TRAIL GUN SUGGESTIONS

[EDELWEISS]

I took my two daughters, age four and eight, hiking today.  Boy was I impressed, they walked over 5 miles with little complaint and carried their own water and small gear with them.  As for me in addition to my hiking stuff, I carried a Glock 36 (45acp) and a spare mag in a fanny pack.  All along I felt I should have carried something else.  We were in a State Park so I had to carry concealed.  Also there were a fair amount of hikers on the main trail but I headed to one of the lesser but still marked trails to try to show the girls some game that I was sure we wouldnt find surrounded by masses of chattering walkers.

Thats when it really it me, four legged animals wernt gonna be a problem, but two leggged types might be.  Now most of the time corner pharmacutical salesmen usually dont like these kind of weeds, but there have been some "future farmers" planting grows in some places. 

Until recently, I had been an auto only type, but Ive been thinking about revolvers for "woods work".  Ive got a couple 357 snubbies; but Im thinking something bigger may be better.  Im not sure where to go with this problem.

A 44mag seems the obvious choice for 2 or 4 legged problems, but Im wondering if a 4 or 6 inch 357 would be just as well.  I really like the looks and feel of the S&W 21, and my dealer has a used GP100 6 in for $400. 

Honestly the fanny pack screamed "gun", until I got on the trail, but it still felt odd and SLOW to me.  I usually carry strong side but on the trail I kept thinking a cross draw or almost horizontal car carry crossdraw would be good.  When I hike I normally have a walking staff.  With my girls along Id be inclinded to hand over my cash rather than up the "ante" and risk them.  Its the whatifs that bother me.  On the street the G36 seems perfect, but I wanted something more in the woods. 

[corbanzo]

Where are you at?  You dont need to step up - maybe if there are bears in the area, thats about it.  A 45acp or a 357 mag, even a 38 special or 9mm will do just fine for two leggeds, they really arent that hard to stop. 

If it is the two legged predators, and you need something concealable, then I would recommend going with something small enough to conceal, and still be quickly reached.  Inside belt/pocket/hipbone/etc.

[Dusty Miller]

You'd be surprised at the number of folks hereabouts who feel that 45 ACP you were pack'n is up to the task of stopping two legged critters.

[Ak.Hiker]

Unless you are in brown bear country why not just carry the Glock 36. I have one and they are a great trail gun. I would think you will want your gun hidden from the public when on the trail and the 36 is great to carry under a shirt. I carry mine when on snowshoes in the winter when I do not want to lug a heavy revolver along. I also take it on beach walks. For critters Double Tap makes 2 heavy loaded 230 FMJ loads that are hotter and offer more penetration than standard ball. Buffalo Bore loads one as well. The 230 Double Tap 230 TMJ is a very good shooting load in my Glock. I would keep the second magazine within easy reach when on the trail. You never know when you will need a reload. It is great that you take your girls with you on hikes. Happy fathers day.

[Lloyd Smale]

my suggestion would be a 4 inch n frame 629 smith 44 mag. Easy enough to conseal in a park or woods setting. Its a little large at least for me to conseal in public but ive done it often. Nice thing about a 4 inch 44 smith is that youve not only bought a good trail gun but youve bought one of the finest hunting handguns a guy could own.

[Almtnman]

Me and my wife went on a hike yesterday and I carried my Sig P220 45acp in a high ride holster on my belt. I slipped my T-shirt over it so that it couldn't be seen. We once had dealing's with some unsavory types and I thought that we were going to have to shoot our way out of the woods when we met a large group of drunk characters that wanted to make sure we were intimidated and not knowing what was on their mind made us feel unsafe and uncomfortable. So when we get out in the woods now, we make sure we have a way of defending ourselves, not from animals but from two legged characters that have other thoughts on their mind. Anyway, yesterday while hiking, we came upon a large group of Hispanics and not knowing exactly why they were there or what was on their mind, I slipped the T-shirt off the gun and made sure it was visible just to be sure that they knew that I had my protection handy in case they had different ideas. I also keep an extra clip of ammo in my pocket. Maybe I carry it to the extreme, but from  past experience I feel that it's better to be safe than sorry.

