[DingBat]

No physical limitations and yes, he will get a CC for urban carry as well.


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high quality bear spray and a 9mm mid-size or compact is the correct answer then....

 

[BlackhawkGirl]

I lived in the Colorado backcountry. If I were back there today, I would have 2 carries; .357 Ruger revolver open carry cowboy style for large wildlife AND my Beretta M9 with several mags concealed for the two legged. The backcountry can be a place where the 2 leggers think they can carry on their business, or hideout, without being found out.

I do have to add this: I used to do wildlife and nature photography in Colorado backcountry myself. I have MANY stories of close up wildlife encounters, some with huge animals. But they NEVER got aggressive toward me. I am very at peace with nature, so my emotions during an encounter are more of wonder and awe, than fear. I think animals smell your fear and it changes the scenario.

Once, I was holding my camera with my elbows on the hood of my Jeep to stabilize, to photograph a cow elk suckling her babies. I was so focused on the target, that I did not notice what came up behind me until I felt its breath in my right ear. It was a trophy bull elk. I have trained myself not to panic, so I just moved, as slowly as possible toward the front of the Jeep, creeping sideways, and when I could round the front corner I quickly put distance and the Jeep between me and the bull. Of course, I took his picture! He just backed away.

Now, the drug cartels and poachers in the back country, different story. I have felt the draft of a high powered rifle bullet go past my ear or body more than once. That is mostly when you live there, though, they don't want anyone living in their territory. I did not run into too many problems as a tourist or visitor. All bets are off if you accidentally wander into a drop zone.

 

[BlackhawkGirl]

P.S. Other than man, the most dangerous animal I ever encountered in Colorado was a pack of wild pit-bulls. I am leaning toward the Beretta M9 with extra mags for that scenario.

 

[Secret Spuk]

I'm helping my dad pick a gun. First handgun for him. He's open to learning, and he'll practice with it, but he's not going to be training a ton with it. He's a wildlife photographer and travels around, mostly Kansas and Colorado. He's told me he'd like one for protection and wonders if he'd be more likely to shoot an animal than a person. He's a smart, common-sense type of guy, but I want something easy to clean/maintain, reliable, and simple to use.

I think a G26, G43, or Springfield XDS would be a great choice for him too except I wonder about the caliber. I'm wondering if a .357 magnum Ruger or S&W would be the best choice for him. Simple, reliable. No tap-rack in the case of a misfire. He could practice with 38 special but also have the .357 as an option for a boar or cougar. But then sometimes I wonder if I'm kidding myself and if 5 rounds of .357 would really be better for him than 11 rounds of Hornady rounds coming from a Glock 26.

Full disclosure: I'm not very familiar with models and quality of revolvers. I have more experience on duty and recreationally with semi-autos.


Have fun!

jmo.... i'd recomend a L frame S&W in .357 loaded with some 158 gr JSP ammo.

 

[wsquared]

See, and that's the thing - I mean seriously, the greatest predator is man and Kansas and Colorado have plenty of them. There are no Grizzly in either state, and even if there were, I would still be more afraid of men. I wouldn't be overly concerned with packing anything over a 9mm (assuming you feel 9mm is adequate on two legged predators).

I was not aware that the Grizzly bear range was so reduced in the US, but I did a bit of reading after seeing the posts here, and I'm now better informed.

Since Grizzly isn't something that you need to worry about, the leaves black bears, cougars, feral hogs, and two-legged scavengers. I'd say that a .357 magnum or 10mm when loaded correctly will handle anything he will encounter.

If grizzly are not an issue, then any common defensive caliber will do the job.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a wheelgun with a 3" or 4" barrel - but I personally like having a bit more ammo on tap when 2 legged scavengers are a possibility. My personal choice for bush/woods carry when Grizzly or not a possibility is a Glock 20.

 

[Stetson]

Let Dad decide what he wants to carry and how.This is the proper way as if he 's comfortable with the setup he'll carry all the time.

 

[graydude]

I was not aware that the Grizzly bear range was so reduced in the US, but I did a bit of reading after seeing the posts here, and I'm now better informed.

Since Grizzly isn't something that you need to worry about, the leaves black bears, cougars, feral hogs, and two-legged scavengers. I'd say that a .357 magnum or 10mm when loaded correctly will handle anything he will encounter.

If grizzly are not an issue, then any common defensive caliber will do the job.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a wheelgun with a 3" or 4" barrel - but I personally like having a bit more ammo on tap when 2 legged scavengers are a possibility. My personal choice for bush/woods carry when Grizzly or not a possibility is a Glock 20.

