. It's there in case you are failed by your wits and your intuition.

 

[Stainz]

The first rule of gun fighting in the old west was to bring a gun. Sadly, whether we still live 'in the old west' or not, survival may still depend on that. If your firearm is too large, massive, or difficult to carry, you won't carry it - breaking said first rule. Even if you need it for self protection against four legged threats, you must carry it.

I don't agree with the poster re a revolver being a poor choice due to weight vs capacity. The 642 I had pictured weighs less than a pound - and the 296 weighs ~22 oz loaded - with five .44 Specials. Both have enclosed hammers and can be pulled from pockets without fear of catching on something - or fired from within, if smoldering clothes don't bother you. The key is simple - you must be able to tote it with you - conveniently - and constantly. It does little good in the trunk of your car at a trailhead - or the shopping mall's parking lot.

Last November, ~3PM on a Friday - two days after it's 'Grand Opening' - my wife and I stopped in a new Wally World. While perusing the camping/sporting goods, I noted a ~20 yr old gang banger (Sloppy clothes - pants down to his knees, hat on backwards, 'club' jacket, etc.) following me... watching me. When I looked up - my wife was on the next aisle and hollered at me - odd, in a store, even though it was barren where we were. I looked up - he was coming straight at me - staring at me - her getting my attention caused me to look up - and towards her - here came another one, similarly attired, down her aisle. I saw no 'Watchtowers' in their hands, I doubt they wanted to witness to me. No 'AMWAY' brochures, either. They had me cornered against the back wall. I faced the older one I had seen first -looked him in the eye - reached in my pocket for that 642. He stopped 5' from me - looked at his friend, then ~7' from me, shook his head, and they turned and all but ran from the store. My wife was in shock... she didn't know there were two of them until they went past her. She said he looked straight at me - had been following me for a while. She was upset - I had to take her home. I contacted the manager, who apologized profusely and assured me he would review the videos and report that to the police.

I didn't have to present a lethal weapon... this time. Doing so without cause/use is assault. Perhaps a pocket knife would have sufficed. Little matter, I now carry 24/7 - even in church. I've had a carry permit for eons. With only the occasional visits of my grandkids, I keep loaded revolvers 'available' at home. Home breakins/invasions - even copper thiefs (A/C coils!) - are too close (Adjacent streets!) these days. You aren't safe camping, either... and, in central Alabama, it aint the bears you should be weary of.

Stainz

 

[ROCK6]

Rat may be a little more abrasive (or passionate?) about carry outdoors, but I do agree it's good insurance...Hiracer is also correct that it's a personal choice and one must calculate risks associated; well, I'll forego calculating and always be prepared whether I need it or not. Arguments can go either way. I don't think everybody needs to CCW 24/7, but that choice should be afforded everyone, and I'll continue to carry for my own peace of mind.

That said, you choice of a .380 is on the short end, but still viable. My wife has been carrying a Bersa Thunder .380 and it's been absolutely flawless (and she loves it). I know you mentioned a budget, so I would probably lean towards a compact revolver in .38/.357, that Ruger SP101 is a very sound choice. Someone mentioned a Glock and the compact models would be another very viable option.

Lastly, do forget a good holster or carrying method, especially if you have a pack with hip belt. There are plenty of options, just do a little homework to find out what works for you.

ROCK6

 

[Stainz]

I mentioned the Robert Mikas pocket holsters. Google him to find his web site. He is a retired LA cop, living in WI. He makes sheaths for 'cuffs and other things, sometimes getting a bit slow - lots of police, etc, orders - maybe weeks rather than days. Nice guy - very reasonably priced - and they work. I never thought that 296, a 2.5" L-frame, would be a 'pocket' gun - but it magically shrinks it. Here are the 642 & 296 in his pocket holsters:

He makes them for anything... even, gasp, those rude case chuckers (semi-autos). If it helps you carry discretely, which it does (It breaks up the outline.), that's a 'good thing', to quote Martha S.. Seriously, if 5,6, or 7 rounds won't get you out of trouble - you need something crew-served. Still, one spare reload is approriate.

Stainz

 

[Rupestris]

Ok. I'm not trying to open up a can of worms here, but where are you guys hiking downtown Detroit. LOL.

Why yes. As a matter of fact, I do.

 

[omaha-beenglockin]

Even our normally safe area is becoming more hostile---feral dogs--wild boar are expanding their range--and even the odd cougar.

Not to mention the 2-legged critters here in the city---with 4 shootings last weekend.

A Glock 19 and/or shotgun would be wise to have anywhere you go.

 

[David Schott]

If people KNEW they were going to need a gun for self defense against people or animals, they wouldn't be going to wherever that is to begin with. People carry because they DONT know when they will need it. As a rule of thumb, you should carry a gun that will stop the biggest possible threat and still be a functional choice.

If you anticipate the chance of an unwanted, violent encounter with a wild animal, you should simply be looking for the biggest caliber that you can control and comfortably carry which also has the stopping power to handle the animals in that area.

People are jumping all over Rat, but I think his first comment was spot on. If an individual chooses to use his past experience to predict the future of his encounters with animals, that is his choice, but it doesn't make it sound advice to be giving others. I've never had a house fire, but that doesnt mean i don't own a fire extinguisher or that I would go around advising others to save their money and not buy a fire extinguiser simply because the statistical chances are low and my personal experiences don't include having my house burn down in front of my eyes.

