Author Topic: Trail gun choice (Read 7570 times)

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #30 on:** August 21, 2012, 02:53:48 PM »

sachel.45 - What the heck? Let's back up a little and reconsider what we said. You don't know if you can trust someone that doesn't own a .22?
Lordy. Good grief. That's way off. Over the top. Not nice at all. But I forgive you because I think you can type faster than you can think.
To clarify my statements, I grew up as we all did with a .22LR. If a .22 is anything, it's a kid's gun. There's not much a kid and his imaginiation can't do with a .22. He (or she) can spend many happy hours and years afield with a .22, shooting at all sorts of imaginary big game animals and monsters. He can shoot pine cones and rocks and all sorts of targets and develop skill that will move him into more useful cartridges. Even grown people can keep their hand/eye coordination sharp with a .22. Lots of old men love squirrel hunting above any other sport, and a .22 is perfect for that.
But I personally grew away from a .22. I've got no use for one at all. If you like 'em and enjoy shooting 'em, go for it with my blessings. I was simply stating my particular stance on the matter. My likes are not yours, nor should they be.
The topic was "trail" use. I reckon that depends on what each of us as individuals do on the trail. Me, I don't hike trails. If I did, I certainly wouldn't take a .22. Can't see a reason for it.
But to indicate you don't trust someone who doesn't own a .22? That's just odd. Don't trust me because you don't know me is okay. I wouldn't trust you in that regard. But I'm certain my concern about your trustworthiness would never be based on your choice of what guns you do or do not own.
You need to back up and think about that, and if you expect to retain respect here or even for yourself, retract that.

sachel.45 · « **Reply #31 on:** August 21, 2012, 03:26:08 PM »

That was a joke. I apologize the smiley face didn't go through

Different strokes for different folks

keith44 · « **Reply #32 on:** August 21, 2012, 07:18:43 PM »

Mike seems a bit touchy today...but I find I agree with him. Jokes are fine, but if you would proof read both before and after clicking the "post" "button" it might save some hard feelings.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #33 on:** August 22, 2012, 01:16:31 AM »

Quote from: sachel.45 on August 21, 2012, 01:47:24 PM

I usualy carry some sort of .22 (single six, mark 3, beretta bobcat) I have carried a 1911, XDM in .40 and a GP100. They all did their job fine. No offence but I don't know if I can trust some one that doesn't own a .22

And did that job include STOPPING an attacker ? Or just filling a holster with some plinking thrown in ? Doing a job fine dosen't mean it can do all jobs fine .

williamlayton · « **Reply #34 on:** August 22, 2012, 04:46:18 PM »

I understand that a Caliber is an important factor in this equasion.
How the Gun is made is also important--does it need to be stainless?
Should it be a revolver?
Of what importance is barrel length?
What is the importance of method of carry/
Is a camp gun a trail gun?
Should there be two classifications? ( I say yes to this one-and it may be the answer that some are thinking about when they are speaking of trail guns.)
Blessings

sachel.45 · « **Reply #35 on:** August 22, 2012, 06:34:46 PM »

Again I apologize I was typing on my phone and the smiley face didn't go through. No I haven't had to stop an attacker (and I hope I never have too). I agree that no gun can do all things fine. I think its all about what you want to carry and what your comfortable with. I'm perfectly comfortable carrying a .22 when on the trail If I feel the need to carry something bigger then I will.

keith44 · « **Reply #36 on:** August 22, 2012, 07:00:11 PM »

When I think "trail gun" my mind goes to walking through my woods (12 acres) or walking around my grandfathers place 300ish acres of fields and woods. Both places are somewhat remote, and two legged trouble tends to be closer to the road or house, and is rare (as in during my 45 years there has been exactly one issue, and that was readily handled with a shotgun and a cell phone). So a .22 carried for dogs, snakes, or other non-human aggressor is plenty. Considering there are no bears nor feral hogs to be concerned with. Should bears or feral hogs be sighted in the county then my choices move up the power scale, considerably.

Now if I find myself headed into either "public" land, or an unfamiliar area, then my minimum carry goes to either my 9mm, or .41 Mag.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #37 on:** August 23, 2012, 01:45:48 AM »

I guess I lack the confidence in other people to obey property lines or leave certian areas where crimes will not be permitted. If I knew in advance when and where I was going to be attacked I would not go there at that time.

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #38 on:** August 23, 2012, 03:14:01 AM »

sachel.45 - it's okay man. Shouldn't have snapped at you like that. If it's your thing, have a good time with your .22.

keith44 · « **Reply #39 on:** August 23, 2012, 02:04:22 PM »

Shootall, it may just be a lifetime of luck, or maybe just accidently living in an area where violent crime is something we hear about happening elsewhere. I carry light weapons in my woods for that reason. I carry more suitable defensive weapons when headed to the nearest city (population 1,200)

5kwkdw3 · « **Reply #40 on:** August 23, 2012, 06:09:13 PM »

"What handgun are you using that shoots a 1 1/4 oz.of #6's ?"

