My answer today is completely different from what I would have said even 3 months ago.
I decided to try the 5.7x28 round. I bought the S&W, as it comes factory threaded, added a Rugged Oculus suppressor, and hung it in a Cole-Tac Varmint Wrangler chest holster.
Pistol with the suppressor, loaded with 22 rounds, weighs 2 lbs 6 oz. Round is a 40 grain hollow point @ 1755 FPS. The chest rig is extremely comfortable to wear.
This has been my choice for the last 6 weeks or so while I have been looking for a new property, and I am really happy with the combination of light weight, firepower, and still being somewhat hearing safe.
Roadkill,I am a SIG P365 homer and I have carried and shot an embarrassing amount of carry guns that never won me over until I bought a Tac-Pac P365 Sig (Kydex holster and 3 12 rnd mags). It shoots 147 gr bullets and offers a lot of punch with those. The light weight HP bullets are designed to expand violently to keep from penetrating into a innocent person in a fire fight. You, on the other hand, don't have that problem in the woods. If you have hogs and bears the 147 Buffalo Bore ammo turns an 9mm into a real fight stopper with a bigger critter than a crackhead. An Alaskan guide named Phill Shoemaker killed a mad brown bear with a 9mm and Buffalo Bore 147's. My little Sig is more accurate an any compact carry gun I ever owned and I put 1 magazine through it every time I go to the range just to make sure everything is copacetic...and it is. Never jammed or failed to feed a single time. Apologies for long windedness but..... I am 78 yrs old and completely understand you dilemma. Murf
Remember: It aint what you shoot...it's how you shoot it.
I pondered a similar question a few years ago regarding what would be the best pistol to carry fishing in canoes and kayaks and hiking the woods a ways to get to said fishing spots. I came to the conclusion that a Smith 638 was the best option for me. I carry extra rounds, including snake shot, on the plastic strip clips in my pocket or tackle box.
Also felt if it, or I fell in the water, or the both of us, I wouldn’t get too torn up about it.
You are going to think I am crazy (1. you already KNOW I am!; and 2. I am going to go a bit diff route.).
Based on your threat priorities: "threat concern is people, snakes, alligators, and bears".
First Rec: Two odd men out, imo. first is snakes. I know you yak/hike in. Snakes need snake shot. Min is 38 SPC shot. People and gators equal. I would recommend an inexpensive Taurus 6 shot LW 38 SPC +P, + 2x (min) speed loaders. When in the yak/snake 'chit,' snake shot. If alligators/people are a higher threat in a specific area - switch to the +P stuff. Heavy hard cast pushed hard (I have cast for you!). Bears - you are prob SOL!
Second recommendation - a cheap Charter Arms 44 SPC or 45 Colt 3" 'snub.' Same as above, except 5 shot. Not sure, but might be available in 6 shot... Same speed loader set up. This is a BIG upgrade, as you can get both 44 SPC/45 Colt snake shot. AND, for any gator/BEAR! - you are at least defendable!
Third Rec: IF you just want to spend $ and get the top of the line: A stainless Ruger Redhawk 45 ACP/45 Colt w/ 4.2" bbl! It IS big. It IS heavy. BUT - it carries MUCH nicer and more comfortable than you would ever imagine! Pancake holster or chest rig. I know/I have one. SIX SHOT! 45 ACP in moon clips, mainly for a quick reload. 45 Colt snake shot. 45 Colt BEAST loads for very nefarious people, and gators, and I would not even hesitate to punch a bear in the nose with a 285 gr hard cast 45 Colt - or six! Again, I have cast bullets for you.
I have first and third. And have looked at 2nd in both 44 SPC/45 Colt (1st choice). pancake holsters as well for 1 & 3. You are more than welcome to try anything I have. And happy to supply all the nasty cast bullets you would ever need!
We all have seen roadkills groupings on here, he would survive with a 22lr. Shoot stuff in the noggin and it will not live to tell friends they met you!
Love a good hunting story, love my family and friends. Some people you can't, but acted like do.
If you like your J frame 357, you didn't like the weight on your chest, what about moving it to a drop leg holster? I know some don't like it, some of us have run them for a lot of years. You could sinch it up tight if you don't like it hanging low, they don't all have to be down at your knee.
