"Camping" CCW
- Thread starter Duxman
- Start date
Personally, I'd go with my .45, mostly because my .40 seems so much louder to me. Since you probably won't have hearing protection on when you need it, that seems like the best choice IMO. I don't even want to know how bad my ears would ring after shooting a .44 without protection. 
But since a .45 isn't on your list, I chose the .357.
And just give the .357 some time, it shouldn't take you long to be more accurate with it than the .40.
But since a .45 isn't on your list, I chose the .357.
And just give the .357 some time, it shouldn't take you long to be more accurate with it than the .40.
maverickmage
Inactive
Then what's made for the 98% if guns are made for the remaining 2%?
No seriously, a 9 is fine. I camp several times every year and the most that I think people should worry about are snakes than anything on four legs... although that's not to say that I haven't had my own fair share of mountain lions and (black) bears. If a bear's rummaging through your tent and food... leave it alone. Don't think about shooting it. The chances are, whatever comes out of handgun isn't enough to stop it.
Most animals will leave you alone, particularly in areas where there are frequent campers anyways. But if you're that worried... carry a rifle instead. It'll serve you better outdoors. IMHO though... I don't think there's anyone who hasn't lived near a hunting area that I would trust to stop a wild animal if it charges them.
CarbineCaleb
New member
I would definitely agree with this poster's point that discretion is the better part of valor with bears. My body doesn't work anymore for such things, but I did enough backpacking back in the day and also saw enough bears of all kinds. Never needed to shoot one and I think it would have been a bad idea to convert a bear encounter to a bear fight by shooting, both for me, and for the bear. The one time I felt a need to go after a critter it was with some skunks that were way too bold in camp and I took care of that with a few hefty and well pitched stones.
Anyway, if you're determined to bring a gun for protection, I still think the .357 Magnum is the way to go, but if you're also determined to bring the .40S&W as the gun, I think you'll find some very interesting .40S&W loads from the folks at DoubleTap. Hot loaded, heavy, slow expanding hollowpoints and even hot loaded, heavy hard cast lead rounds. They do take the .40S&W as far as it will go in this role, anyway.
http://www.doubletapammo.com/
WeedWacker
New member
My vote is for the .357 mag. Good penetration and the shockwave will kill the smaller stuff 
longtooth50
New member
.357. This gives the option to load it up for any heavy fur animal, heavy winter coats on two legged critters, hogs, black bear, ...
Then load it down to plink & it is affordable to shoot.
Then load it down to plink & it is affordable to shoot.
Hard to beat a S&W 357mag, it's what I carry during Deer season here in Texas. The 357 makes enough noise when fired that it will scare the beejeebies out of anything or anyone. Get a hunting round and practice with it before you go as to know POI with the round. I have a .40 S&W also but I prefer the 357.
ohioleadslinger
New member
Dinner!!
Them Brownies have been know to be dinner bell bears. Shots actually attract them because they know there may be a gut pile where the sound came from. But I doubt you would be shooting in the air for the heck of it and no brownies in VA. The odds are you would have more trouble out of two legged varmints, so enjoy your trip!
Godbless.....
Them Brownies have been know to be dinner bell bears. Shots actually attract them because they know there may be a gut pile where the sound came from. But I doubt you would be shooting in the air for the heck of it and no brownies in VA. The odds are you would have more trouble out of two legged varmints, so enjoy your trip!
Godbless.....
Mannlicher
New member
Where you camp can have an influence on what you carry, or if you carry at all.
In Florida, this past fall, a new law went into effect that allows CCW permit holders to carry a firearm, not necessarily just a hand gun, in State Parks, and National Forests.
National Parks are still closed to CCW, and firearms in general.
About all I ever carry on me is a .22 S&W Model 63 revolver. I have never needed it, but I usually have it with me. Close at hand, will be something more effective if a bad social situation occurs.
In Florida, this past fall, a new law went into effect that allows CCW permit holders to carry a firearm, not necessarily just a hand gun, in State Parks, and National Forests.
National Parks are still closed to CCW, and firearms in general.
About all I ever carry on me is a .22 S&W Model 63 revolver. I have never needed it, but I usually have it with me. Close at hand, will be something more effective if a bad social situation occurs.
FirstFreedom
Moderator
I think the prime consideration for a camping gun is weather-resistant - it can get a little wet and humid in tents where the gun is kept. Stainless steel or good resistant coating.
Beyond that, you'd probably want a fullsized gun in a decent caliber with a really good safety - strange uncontrolled environment; small hands might find the gun unwittingly.
Beyond that, you'd probably want a fullsized gun in a decent caliber with a really good safety - strange uncontrolled environment; small hands might find the gun unwittingly.
allenomics
New member
With today's ammo, I'd feel safe with a 9mm, like a Glock 17 and a couple of extra magazines. That's over 50 rounds of power!
Why the hell would you conceal your gun? If you need it its better to have in at your side or in a shoulder holster. In Alaska I always carried a S&w 29 6 1/2" loaded with 240 gr. Jacketed bullets at 1400 fps. Then I got smart (relatively) and started carrying a Marlin 1895SS in 45-70. Just as easy to sling it, as carry a huge pistol in a shoulder holster and a LOT mor effective on Griz.
Gotta agree with MacGille, if you're out in the woods, don't even try to conceal your weapon. Keep it within easy reach. If I'm out in the woods, my gun is in plain view all the time. I expect to see the same on other people that I may encounter. That being said, I think alot of people neglect another weapon/tool that is worth it's wait in gold out in the woods. A good dog. A good dog will discourage 99% of encounters out in the woods, and it'll lay down it's life for you and buy you valuable time in that chance meeting of the other 1%. They truly are "Man's best friend".
Hardtarget
New member
I voted .357 simply because I like revolvers for the "outdoors" setting. Traditionalist in that respect. Maybe there were too many cowboy movies in my younger years.
Mark.
Mark.
hexidismal
New member
As I said in post #3 my vote is still on the .357. If I were really conscerned though I might look into one of those Kel-Tec folding rifles in .223, the SU-16 series. The smallest of them is the SU-16D. Its only 20 inches folded closed, small enough to fit in a normal backpack. Not the quickest thing to access though.
http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/su16d.html
If she's afraid of Yogi, Wiley and Oilcan Harry, leave her at home. None of them are interested in you. You smell of nothing but trouble to all of them. They will avoid you like the plague.
Wild Dogs very likely aren't wild. In some places, people let Fido out to run. Legal or not. Dogs that are running in packs get shot by locals for chasing deer.
Wild Dogs very likely aren't wild. In some places, people let Fido out to run. Legal or not. Dogs that are running in packs get shot by locals for chasing deer.