I carry a side arm while backpacking. Why? Because I feel better. Never needed it, but like the comfort of knowing it is there.

I carry while elk hunting if I know I am coming out after dark. Otherwise I do not like the extra weight. I hunt an area with an emerging wolf population. Not sure a pistol is any better than a rifle, but again, makes me feel better.

Use to carry a Ruger SP-101. Nice sized revolver, built like a tank. 5 shots with a hard cast bullet. Not too bad

I have the Ruger Refhawk in 45 colt. heavy loads good for "big" bears? maybe? But too much to carry too far. If I am really concerned about needing a gun for big bears.....guide gun

Now I carry a Glock 29 in 10 mm with hard cast bullets. Nice frontal area, 10 in the mag & an extra 15 shot mag in the pack I find my g29 easier to shoot than a SP-101. Also the extra mag carries my extra ammo supply.

Cheers







Last edited by Orchemo; 09/16/12.