NEwbie Question Choice of carry for hiking

I agree with others that a 9mm like a Glock 19 (or its twin brother by another mother S & W SD9VE) would be a good choice for Arkansas. You will have the pistol for many years and will use it for far more things than a camping trip. It's light and small enough to conceal carry and the 9mm makes it affordable enough to practice with so you can learn how to hit something with it. If its good enough for NATO, its good enough for me.
 
The Glock 21, the little bit extra size and weight won't make much difference. I assume you are going to carry extra ammo which in 45ACP isn't light, the G21 will just hold more of the total amount in it.
 
Having hiked the WA CAscades, switched

between the Ruger SS6 and 1911.

Most concern with black bears and spoke with Sierra ballistics tech's, and they recommend the heaviest bullet you can handle in the carry firearm.

For the .357Mag, I had a box of Federals 180gr hotcast leads in two speedloaders and the 1911 had a third magazine with hornday 230gr FMJ-FP ammo.

Never needed to deploy but felt comfortable, also keep eyes and ears open for the bears. seemed to work best for me.

Did get involved with gold prospecting, and upgraded to major firepower,
Browning A5. :) [more staying put and not a lot traveling.]
 
I always look for reasonable accuracy which means a decent trigger, I hike mainly in the fall so I like something I can take a head shot on a grouse or rabbit if I want, so I like the SA/DA option like the Springfield XD full size.
 
If black bears are the biggest concern, I would carry a .357 magnum. A Ruger GP100 would fit the bill nicely. Load it was some 357's and carry some spare ammo including some 38 special. I would almost carry that and have a .22 lr pistol or revolver as well in your pack. If not interested in the revolver, I would get a 9mm of some sort and be done with it. 100lb black bear is not likely to be a threat and 15 rounds of 9mm is going to be fine, for two legged or any animal you encounter in Arkansas. The bear is really no threat unless you get right upon an angry mother and a cub.
 
I know you listed a larger caliber, but have you maybe consider just a .22 lr? Good for plinking, snakes, light hunting, and could be used for self defense. A ruger sr22 is light, cheap, and eats all ammo.
 
I was curious, so I tried out a buddies Springfield XD compact in 45, very impressed, shot danged good and with very little recoil for such a small gun, when size and weight are important I'd like to have one of these.
 
A sub compact 9MM would be fine. S&W Shield, Walther PPS, XDs, or Glock G26. Don't worry about bears or animals, the two legged predators would be my concern, and these are fine. They are also small and light.
 
Unless grizzlies are in the mix, I believe the best all around woods gun is a Glock 20. It is my woods gun, and it is still lightweight enough to carry. Get a good belt and holster and you will forget it's there.

If you were going the 9mm route, I would prefer a full size/duty size gun to a compact. (Assuming you are carrying owb). Your not going to notice a big weight difference between the glock 17 and 19. Personally I like the added sight radius. Go with the 17, a VP9 or FNS9.

A Glock 21 would also be a fine choice, but the 20 is better in all aspects except ammo cost.
 
Don't understand the grief being given to the OP about the cool factor. Given the choice between a cool gun and an ugly gun that can do the same thing I'll take the cool gun every time.
 
Second Independent George's idea of a lightweight 357 revolver. Reliable in adverse conditions, lightweight package. You could even go with an Airweight Smith .38.

I think you can reduce your concern about quaraped interlopers and think more about bipedal threats. In this case, a small 38 or 357 would be ideal. The days of outfitting the Donner Party are past us. You don't need a .50 Hawkins anymore, you won't be killing any bison (I hope). So a nice anti-personelle weapon of choice should be more than enough.
 
I'd forget the "cool-factor" and just a glock, my preference at least. A g19 is normally the right answer. If you're stuck on a .45, get a g30, but for trekking around in AR for 2 weeks, a 9mm and some bear spray if you're really somehow worried about bears ought to do the trick...
 
Hiking Arkansas? My Glock 27 would go on that trip - no question about it.

I'd try to carry it just below my chest somehow to balance against the pack, ideally disguised by or hidden inside of a pouch mounted between the pack straps.
 
Sorry, I know you said not to list, but for what your using it for a cross draw, or shoulder holster, with a .357 or .44 mag is the way to go in my opinion.
 
Second Independent George's idea of a lightweight 357 revolver. Reliable in adverse conditions, lightweight package. You could even go with an Airweight Smith .38.
Click to expand...

Except for the one obvious flaw in your logic.... the OP stated that a revolver was NOT an option. Sheesh.... "What you need is a Mosin Nagant!!" :D

I agree with the notion that a good 9mm is all you will need. Personally, I would like a polymer, full sized pistol, like the Glock 17, but if you want a smaller pistol, get a G19 or even go with the little one. If price enters the picture at all, look at the Taurus PT111 G2... it's a sub-compact that holds 12 rounds in the mag, and is a solid, well made pistol. Mine is way more than accurate enough, and very easy (comfortable) to shoot. If you search, you can find them for just over $200... and they are easly worth twice that.
 
Thanks for replying everyone

I'm still unsure but to narrow things down for myself I probably just choose a glock, ( leaning towards a 29 or 39 (or the 20,30) but going to the gunshop this week to take a look ,

Although in Arkansas I will prob only need a 9mm, I intend on doing other hikes so potentially in wilder areas, so if I'm getting one I really want to get only one and practice with it

at this point in time it will be a hiking tool ( where I'm from animals at not an issue and we are not allowed guns so I have never had to look into it)

Saying that I have heard you can't just buy one gun! :) so who knows

So my next question is it worth getting the 10mm ( none of my local ranges hire them out so I can't test it) is recoil more than a 45 ?

Thanks again for your comments and advise,
 
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