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Post by robinvt on Feb 9, 2009 1:11:07 GMT
I would like to pick up a semi automatic pistol. This would serve a couple of purposes. First would be target shooting and plinking. Second, when I go hiking in the Colorado wilderness I would like to have some protection with me. When I say protection, I am thinking about snakes, and possibly scaring off a black bear, mountain lion or anything else. To take this a step further, there is also the two legged predator that sometimes need to be kept in check. Weight is a consideration and also reliability.
The first question is what caliber would you recommend? I am thinking a .22LR.
I am thinking of either the Sig Sauer Mosquito .22LR (10 shot clip) or the Walther P22 .22LR (10 shot clip). I have looked at the Browning Buckmark and Ruger MArk III Hunter, but they seem a little heavy. Also looked at the S&W, but don't like the sights.
Let me know your thoughts . . . Rob
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Post by phesnt on Feb 9, 2009 23:05:45 GMT
I think a .22 LR will be fine if your intent is to scare off an animal as long as it does scare them off. I carry a Springfield Armory XD-40 with a 13 round magazine. Enough stopping power if need be. Comfortable to carry and the recoil is manageable so that I can consistently hold a relatively tight pattern. I actually like the pistol more than I did the glock's I have owned.
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Post by soccerref on Feb 10, 2009 14:43:56 GMT
I know squat about pistols, but if you are looking for something to "scare off" predators, that's a problem, in my opinion. If you are going to scare them off with it, what happens when they don't scare? It then escalates and you might have to use it to stop them. A .22 LR will not stop anything intent on getting you, at least not fast enough. Especially out west, where in addition to people, you are dealing with cats, wolves, potentially grizzly bear. A .22LR will do little more than annoy them while they eat you.
For plinking and target the .22LR has huge benefits, not the least of which is ammo cost.
For scaring off, pepper spray is probably more effective if the scare part doesn't work.
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Post by MK-M-GOBL on Feb 10, 2009 15:53:40 GMT
I know squat about pistols, but if you are looking for something to "scare off" predators, that's a problem, in my opinion. If you are going to scare them off with it, what happens when they don't scare? It then escalates and you might have to use it to stop them. A .22 LR will not stop anything intent on getting you, at least not fast enough. Especially out west, where in addition to people, you are dealing with cats, wolves, potentially grizzly bear. A .22LR will do little more than annoy them while they eat you. For plinking and target the .22LR has huge benefits, not the least of which is ammo cost. For scaring off, pepper spray is probably more effective if the scare part doesn't work. What soccerref said 
"A .22LR will do little more than annoy them while they eat you." I had oral surgery yesterday and you're killing me with that one soccerref  ;D I personally would go big but pack light for protection  www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/rgrRH/ |
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Post by robinvt on Feb 10, 2009 17:57:47 GMT
I understand what you are saying, but don't totally agree. Here are some facts:
I would be hiking in VT, NH, ME, and southern CO. There are no grizzlies or wolves (ok maybe a couple along the Canadian border but not enough to worry about).
Black bear, mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx are in the area. I am more concerned about rattle snakes than anything. To be honest, the number of encounters between humans and bear or cats is very small and of those, the number of confrontations must be a fraction of a percentage.
As far as people go, I know a .22LR is small but I wouldn't want to get shot with one.
After doing some more research, I have read that the Sig and Walther have jam problems on a regular basis. Although a little heavier, I am now thinking about a Browning Buckmark Camper in stainless. Anyone have one? Do you like it?
. . . Rob
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Post by MK-M-GOBL on Feb 10, 2009 19:13:17 GMT
Do they make the bird shot for autos? Those would great for killing snakes and scaring off bears, cats and even two legged predators.
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Post by nastygunz on Feb 10, 2009 20:10:10 GMT
Being somewhat of a pistolero handgunner and such.....you seem to be looking for simple and reliable and low maintenance= revolver. As far as snakes...even I can outrun one and they can be killed with a stick, beer bottle, rock, etc, although I recommend leaving them be to live if possible. As far as caliber for a quick hurt a .22 is not very good for much more then rodents. in my very humble opinion a nice .357 magnum revolver gives you the option of shooting heavy duty magnums for self defense or .38's for self defense and plinking and also could be used for hunting if that appeals to you....and if anything can be used as a club if need be in close quarters combat....the one time I was attacked aggressively by a wild animal was a very large woodchuck that I am sure was rabid and although it sounds funny that sucker had some big teeth and was seriously attacking me until I jumped in my car then he attacked it...so in the spirit of mutual combat I engaged him with my S&W .38 airweight .38+P and took him out with 1 shot of a jacketed hollow point. Semi pistols can put out massive firepower in seconds but require more training and more maintenance...and being more complicated have a better chance of having mechanical problems. For what its worth I would go with a revolver in a caliber that you can shoot physically and financially. I also have a couple of boxes of snake shot for my .357/.38 just for fun. My all-the-time carry gun, titanium and aluminum,weighs nothing,shrouded hammer,wont catch on clothes, etc,big bite for little gun:  Big Gun, I carry this when I think Tom is making a move on one of my turkey spots!  When your packing a visible big gun or whip it out on a 2 legged predator, YOU INSTANTLY BECOME "KING OF THE MOUNTAIN"  |
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Post by MK-M-GOBL on Feb 10, 2009 20:54:16 GMT
Is that "Tom" meaning me  Maybe I'll have to buy a few of those that mirror blinds you posted about and mount them to my truck BTW, Sweet little gun |
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Post by nastygunz on Feb 10, 2009 21:13:29 GMT
haha did you ever get one of those blinds?..they were kind of interesting.
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Post by MK-M-GOBL on Feb 10, 2009 22:39:41 GMT
No....too much $$$ I use to have a netting (years ago) that attached to your stabilizer and had a window cut out for your arrow. It was along the same idea as the mirror blind.
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Post by MK-M-GOBL on Feb 10, 2009 22:52:03 GMT
Rob, what about the Ruger Hunter with Crimson Trace Laser grips? It look like pretty sweet shooter Not only that but Ruger 22 pistol are known for their quality and accuracy. |
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Post by jwiggin on Feb 11, 2009 14:27:39 GMT
By far no pistol expert I was just looking at the National Rifleman and noticed "The Judge" I believe it shoots 45's and 410 shells guess kind of the best of both worlds.
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Post by nastygunz on Feb 11, 2009 17:13:43 GMT
Good call jwiggin, you could mix n match n load it with birdshot/buckshot/slugs or 45's.
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Post by robinvt on Feb 11, 2009 17:58:06 GMT
Who makes it?
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Post by MK-M-GOBL on Feb 11, 2009 18:59:16 GMT
It's a pretty interesting gun |
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