So I’m going through the guns I have and looking at what would be best for 4-legged threats in or western US. (What to take with me when I go boondocking). Some of the threats I’d see would range from coyotes, to big cats, or bear.

This is what I have to work with:

Several 9mm’s
Sig P229 in .40 (but I could get a 357 Sig barrel)
S&W 19 K-Comp with a 3” ported barrel
Colt Commander in 45 ACP.

I understand a 10mm would be better - but here in CA it’s much harder to sell firearms / find 10mm…


Thanks all

They will all work for the big cars, just shoot the tires. For the others I think the forty is fine and getting a SIG357 will add some fun to the game.

I’d pick the Colt Commander from the that list. Bullet weight is your friend if you’re trying to discourage a bear from eating your leg.

Not that four legged threats are all that likely to pop up.

I would go with Underwood ammo in the 229 and the K Comp.

quote:

Originally posted by ACP1:
They will all work for the big cars, just shoot the tires. For the others I think the forty is fine and getting a SIG357 will add some fun to the game.

Autocorrect at it’s finest! Also, trying to write this out on my phone… My eyes aren’t what they used to be.

I think I'd go with the Model 19 in .357, loaded with a heavy, hard cast bullet. That is, if you shoot it well. For big critters, you want as much penetration as you can get.

The P229 in .357 Sig would be a good second choice out of those options...heavier, and you're limited to lighter bullets, but you get more capacity in a very shootable platform.

There are clearly better options out there, but provided you're being smart and doing your best to avoid confrontations with critters, I think either of those options would be a serviceable choice for an emergency situation.

My personal take on a woods gun is that it's an absolute last resort. The first line of defense, and the most effective, is practicing smart hiking practices, be observant, and try not to put yourself in situations where you're likely to have animal problems. Don't eat in your tent, hang your food, be careful by water sources and thick brush, don't walk up to critters to take selfies, etc. So far this has worked pretty well for me, and most animals I've encountered are even less inclined to be close to me than I am to be close to them. But I also never want to be in a situation where a bear is chewing on my leg and I'm wishing I'd brought a gun...

FWIW, I carry a 3" SP101 in .357 Mag or a 2 3/4" S&W 69 in .44 Mag, depending upon what type of critters I'm sharing the woods with. But I also carry and shoot revolvers on a pretty regular basis at home, too, so it's not really a big adjustment for me.

229, or your favorite 9mm that has a light rail. Unless your sleeping in a hard shelter when dusk hits.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
I’d pick the Colt Commander from the that list. Bullet weight is your friend ...

Bullet weight isn't everything.

Mainly you want to impart maximum energy to the target. Specifically: To the more tender bits of the target. Bear are dense (muscle, fat, bones). Getting a bullet to where it'll do more than piss them off is the problem.

Thus, while I like the .45 ACP round...

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
I would go with Underwood ammo in the 229 and the K Comp.

This ^^^^^, with the K Comp preferred. .357 Mag can way outstrip .40 S&W in performance, even out of a 3 in. bbl.

Won't be at all pleasant to shoot, though

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
I understand a 10mm would be better - but here in CA it’s much harder to sell firearms / find 10mm…

If this is going to be a recurring requirement I'd suggest you begin looking and keep at it. Short of a .500 Win., .454 Casull or the like: 10mm I feel is ones best bet. (That's what I woods-carry.)

S&W Model 19 fits the circumstance.

Of the options on that list, I would also go with the Model 19, loaded with a good lead or jacketed hollow point.

Model 19. Hard cast, heavy 357 magnum has a solid reputation for penetration. .45 ACP being second.

357 magnum, solids, I’d think they penetrate more than a 45 hardball, and that’s what your are looking for in a big cat or bear.

Coyotes aren't much of a threat. Big cats you won't see. They'll see you.

Bears don't care if you see them.

Now, killer bees...

Man is the most dangerous animal on the planet. Any of those guns will work on two-legged predators.

Coyotes, unless rabid or have been fed by or otherwise become acclimated to humans, are generally fearful and will shy away from you. If one should attack, they aren't thick-skinned or heavy-boned and aren't that hard to kill. What they are is hard to hit. They are fast-moving and low to the ground, which, unless you account for it when aiming, will make your shots go over and/or behind them. Pretty much the same applies to the cats, plus the fact that due to how they hunt prey, if you see one, it wasn't stalking you. Bears are a little more plausible threat. Of the guns listed I'd probably say the .357 Magnum with the heaviest/hardest bullet you can find.

40 cal. Deep penetrating controlled expansion rounds or simple speer lawman fmj (flat nose 165 or 180) or some other deep penetrating round from Buffalo Bore, Lehigh defense...

I live out west in the woods and we have all the things roaming around the property and adjoining Forest Service including Griz. Your .357 Sig, .40 or .357 Mag are more than fine. I carry all three calibers and have killed different critters with all of them over the years.

I would feel very comfortable with any of them as a daily side arm.

Within reason, whatever you shoot best. Missing with a cannon is still missing.

I go 229 with underwoods or similar semi-custom purpose-built rounds. Or.....Glock 20? I mean its only a couple bucks, cheaper than your medical deductable!

On a serious note while I carry everywhere you are far more likely to use the smart hiker info than your sidearm. Doesnt mean dont bring it, mind you.

Yes, adjust the ammo choices. Underwood makes some good loads for many, 40 S&W & others.

Carry two pistols. The .357 mag with heavy hard cast loads as the primary, and the Sig as backup (caliber is not as important as placement) and if 6 rounds from the magnum isn’t enough deterrence, the Sig will be up close and very personal.