Would Like Suggestions...

[rubicontrail]

This may have been covered before, but...

What is a good quality, yet inexpensive sidearm that is ideal for carrying for protection while out in the AZ wilderness?

[etropic]

open or concealed ?

[Desmo_Pilot]

There are many options out there. Some of the Smith & Wesson Air Lite revolvers are very nice for a strictly backpacker type firearm. They are extremely light to carry well in packs. The lightweight won't make for a fun recreational shooter, but for protecting your life it is a great unit. They do cost more though due to being made with scandium, titanium and other alloys. This is just one example.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=53911&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y


My personal carry firearm is a Glock G36. It is a .45ACP in a single stack config to keep it's size down. They are priced reasonably and can be used for some recreational shooting as well. Granted, it is a subcompact .45, but the recoil is manageable and I actually really enjoy shooting this gun. Empty weight is about 21oz and is small enough to carry in a pack or in the pocket of your cargo shorts/jeans if not wearing it on your belt. Also, shooting the hotter +P self defense type ammo's is not an issue at all.

Not sure if this link will take you directly to it, but if not, just scroll to the G36.
http://www.glock.com/english/index_pistols.htm

Feel free to shoot me a note if you have any other questions.

Kyle

[lancetkenyon]

I, too like the .45 ACP. There are quite a few of the composite frame autos fairly inexpensive. Notice I did NOT say cheap. Big difference in the 2. Buy the best quality you can afford. I like Kimber, but they are in no way inexpensive, or cheap. S&W makes good quality too.

[Phx Cobra]

Glock

[sms1688]

Taurus pt145 millenium pro ACP 45. It is great for concealing and is pretty good on accuracy. It wont kill the bank either like some of the other guns out there. I have never had it jam or missfire and I carry it almost everywhere I go. That is if I am allowed to.

[Heaney]

i've got a Glock 30. Love it!

[Hunter]

Well, if it were me and I was thinking of a "true" bonnie side arm, I would be tempted ot go with any revolver. Just to give you the different load out options. Snake shot being the most common. My Dad carried that for decades and had to use it on a few occasions. Load the 1-2 with snake shot, then maybe standard rounds for the last 4.

I guess I am thinking more of a utility minded.

Example being my family with my dad's .357. When we went camping, the first 2 rounds were snake, then 2 rounds of .38 Speacial full metal jackets, then the last 2 were hollow point .357. Stop snake, man or bear.

[rubicontrail]

Thanks for all your help.

Hunter, your idea makes sense.

[lancetkenyon]

I can carry .45 ACP snake shot, then .45 ACP Fed Hydro Shok, then .45 ACP Black Talons in the same mag. I actually have a mag specifically for snake loads.

[fatboypup]

.................................. XD .............................................

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/fatboypup/xd.jpg

[Stu Olson]

Just to give you the different load out options. Snake shot being the most common. My Dad carried that for decades and had to use it on a few occasions. Load the 1-2 with snake shot, then maybe standard rounds for the last 4.
All of that can be done using my Springfield XD .45ACP compact semi-auto, except that that magazine holds 13 rounds vs. just 6.

I like revolvers too (and own a nice Ruger SS), but the time spent reloading can be an issue.

Edit: I wouldn't take on a bear with a .357 unless it was at the point of chewing off my leg and I realized I left a suitable rifle or slug gun at home. :)

[Dave G]

Personally I like my Springfield 1911

I agree would not want to take on a bear with a .357

[knockonit]

Pick up a 38spl, revolver, you can run a lot of different types of ammo thru it.
It will support you thru thick and thin, the ammo is readily available, all others recommending 45acp, you'll find a lot of the outlying areas dont have it, you gotta bring it with you.
If you learn to shoot a 38spl and can at 15 yards put all six rounds in a 6inch plate/target, then you will be a very safe person.
Then go to an auto, as you will have all the ability to make it work for you.
good luck with what ever choice, the shooter makes the gun, not the gun making the shooter.
rj

[AZG23]

I carry a GLOCK 30 .45...


But for backwoods type stuff, Id recommend the G29 10mm. Its a mans gun ;)

http://www.teamglock.com/Glock-Buyers-Guide/Glock-29.htm

http://www.teamglock.com/Glock-Buyers-Guide/images-guide/Glock-29.jpg

You can add an extension onto the grip for a slightly larger grip configuration. Ammo can be as light as the lightest .40 cal, and as hot as you would ever wanna go using DoubleTap ammo. :eek:

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=35

[CarolinaRubi]

I would get a G134 mini gun . A little tough to hide but will take pretty much anything out including bear. Shoots 308 @ 66 per sec.
My other option would be a Kimber .

