Mountain Pistols?

[MAT]

We have Mountain rifles but how about a pistol? I'm looking for something to provide that extra security from black bears/cougars/undesirables so I can sleep better at night. Never been too conformable going solo in the wilderness with a bow, I carry bear spray but that doesn’t do it for me in a tent. Looking at conceal carry handguns since they fit the bill of size and weight. The lightest are 380 auto, I think those are a bit on the weak side, so a minimum of a 9 mm? Ruger makes a nice LC9 auto which is 17 oz. A 40 cal would be better but those all seem to be pretty big. Same as any revolver, a .357 mag would be a good caliber. Also something with a slightly longer barrel for more velocity would be great too, but I realize all these are very short range weapons, and that’s OK. With only 5-6 shots they will be very fast. Any ideas?

btw - please don't turn this into a gun vs spray issue. Last time I was in WY (non-griz area) I ran into a binch of locals (one was looking for cats), everyone asked if I hasd a pistol. I said I have bear spray. They all looked at me funny.

 

[Daniel_M]

Glock 20 10mm. 16rds of 230gr WFNGC Double Taps.

 

[Shrek]

Have you looked at the titanium framed Taurus 44 mag ? I handled one at the gun show a couple weeks back and thought it wouldn't be too bad to carry and 44 mag would get the attention of most beasts .

 

[bbrown]

The LCR in .357 is my pick - light and does not tear your hand up with full power rounds, Plus you can practice with 38s and they are actually fun to shoot. Its also my EDC piece around town loaded with .38+p hydrashocks.

 

[doverpack12]

Glock 20 10mm with Double Tap 200 grain WFNGC bullets

 

[fillthefreezer]

Sw 329pd

 

[worx53]

Yup S&W 329 PD 44mag with 240 grain hollowpoints.
Light as a glock compact but lots more punch. Can put birdshot in it too.

 

[Ironman8]

Am I wrong to feel ok with a Glock 19 in bear/cat/wolf country? It's what I carry and train with extensively...thoughts?

(Carried with Speer 124gr GDHP)

 

[Colton970]

S&W 329 PD

Won't jam when you are in serious pinch.

 

[Hardstalk]

Ive been in this same debacle for the last couple months. Lightweight, some punch, affordable. Also double as a cc. Ive narrowed my choices down to either a keltech pf9 or kahr pm9. Ive handled both. They are small but for the extra 100 bones the kahr quality is a GIANT step up. Both come in under the op's 17 oz I believe. Ive been tossing around the idea of trading my viper hd 65 spotter for a kahr and see if anyone bites.

 

[Daniel_M]

When it comes to defense, I would not classify weight as a variable for decision making. Just my .02!

 

[Matt W.]

Glock 20 10mm. 16rds of 230gr WFNGC Double Taps.

Ditto, but I run the 200gr DTs..

 

[worx53]

Some thoughts to add: I'm not sure how many states are like Pa, but we can't hunt with semi-auto handguns or long guns. It's always nice to pack a legal critter-getter so that's why most guys here pack a revolver. Hunting out West I've run into several Colorado locals that wore glocks in a thigh holster too. I used to carry a Glock 23 out there but now the 329 all the way.

 

[Browtinemt]

S&W 329pd 44 mag. These revolvers are bomb proof and carry like nothing's there. Muzzle velocity and down range kinetic energy are outstanding too.

 

[doverpack12]

Some thoughts to add: I'm not sure how many states are like Pa, but we can't hunt with semi-auto handguns or long guns. It's always nice to pack a legal critter-getter so that's why most guys here pack a revolver. Hunting out West I've run into several Colorado locals that wore glocks in a thigh holster too. I used to carry a Glock 23 out there but now the 329 all the way.

In Montana semi-auto or any other handgun is fine as long as it has a bbl less than 10" to be considered a handgun.

 

[desertcj]

When it comes to defense, I would not classify weight as a variable for decision making. Just my .02!

A .357 ruger black hawk let's me know it's there! I'd like something lighter and also a .44 mag would be nice too or something larger even? I do like the .357 LCR idea, but I believe the 38 version is a bit lighter?

 

[twintips16]

Another for the 10mm. I live my g20. Take a look at the g29 I believe. It's a smaller lighter version of three g20.

 

[pyroducksx3]

I had the Glock 29 "compact 10mm" it was great but I just didn't shoot glocks well. I went to the lcr 357 and have no regrets. You can go with the 38 version and save a little weight but I liked the steel frame of the 357. The kahr are a great options with the cm series being very compact and affordable. They have the cm9 and cm40. The 40 obviously has better power but is a 5+1. I'm looking hard at the cm9 for everyday carry. I think the 9mm might be better in that little platform and being 6+1. I carry the lcr without much difficulty but I miss my lcp pocket pistol also and was thinking the kahr might work and give me 9mm vs the lcps 380. I believe the kahr can shoot +P as well which would make that cm9 pretty potent.

 

[bbrown]

A .357 ruger black hawk let's me know it's there! I'd like something lighter and also a .44 mag would be nice too or something larger even? I do like the .357 LCR idea, but I believe the 38 version is a bit lighter?

Something like 3 oz maybe but with the ability to shoot either round it was an easy choice for me.

 

[pyroducksx3]

Also the 38 is an alloy frame while the 357 version is a steel frame. I like the steel frame