The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Bryce7 on June 17, 2012, 09:21:35 PM
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Hey everybody! This is my first time on here and I was seeking some advice.
I spend a lot of time camping and fishing, and it is not uncommon for me to see the occasional mountain lion (including this weekend when I was stalked by one), and the area I typically go to is known for bears. What handgun would you recommend? It would need to be a gun that could handle getting a little wet, also I am a college student, so I am looking for something reasonably affordable.
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Depending on your states laws on open and concealed carry you might be better off getting a hunting license and a rifle.
If there aren't any legal obstacles, (Ca sucks ) your choices are all revolvers.
Since you are on a budget a .357 will do the job the pistol and ammo will be reasonably priced, but it is absolute minimum for bear.
If the price, weight and recoil don't bother you go to a .44 magnum.
If you have a range near by that rents fire arms try out those 2 and a 45 Colt, any one of those should be enough.
One caution on the .45 Colt, If you go that route get the Ruger.
They are built to take higher pressures and there are "Ruger only" loads available .
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Depending on your states laws on open and concealed carry you might be better off getting a hunting license and a rifle.
If there aren't any legal obstacles, (Ca sucks ) your choices are all revolvers.
Since you are on a budget a .357 will do the job the pistol and ammo will be reasonably priced, but it is absolute minimum for bear.
If the price, weight and recoil don't bother you go to a .44 magnum.
If you have a range near by that rents fire arms try out those 2 and a 45 Colt, any one of those should be enough.
One caution on the .45 Colt, If you go that route get the Ruger.
They are built to take higher pressures and there are "Ruger only" loads available .
Unfortunately I am from California. I do plan to get a rifle and a hunting license at some point, but it would be hard to carry a riffle while fishing. I do have a range by me, not sure if they rent, but I will find out! Thanks a lot! :)
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Concealed carry permits in Ca depend on your county Sheriff.
When I lived in Alameda County any one could get one.
After you paid $3000 to the Sheriff.
Other counties were worse, some better.
Open carry was also county dependent, some didn't allow it at all, some allowed it for 16 and over.
I don't know what the laws are there now.
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Since price is a factor, I would try to find a good deal on a used stainless steel Ruger Blackhawk in .44 or .45 colt with a 4 5\8'' barrel, easy to carry and hard hitting in either caliber.
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Another vote for the Ruger Blackhawk, in the caliber of your choice.
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LAW rocket. Just kidding. :P
The choices mentioned above are spot on. I would also give a nod to the Glock 20 in 10mm.
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LAW rocket. Just kidding. :P
The choices mentioned above are spot on. I would also give a nod to the Glock 20 in 10mm.
I thought of that since it is the only caliber choice in Semi Auto, but would it be enough for bear ?
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A Ruger Vaquero in .44 mag would be a good choice as well,No adjustable sites to snag or get damaged and as strong as a Blackhawk.
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I thought of that since it is the only caliber choice in Semi Auto, but would it be enough for bear ?
It should be plenty.
I wouldn't want to carry that large of a handgun for just walking around fishing, which is why I carry a G27.
This isn't hunting so 'one shot, one humane kill' doesn't apply. Empty magazine as fast as you can get good hits, repeat as needed. ;)
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Good point...it's not hunting. If it's trying to eat you make sure you put one in it's balls as it's running away.
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Since price is a factor, I would try to find a good deal on a used stainless steel Ruger Blackhawk in .44 or .45 colt with a 4 5\8'' barrel, easy to carry and hard hitting in either caliber.
+1 excellent choices.....that is my usual "fishing" gun, a .44 Ruger SBH.
*And if you can swing the funds, maybe look into a Redhawk DA in those calibers.
I only mention the DA Redhawk because unless you practice a lot (which can get expensive in those calibers) with the SA, under stress it could get dicey. The DA allows point-n-click capability.
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If you can find a S&W x frame in 460 with a 4" barrel I would grab one of those, can use cheaper 45LC for practice and when hiking add a few rounds of 460. Even if you cant hit the critter the noise will leave then stunned like a flash bang going off. :-)
Even sticking to 45LC for protection, properly loaded their isnt much between them and a 44 mag. But its nice to step it up if you have too ;)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_abaJ0xbRju4/St8Y2L2HbFI/AAAAAAAAB7I/zC0xFefeh1E/s1600/mith+%26+Wesson+460,+3+1:2)
Ammo Comparison: Left to Right -
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.460 S&W Magnum
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_abaJ0xbRju4/St8YvjDfE0I/AAAAAAAAB64/q5vQebyhdR0/s1600/left+to+right+.45+Colt,+.454+Casull,+and+.460+S%26W+Magnum+Ammo.jpg)
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Picking the right gun is good, but since you live in CA, you most likely wouldn't be able to carry it for fishing and hiking. The CA laws are an incredible jumble of ambiguous laws and overlapping jurisdictions. Since the open carry ban on Jan 1, most places in CA are unfortunately a big fat no-no to carry on public lands, but it all depends on where you want to fish and hike (state park, NF, BLM, etc.). I suggest looking at the first post and then wading through this extensive thread on CalGuns.net to see where it's legal to carry... http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=186457
I've applied for a CCW permit because it's the only way I can protect myself here in the San Bernardino National Forest. All open carry of any handgun is prohibited here since Jan 1. A CCW may also be your only option.
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It is legal to oc while fishing in ca. As long as the aera you are fishing its legal to do so.
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It is legal to oc while fishing in ca. As long as the aera you are fishing its legal to do so.
???
I thought the new law prohibited all OC ?
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???
I thought the new law prohibited all OC ?
But it's still legal except where it is illegal. What is so hard to understand about that? ;D
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Walking down the street ocing is illegal. While hunting/ fishing and traveling too/ from said activtys is legal. Unless the area you are in prohibits fire arms ( state parks for example) . Having only a bow tag and having a firearm will also get you in deep doo doo. Just with fish and game, not the doj.
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I bought a Taurus Tracker 4" in 44 mag. Great gun for the money ~$500. Shoots nice, trigger is good (not a S&W though) and the grip makes shooting full loads pretty reasonable. I picked up an Uncle Mikes shoulder holster that clips onto a belt so you can shift some weight onto the belt for more comfort. Very happy with it.
joe
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I bought a Taurus Tracker 4" in 44 mag. Great gun for the money ~$500. Shoots nice, trigger is good (not a S&W though) and the grip makes shooting full loads pretty reasonable. I picked up an Uncle Mikes shoulder holster that clips onto a belt so you can shift some weight onto the belt for more comfort. Very happy with it.
joe
Nothing wrong with that purchase, ported barrel to help with muzzle flip with heavy loads and you can load down to 44 specials for plinking. Nice and compact and still carry's plenty of wallop.
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For less than $400 for pistol, shoulder holster, and ammo, I carried the Judge Public Defender last year. Three round of #6 410 shot shells backed up by two rounds of 45 Colt XTP hollow points. Nice packin pistol, and if you do loose it due to unforseen circumstances, you're not out an arm and a leg money wise. The only drawback is that it kicks like a mule, that just found out he was sterile.