- Joined
- Dec 16, 2009
- Messages
- 77
I carry a ruger security 6 .357 and shoot Buffalo Bore 180grn heavies. I spend around 60 nights a year in wilderness areas all over the Pacific northwest, and am often off -trail. I've never needed to use it, even encountering bears and cougars, however, a bear came into my area midday once in the Wenaha wilderness, and despite me yelling, and my 2 very startled pit bulls, hitting the roof, he grunted and walked off about as fast as you head to the fridge for a beer between commercials; not fast enough! I got the gun to help encourage any woodland critter alng who might need it, knowing full well that I probably won't. There are, however, some strange folk in the mountains, from illegal immigrants growing weed (see Wallowa mountains/Eagle Cap wilderness grow op bust, 2009 or 2010 in Oregon) to rapists and murderers. There was a mother and daughter killed on a day hike a few years ago, less than an hour from the trailhead, right outside Seattle, and the perp has never been identified. My safety, and the safety of my 6year old son, and very attractive backpacking girlfriend, are important enough to carry an extra 3 lbs of steel.
....you know, well I need to move on, nice talking to ya and have a nice day.... (aka, I hope you don't decide to follow me or keep poping up everytime I stop.)