Pistol for Colorado Hiking

[Jotec]

Looks like everyone has pretty good advice. No gun related from me. Stay well hydrated. Shoes with good ankle support or better yet hiking boots. break them in before going our blister city. Good hiking stck or pole is nice to have if the terrain will be ruff. Have fun, be safe. Depending on the time of year tho moose are probably the most dangerous animals there.

 

[Dawico]

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.

Just a note, if you do reload special ammo for this trip test it first.

Point of aim and feeding issues may show themselves. Heard of a few at the range with 38 Special ammo finding their carry 357 ammo hits at a different point of aim.

 

[andre3k]

I'd probably carry the sp101. I wouldn't want to lug around anything heavier than that while hiking.

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[kyletxria1911a1]

A 308 jus sayin

 

[oldag]

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.

If the bear is in contact, in all likelihood it is too late.

 

[skfullgun]

Whichever you shoot best and are most familiar with.
I'd go with the SP101. Easy to carry. Easy to deploy. Won't really be in the way. Just my .02.

 

[bbbass]

If the bear is in contact, in all likelihood it is too late.

Disagree.

Most bear encounters that I have read about happen quickly, at close range, and the bear is on top of the victim before accurate fire can take place. Most bear shots in such encounters miss any vitals. The successful defenses I have read about were bears hunted with a rifle at distance, or contact shots to the vitals with the bear on top. YMMV

Bears are fast!!!

 

[BuzzinSATX]

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

Whichever you carry most comfortably. Hiking you want something light so the CZ’s make sense to me.

The SP101 is a nice spare.

 

[Txhighlander]

The .357 loaded with hard cast bullets. Don't use hollow points in case you do run into bear. You want penetration, the hollow points won't penetrate well enough. If you reload then you will be good, if not Buffalo Bore. Have lots of fun , it sounds like a wonderful trip.

 

[seeker_two]

.357 with the warmest 180gr load you can handle.....




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[lightflyer1]

Interesting article.

 

[Sasquatch]

Can of bear spray, and whichever semi-auto you feel most comfortable with for dealing with two legged predators.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

#2

 

[lightflyer1]

I have a Ruger Alaskan .454 Casull and a S&W 629 .44 mag 3" and holsters (chest and belt) if you really think you need something more. If you have a current Texas LTC and are willing to buy ammo we may be able to work something out. Depends on your schedule and mine. I am in the Austin area. .454 Casull is insanely expensive especially special bear loads! You should also test fire and practice beforehand. The .454 Casull is astounding in its noise, blast, fireball and recoil.

Bear spray and either Ruger of yours should handle almost anything. The most important thing is to be loud and stay aware and give a wide berth to anything that can kill you!

 

[kyletxria1911a1]

I have a Ruger Alaskan .454 Casull and a S&W 629 .44 mag 3" and holsters (chest and belt) if you really think you need something more. If you have a current Texas LTC and are willing to buy ammo we may be able to work something out. Depends on your schedule and mine. I am in the Austin area. .454 Casull is insanely expensive especially special bear loads! You should also test fire and practice beforehand. The .454 Casull is astounding in its noise, blast, fireball and recoil.

Bear spray and either Ruger of yours should handle almost anything. The most important thing is to be loud and stay aware and give a wide berth to anything that can kill you!

Ilol that's why ain't many of you left

 

[kyletxria1911a1]

Wanna walk around in the wilderness where shit can kill you bwhaaaaaaa...
If it was me only under duress I'm packing heavy and 30 rds

 

[cycleguy2300]

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

Carry anything that won't run you afoul of their laws. When I go backpacking up there I opt for my G43 as it is a lot smaller and lighter that my Glock 17 (LEOSA) and will still do the job well on anything but an angry moose (but no carry pistol is going to be ideal for a moose...)



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[cycleguy2300]

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

There have been no confirmed grizzly bear sightings in Colorado since 1979.

There are plenty of black bears though.

Do Grizzly Bears Still Live in Colorado?

The short answer to this question is almost certainly no, there aren't any grizzly bears left in Colorado––almost certainly, that is. The long answer explains why these fearsome animals are missing from Colorado and tells us some hard truths about the impact the state's swelling population is...

www.uncovercolorado.com

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[Hoji]

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.

On your list, I would agree 100% with this. Heavy bullets, non HP.

 

[glenbo]

Lots of good info right here:

Buffalo Bore Ammunition | Strictly Big Bore - Strictly Business

Buffalo Bore Manufactures the finest high powered handgun, and rifle ammunition available.

www.buffalobore.com