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Suppressors Compact pistol for carry while hiking

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Patton63

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 8, 2006
215
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Northern Virginia
#1
My primary CCW pistol is a full-size 1911 - I've owned 1911's since I was old enough to first purchase a pistol and absolutely love them. That said, I am considering picking up a compact pistol that can easily be carried in (or attached to) a backpack or camelback when hiking. I have rented a couple Glocks, but walk away from each session thinking how much I don't like the fit and feel of the gun. Of course, there are compact 1911's to consider, but I'm not sure I want to go that route. My next step is to try to rent a compact M&P in either .45 or 9mm. Any suggestions for other pistols that would suit my needs (while .45 is my preferred caliber, I'm not wed to it for this pistol)?

Thanks a lot.
 
#2
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

Are you concerned with snakes and animals or muggers?

A light weight J frame revolver that could carry HP ammo and a couple of rat shot and still maintain reliability might be the ticket.
 
#4
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

I am with the j-frame suggestion. On the other hand, if you carry a full-size 1911 for daily carry, it seems it would be even easier to accomodate it in a fanny pack on a hike.

On compact 1911s, I have a Kimber Ultra Carry that is as reliable as they get and it is light. It does not give up anything in the accuracy department either. My brother and I have made fairly consitent hits on a 12" or 18" gong at 100yds.

david
 
#5
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

Stay with what you have. I carry one every day, to include when I am out hunting pigs. Wilson CQB .45. IF I were to change it would be to a round butt S&W model 66, 4 inch barrel. Carried one for years and loved it also.
 
#6
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

You're 1911 would work fine. If you want to reduce the weight of the pistol some, look at the Springfield XD, compact series. It has the same grip angle as the 1911. The Glocks have a different grip angle than the 1911. I'm a big Glock fan, and sold my 1911 for this reason. I say this because most 1911 fans prefer the XD pistols over the Glocks.
 
#7
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

I too like the idea of a small revolver, but more for concealed carry. While hiking,if you can wear a sidearm on your hip or pack, you don't need to hide the gun so its not real important to get a dimensionally minimized gun.

Since you like a 1911 and the .45 auto, you should probably carry the 1911. If the weight is an issue, try out one of the HK pistols like the USPc or the HK45c. Although the magazine release is different it still maintains the control locations of the 1911 so it would be an easy transition.

The XD pistols are nice too, although it lacks a manual safety (which is a personal preference) it has a grip safety like a 1911 and a passive trigger safety like the glock. They handle and shoot well. Since its going to be you handling and firing the gun, you have the last word on comfort and handling.
 
#8
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

i would agree with the xd recommendation . im also a 1911 fan and cant do glocks , but like the xd .for outdoors i carry a s&w 329 pd in 44 mag . it has a 4" barrel and is very light . not for everyone , but you might consider it if your not recoil shy . i beleive they are also avail in 357 mag.and possibly 41 mag.
 
#10
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

i would second the xd as well. i love 1911;s. and then i got a g26 for carry and an xdm for comp, and sold the g26, i just love the feel of the xdm, i believe they make a shorter model now as well. thats my pack gun, and it holds 19+1
 
#11
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

M&P comes in 4.25" and ~3.5" flavors. Both feel like a 1911 in your hand, and with a little trigger work they are excellent. The advantage they have over the XD is a lower bore axis for more control.

Can't really go wrong with either one, though. (XD and M&P are both great).

If you want a manual safety, the M&P is available with one. I'd pass on it, though.
 
#13
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

I ran through this question a few months ago while planning a hiking trip to grizzly country. After a lot of advise and consideration, I went with a Glock 29 (10mm) in a Safe Packer holster from Wilderness Tactical. I've been hiking around with it here at home in preparation for my trip and it is a winner. One thing to consider is how fast you can get to your sidearm while hiking. A pistol in your backpack is no good to you. The Safe Packer holster is a real savior here. Whatever gun you decide you should check out the Safe Packer.
 
#14
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

I was an irrigator in big bear high country, 10mm after "a lot of advise"? Your asking the wrong people, friend. It starts at .44 Mag for Griz and grows allot bigger very fast. Some of the local 798ers out of Tulsa recommended Bowen Alpines, they were called "one and dones." That is .500 Magnum out of a 4" barrel Ruger reworked from 6 (.44 Mag) to 5 shot (.500 Linebaugh).

Forget the Safe Packer, buy some good running shoes.

2.jpg
 
#15
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

Wildernss handguns:

.44 Magnum or better (.357 mag is better than nothing if that's all you have)

Bullet selection is key. Hard and Heavy cast bullets are a good start.

