Maxpedition FatBoy (not jumbo) - help me pick a pistol?

J_Curd

J_Curd

Joined
Jul 26, 2006
Messages
6,038
So currently, I have two guns that are a really tight fit, a Taurus PT-92, and a Ruger 22/45 4in Bull Barrel .22.

Both guns do fit, snugly, but they are hard to draw once i stick my meat paw in the pouch along with the gun.

So here is the conundrum:

I like .22LR because I can carry 100 rounds, its great for small game, and in a true solo survival situation it would be ideal.

However, I hike some active trails, and it would be nice to have a gun that is good for self-defense.

So here are my criteria...

No revolvers (thick, low ammo, cylinder gap, slow reloads, etc)

.22LR through 9mm

Hopefully capable of self-defense and hunting, but I know that is a tall order.

I think the proper weapon is a .22LR with adjustable sights and a fixed barrel...I just wish my Ruger fit better.

Any better ideas, because I am all ears.

Thx in advance.
 
The Walther P-22 would be the perfect size. I have mine and I like it, but ... there's a lot of buts. Finicky and not a bulls-eye shooter being the most prevalent.
 
I've shot one extensively, and I dont care for them...small grip and I cant get good groups...
 
I can't get the site to come up right now, but Tactical Solutions may be able to get you a 3" barrel to make it fit better????

I'm doing some shooting this morning...all .22LR conversions for my pistols (Sig P220, CZ75 and Kimber 1911). A simple pop/replacment of the slide and a .22LR loaded magazine and I have a plinker on the same platform as my self defense pistol. Still need to get a Ciener for my BHP and a Glock (AA) .22 Conversion for my two Glocks. I like'em!

Another "cheaper" option is to get the Jumbo size. I can almost fit my Buckmark with a 5.5" barrel AND an Aimpoint on a rail in mine! It would definitly fit a 4" Ruger with no optics.

ROCK6
 
It seems that finding a handgun to fit your pack is putting the cart before the horse. Choose the weapon most suitable for you, and then choose your pack to match.
 
It seems that finding a handgun to fit your pack is putting the cart before the horse. Choose the weapon most suitable for you, and then choose your pack to match.
Click to expand...
I would say the man knows what he is talking about.
 
i carry a .45 inside the waist band, or in a pancake out in the woods/swamps... top round is snakeshot as our mocs will attack, and i mean right now... a bag is slow, set up your "weapon system" i.e. ur weapon, holster, mags, light ect.... then build ur kit around it.... i have my ruger in the pack for food, but my .45 is for the oh sh#$ situations....
 
Yeah, another bag is cheaper...Im just trying to stay really small.

I have a Sig Mosquito as well...

Gah, so many options!

Thx for all the advice fellas, Im open for more...
 
I've considered buying another Kahr, possibly replacing my CW9 Kahr carry gun with the CW45, and sticking the CW9 in my pack.
 
J_Curd said:
So currently, I have two guns that are a really tight fit, a Taurus PT-92, and a Ruger 22/45 4in Bull Barrel .22.

Both guns do fit, snugly, but they are hard to draw once i stick my meat paw in the pouch along with the gun.

So here is the conundrum:

I like .22LR because I can carry 100 rounds, its great for small game, and in a true solo survival situation it would be ideal.

However, I hike some active trails, and it would be nice to have a gun that is good for self-defense.

So here are my criteria...

No revolvers (thick, low ammo, cylinder gap, slow reloads, etc)

.22LR through 9mm

Hopefully capable of self-defense and hunting, but I know that is a tall order.

I think the proper weapon is a .22LR with adjustable sights and a fixed barrel...I just wish my Ruger fit better.

Any better ideas, because I am all ears.

Thx in advance.
Click to expand...

What about maybe a Glock 26 with an Advantage Arms 22lr Conversion. You could take both. The 22 kit doesn't take up too much space. And they are suprisingly accurate.

Have you maybe considered stepping up to the Jumbo though. I own one and love it. You can fit a fullsized 45 with tactical light in it's back compartment. I'd rather change my bag than my gun. Cheaper too. But there is nothing wrong with a reason to get anothe gun either LOL.
 
J_Curd said:
I've considered buying another Kahr, possibly replacing my CW9 Kahr carry gun with the CW45, and sticking the CW9 in my pack.
Click to expand...


Try the PM9. I have one and love it. It's in my pocket right now.
 