 

[peripatew]

I appreciate all the help on selecting a gun. Does anyone have any pictures of various guns together? Like a SP 101 and a Glock 19? I'm curious of the different guns compared by size.

 

[HighDesertWalker]

I've had a carry permit for eons. With only the occasional visits of my grandkids, I keep loaded revolvers 'available' at home. Home breakins/invasions - even copper thiefs (A/C coils!) - are too close (Adjacent streets!) these days. You aren't safe camping, either... and, in central Alabama, it aint the bears you should be weary of.

Stainz

Good idea to go legal. I've taken the trouble to get concealed carry permits in my home state of New Mexico as well as in Utah and New Hampshire. What possession of multiple permits accomplishes is to, through reciprocal agreements, give me the right to carry concealed in almost every state where CC permits are issued at all.

 

[JTR357]

While camping & hunting in PA or VT,I always carry a Smith & Wesson 686 .357 magnum 4" barrel(also comes in a 2.5" barrel)sidearm,along with my trustee 7mm Remington rifle..Then again the only dangerous animals I've come across in these areas were black bears(which usually run the other way,in most cases anyway) & moose(in which I would opt for my rifle).Never seen any cougars,though I have heard they've been spotted in PA.
If you're worried about stopping power on very large critters,you can always use hollow points with the .357 mag,or just move up to a .44 mag.A .44 mag will stop/kill a Kodiak or Grizzly in its tracks with a well placed shot to the head.
I use my 686 because I'm used to it & shoot it often.It's very comfortable to shoot for me.What it all comes down to is "What do you feel comfortable shooting accurately?"Lots of people carry around hand cannons,but couldn't hit the broad side of a barn when the crucial time comes.

P.S.If you get a 2.5" .357mag,be prepared to be temporarily blinded by the muzzle flash.The muzzle flash is enormous!!

 

[cmgray]

Its not a Glock, but it is what I carry in the woods. Its, not the lightest gun in the world, but Im used to carrying it, feel confident in shooting it, and know I can hit what I intend too.

 

[orrey45]

I appreciate all the help on selecting a gun. Does anyone have any pictures of various guns together? Like a SP 101 and a Glock 19? I'm curious of the different guns compared by size.

An excuse to take pictures...ok.

My Ruger Single Six (.22 and .22 mag), Glock 19 (9mm) and S&W airweight (.38spl +p)

Some in hand picks if that helps.

Hope that helps a little

 

[JTR357]

Its not a Glock, but it is what I carry in the woods. Its, not the lightest gun in the world, but Im used to carrying it, feel confident in shooting it, and know I can hit what I intend too.

I'm a wheel gun guy myself,but that is one extraordinary auto you have there:thumbup:If I ever did buy an auto it would definately be by Springfield Armory...or maybe a Kimber

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

I don't agree with the poster re a revolver being a poor choice due to weight vs capacity. The 642 I had pictured weighs less than a pound - and the 296 weighs ~22 oz loaded - with five .44 Specials. Both have enclosed hammers and can be pulled from pockets without fear of catching on something - or fired from within, if smoldering clothes don't bother you. The key is simple - you must be able to tote it with you - conveniently - and constantly. It does little good in the trunk of your car at a trailhead - or the shopping mall's parking lot.

Stainz

I don't have a problem with revolvers, per se. The two you like would be good choices, especially the 296. I would be fine with either of them.

The revolvers I don't feel are good choices for backpacking or hiking are generally the all steel full-sized models, such as the 686. Large, heavy, beefy revolvers are wonderful shooters, but not what I would want to pack up a steep trail, or try to conceal while wearing a pack.

They could be very good choices for car camping or static camping, however, where size and weight don't matter so much.

Andy

 

[HighDesertWalker]

I appreciate all the help on selecting a gun. Does anyone have any pictures of various guns together? Like a SP 101 and a Glock 19? I'm curious of the different guns compared by size.

Here's a couple of pics of all the guns and accessories I've mentioned in my posts to your thread. Hope it's useful to you.

From right to left, the Kel Tec K3AT, Kahr PM40, Ruger SP101 (.357 Mag) and Glock 23.

The Khar PM40 has three magazines: 1) a five round mag with a floorplate that fits flush with the bottom of the grip (in the pistol); 2) a six round magazine that protrudes below the grip, and 3) a five round magazine with a grip extender for your pinkie. I almost always carry with the mag that's in the gun for concealability.

The G23 comes with a 4" barrel. I've added a 5 1/2" barrel from Bar Sto for more power, and a 15 round G22 mag with an adapter that increases mag capacity from 13 to 15 rounds. So the G23 can go loaded with 16 rounds of +P Buffalo Bore 40 S&W that are fired through a 5 1/2" barrel. I love the adaptability of this pistol.

Good luck to you naked. Hope you find the handgun you're looking for. :thumbup:

 

[cmgray]

I'm a wheel gun guy myself,but that is one extraordinary auto you have there:thumbup:If I ever did buy an auto it would definately be by Springfield Armory.

This pistol is the best Ive ever owned, it has at this point over 7000 rounds through it. No FTF's FTE's. This is why I rely on it, when I go out into the bush.

 

[bacman99]

Ruger SP101