[Savage]

You'd be surprised at the number of folks hereabouts who feel that 45 ACP you were pack'n is up to the task of stopping two legged critters.

Count me among them!
Savage

[BlkHawk73]

I'm more of a revolver person myself and if not my SP101 in .357, I'd opt for a GP100 with maybe a 4" bbl. 

[jaybird]

About 2 weeks ago, I purchased a 4" 44 mag (redhawk). I'm still in the process of familiarizing myself with the gun, but it seems like it is going to be a nice trail/woods gun.

[Paul S]

Let me start by giving you a big hand. A father showing his kids wonders of the great outdoors. And second a father who loves them so much he has gone through the hassle of getting a CCW permit and goes through the slight inconvenience of trying to figure the best way to carry his sidearm. That tells me that no SOB is going to lay a finger on your family, good for you. My son and I once walked upon two Cons on the run while scouting  a spot to hang a tree stand. To make a long story short a Ruger single six .22 saved our lives. Since that day I to have my CCW and the single six has been retired for a Kimber .45. I think you are on the right track. To me it is most important that you are proficient with your sidearm and that you can put it in play quickly. In my mind the bad guy will care less what caliber you have than that you are prepared to put a hole between his eyes without blinking.I live in quite little Springfield MO and last week two nine year old boys got jerked off a bike path and molested by some piece of scum not far from their parents. Stay alert, stay armed, and know their are people that would hurt your loved ones. Because you have asked this question tells me your on the right track.
Paul

[Old Griz]

I kinda missed something. What is wrong with a .45 caliber Glock? I might feel undergunned if going up against an unpleasant bruin, but for most any other four legged critters, even cougar, it's gonna do just fine. As for the two legged vermin, it's about as good as it gets. I've got my Glock 21 loaded with Cor-Bon 165-gr. +P load at 1250 fps and 573 ft/lbs of energy, and I think they'll pretty much do the job.

Some of our state representatives are trying to pass a bill now that will allow you to carry in our state parks. But since you do have to hide it in state or national parks, again, the Glock 36 seems to be perfect.

Now if you just want to get something else (can't blame you for wanting a new toy) I'd suggest a S&W K, L or N frame, with a 3 or 4" barrel. The reason I suggest this is because you can get night sights for these, and I just like having night sights on a trail gun cuz it can get really DARK out thar in the woods! I have a 3" .357 and a 4" .41 so equipped, and these are my travel guns.

You could just get night sights on the 36, and I think you'll be fine.

[Dand]

Hey Grizz.  I just got a 657 mg and I don't care for the all black sights - like you say it gets real dark in the woods or at camp at night.  I am used to at least a red insert front on my 4 in security 6 and 4 in 57. But I have begun to think about night sights and or Crimson Trace grips.  This is going to be my main trail/tent gun and hunting back up for here in brown bear country Alaska. I'm eager for suggestions. 

If I wasn't in brown bear country I would think the Glock 45 ACP would be PLENTY, especially since you can carry an extra mag easily.

[no guns here]

Let's see now... Glock 36, small, concealable, no issues with rust, a good fight stoppin' caliber... if you feel you need more than that, you should go hi-cap.  If you NEED more than the 36, you are in deep trouble and probably should have a carbine or shotgun of some sort.  The only thing I'd do is carry plenty of ammo.  Give the family each a hand-held radio and a whistle and instruct them to RUN as far and as fast as they can if you ever tell them to RUN.  That's what we do even here in Germany.  My kids each have a small Motorola, a flashlight and a whistle.  If they are told to run, they run back as far as they can to the car.  The oldest can drive (illegally...) but has a set of keys just in case.  As long as they get out of the area I'll deal with the rest.  Luckily as a hunter, I can carry a firearm just about wherever and whenever I need to here.  I think you're pretty well armed for the situation you were in.


ngh

[EDELWEISS]

Maybe it is more of a want than a need, 10 or 15 years ago I would have argued that carrying a revolver when trouble was possible was akin to bringing a flintlock to WW2.  OK, so Im older and realize the errors of my ways.  I still believe the 45acp is one of the best fight stoppers avalible; and I love the G36 for its concealablity.  Heck thats why I bought it over is larger brothers. 