Gotta be able to get my pinky on any "real gun"...the G26 w/ kit is a cool idea though...I might just get the larger bag and a .22 conversion for my G19 and call it a wrap.
 
I have both the Jumbo and Fatboy versipaks. I like the Jumbo better. In fact I have a OD Jumbo here in Iraq with me. However, I usually do not use them to carry firearms when out in the woods, and would not use them to influence my gun choise. I always have my woods gun on my belt or in a shoulder rig. Same with my primary knife. You never know when you may need your knife or firearm and your man bag may not be handy. So just keep your Fatboy and get a holster for one of your handguns.
 
J_Curd said:
So currently, I have two guns that are a really tight fit, a Taurus PT-92, and a Ruger 22/45 4in Bull Barrel .22.

Both guns do fit, snugly, but they are hard to draw once i stick my meat paw in the pouch along with the gun.

So here is the conundrum:

I like .22LR because I can carry 100 rounds, its great for small game, and in a true solo survival situation it would be ideal.

However, I hike some active trails, and it would be nice to have a gun that is good for self-defense.

So here are my criteria...

No revolvers (thick, low ammo, cylinder gap, slow reloads, etc)

.22LR through 9mm

Hopefully capable of self-defense and hunting, but I know that is a tall order.

I think the proper weapon is a .22LR with adjustable sights and a fixed barrel...I just wish my Ruger fit better.

Any better ideas, because I am all ears.

Thx in advance.
Click to expand...

CZ-75 Compact in 9mm. Then pickup the Kadet adapter (top slide replacement). The Kadet is a tack driver in .22. The standard CZ will give you the benefits of a defensive shooter with excellent ergonamics and ability to carry cocked and locked. If you want to do some plinking or small game hunting switch out the slide for the Kadet and you are good to go.
 
I know you said no revolvers, but I met someone this past weekend that carries a Taurus Judge (small .410 shotshell revolver) in a Fatboy. Because it is slim, it fit fine. I know that gun has its limitations, but for hunting squirrel, rabbit, birds, etc... at close range, it seems ideal. Loaded with slugs, it also works for some larger animals.

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=199&category=Revolver
 
gravydan said:
It seems that finding a handgun to fit your pack is putting the cart before the horse. Choose the weapon most suitable for you, and then choose your pack to match.
Click to expand...

+1 to that.

I used to carry a Taurus PT-92. I loved the gun. I also took it on quite a few backpacking trips and it did just fine in that role. Then I made the mistake of wearing my brothers Glock 19 for a day and actually forgot I had it on. The PT-92 got traded in.

If you are looking for a handgun and weight/size is a factor then the Glock 19 is hard to beat. When considering a handgun for use in the bush the weight of the ammo needs to be taken into consideration. With ammo the weight of the bullet is most of the load. I often carry a 1911 in the field and there is a huge difference between 50 rounds of 115 grain 9mm and 50 rounds of 230 grain .45. Once you add in the weight of the all steel 1911 compared to the polymer Glock 19 the difference is even greater. Mac
 
J_Curd said:
Gotta be able to get my pinky on any "real gun"...
Click to expand...

LOL, Trust me. The PM9 is a real gun. The bullets fly out real nice and hit stuff where you point it. But I know what you mean. I have big hands and the PM9 gets lost in my hands. You have to take it upon yourself to conduct more training to be able to shoot such a small weapon well. But man it sure is a worthwhile little pocket rocket to have. I've been in love with mine from day one.


the G26 w/ kit is a cool idea though...I might just get the larger bag and a .22 conversion for my G19 and call it a wrap.
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There is nothing at all wrong with a G19. Nice weapon. I have a 19, and a 32 with additional 23 barrel. I love that size gun so much. But I think you're on the right track getting another bag. You'll find pleanty of uses for that Fatboy trust me. They're great bags. But I would never buy a new gun to fit a bag. I'd buy a new bag to fit the gun that I trust the most and has served me the best. Make sure to check out the Advantage Arms 22 kit. From my experience it's the best offering for a conversion for your glock. I love mine. They work best with remington golden bullets. And for reference, you can just barely squeeze an HK USP Tactical in 45 with a streamlight M6X on it in the back of a Jumbo Vpack. That's a pig of a gun. So you will have room for probably your 19 and the 22 kit in the same compartment if you pack it smart.
 
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