“If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self.” Napoleon Hill The most difficult thing to understand during conversation is silence. Thoreau
The 357 makes the cut on everything but the weight. When you're packing way back like you do, I understand that every ounce matters. So, if the 357 is out, I'd take a look at the subcompact 9mm's with some high octane loads. That should fit the bill.
I'm thinking the sweet spot is 9mm pistol, polymer frame, one high capacity magazine with FMJ.
Totally agree. However, S&W has a new lightweight .44 spec 3" barrel revolver. Model 396 on the L frame, 5 shots. It ain't cheap, but very light. They also have a 3" .357 mag lightweight seven shot revolver (24.4 oz). Both are Lipsey's exclusives: Smith & Wesson Night Guard Series
That said, I think it'll be hard to beat a plastic/fantatic 9mm w' 15 round (min) capacity mags
Originally Posted by hillmp
The left lane is for the the purpose of moving the flow of traffic forward regardless of the speed limit. If your impeding the flow of traffic get your ass in the right lane. It's really that simple...
Ya'll killing me. Every time I make up my mind and decide what to do somebody comes along and gives several very good reasons to do something else. Seems to be three prevalent indicators.
1. 9mm, 147g, polymer frame, two high cap magazines.
2. .357, small/medium frame, six plus 12/18 rounds back up.
I carry the bodyguard 2 solely now, and forget I have it. Idk if they'll make a better carry gun. I can carry it in my pocket or in my waist depending on what I’m doing and what I’m wearing.
Everyone knows I’m an azzhole so I’ll just ask straight up. If you complain about the weight of a Glock 9mm with Mag how are you even toting enough water to keep your old azz hydrated ?
I’ve hit so many animals with a 9mm 147 +P+ that didn’t even flinch I’d rule that out for mad bears, pigs, yotes, and raccoons. Just about useless for anything but people. I know there are exceptions.
If you ain’t carrying a 44 or higher I’d say make the switch to 5.7x28. 5.7 has performed better on bigger animals for me than all the 9mm options. Optimal no, meet more requirements, maybe.
In big bear country I carry what I can make the most hits with until the bear kills me. HK 45 using 45 Super.
Seriously though, I have a friend who was a float plane pilot in Alaska for a little while. He would fly hunters and fisherman out to camps and also give aerial tours. He said the go to gun up there was a Glock G20 carried in a chest holster. The 10MM was enough to potentially handle a bear attack. Of course they were dealing with larger bears there than you would be here though. A little lighter option would be the G29.
The true mark of a man is not how he conducts himself during times of prosperity, but how he conducts himself during times of adversity.
Everyone knows I’m an azzhole so I’ll just ask straight up. If you complain about the weight of a Glock 9mm with Mag how are you even toting enough water to keep your old azz hydrated ?
I’ve hit so many animals with a 9mm 147 +P+ that didn’t even flinch I’d rule that out for mad bears, pigs, yotes, and raccoons. Just about useless for anything but people. I know there are exceptions.
If you ain’t carrying a 44 or higher I’d say make the switch to 5.7x28. 5.7 has performed better on bigger animals for me than all the 9mm options. Optimal no, meet more requirements, maybe.
In big bear country I carry what I can make the most hits with until the bear kills me. HK 45 using 45 Super.
Seriously though, I have a friend who was a float plane pilot in Alaska for a little while. He would fly hunters and fisherman out to camps and also give aerial tours. He said the go to gun up there was a Glock G20 carried in a chest holster. The 10MM was enough to potentially handle a bear attack. Of course they were dealing with larger bears there than you would be here though. A little lighter option would be the G29.
You can pretty much bet that a Glock 20 10mm will get the job done in fine fashion for the biggest bears on the Planet. Denmark soldiers use the Glock 20 10mm for defense against Polar bears.
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".
There are some super-stout loads out there for backwoods carry in 9/40/45, that ain’t a 10mm or a 44, but that you can shoot in something lighter than those or any steel 357. A hard cast 147gr 9mm will penetrate plenty, as will the 40/45 loads. Energy isn’t gonna help you much anyway. Just carry something to break the bones you’re liable to have in front of you, and you’ll be fine.
