Pistol for Colorado Hiking

[claymore504]

So, headed to Colorado with the family for my son's Make A Wish. He wanted to be in the mountains in a cabin and go hiking, rafting and horse back riding. The area they are sending us us supposed to be pretty secluded. Never been to Colorado, but been reading about it being common to have a pistol for hiking in the mountains. Out of what I already have on hand and thought would be good for the need, what would be a good choice? Any other info on staying in Colorado is appreciated as well. The closest town will be Colorado Springs is what we are being told.

1. Ruger SP101 357/38
2. Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp 357/38
3. Sig P229 40SW
4. Sig P226 40SW
5. STI Ranger II 45ACP
6. CZ P07 9mm
7. CZ P09 9mm

 

[justmax]

The one that you shoot the best at 0-25 yards.

 

[TxStetson]

Colorado has a 15 round capacity limit which is really only enforced around blue areas. Unfortunately Colorado Springs is pretty blue. Probably because of its close proximity to Denver.

 

[lightflyer1]

Anything that will handle the dangerous animals there. Black bear, mountain lions, Elk, Moose etc.

A Ruger Alaskan .454 Casull in a chest holster would do well. .44 magnum at least with the most powerful loads you can find for either. .357 magnum seems underpowered for large animal encounters. Wouldn't hurt to have a rifle around either (.45-70 lever gun).

Of those guns listed the biggest caliber and most powerful that you shoot well.

 

[rotor]

Out of what you have I would go with the GP100 with some powerful .357 ammo and a speed loader or 2. Some of the other choices mentioned are nice but you don't have them.

 

[mongoose]

Do you reload?

 

[candcallen]

357 and get some hot hunting loads.

 

[leVieux]

>

The most dangerous animal in the Colorado Rockies is the California libtard.

This: 45ACP

There are no Alaska Brown Bear in CO.

leVieux

 

[Moonpie]

357 with full power ammo.

 

[Byrd666]

GP 100 W/ .357 Mag. loads

And/Or

STI W/ 185 Grn. SD loads

 

[Dawico]

So, headed to Colorado with the family for my son's Make A Wish. He wanted to be in the mountains in a cabin and go hiking, rafting and horse back riding. The area they are sending us us supposed to be pretty secluded. Never been to Colorado, but been reading about it being common to have a pistol for hiking in the mountains. Out of what I already have on hand and thought would be good for the need, what would be a good choice? Any other info on staying in Colorado is appreciated as well. The closest town will be Colorado Springs is what we are being told.

1. Ruger SP101 357/38
2. Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp 357/38
3. Sig P229 40SW
4. Sig P226 40SW
5. STI Ranger II 45ACP
6. CZ P07 9mm
7. CZ P09 9mm

Sorry to hear that your son is in that program.

I'd carry both 357s. Two is one and one is none.

Be safe and I hope he really enjoys it.

 

[AgedWarrior]

Yeah, which ever you shoot best is a good thought. I would probably be inclined for the P226 in .40. But, I would also suggest that Colorado is not that dangerous regarding four legged critters, it‘s the two legged predators you should be more concerned with.

 

[oldag]

Colorado does have bears.

From what you have, I would go with the .45 in +P.

I prefer a .480 Ruger for bear country.

 

[Wolfwood]

When I go I use a 44 mag, and a 9mm.

Main thing I remember was those prairie dogs looked delicious. Going to get a temp hunting license next time I go and sling a 22

 

[Coyote9]

>

The most dangerous animal in the Colorado Rockies is the California libtard.

This: 45ACP

There are no Alaska Brown Bear in CO.

leVieux

Maybe no brown however there are grizzly bears which I have seen as far south as Pagosa Springs,

 

[TX OMFS]

I'd go with a .357 and some Buffal Bore ammo. Kenai holsters make nice chest holsters.

 

[Coyote9]

I lived in CO for 20 years, and visit several times a year. The areas West of Colo Spgs is gentrified, lions are the biggest danger, then rattlers so I suggest the .357 . Gray wolves have made a comeback in SW Colorado and coyotes there hunt in packs- very big consideration if you take a pet with you. Talk to the Ranger station nearest planned route and get an update on recent sightings. Wildlife encounters rarely hurt anyone- the granola crunchers are also harmless
I hike often without a weapon, there are parts of Colorado Springs where I do not go without a pistol and three 15 round mags!

 

[leVieux]

Maybe no brown however there are grizzly bears which I have seen as far south as Pagosa Springs,

Grizzlies inhabit the Rockies well into northern Mexico, south of Guadeloupe Pass in far West Texas. But they aren't 1/3 size of an Alaskan Brown.

leVieux
.

 

[mongoose]

So, headed to Colorado with the family for my son's Make A Wish. He wanted to be in the mountains in a cabin and go hiking, rafting and horse back riding. The area they are sending us us supposed to be pretty secluded. Never been to Colorado, but been reading about it being common to have a pistol for hiking in the mountains. Out of what I already have on hand and thought would be good for the need, what would be a good choice? Any other info on staying in Colorado is appreciated as well. The closest town will be Colorado Springs is what we are being told.

1. Ruger SP101 357/38
2. Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp 357/38
3. Sig P229 40SW
4. Sig P226 40SW
5. STI Ranger II 45ACP
6. CZ P07 9mm
7. CZ P09 9mm

if you reload, I would do some research so you are comfortable and then I wouldload a few mags of .45ACP TO .46 Roland levels. I’ve encountered a lot of bear and a few cats that I knew about. Main thing is not to get between a Sow and her Cubs……Best wishes for your Son.
also, Learn the anatomy of a bear so you know where to shoot if needed.

 

[bbbass]

Tho it is true that animals in the woods rarely hurt people, it does happen. I think you are prudent to be prepared.

Bring bear spray as well. Make lots of noise when in denser/brushy areas so that you don't surprise a bear, any bear.

Cougars will tend to sneak up on smaller prey. One of my buddies shot one as it was in the act of leaping/pouncing on his kid. Keep your head on a swivel, stay alert. But still enjoy, no need to be paranoid. Just alert for possibilities.

I like a revolver for critters, including snakes. IMO, most bears will be on you quickly and require contact shots, which can jam a pistol/semi-auto. I read that Buffalo Bore is best for bears.

Otherwise, the MOST dangerous critter in the woods is on two legs. However, if in a group you are much less likely to have a problem with that.