Learning to Shoot and Carry

[LandCruiser]

For hiking I'd open carry a 44 Mag revolver if you're in bear country, 10mm if you're not into the revolver thing... but most semis don't give the punch you need to kill a pissed off critter. .454 is also a consideration, some people carry the snubbies in the mountains--you have to be insane to try that. I've shot one and after 10-20 rounds my wrist has had enough.

Hard cast bullets work best.

Either are good against 2 legged predators, too.

 

[BrianSD_42]

That was entirely the Instructors fault.

Hopefully she can recognize the fact the the Instructor died due to his poor training technique.

I'm going to disagree a BIT and say it is also the parents fault.

At the age of 9 she should have never been handed an AUTOMATIC weapon. The parents knew what they were doing. They picked out the gun, just like I picked out the gun the last time I went to the range.

The outcome was not some fluke like a meteor hitting or aliens landing. No, it was completely predictable that there was a chance, some chance she would drift and shoot someone.

 

[LandCruiser]

I'm going to disagree a BIT and say it is also the parents fault.

At the age of 9 she should have never been handed an AUTOMATIC weapon. The parents knew what they were doing. They picked out the gun, just like I picked out the gun the last time I went to the range.

The outcome was not some fluke like a meteor hitting or aliens landing. No, it was completely predictable that there was a chance, some chance she would drift and shoot someone.

The UZI is a nasty, short, difficult to handle gun.

Not sure why they give them to shoot at those gun tourist adventure BS things.

 

[LandCruiser]

I don't think bear spray will a tweaker. I'd bring that and something for the bad guys.

Bear spray is trash.

The only experience I have is a fellow hiker who fogged the air into a headwind and had us all gagging and retching.

The bear felt sorry for us and left.

And like you and I said... two legged predators.

 

[swapmeet]

I kinda want you to take the opinion from a person from California with a grain of salt. The whole state has a gun phobia and they keep electing people to make it worse. Kinda kidding, kinda not.

I recommend every woman carry some sort of self defense. Pocket knife, pistol, taser, mace (martial arts too)... And learn how to use it effectively. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks but women will always be a target of criminals and should have an equalizer. If you are truly not comfortable with a firearm, then absolutely, do not own/carry one. But if you have never shot a gun, please pleas give it a try. I guarantee that you know someone who can walk you through safe handling, let you shoot one of their guns etc. Ask on FB, ask other people you wheel with.

Even if you only have a 20gauge shotgun locked up in your house loaded with bird shot, it's a good thing to have around. Medium recoil, bird shot wont over penetrate but will surely make someone think again about whatever they are doing. Hell, you'd be hard pressed to kill someone with bird shot. Of course my CHL instructor said if you have to shoot someone, kill them because dead people can't testify in court.

On a side note, and slightly off topic..... in my opinion, carrying a gun without one in the chamber (Israeli Carry is the term) you're drastically reducing your chances of survival. When your adrenaline is pumping and someone is coming at you I think you'd be damn hard pressed to rack the slide AND get a shot off. Your attacker will be able to get the gun away from you, and probably use it against you.

The story about the chick in Idaho is awful, so tragic. I'm curious what gun it was, if it had a manual safety. Etc. Regardless, she should have had control of that weapon. It should have been on her person. Just my opinion.

Good luck dear, I hope you get a chance to shoot some guns. They are fun when used in a safe environment. My wife loves shooting. She carries a 9mm and loves shooting the AR15 I built for her.

 

[BrianSD_42]

[MENTION=105591]swapmeet[/MENTION]

I don't think anything I said has anything to do with California or was even anti-gun.

OP should get a gun if she is interested or at a min take some lessons at the range.

 

[RandyDaytona]

Bear spray is trash.

The only experience I have is a fellow hiker who fogged the air into a headwind and had us all gagging and retching.

The bear felt sorry for us and left.

And like you and I said... two legged predators.

I've used bear spray and have been on the receiving end of the civilian version. It will take the fight out of 99% of those who get hit with it.

 

[Super-G]

I've never used bear spray. Other than the 6 years I spent in the Marines, I've lived all my life in Pennsylvania where we have black bears and Coyotes in the Pocono Mountains. I've seen both black bears and Coyotes at pretty close range while fishing and neither one is really any kind of a threat to people. Mostly they turn and head the other way. Obviously a mother black bear is a force to be reckoned with but I'm experienced enough to know my surroundings and I'd make a concentrated effort to head the other way if I saw a momma bear with her cubs.

