NEwbie Question Choice of carry for hiking

Factory loads from a 10mm to me feel very similar to a .45. The benefits are that you can get 'hot loaded' ammo like Buffalo Bore that can handle a larger creature. A 10mm essentially gives you the carrying capacity of a .40 cal (so more than a .45 but a little less than a 9mm as a rule of thumb) The Glock 26,29 ad 30 are 9mm, 10mm and .45 respectively but happen to all have a 10 round capacity oddly enough.

The reason I point towards the 10mm is that it is practically the equivalent of a .357 magnum, ballistics wise, but holds much more ammo than a revolver and is lighter. A 10mm is a good compromise between not only self defense and concealed carry, but has the capability to address a large black bear. I suggest the Glock 29 because if you decide to conceal and carry it, it is the appropriate size, can be used for home defense, and is light enough/ powerful enough to use when out hiking to deal with whatever may come in the lower 48, with the appropriate ammo. The only downfall to me is that a 10mm's ammo is a little bit more expensive than a .45 auto by about 10 cents or so per round.

I also suggest the Glock specifically because they are indeed very resistant to rust and corrosion, very simple to operate and maintain and lastly, should you end up 'losing' the gun in the woods, or it gets destroyed, confiscated or whatever else may happen, its only a $600 gun that is very easily replaced. It's not like losing your Dad's Colt Python! haha

In the long run, I feel that the 29 in 10mm will suit your needs for multiple roles and in the future as a long term investment. Coming in (when loaded) at exactly 32 ounces is also a plus for your application as well.
 
You could always go with a glock 40 cal. grip dia. is smaller than the 10 or 45's, ammo is pretty much available anywhere. Probably a good compromise between a 9 and 45. About every game warden in the country carries a 40 (mostly because they are sworn law enforcement) and who really spends more time outdoors than the game wardens. Just a thought.
 
I would carry exactly the same gun that I would carry if I were going to the grocery store or a walk around the block.

And in the same fashion, that is, a small gun in a pocket holster. Anyone packing a large gun openly is going to attract a lot of attention on a hiking trail.

Put a J-frame .38 or pocket size auto in a pocket holster and carry it in a front pocket. Keep the tactical advantage of having a gun by keeping it well concealed.
 
Best pocket gun for the boonies is the Ruger SP101. It is heavy enough to handle the most powerful .357 ammo with ease and comfort. I've shot 200 grain Double Tap through mine, no problem. The perfect pocket bigfoot gun.
 
As I stated earlier, a glock 20 is the way to go. I had a 29 as well, but I like the 20 a million times better. The sight radius and grip length are the kickers for me.

As stated 10mm ammo is pricey. Buy an aftermarket .40 conversion barrel abe you can practice a lot cheaper. You don't even have to change mags.
 
Two weeks in the woods....what are you going to eat? I would have a small game lisence and go with a wheel gun and different loads and some speed loaders. The choice comes down to two three calibers. .357, .44 Special or .44 Magnum. The reason is factory loadings unless you reload which is why I added the .44 Special. Speer Shot capsuls ad a lot of versility. You can use them on snakes and augment your food supply with rabbits and grouse and still be able to take care of all preditors two and four legged.
 
Munch,

Get the Glock slim line 10 mm and be done with it.

Now I am a revolver fan for the outdoors but with you stringent weight requirements I'd go with the 10mm solution and Glock platform.

It will take care of any critter in Arkansas, two or 4 legged.

Deaf
 
OP said:
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)
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Not "allowed" guns? Where is that place?
 
The ten is great and I'm working a glock 20 project right now (you can see progress on other threads here). The 10's power is a tricky thing--it's not as obvious as it might seem. Basically, up til now, the market is dominated by ammo and weapons that are really ballistically the equivalent of a 40 S&W or not much more. To get into 357 mag power territory you're going to need a high-power load and many factory 10's were not designed/delivered in a configuration to take advantage of that extra power. Regardless of the platform you choose--be sure the barrel's chamber case support and length will allow you to really exploit the full power of the mighty 10. My less than 2 cents.
 
Not "allowed" guns? Where is that place?
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England
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Of course that brings up the question of your residency status and whether or not you can legally buy/posses a firearm here, particularly a handgun?

Last thing you want is to be caught walking around Arkansas with a Glock 20 that you bought at some swap meet in Kansas while here on tourist Visa without any established residency.
They might treat you like a member of the taliban...
 
I'm ok , had to supply loads of docs, CCL processing now so it really hinges on that should be ok, but won't do anything until, I see it

I'm a legal alien (always makes me smile) and have bought shotguns (had to supply same docs) so time will tell!
 
I feel the need to chime in here again. If you've already spent 100s of dollars to cut the weight down on what you're carrying, you're doing yourself a disservice by even considering a full size handgun. The Kahr or the Springfield XDs are the ones you listed in your first post and what will help you follow your trend of weight reduction in what you carry. Plus they're easier to conceal. The handgun that you end up stowing in your pack is useless if you need it for self defense.
 
Yep KenL you are right I'm getting carried away

But saying that if I have to add a few extra oz then so be it

Luckily there is a gun show here at the weekend so I'll go along and see what's what,get a better idea,
 
I use a G-20, sometimes a G23. A G-29 would probably be a better option. Compared to my 3" magnum revolver the 4.5" barreled Glock is still 1" shorter overall and 3/4 lb lighter. For your uses the size and weight are important.

On paper the magnum revolvers look good, but when fired from snubby barrels can't match 10mm. In fact the hotter 40 S&W loads are a better choice.

For 2 legged threats most any decent 10mm loading will do, I carry Double Tap 200 Gr hardcast loaded to 1300 fps when hiking in bear country. They offer the same bullet in 40 S&W loaded to 1100 fps. Not a bad choice if you want something even smaller and in a more common cartridge.
 
I feel the need to chime in here again. If you've already spent 100s of dollars to cut the weight down on what you're carrying, you're doing yourself a disservice by even considering a full size handgun. The Kahr or the Springfield XDs are the ones you listed in your first post and what will help you follow your trend of weight reduction in what you carry. Plus they're easier to conceal. The handgun that you end up stowing in your pack is useless if you need it for self defense.
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The requirements are not only for humans; it includes animals. Ammunition selection is critically important. Therefore, the handgun must be scaled to the largest animal he is likely to encounter in the area. This may mean that 9x19mm or a snubby revolver is more than sufficient, but that is not likely the case. Hot 10mm can handle just about anything except for the largest of animals. Past that, he'll have to go to a revolver or a rifle.
 
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A reminder that we are talking about Arkansas. Danger from large animals is exceedingly unlikely. The biggest (nonhuman) threats, as already mentioned, will come from accidental injury, unforeseen illness, hunger, thirst, the elements and snakebites.
 
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