For trail carry, I can get away with a bigger piece and wear clothes that "scream" GUN anyplace else.  I was amazed how many fishing/photo vests I saw.  The fanny pack is SLOW but not unusual on the trail.  I guess Im just looking for something a "bit" bigger. 

The 4 inch 629 has lots to offer and I think I saw one for about $650.  Another of the local shops has a 6 inch GP100 for around $400.  Neither are "Mountain Guns" but I thinking about them pretty hard.  Im a BIG fan of "hardware store" calibers so Im avoiding the some of the more specialized rounds that arent plentyful.  Of course for hikes like this I'll have ammo on hand, I just worry about finding stuff as more and more gun shops close for good in The PEOPLES Republic Of MARYLAND

[SHOOTALL]

for years a S&W mountain gun in 44mag worked well , now a Glock in 10 mm works ! mine has nite sights ! shoulder rig or fanny pack would work depending on temp. and you already know the gun !

[EDELWEISS]

Hmmm, I hadnt thought about 10mm back in "the day", I remember thinking it was gonna be just about the perfect cartridge for a defensive handgun and extend the range of a SMG.  Then some PD's found they couldnt teach their smaller framed officers to qualify with it, and on came the mid power loadings and eventually the 40 S&W.  Dont misunderstand me I like the 40 S&W and carry one on occasion; but I always thought it was like 38 vs 357 only in reverse.

As for night sights I have the old Ashley Outdoors big tritium dot with the Express rear on my G36.  I was going to order the rear with tritium but the manufacturer talked me out of the extra cost.  I was a bit surprised but I think they were right.  I love the shallow "V" express and the BIG dot is great.  Together they are FAST, even when shooting a night qualification course.  The company is still in business but the old name sticks in my head and I cant remember to new name.

If it wasnt for the 44spl only, I would have already been carrying the S&W model 21, with or without the gold Thunder Ranch "tattoo".  That seems perfect to me for this purpose, but I wunder about ammo choices in 44spl versus 44magnum.

[Almtnman]

Maybe it is more of a want than a need, 10 or 15 years ago I would have argued that carrying a revolver when trouble was possible was akin to bringing a flintlock to WW2.  OK, so Im older and realize the errors of my ways.  I still believe the 45acp is one of the best fight stoppers avalible; and I love the G36 for its concealablity.  Heck thats why I bought it over is larger brothers. 

For trail carry, I can get away with a bigger piece and wear clothes that "scream" GUN anyplace else.  I was amazed how many fishing/photo vests I saw.  The fanny pack is SLOW but not unusual on the trail.  I guess Im just looking for something a "bit" bigger. 

The 4 inch 629 has lots to offer and I think I saw one for about $650.  Another of the local shops has a 6 inch GP100 for around $400.  Neither are "Mountain Guns" but I thinking about them pretty hard.  Im a BIG fan of "hardware store" calibers so Im avoiding the some of the more specialized rounds that arent plentyful.  Of course for hikes like this I'll have ammo on hand, I just worry about finding stuff as more and more gun shops close for good in The PEOPLES Republic Of MARYLAND

One of the best hardware store calibers around and a great gun that doesn't get much attention, is rugged, makes a good trail gun and will do what it's all about is a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 special.

[EDELWEISS]

Charter Bulldog 44's are hard to come by here in the "Socialist Wonderland" because they dont come with fired casings.  In fact it was the Bulldog that got me started again on my current revolver craze.  But Im still wondering about the availability of 44spl rounds versus 44 magnum.  I also think Id like to have a 4inch barrel for the woods.

I really like the S&W model 21 but its the round thats holding me back,  44 magnum ammo is more available here and 44spl seems hard to locate, but maybe im not looking in the right places.  I know it can be found but the magnum  seems to have so many more versions available.  In that last year Ive started to notice the number of gun shops are dropping here in "The Free State".  I know I should always have ammo on hand so it may not be an issue.

[Mannlicher]

and to think, for about 50 years, I have just made do with a S&W .22 revolver when hiking.