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa27/carolinarubi/brass.jpg

[lancetkenyon]

I would get a G134 mini gun . A little tough to hide but will take pretty much anything out including bear. Shoots 308 @ 66 per sec.
My other option would be a Kimber .

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa27/carolinarubi/brass.jpg

You win!:2thumbsup:

[TRLR8TDTJ]

you need a glock with drum magazine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qwXO-KTVxk

Kyle

[AZG23]

you need a glock with drum magazine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qwXO-KTVxk

Kyle


heyole YES!:love:

[Stu Olson]

I would get a G134 mini gun . A little tough to hide but will take pretty much anything out including bear. Shoots 308 @ 66 per sec.
My other option would be a Kimber .

Can you get a belt feed for the Kimber? :D

[Antman]

IF YOUR GONNA CARRY, STICK WITH YOUR WEAPON OF CHOICE. IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER EXCEPT THAT YOU CAN SHOOT IT! Sorry for caps:disguise:

If you "discover" a new weapon, be sure it becomes your shooting hand before you go to that weapon as a carry, duty, weapon.:10900:

I STILL am familiar with my 1911.:)

[wedge]

Taurus pt145 millenium pro ACP 45. It is great for concealing and is pretty good on accuracy. It wont kill the bank either like some of the other guns out there. I have never had it jam or missfire and I carry it almost everywhere I go. That is if I am allowed to.

+1 love mine, and used didn't set me back even 3 bills, with 2 clips and case

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z175/svsbiker/P1010008.jpg

[SavageSun4x4]

Of course you choice of weapon is YOUR choice, but here are some tips from a well traveled individual:

I have traveled all over the US via car and have driven from San Diego to Canada (and back), Brownsville, Texas to Key West, Key West to Canada (and back) and lived on the Atlantic ocean for 9 years with salt water slapping at the 12 foot seawall about 100 feet in front of the house...are you getting my drift?

1) Pick a weapon that can handle adverse weather conditions ESPECIALLY salt water and salt from the roads of the NE.

A stainless steel or resin/stainless setup is an excellent choice (and don't forget a stainless magazine if you are using a clip fed weapon.

2) A weapon for use in your auto might be a bit different than a daily carry weapon for you. I would suggest a caliber that can carry enough oomph to puncture your drivers side door. The most likely issue facing you is an approach on the drivers side door in either a car jacking or a "give me your money" scenario. You want something that has the ability to stop a negative action from unfolding into further issues for you the driver.

Let us know what you decide :)

[TMR37]

I have 2 that I carry regularly.

My every day, concealed carry option is my Kimber Ultra CDPII in .45 ACP. It holds 7 + 1 and I carry a spare mag in my left front pocket.

If I'm going shooting, or out in the desert, I forget concealing. I carry my XD Service (4") .45 ACP. These hold 13 + 1 of .45 ACP, and I carry 2 mags on my belt for a total of 40 rounds.

To really make the right choice, you have to ask yourself a few questions.

1. What threat do I expect to encounter? You can't cover every possible situation with 1 carry gun. If you're main threat is of the two legged variety, your requirements are different than if it is a grizzly bear.

2. Are you able to carry a long gun? Very few handguns are effective as a long gun. Is your individual requirement for a hand gun only, or are there any laws prohibiting a long gun?

3. What can you handle? Are you able to handle a large bore rifle, shotgun or handgun? There's a difference between being able to shoot a gun and being able to shoot a gun well. You need to be proficient in order to defend yourself or others.

4. What can you afford? Inexpensive might mean less than $1k, or it may mean less than $100.

I'll give you a few recommendations.

For everyday carry against 2 legged predators, I'd recommend a semi-auto handgun in a caliber greater than or equal to 9mm. I personally prefer .45 ACP, but .40 S&W, .357 Mag, .44 Mag, and others are adequate. Shoot your carry gun as much as possible you want to be extremely comfortable with your carry gun.

For home defense, many prefer a good old shotgun. 12 guage with 00 Buckshot is lethal at all home defense ranges. I hear that just racking the action of a shotgun is enough to deter all criminals. A shorter tactical shotgun is preferred for this since it's easier to wield, and will throw a better pattern than a long goose gun.

For everything in the wild, it may take a combination of weapons. I'd still carry my handgun of choice, but you may want to consider a rifle or shotgun as well. If you encounter bear, you're going to want the biggest/ heaviest slug that you can throw at it. Shotgun with slugs, or a large bore rifle would be preferred.

To sum it up - figure out what you require protection against, decide what your life is worth and spend accordingly. Then practice, practice, practice until you're proficient.

Good luck, and please share your results.