As far as carrying a weapon for self defense. I highly encourage anyone who is interested to follow the proper procedures which in my opinion is to take several safety courses as well as spending a TON of time at a quality range becoming familiar with your weapon. Just remember a weapon is NOT a toy, it's NOT a sign of your manhood or how big your pecker is. It's a weapon designed to take a life in the defense of your home and family.

Just remember all the time at the range isn't anything compared to pulling that weapon and looking down those sights at a human target. Over the years, I've heard a lot of well trained gun owners make comments about how they'd blow away anyone illegally entering their home. Fine, I understand that mentality but pray, pray that this day NEVER comes.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

FWIW, i have an uncle who's in his 70's now, and he has hiked every major peak in the united states, done the Appalachian trail 3 times, paddled the entire colville river in alaska, and has done some hiking and mountaineering in greenland has never and refuses to carry a gun with him. he's an avid hunter but says he will never backpack with a gun, he would rather use things like a knife or bear spray, and he says he does his best to avoid danger rather than confront it, even though its not always possible. he's a small guy too, maybe 5'6 145.

 

[LandCruiser]

I live and hike in grizzly country and have had one of those sumbiches stalk me on an elk hunt.

Contrary to popular belief, they come in black. This guy was probably 500-600 pounds based on his paw prints. I also caught a bear cub breaking into my shed, which means momma was around.

If I'm in the mountains I have a 308 and a 10mm.

 

[Tx9812valve]

You might look into a Kimber Pepper Blaster. It resembles a small hand gun and has 2 shots of pepper spray that is fired by a primer so they wont lose propellant power from sitting in your truck. I usually leave one in the little compartment below the a.c. controls in the runner since it doesn't serve much other purpose. I still carry a Glock when we go out in the woods but like zopperman said, every bullet leaves the barrel with a lawyer attached to it so that is only the backup plan.

 

[nevada]

You're funny, Zak! I thought you were serious at first. Thinking maybe, don't laugh, that this kind would be safer for a beginner because of the way it holds bullets. Told you, I have no idea so basics to you is all new to me.

A class would be a must! No doubt about it. I'm certainly not the kind that can just buy something like this and think I know what I'm doing. Especially when I have kids in my home. My brother is a police officer and he has offered to take me to a shooting range, which is great, but I don't know the extent of training here. Shooting a target vs having to use a gun in a real situation is different, I'm sure.

It's one of those things that I'm just confused about. I'd want it kept in the truck. I don't want it in the house, because I don't want to have to remember to take it with me each day.
I just don't ever ever want an accident in the truck either, with kids being in there from time to time. I wouldn't even want my sons to know I own it.

I think that's why I'm here for advice too. To find out if this is the right thing to do. If I can feel just as safe with a spray (had no idea about bear spray) then I'm okay with that.

it seems as if you have already made up your mind, so this may unnecessary..


that is a VERY BAD idea. if you choose to own a weapon, anyone that would ever have access should be aware of it. teach them about guns, and they wont be excited to play with the cool new toy they "found. be it yours, or someone else's. they would understand that its a tool, with very deadly consequences if mishandled.

 

[bofa]

Sounds like you got your answer, but I'd say spray for the critters and lead for the scumbags. I wouldn't go smaller than 9mm... my wife loves the .40 but I've been very pleased with the 357 Sigma.

Spray or guns, make sure you know how to use it and store it safely.

Also, don't hide it from your kids. It will make them way more likely to play with it if they were ever to find it on their own. Education and responsibility are key.

 

[Mytoy4]

Alright back to this topic again, ... kind of.

I'm online searching for a bear spray.
I have a trip planned to stay and hike for a few days in Tahoe. Didn't realize there were so many different types. Anyone have a suggestion of which one to pick. I'm not thinking this is an area I want to be 'cheap' in :rip:

 

[Fishwerks]

Alright back to this topic again, ... kind of.

I'm online searching for a bear spray.
I have a trip planned to stay and hike for a few days in Tahoe. Didn't realize there were so many different types. Anyone have a suggestion of which one to pick. I'm not thinking this is an area I want to be 'cheap' in :rip:

I've never had to use it but I buy Counter Assault.

 

[RandyDaytona]

I've never had to use it but I buy Counter Assault.

+1.

This is the brand widely used by parks, law enforcement, natural resource agencies, etc.