This may be a controversial subject for some, but I'd like to get opinions from some other people on carrying a gun while backpacking. I've researched a lot of the gun forums, but a lot of those people tend to think that carrying anything less than a .45 is a peashooter. Let me just say I'm not a huge gun nut, most people would be surprised to know I own one. I have experience shooting(glock 9mm, .223 rifles, 12 ga shotguns), and I do own some firearms which see occasional use at the range, but I'm usually not one of those people who buy firearms specifically for self-defense purposes.
I'll be going on a week long backpacking trip in a remote area. I also do a lot of solo hiking in my local mountains. Having a wilderness so close to a major metropolitan area almost insures there are some suspicious people up in the mountains, not to mention some of the "farmers" up there.
So far I think i've narrowed the choices down to something around 9mm or smaller. I would like something very small and inconspicous (easily carried in a small camera case strapped on my shoulder strap) and lightweight. Obviously, this is not for protection against animals, I'm pretty sure a handgun won't be the best defense against bears or mountain lions.
So for starters, what caliber would you recommned? I actually like the .22 caliber revolvers that I've seen. Small, lightweight, not to conspicous. I know a most people say it's too small to be useful, but between that and throwing dirt, I think I'd prefer the gun. NA Arms makes a nice 22 mag revolver which is probably the perfect size I'm looking for.
I've also been looking at 9mm and .38. That would be the largest I'm willing to carry. I've looked at the taurus air-lites, they're nice, but a little too big and expensive. I want something more along the lines of the Kel-tec P11.
Second, the only ones I've handled is what the local gun store carries. Are there any other brands people would recommmend? Safety, reliability and ruggedness are a must. It will almost positively get wet, and probably experience some dirt or sand. Which is one of the reasons I am leaning torward a revolver rather than a handgun.
Finally, I really don't to turn this into a debate of whether or not I should be carrying a gun. I welcome your opinions and thoughts, but this isn't just a spur of the moment decision. It's something I've been considering for quite a while. I'm not absolutely set on buying one yet, but I am heavily thinking about a purchase soon. Also, as for the legality, I've been seriously thinking about that and weighing the risks vs. consequences.
I'll be going on a week long backpacking trip in a remote area. I also do a lot of solo hiking in my local mountains. Having a wilderness so close to a major metropolitan area almost insures there are some suspicious people up in the mountains, not to mention some of the "farmers" up there.
So far I think i've narrowed the choices down to something around 9mm or smaller. I would like something very small and inconspicous (easily carried in a small camera case strapped on my shoulder strap) and lightweight. Obviously, this is not for protection against animals, I'm pretty sure a handgun won't be the best defense against bears or mountain lions.
So for starters, what caliber would you recommned? I actually like the .22 caliber revolvers that I've seen. Small, lightweight, not to conspicous. I know a most people say it's too small to be useful, but between that and throwing dirt, I think I'd prefer the gun. NA Arms makes a nice 22 mag revolver which is probably the perfect size I'm looking for.
I've also been looking at 9mm and .38. That would be the largest I'm willing to carry. I've looked at the taurus air-lites, they're nice, but a little too big and expensive. I want something more along the lines of the Kel-tec P11.
Second, the only ones I've handled is what the local gun store carries. Are there any other brands people would recommmend? Safety, reliability and ruggedness are a must. It will almost positively get wet, and probably experience some dirt or sand. Which is one of the reasons I am leaning torward a revolver rather than a handgun.
Finally, I really don't to turn this into a debate of whether or not I should be carrying a gun. I welcome your opinions and thoughts, but this isn't just a spur of the moment decision. It's something I've been considering for quite a while. I'm not absolutely set on buying one yet, but I am heavily thinking about a purchase soon. Also, as for the legality, I've been seriously thinking about that and weighing the risks vs. consequences.