Tobster, I was just empathizing with the end product filled with lead and tore up. I of course was armed with a 12 ga at the time. Smithy.

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #41 on:** August 26, 2012, 03:56:40 AM »

I see where DoubleTap is now offering a 147 grain +P 9mm flatpoint. Considering all the lightweight 9's available, if you went afield with that load, that might just be the perfect trail package. I think a load like that would be heavy enough to shoot through a deer, and take a smaller animal without much meat loss. Also, we will likely be on the trail in cool weather, and said round would work well againt a heavily clothed Democrat who might try to do something extra stupid.

keith44 · « **Reply #42 on:** August 26, 2012, 06:14:53 AM »

[quote author=Mike in Virginia link=topic=262703.msg1099565424#msg109956ain Also, we will likely be on the trail in cool weather, and said round would work well againt a heavily clothed Democrat who might try to do something extra stupid.

LOL

ronbow · « **Reply #43 on:** August 26, 2012, 07:11:11 AM »

My trail gun choice depends on where the trail is and whether or not I have to carry concealed. I carry a FNX40, S&W 686 in .357 or a Super Blackhawk in .44mag. Not all at once you understand.

Spirithawk · « **Reply #44 on:** August 26, 2012, 08:19:39 AM »

My J.P. Sauer & Sohn .357 Mag Chief Marshal is now my trail gun.

Black Bear, Cougar, wild hogs, feral dogs and two legged critters are my concerns here in my area.

painted horse · « **Reply #45 on:** August 29, 2012, 06:30:26 AM »

Quote from: Graybeard on August 14, 2012, 06:01:56 PM

What is your reason for taking a handgun?

If protection from two legged predators then the .38 or something more potent. If for snake protection or plinking as you go then the Ruger Single Six.

Yep..good answer. Whereas { I } wouldn't consider either to be a "trail gun", we probably travel different types of trails. I carry 45 colts, why you ask, cause thats what I like and own. No other reason. That said, for the country I "hike" (you can see by my avatar I don't do much "hiking") I wouldn't consider anything less than a 357 to be a true trail gun...just MY comfort zone...

popplecop · « **Reply #46 on:** September 03, 2012, 04:54:58 AM »

I carry a trail gun for general use here in Wisconsin. My .32 H&R Mag will do in a pinch for most things that I worry about. If I was worried about 2 legged critters, I'd be carrying one of .45 acps. In fact when bird hunting in squirrel country, I have a Ruger Bearcat from the 50s that is dead on at 50' with Aquilla 60 gr. SS loads. Love to add squirrels to the menu too.

tturner53 · « **Reply #47 on:** October 07, 2012, 02:54:40 PM »

I'd take the .38. I hike alone in cougar country. They scare me, nasty devils! I've been stalked, at night. Had to fire a shot over it's head to discourage it. Men don't scare me, cougars make me real nervous. .22 is better than nothing in this case, but a laser equipped .38 with the right load will end a cougar problem. If you're not worried about getting ate then a .22 would be more fun to play with. Maybe carry both.

FPH · « **Reply #48 on:** October 07, 2012, 09:06:00 PM »

I'd say the caliber depends on what you potentially might run into. Here, of your two choices, I'd take the .38.

5kwkdw3 · « **Reply #49 on:** November 01, 2012, 09:17:06 PM »

Quote

What handgun are you using that shoots a 1 1/4 oz.of #6's ?

Usually those are called Shotguns. I was referencing the effects of my close range shot to the effects of a large caliber pistol on the same small game. Smithy.

carlsflh · « **Reply #50 on:** November 04, 2012, 07:39:12 AM »

of the two guns you have i would pick the 38 and find a load that is accurate in it used to have a 21/4"sp101 in 357 and i could keep all 5 rounds in a 4-5"circle at 50-75 ft and never felt underguned what i carry now in town or in the woods is a glock 30 loaded with 230 hp in the woods i swich to some hot loaded ball ammo i've had to scare bears off a couple of times when dirtbiking [bear blocking the trail and no way to turn around ]i just fired off a round into the ground and you should see a bear run i think i would be more worred about people that you might come across doing something ilegal[poachers,drug makers,crazys ]

keith44 · « **Reply #51 on:** November 05, 2012, 07:06:42 PM »

yup carlsflh, critters scare off much easier than people do

5kwkdw3 · « **Reply #52 on:** November 05, 2012, 08:38:53 PM »

Folks can say all they want about the potential of running into a two legged critter problem, but with all the folk growing and protecting their crops (read marijuana) in public forests and possibly lapsing into privately owned land, I'd want a little stiffer "trail gun" than just a 22. No one is saying that both can't be carried. As far as hunting is concerned, I've been known to carry three guns. Wyoming's seasons for antelope, grouse, and snow rabbit all had a common overlap so that year I was there I had a rifle (7mm) a shotgun (12 gauge) and a pistol (22lr). Worked out great as I filled out my antelope tag, bagged a few grouse to take home and had roasted rabbit for dinner in the field. Smithy.

