I lean towards a revolver, when being afield. Usually, a 625 S&W loaded up in .45 Super. At other times it's a 610, in 4" format. My Dan Wesson Razorback in 10mm gets the nod as good substitute. In 'bear country' a 12-gauge pump adds additional security, with slugs. What's your preferred platform: revolver, or pistol?
I usually pack the G29. It's light,compact, powerful, and has decent capacity. We do a lot of camping and riding out in the mountains. 99% of the time I pack a handgun when we leave camp. One time a couple of summers ago we went for a short ride right before dark, and I left the sidearm at camp. Lo an behold we get off the bikes walk a few yards to a train tunnel, and a big cougar jumps into the trail about 30 yards in front of us. There is a waterfall there and apparently the noise from it covered up our sounds because the cat had no idea we were there.
We were never in danger, but it makes you think. I was surprised to see the cougar because this is a very popular spot in N. Idaho for bicycle riders. Several hundred people per weekend.
Either of my 10mms will work....BUT
With the Bear and Cats in our area, the 44 Redhawk is my go to Piece
(http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/denstinettm14/DuoToneWitnessLongslide_zps5b451fd8.jpg)
(http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/denstinettm14/ColtDeltaGoldCup.jpg)
(http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/denstinettm14/Wheelguns/44MagRedhawk.jpg)
My field sidearm is currently my P16-40/10mm.
Usually 10MM, STI- Perfect 10 . If I need to upgrade I will go with a revolver in 475 Linebaugh .
Sean
Glock 20SF.
Though I would have no problem carrying a Smith and Wesson Backpacker model (.44 magnum).
I will say this much....some outdoorsy types I have spoken to prefer semi auto's in cold climates. They feel that snow and ice can more easily bog up a revolver as opposed to a semi-auto.
Quote from: 4949shooter on February 11 2014 04:58:41 PM MST
Glock 20SF.
Though I would have no problem carrying a Smith and Wesson Backpacker model (.44 magnum).
I will say this much....some outdoorsy types I have spoken to prefer semi auto's in cold climates. They feel that snow and ice can more easily bog up a revolver as opposed to a semi-auto.
Have never heard of a Revolver acting-up in the cold
But why go 44 Backpacker when you can go BIGGER now !
http://kitup.military.com/2014/01/smith-wesson-unveils-backpack.html
Open carry in the woods....S&W "Trail Boss" in 44 mag. Concealed carry in the woods....glock 20. All depends on my "outfit". Haha
I carry a Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum with a 7 1/2 inch barrel while hunting (Rifle is a lever action Marlin 336C in 30-30)
(http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz160/DarkHelmet_01/3540db2d-9010-41e2-b1ee-44cb983abf82.jpg) (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/DarkHelmet_01/media/3540db2d-9010-41e2-b1ee-44cb983abf82.jpg.html)
If I'm just camping or out fishing, one of my Witness 10mm's will be under my jacket or on my hip. The .44 is usually around too, just in case.
On the road, G20 w/extended barrel and short-barrel Smith 629 in the between-seats console. Outdoors, same configuration with either the Smith on my hip (G20 in shoulder holster) or G20 on the hip and Ruger SRH (7.5") in a shoulder holster.
regards,
- jim
My EDC is a G29sf with a 4.6"LW with 15 rd mags with adapter sleeves - either in a shoulder holster with 2 mags or on my hip no matter where I go - I found out back in the 70's - I'm no good with a revolver - semi's are a natural pointer for me - though I still keep my 70's DW 4" 357 in the house for in house self defense.
Doug
Ps. My wife thinks I have a love affair going on with my 29 since I carry it with me even in the house.
If I'm in the woods or trails I may carry the Glock 20 or 29 if I'm carrying one of my rifles. Depending where I go, I may carry the S&W Mod. 29 44mag with the 8 3/8" barrel in hip holster.
Those Marlin 336C 30-30's are sweet rifles for field use down here in the thick woods of Louisiana. How nice it would be to have one chambered in 10mm, if it is as accurate as the Marlin 1894 44 magnum I have it would be a great 10mm companion rifle!
Shadow, a 10mm 'levergun' would be a dream-combo with a 610. I wish "Wild West Guns" would do one with their proprietary set-up. A recent show featured the owner trying to acquire capital to begin manufacturing, his own rifles. He has two stores, one in Alaska, and the other in Las Vegas. The goal was to 'manufacture' in Alaska, but I think the backers want to do it in the lower-48 somewhere.
Quote from: DenStinett on February 11 2014 10:25:38 PM MST
Quote from: 4949shooter on February 11 2014 04:58:41 PM MST
Glock 20SF.
Though I would have no problem carrying a Smith and Wesson Backpacker model (.44 magnum).
I will say this much....some outdoorsy types I have spoken to prefer semi auto's in cold climates. They feel that snow and ice can more easily bog up a revolver as opposed to a semi-auto.
Have never heard of a Revolver acting-up in the cold
But why go 44 Backpacker when you can go BIGGER now !
http://kitup.military.com/2014/01/smith-wesson-unveils-backpack.html
I didn't say acting up in the cold. I said according to some reports snow and ice can bog up a revolver. This is akin to this year while deer hunting in a snow storm I had a lot of snow and ice getting into the action of my Remington model 700. It completely froze the bolt shut, and I had to hit it several times in order open the bolt so I could unload. The stories I have heard are similar to what has been reported with revolvers and snow/ice.
Anyways, the semi autos have more closed actions we can prevent some of this.
Edit: Yeah that .460 Smith is nice but pricey. Maybe, just maybe I would get one if I had Intercooler bucks!
If I PLAN on shooting a little or might just want to while hiking or exploring a little, I'll carry a 22 , 357, or 44 mag just so I don't throw away brass and don't have to hunt it down.
I've got several revolvers I feel more than just comfortable with.
I had a Ruger Alaskan modified by "TK Custom" to not only handle Rhino Roller .454's but for plinking with the .45acp. It was a pretty handy trail gun. I also opted for the .45 acp in a .45LC Redhawk but the Alaskan was easier to tote around.
http://www.moonclips.com/content/machine.asp
(http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx142/MOUNTAINWILLIAM/IMG_2058.jpg)
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edit for link
How was accuracy after the TK cylinder job?
The g20 gets more use in a shoulder holster but I also bring the smith 310 for a smaller package.
Quote from: Zephyr on March 02 2014 12:31:57 AM MST
How was accuracy after the TK cylinder job?
I didn't notice any changes in the Alaskan and I hadn't shot the Redhawk before sending the cylinders off to "TK". I eventually scrounged up a set of factory compact grips (originally issued on the 3" GP100's) for the Alaskan and wow, what a difference that made in both shooting and handling. Shooting .45 acp ammo through the Alaskan was like shooting really loud .22's. It was the best $100 (per cylinder) that I ever spent. I did a write up on the conversions here;
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=124826
The Alaskan was ported by the previous owner.
(http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx142/MOUNTAINWILLIAM/IMG_2809_zps08676b06.jpg)
edit for pic
Either my G 20 or my smith SSR 357 mag would make me comfortable.
Brian
I wish Dan Wesson would bring back the Alaskan .445 SuperMag, along with the .357 Pistol Paks.
Usually I carry my 1006, ive had some tresspassers the last few years. Most leave when confronted, if they dont, I got a buddy who is a sherriff's deputy. The wife found black bear tracks, and a tree that clawed up higher than I could reach. DEC officer estimates a 300 pounder. I'll be looking for him this fall. Until then, the 10mm has more than enough for my field use, and I dont worry about the stainless finish.