[Old Griz]

Have you seen the velocity and energy of Cor-Bon 44 Specials?! Those are some hot-mama loads! I wouldn't hesitate about carrying a 21 loaded with those! I've got a 4" Anaconda sitting around as a home self-defense gun loaded with them. Check 'em out. And then go buy that 21!

Or, if you can't make up your mind about the 629 or the GP100, remember, they are both heavy guns. One is .357 magnum, one is .44 magnum. Now after lugging that heavy thing around, do ya want one that goes BOOOOM, or one that goes KABOOOOOMMM? Man, I want my money's worth. I'd go for the 629! Heck, at close range you could burn him pretty bad, too!

[shooter]

I've been waiting 3 months for our Sheriffs Office to update my records and they finally got around to it today.What's this have to do with trail guns ? Well, i picked up a used S&W M29 Mountain Gun 44 magnum with a 4 inch barrel .This is my new trail gun.It's got about 95% of its original finish.Paid $500 for it here in NY Catskills.
Shooter

[HEAD0001]

Here is what you need.  It is the S&W Titanium 44 magnum.  It is a shear pleasure to carry.  And it shoots extremely well.  It will out shoot any auto I have.  Including my Kimber 45 auto.  Tom.

[Jim n Iowa]

When I am out polking around on a bike trail or like, I slip a 44 sp snubby in my rear pocket. I load it with 210 sthp from win. Out in the field, as in the woods, I carry a 5.5" Red Hawk, loaded with 44sp 240 hard cast bullets. This gun is very accurate, but a bit heavy, I may op for the 4" S&W in 44sp, or the Red Hawk now offered in 4". Have not seen any bears in Iowa, some spotting's of the Cougar or what your fancy is to call it. The 44 sp will handle all the game we have here.
Jim

[warrior1]

well, my first question is do you carry that bottom feeder with one in the chamber,or do you have to cock
before shooting. just a question ,to stir up the thought process. if as i suspect, you carry with chamber empty,
then i think a 4" revolver gives the advantage,because all you have to do is pull the trigger. along those lines
there are 7 shot revolvers out there,but if i was me i'd look to the s&w model 21 44 special. do not worry about
ammo buy it ahead of time. good luck with whatever one you choose.

[S.B.]

"I carry mine when on snowshoes in the winter when I do not want to lug a heavy revolver along. I also take it on beach walks."

Ak.Hiker, what does a fully loaded Multiple round .45 ACP Glock weigh compared to a six shot revolver in .44, say a loaded S&W Mountain Gun or one of the newer titanium framed .44s?

[SHOOTALL]

still like the 10mm , i carry mine with one in the pipe ! like the glock , bad weather dosent matter !

[Ak.Hiker]

The Glock 36 weighs 27 ounces loaded. The S&W 329 weighs 27 ounces unloaded. The Glock 36 is thinner than the N frame Smith and a real pleasure to carry. I load the Glock with the Double Tap 230 TMJ when in the field.  Of course the Smith is a better choice when the bears are out.

[SHOOTALL]

well up it to a glock in 10 mm , maybe a bear can stand a 10 mm maybe not , but not 14 ! and reloads are so fast next to a wheel gun !
would suggest small glock in 10 mm but never tried it ! mine is full size ! light , weather proof as any gun ( some shoot them at sharks under water they say ) makes ya wonder which is harder to stop a bear or shark !

[RollTide]

I really never considered an auto as a trail gun until I saw some of the extreme torture tests the Glock has endured.  Although I am really not a fan of plastic guns in general, I may eventually "have to" buy a glock.  Personally, if you are proficient with it, your Glock seems perfect for the use described.  My favorite trail gun has always been a 4" 357 (my preference is Dan Wesson, but S&W, Ruger, and Taurus make some fine offerings as well.)  If bear was a credible concern, I would up that to a 4" 44 mag, again my preference is Dan Wesson.  Excluding bear, I would say your little Glock is probably perfect, especially if multiple human threats are a possibility.  If you just want a wheelgun, the 357 or 44mag with a 4" tube by any of the major makers would be my next choice.

Roll Tide

[SHOOTALL]

ROLLTIDE ,  I was of the same thought !
had a m-29 mt gun , and a 357 , the weight was an issue , i like to shoot wheel guns but hate to carry the big ones !