Hint, this thread is STILL about the Appalachian Trail, though it's not surprising you've yet to fully grasp that.
As to the Big Bad Bob... give me a break. Bear Spray works there too. If you want to lug a pistol, by all means, you only have yourself to burden. Bear spray, however, is more effective and lighter. Between the two, only an idiot would chose a firearm over the spray.
Also, never yet have seen a horse-packer NOT armed... lot more fun to carry when your horse is doing it for you, and you'd better have spray and a firearm with stock... those bastids do seem to invite all sorts of trouble.