Carry it for quick access on your person.
 
#16
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Patton63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My primary CCW pistol is a full-size 1911 - I've owned 1911's since I was old enough to first purchase a pistol and absolutely love them. That said, I am considering picking up a compact pistol that can easily be carried in (or attached to) a backpack or camelback when hiking. I have rented a couple Glocks, but walk away from each session thinking how much I don't like the fit and feel of the gun. Of course, there are compact 1911's to consider, but I'm not sure I want to go that route. My next step is to try to rent a compact M&P in either .45 or 9mm. Any suggestions for other pistols that would suit my needs (while .45 is my preferred caliber, I'm not wed to it for this pistol)?
Thanks a lot. </div></div>

I don't know what platform this guy was using and I don't recommend the caliber but it worked for him. Might've been the only thing he owns?
http://www.adn.com/2010/05/31/1302119/backpacker-shoots-kills-grizzly.html
 
#17
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

rugerlcr.jpg


My wife bought this gun. Very very light. small, fits in your pocket if needed without getting cought on anything. Hiking is the intended use for her LCR.
 
#18
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

back packing in lower 48 I carry S&W 45colt mountain gun 5", light weight can handle hot 300gr loads and light comfort loads;shooting more than adequate for black bear and man kind; in alaska S&W 500 4" 660gr FN Gs ck; and yes that slaps the hand but will slap a brownie equally adeq.
 
#19
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

I have a G29 or G30 that I like to carry. Even with my small hands, the G29/30 handles well. If not wanting a Glock, I just picked up a M&P9c. Really like the grip on the M&P and you can do 9mm or .45. Go and try the 45c model. I think you will like it with the interchangeable grip panels. If wanting to go with a wheelgun, I prefer the 610 or 625.

Here is my 610 & 4516

IMG_0061.jpg
 
#21
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

I prefer the S&W 329PD in a Galco cross draw holster while hiking. The gun only weighs 26 ozs and is joy to pack and shoots great. The cross draw rides over a pack waist strap to allow easy access to the gun and still be able to shed the pack quickly and retain the firearm on your person. Also the X-Frame grip that covers the back strap fits perfectly if you plan on actually shooting it enough to get good with it.

P4210935.jpg
 
#23
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

Lots of good advice here. I like the idea of a 3-4" stainless or alloy magnum revovler. Easy to care for, carried in a fanny or chest rig, pleanty of versatiltiy for crawling two legged and four legged vermin. I'd pick a caliber that you already have on hand to limit ammo requirements. Buy some snake or rat shot for it. Hardcast flatpoint bullets are a good choice for daily use.

My $.02, its worth what you paid for it.
 
#24
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

Thanks for all of the good advice here. I've got a lot to consider. I ordered a Safe Packer holster this week to fit my 1911, which should serve me well as I explore other options.
 
#26
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Code</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer the S&W 329PD in a Galco cross draw holster while hiking. The gun only weighs 26 ozs and is joy to pack and shoots great. The cross draw rides over a pack waist strap to allow easy access to the gun and still be able to shed the pack quickly and retain the firearm on your person. Also the X-Frame grip that covers the back strap fits perfectly if you plan on actually shooting it enough to get good with it.

P4210935.jpg
</div></div>

I have been considering this very pistol to replace the Super Blackhawk in 45LC I have been carrying in the woods with a quality double action revolver. How manageble is it with full house solids? I pistol hunt with a 454 Cassull and have no problem with recoil but never shot heavy rounds in a revolver so light.
 
#29
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

The 329PD is actually manageable with full house loads with the X-frame grips installed. I wouldn't say it is comfortable, as it has a considerable snap to it, but not too bad considering the power to weight ratio.

Shop around for a used one, as there are a few guys that only shoot half a box through it and sell it.

I will say its a rare occasion that shooting buddies ask to shoot it a second time, in fact its rare that they run through first six even.
 
#30
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

Thanks...being it would be a shoot when necessary pistol and not a range gun that sounds good. I can easily load it light to practice with the gun and carry hard cast solids loaded for the job. The Blackhawk I use is a solid platform and with the right 45LC loads it is very capable but again I want to carry a double action for my needs. Greg
 
#32
Re: Compact pistol for carry while hiking

Since you are a fan of .45acp (I am also), I would look at a S&W M&P45 Mid-Size or Compact. With the interchangable backstraps, it fits most hands and handles well. I recommend the Blackhawk CQC Serpa holster with its positive retention. With rigorous activites, it gives you a more secure method of carry. Good luck.
 
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