Gray Paw · « **Reply #53 on:** November 12, 2012, 03:37:53 PM »

Trail gun means I'm walking a lot, so I'd probably just stick with my 8-oz NAA Black Widow in .22 LR and .22 Magnum.

williamlayton · « **Reply #54 on:** November 13, 2012, 01:56:39 AM »

Honestly, I cannot fathom any weapon being less than a .45 or .357 (.38 super or 9X23 if in an auto). I will say for the life of me--IF---you undrstand that I say "for the life of ME."
Blessings

cwlongshot · « **Reply #55 on:** November 13, 2012, 02:36:49 AM »

Obviously opinions very, one persona idea of a trail gun is drastically different than another's. just like a walk in the woods here in the north east is drastically different then one is Idaho or Montana or a strol in the rolling hills of Texas...

IMHO, and for as long as I have carried a gun, I have turned to two for my idea of a trail gun. A 4 5/8 Bhawk 357 and a S&W 651 22Mag. If I ever get my hands on a PMR and it shoots like I expect, this will be my choice. I switched because the 357 was bigger, heavier and its power simply not needed.

Limiting to the OP's criteria and not knowing the terrain or what might happen. I suggest you use the one your most confident with. Obviously if you cannot "hit" dosen't matter what your "throwing".

The biggest "fault" one should cast at the 22 is its a rimfire but in a revolver, a misfire simply means pulling the trigger again. Mostly, negating its limitation. From the hands of someone who shoots it well and can maintain a cool head the "lowly" 22rf will stop most any fight the average person may encounter. (Not talking walks in Africa or Alaska here folks

)

CW

Spirithawk · « **Reply #56 on:** November 13, 2012, 05:26:02 PM »

I watch a lot of the true crime shows and a recent one got my attention as far as .22s for self defense. An escaped con carjacked and kidnapped a doctor and his wife. Eventualy the doctor convinced the con he needed to stop for a bathroom break. The doctor palmed a .22 revolver he had stashed in the driver's side door. He shot the con 3 times in the chest at point blank range. The con was able to beat the doctor to a pulp and the only thing that kept him from killing the doctor's wife was his own pistol misfired. He was then able to get in the couple's van, drive to a phamacy and rob it of medical supplies and was still concious and driving when caught a short time later! Sorry, but that sure doesn't speak well for a .22 as a self defense firearm! Had that been three times in the chest with even a lowly .380 things might have ended right there saving the doctor a severe beating and his wife from almost being shot! Think I'll stick to my 9mm.

As to woods carry, in my woods, a .357 is a very good choice and one I take advantage of.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #57 on:** November 13, 2012, 05:43:47 PM »

Trail Gun is pretty big term.
Clearly the trails around my current house are different than the trails that were around San Francisco and around San Diego in California.
The trails around the farm in NC are very differnt than what I have out here.
Around SF I really did not have a wild animal threat just an uncontrolable dog and two legged threats.
In Temecula I had Coyotes, rattle snakes, Mountain lion and dogs
Here Just north of LA I have Rattle snakes, mountain lion, bobcats, coyote, and black bears.
In Temecula I carried a short barreled 22 that was enough for the snaked and coyotes and was loud to get dogs attention and turn them around.
In SF a Pocket 32 or a 38 was in order and here a 357 is the choice.
I know mnost are undedr powerd but I was dealing with a compramise of compact and power for the job at hand.
Look at what you are going to come across and carry the gun that is best for that of the two you have.
In NC I have Bears, Snakes, and Coyotes as well as the option to take small game. So the N fream 357 goes with some specials for small game.

dave hall · « **Reply #58 on:** November 15, 2012, 07:13:48 AM »

When I'm in town I carry a S&W Airweight 38 P+.When I'm out around the house or around the farm/woods I carry my 4" SP-101 .357.I have been waiting for Ruger to build this gun for years I would carry it 24/7 if I could.My holsters are Bianchi for my .38 and a custom Mernickle High Ride for the 101.

Mikey · « **Reply #59 on:** November 16, 2012, 01:31:24 AM »

I'm still stickin' with the 38 Super for a trail gun. The caliber is hard to beat, especially in a custom piece. I would quit trying to make do with choices that won't do. A trail gun is not a city/pocket carry snubbie or a small game plinker, it is a serious enough caliber to fend off or kill predators, regardless of the number of legs they have.