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gun to hike with
- Thread starter fastang50
- Start date
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I always carried a Glock 23 while hiking or mountain biking. About the only threat I have encountered in the woods of Indiana is packs of dogs. If you go off trail or take a wrong turn down in Kentucky your more
likely to encounter an armed two legged creature guarding his cash crop or sthil.
likely to encounter an armed two legged creature guarding his cash crop or sthil.
I agree with Tom and Kludge above.
That being said, outside of Indiana, it really depends. I'd feel fairly safe with a Glock 23 (13 rounds of .40 with heavy SD ammo) while walking through wolf country in Idaho with my relatives. Anything bigger (bear), I'd opt for a wheel gun in .44mag or .454.
A lot of people praise the Glock 20 in 10mm with a good, heavy, bonded bullet as being "enough gun" for almost anything, plus it gives you 15 rounds. I like the idea, but have never owned a 10mm and think it would come up short on a big bear -- probably just **** it off more.
After all of that, the practical side brings me back to some of the original answers above -- 357 or 44 revolver, or your EDC, which should be on you anyways. Any of those are better than a sharp stick, which is only slightly better than a sharp tongue.
I think you are generally more likely to run into a questionable human than a dangerous critter around here.
That being said, outside of Indiana, it really depends. I'd feel fairly safe with a Glock 23 (13 rounds of .40 with heavy SD ammo) while walking through wolf country in Idaho with my relatives. Anything bigger (bear), I'd opt for a wheel gun in .44mag or .454.
A lot of people praise the Glock 20 in 10mm with a good, heavy, bonded bullet as being "enough gun" for almost anything, plus it gives you 15 rounds. I like the idea, but have never owned a 10mm and think it would come up short on a big bear -- probably just **** it off more.
After all of that, the practical side brings me back to some of the original answers above -- 357 or 44 revolver, or your EDC, which should be on you anyways. Any of those are better than a sharp stick, which is only slightly better than a sharp tongue.
I think you are generally more likely to run into a questionable human than a dangerous critter around here.
ROLEXrifleman
Master
What is this hiking you speak of?
Something small and light as you are going to be carrying it a lot more than shooting it, and as far as I know there are no grizzlies in Indiana..yet..however, I am sure someone as "spotted" one next to their grandmas house eating her bird seed. A compact rust resistant type gun like a Glock would be a good start. Mine..Glock 36..
If this posts intent is hiking while in Indiana, last black bear was seen in 1860. There is only three areas of the state with three different types of posinous snakes. The real threat would be a of the two legged varitey.
I'd use a gun of .45, 9mm, 40 which would hold a min. of 10 rounds. If bad luck found you with multiple (worse case four) bad guys. You'd want to give each two rounds, plus a couple extra for any misses. I'd also pack at least one reload mag.
Hiking in the West in black bear or mountain lion, I"d pack a 10mm, comprise between running up against beast and bad men. In Griz, country I'd go min. .44 mag. In that part of the world, the critters would be more of a threat.
I'd use a gun of .45, 9mm, 40 which would hold a min. of 10 rounds. If bad luck found you with multiple (worse case four) bad guys. You'd want to give each two rounds, plus a couple extra for any misses. I'd also pack at least one reload mag.
Hiking in the West in black bear or mountain lion, I"d pack a 10mm, comprise between running up against beast and bad men. In Griz, country I'd go min. .44 mag. In that part of the world, the critters would be more of a threat.
whitetailbowhunter
Expert
I have been wondering this same thing. I try to make at least one trip every year to hike in Smoky Mountain National Park for multiple day backcountry hikes and i've also been fortunate enough to hike a lot of National Parks out west (i'll be in Rocky Mountain NP in less than a month). What would be the all around greatest round for hiking in all parts of the U.S.? I cc a m&p9c but i'd want a wheel gun for this purpose. .357, .44 mag, what other all-around calibers are there? i'm leaning more towards a .44 mag but i'm not sure why as i don't know much about larger pitstol cartidges?
I think a .38/.357 would suffice just fine for most areas. After all, for hiking in the midwest, the only predators you need to worry about are of the human variety. When hiking in areas where bears or other dangerous wildlife are a potential concern, I prefer to carry a .44 mag. Although the added weight of a .44 may be noticeable after a while, it's probably not a big deal for an experienced hiker used to a backpack.
