Pistol for Hiking in The Continental 48

9707 Views 181 Replies 112 Participants Last post by DSP24, 2 mo ago

FredRepr650

Discussion Starter · 10 mo ago

Looking for a compact handgun that I can take with me(where legal) when I go hiking.

I don't go hunting, not against it, just not my thing. I do, however, enjoy hiking and being outside, especially in the fall.

I want something that will keep me safe from predators in all environments in the lower 48 states. Strictly for self defense, if I were chasing something I would take my rifle.

The G20 is too big. If they made a 10mm in G19 size, it be perfect for what I want it for.

Would a 3" .357 suffice or do I need something with a longer barrel/larger caliber?

Recommendations appreciated.

161 - 180 of 182 Posts

NoStress

· #161 · 7 mo ago

TBO said:
My woods/hiking gun is a S&W 629 Mountain Gun in 44 mag.

(for those who don't know the 629 Mountain Gun is an uncataloged light weight version. It kicks more, but carries lighter).

Sent from my Jackboot using Copatalk

Light is good. A guy wants to go light when he has to pack a hide out.

Reactions: 2

IAhunter

· #162 · 7 mo ago

G20 for me. If I’m hiking, it’s bear country for the most part. If I’m hunting in lower country sans black bears I’ll usually tote my G23.

Reactions: 2

mc1911

· #163 · 4 mo ago

FredRepr650 said:
Looking for a compact handgun that I can take with me(where legal) when I go hiking.

I don't go hunting, not against it, just not my thing. I do, however, enjoy hiking and being outside, especially in the fall.

I want something that will keep me safe from predators in all environments in the lower 48 states. Strictly for self defense, if I were chasing something I would take my rifle.

The G20 is too big. If they made a 10mm in G19 size, it be perfect for what I want it for.

Would a 3" .357 suffice or do I need something with a longer barrel/larger caliber?

Recommendations appreciated.

I like a 3" SP101 and American Eagle 158 gr. JSPs when carrying a revolver for hiking etc. They chrono 1250 fps out of it.

tomrkba

· #164 · 4 mo ago

FredRepr650 said:
Looking for a compact handgun that I can take with me(where legal) when I go hiking.

I don't go hunting, not against it, just not my thing. I do, however, enjoy hiking and being outside, especially in the fall.

I want something that will keep me safe from predators in all environments in the lower 48 states. Strictly for self defense, if I were chasing something I would take my rifle.

The G20 is too big. If they made a 10mm in G19 size, it be perfect for what I want it for.

Would a 3" .357 suffice or do I need something with a longer barrel/larger caliber?

Recommendations appreciated.

Glock 29 is Glock 19 sized. It is perfect for the role; my friend carried his on Alaska trips.

Glock 29 shown with flat mag. If you use an extended one like on the 30, they are the same height.

Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Metal

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Reactions: 1

porschedog

· #165 · 4 mo ago

I'd suggest a 3" S&W 629 or a G36.

Hyper J

· #166 · 3 mo ago

You want the G29.

Buckeye63

· #167 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

Id probably go with my 23 or XDM E compact 10mm

Automotive tire Auto part Gun barrel Bicycle part Gun accessory

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BRabbit

· #168 · 2 mo ago

Phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range.

DSP24

· #169 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

5

I’m gunna add this to this older thread. I hike in the Central Florida area and inevitably you’ll be traversing through a swamp in the heat. I have yet to meet a gator of any size or venomous snake that didn’t retreat at my appearance. The best solution for me is the Ruger 3in LCRx 38 +P, loaded is just over 18oz. To keep the sweat off the firearm I use a Dara holster with the drop offset. The trails here are pretty wide open so snagging is not really an issue. I also carry an ESEE 3 with a custom Red Rhino sheath. This setup is so light it’s barely noticeable. I’ve been carrying this for a while now and it’s a great rig for the trail.

