I have done a ton of research on the capabilities and also handicaps of both of my options. Now I would like some CURRENT opinions of the members of this fine forum
I cannot afford a bigger more powerful handgun, and will not lug around a 7+ pound rifle 24/7 while hiking/camping
I have two handguns currently; a Walther PPQ .40 M2, and a Springfield 5" 1911 .45acp all steel. I will be carrying the Walther concealed when in the city/around people. The Walther is lighter, holds more ammo, and has a safer trigger than my 1911, also doesn't have a safety to manipulate which to me is a good thing.
Now I need to decide which one I would be better off carrying in the woods for animal defense in the Eastern part of North America. I live in Ohio, and camp/hike in Ohio as well as KY,TN,IN,PA etc. The biggest threat I could possibly run into would be a black bear. But the most likely attacker would be a hungry mountain lion or wild dogs, or humans I have personally seen multiple cougars here in Ohio and also Indiana where my dad lives, they are everywhere.
I know all about sectional density and bullet construction and that to really stop a threat you must paralyze the target which would be a brain or spinal injury.
My Walther holds 13+1, my 1911 holds 8+1. A .40" 180gr fmj has roughly the same sectional density of a .45" 230gr fmj, and a .40" 200gr lead bullet has roughly the same SD of a .45" 255gr lead bullet.
Walther .40 pros
-Lighter weight (easier on body to carry)
-Greater capacity (more shots available before reload)
-More comfortable grip (feels better in hand)
-200gr flat nosed lead bullets at about 900-1000fps should have good penetration and skull busting capabilities
-24oz unloaded
-striker fired simple operation, may possibly be more reliable
1911 .45 Pros
-Better sights (also night sights)
-Less recoil (faster follow up shots)
-Nicer trigger (lighter weight, straight back pull, cleaner break)
-Currently more accurate in users hands
-Bigger hole (not much bigger but still bigger)
-255gr flat nosed lead hardcast at about 800-950fps should punch deep and also bust through bone well
-39oz unloaded
Now assuming the same accuracy in my hands with both pistols, which would you pick? The Walther holds more and is lighter but recoils more and punches a smaller hole. The 1911 is heavier and holds less but is more powerful and currently has better sights
I will not be able to get something more powerful and also will not carry a long gun for these purposes. Will not carry pepper spray. If need be (in extreme undesirable circumstances) , pistol would also be used to gather food (deer, raccoon, possum, rabbit, etc..) But I do not plan on poaching or illegally hunting anything.
Which would you pick as a woods carry gun?
I am leaning toward the 1911 as I can always carry spare mags and I think I would rather have slightly more power, but I am a small guy (strong for size, roofer) so the extra weight may detract from my energy/stamina.
All opinions appreciated,
Thanks for your time
I cannot afford a bigger more powerful handgun, and will not lug around a 7+ pound rifle 24/7 while hiking/camping
I have two handguns currently; a Walther PPQ .40 M2, and a Springfield 5" 1911 .45acp all steel. I will be carrying the Walther concealed when in the city/around people. The Walther is lighter, holds more ammo, and has a safer trigger than my 1911, also doesn't have a safety to manipulate which to me is a good thing.
Now I need to decide which one I would be better off carrying in the woods for animal defense in the Eastern part of North America. I live in Ohio, and camp/hike in Ohio as well as KY,TN,IN,PA etc. The biggest threat I could possibly run into would be a black bear. But the most likely attacker would be a hungry mountain lion or wild dogs, or humans I have personally seen multiple cougars here in Ohio and also Indiana where my dad lives, they are everywhere.
I know all about sectional density and bullet construction and that to really stop a threat you must paralyze the target which would be a brain or spinal injury.
My Walther holds 13+1, my 1911 holds 8+1. A .40" 180gr fmj has roughly the same sectional density of a .45" 230gr fmj, and a .40" 200gr lead bullet has roughly the same SD of a .45" 255gr lead bullet.
Walther .40 pros
-Lighter weight (easier on body to carry)
-Greater capacity (more shots available before reload)
-More comfortable grip (feels better in hand)
-200gr flat nosed lead bullets at about 900-1000fps should have good penetration and skull busting capabilities
-24oz unloaded
-striker fired simple operation, may possibly be more reliable
1911 .45 Pros
-Better sights (also night sights)
-Less recoil (faster follow up shots)
-Nicer trigger (lighter weight, straight back pull, cleaner break)
-Currently more accurate in users hands
-Bigger hole (not much bigger but still bigger)
-255gr flat nosed lead hardcast at about 800-950fps should punch deep and also bust through bone well
-39oz unloaded
Now assuming the same accuracy in my hands with both pistols, which would you pick? The Walther holds more and is lighter but recoils more and punches a smaller hole. The 1911 is heavier and holds less but is more powerful and currently has better sights
I will not be able to get something more powerful and also will not carry a long gun for these purposes. Will not carry pepper spray. If need be (in extreme undesirable circumstances) , pistol would also be used to gather food (deer, raccoon, possum, rabbit, etc..) But I do not plan on poaching or illegally hunting anything.
Which would you pick as a woods carry gun?
I am leaning toward the 1911 as I can always carry spare mags and I think I would rather have slightly more power, but I am a small guy (strong for size, roofer) so the extra weight may detract from my energy/stamina.
All opinions appreciated,
Thanks for your time