.40 S&W pistol for outdoor protection

[m5215]

If I go camping/hiking here in the North Texas area would a .40 S&W pistol be enough for any potential treats from animals typically in the area? Keep in mind that I am not a hunter so I have no background knowledge about encounters with animals. A .40 S&W pistol is the most powerful handgun I own at the moment so I assume it would be a better selection than one of my 9mm pistols.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Yes.

 

[TreyG-20]

It beats a stick. I have dispatched a couple hogs with my M&P compact .40. Just like everything else. Shot placement trumps caliber.

 

[Lunyfringe]

If I go camping/hiking here in the North Texas area would a .40 S&W pistol be enough for any potential treats from animals typically in the area? Keep in mind that I am not a hunter so I have no background knowledge about encounters with animals. A .40 S&W pistol is the most powerful handgun I own at the moment so I assume it would be a better selection than one of my 9mm pistols.

Any difference would depend on the ammo, shot placement being more important than either caliber choice.

Worst case in North Texas- Mountain Lion? Maybe Black bear...

Probably more likely to have problems with two legged critters... snakes if it's warm (snake shot rounds).

I have camped in Tyler State Park with just a .40S&W... didn't think twice about it.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

You could also carry a rifle or shotgun if so inclined....

 

[perfor8]

What round for bigfoot?

 

[toddnjoyce]

35mm

 

[m5215]

Shot placement trumps caliber.

Please elaborate. What is generally the quickest way to dispatch an attacking animal?

 

[Bithabus]

There is no significant difference in lethality shot for shot between 9mm and .40.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Please elaborate. What is generally the quickest way to dispatch an attacking animal?

Probably a headshot.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

There is no significant difference in lethality shot for shot between 9mm and .40.

Is this due to the advancement of ammunition?

 

[Bithabus]

Is this due to the advancement of ammunition?

Don't think so.

 

[perfor8]

Is this due to the advancement of ammunition?

Yes, if the advancement is through the brain-case or thoracic cavity.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Don't think so.

I wouldn't think so either.

 

[deemus]

I wouldn't think so either.

fight! fight! fight!

 

[FireInTheWire]

.40 is just fine.

I live on a 1700 acre ranch with the threat of 2 legged animals, coyotes, hogs, mountain lions and black panthers. I keep a S&W sigma .40 in my 4 wheeler at all times and on my person when the kids and I are walking. I have dropped a hog with it. A hog will probably give ya the biggest fit. I believe anything else isn't gonna wanna tangle with ya after the first shot goes off. Hogs get very aggressive when injured. Head,vitals or spine.

My .02

 

[Hoji]

Most likely threat you will encounter will walk on two legs and be in a pack. .40 S(hort) & W(obbly) will be fine.

 

[FireInTheWire]

.40 is just fine.

I live on a 1700 acre ranch with the threat of 2 legged animals, coyotes, hogs, mountain lions and black panthers. I keep a S&W sigma .40 in my 4 wheeler at all times and on my person when the kids and I are walking. I have dropped a hog with it. A hog will probably give ya the biggest fit. I believe anything else isn't gonna wanna tangle with ya after the first shot goes off. Hogs get very aggressive when injured. Head,vitals or spine.

My .02

Oh also, your 9mm will be just fine also. Carry what your comfortable with. I carry my 19x all the time. It's application will be just as effective for my above post. ^^^

 

[Hoji]

Please elaborate. What is generally the quickest way to dispatch an attacking animal?

Put the bangy part against the bitey part.

 

[Vaquero]

.40 is just fine.

I live on a 1700 acre ranch with the threat of 2 legged animals, coyotes, hogs, mountain lions and black panthers. I keep a S&W sigma .40 in my 4 wheeler at all times and on my person when the kids and I are walking. I have dropped a hog with it. A hog will probably give ya the biggest fit. I believe anything else isn't gonna wanna tangle with ya after the first shot goes off. Hogs get very aggressive when injured. Head,vitals or spine.

My .02

I'm glad I'm not the only one to have seen them.
Biologist and game wardens say they aren't here.