Air gun Trigger Revolver Gun barrel Gun accessory

Green Air gun Revolver Trigger Gun barrel

Handgun holster Air gun Sleeve Shotgun Military camouflage

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Reactions: 4

SargeMO

· #170 · 2 mo ago

S&W Model 69

Sheck

· #171 · 2 mo ago

DSP24 said:
I’m gunna add this to this older thread. I hike in the Central Florida area and inevitably you’ll be traversing through a swamp in the heat. I have yet to meet a gator of all sizes or venomous snake that didn’t retreat at my appearance. The best solution for me is the Ruger 3in LCRx 38 +P, loaded is just over 18oz. To keep the sweat off the firearm I use a Dara holster with the drop offset. The trails here are pretty wide open so snagging is not really an issue. I also carry an ESEE 3 with a custom Red Rhino sheath. This setup is so light it’s barely noticeable. I’ve been carrying this for a while now and it’s a great rig for the trail. View attachment 1175899
View attachment 1175893 View attachment 1175895 View attachment 1175896

Quality photos. I'm in the same area and do a lot of hiking. I also prefer a revolver, lately it's been the Kimber K6.

Reactions: 1

DSP24

· #172 · 2 mo ago

Sheck said:
Quality photos. I'm in the same area and do a lot of hiking. I also prefer a revolver, lately it's been the Kimber K6.

Thanks, I used to carry a G23 but that Ruger is a hard one to beat on the trail.

Reactions: 1

Dog Soldier

· #173 · 2 mo ago

Bad Bear/Grizz in Alaska and Wyoming carry 10mm loaded with 200 grs Grizz loads. The .44 Mag revolvers are difficult to hold on charging Grizz. The High Cap 10mm can penetrate deep and hold on the aggressor. . Most of us now carry the 10MM. My choice is the Glock 20C 10MM. My old friend Doc is alive today he put 11 rounds in a Grizz with his Old Glock.

Sheck

· #174 · 2 mo ago

I don't do semi autos in the woods. They don't work very well when magazines are dropped bushwhacking through scrub and just a pull of the trigger takes care of misfires.

Reactions: 2

dla

· #175 · 2 mo ago

FredRepr650 said:
Looking for a compact handgun that I can take with me(where legal) when I go hiking.

I don't go hunting, not against it, just not my thing. I do, however, enjoy hiking and being outside, especially in the fall.

I want something that will keep me safe from predators in all environments in the lower 48 states. Strictly for self defense, if I were chasing something I would take my rifle.

The G20 is too big. If they made a 10mm in G19 size, it be perfect for what I want it for.

Would a 3" .357 suffice or do I need something with a longer barrel/larger caliber?

Recommendations appreciated.

A 3" 357mag would be an excellent choice if you already own it.
If you're gonna buy something, get bear spray [email protected]$35. Works on humans, their nasty dogs and you don't have LE problems afterwards.
You can add a cheap 9mm pistol (Sccy, Taurus, etc.) to kill the human waste that won't take hint after being sprayed. More weight, more money.
Imho of course.

porschedog

· #176 · 2 mo ago

cowboy1964 said:
Any handgun is not ideal. Give me a 12 gauge with slugs or something like a 45-70 lever rifle.

View attachment 1100779

Yeah, the Jurassic Park carbine would go over well with the Sierra Club grannies passing by on the trail😜
( I have one and it is awesome)

Reactions: 1

IAhunter

· #177 · 2 mo ago

If a G20 is too big, a G29 should do nicely for you.

Vaquero 357

· #178 · 2 mo ago

Go with what you know. As per your criteria for me it would be a G-23 or G-32.

IBreakthings

· #179 · 2 mo ago

SargeMO said:
S&W Model 69

SargeMO said:
S&W Model 69

Been looking for a deal on one of those for years. My 8 3/8" 629 needs company.

40/45

· #180 · 2 mo ago

DSP24 said:
I’m gunna add this to this older thread. I hike in the Central Florida area and inevitably you’ll be traversing through a swamp in the heat. I have yet to meet a gator of any size or venomous snake that didn’t retreat at my appearance. The best solution for me is the Ruger 3in LCRx 38 +P, loaded is just over 18oz. To keep the sweat off the firearm I use a Dara holster with the drop offset. The trails here are pretty wide open so snagging is not really an issue. I also carry an ESEE 3 with a custom Red Rhino sheath. This setup is so light it’s barely noticeable. I’ve been carrying this for a while now and it’s a great rig for the trail. View attachment 1175899
View attachment 1175893 View attachment 1175895 View attachment 1175896

Nice set up and great photos 👍

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