Having numerous encounters with both while hunting and fishing, I've found black bears are more curious and prone to be aggressive than browns (grizzly) are. Others may or may not agree, it's just my experience. Also, black bears can still be quite imposing in size and have thick skulls. Common defense calibers lower on the power spectrum are likely insufficient for black bear defense, IMO. Still, any common defense round for 2 legged critters, coupled with pepper spray for bears, may be sufficient.

 

[glockcoma]

Having numerous encounters with both while hunting and fishing, I've found black bears are more curious and prone to be aggressive than browns (grizzly) are. Others may or may not agree, it's just my experience. Also, black bears can still be quite imposing in size and have thick skulls. Common defense calibers lower on the power spectrum are likely insufficient for black bear defense, IMO. Still, any common defense round for 2 legged critters, coupled with pepper spray for bears, may be sufficient.

Black bears can be VERY aggressive and territorial. Just because they are "smaller" it doesn't mean a thing.
I have had several encounters with black bear, from them standing their ground and false charging, to high tailing it out of Dodge.

 

[wsquared]

That is exactly why I suggested the 10mm and 357. Hardcast solids out of either caliber will have adequate penetration for a black bear.

Please note that I don't for a second suggest any pistol as your primary bear defense if you are going into an area where you believe the chances of black bear activity are high. That is very solidly into long gun territory - either a 12 gauge with Brenneke slugs or a minimum caliber of 308 in a controlled - feed bolt or lever action firing heavy high-penetrarion load - something like the old nosler partitions. It is hard to beat the venerable 45-70 guide gun in this role. Those big hard cast lumps are difficult to argue with.

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[glockcoma]

325grain 45 colt hard cast. It will change the mind of most things alive at 1000fps!

 

[9mm Lassiter]

I may have him shoot a few guns this weekend and see what he thinks. I'll probably have him shoot a G27, G43, G19, and J-frame. Once he decides between a revolver or pistol I'll help him from there. That's probably a decision only he can make. It's just easy for first time buyers to get overwhelmed.


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[BlackhawkGirl]

I just pulled this from Bear.org:

Black bears have killed 61 people across North America since 1900. This no longer worries me. My chances of being killed by a domestic dog, bees, or lightning are vastly greater. My chances of being murdered are 60,000 times greater. One of the safest places a person can be is in the woods.

In my personal live adventures, and I have had quite a few, I would whole-heartedly have to agree with the above. I have lost count of encounters I have had with vicious dogs. I have had many close encounters with coyote's and foxes, never bad. I have also lost count of how many lightning close calls I have had (closer than 20 feet away) and how many dangerous people I have encountered.

I have had numerous close encounters with bears, including Grizzly out west. They were all awesome and even funny! The only time I was ever a little afraid, was when I got temporarily lost once, by myself, and there were a lot of bear markings in the area.

I learned what to do and what not to do. I am sure you know the obvious, like steer clear of cubs, etc. Other things, if you have to run away, downhill is best. Because they have shorter front legs, they can't run down hill too well. Don't wear clothes covered in bacon grease, for perfumed colognes, underarm deodorant or hair products. In Griz country, human sexual smells are close enough to Griz smells, that they can become confused.

I once was mountain biking in the back country by myself, with only my .38 special revolver and 6 shots. This was a place where the Griz were supposed to be extinct. I came upon this beautiful sub-alpine meadow, waist deep with wildflowers, hummingbirds, butterfly's and bumble bees. I thought to myself, boy, if I were a bear, this is where I would be. And then, about 50 yards out, I saw a young griz, (blonde with hump on back) romping and playing like a kitten in the wildflowers, swatting at butterflys and hummingbirds. I was aware I was downwind, so I knew it would not smell me. I saw I had a swift downhill emergency egress on the mountain bike, so did not feel threatened. I just watched and I would have traded my .38 for my SLR at that point in time. I enjoyed the moments in time, until my friend became aware of my presence, and I slowly began my decent down the dirt road, causing as minimal stir as possible.

 

[wheelyfun101]

First gun and carrying outside while working. You can't go wrong with the 357 revolver.

Hard to beat this advice, IMO.
Keep it simple, especially for a non gun guy. Load it with some mild 357 and wear it OWB in a good holster/belt combo.

 

[Rock and Glock]

I thought to myself, boy, if I were a bear, this is where I would be.

I've had that exact thought several times, and just kept moving off.

Human critters are the risk, not bears. I will admit, as I spent more and more times in the woods however, I jumped from a 9 mm to a 45 ACP.

 

[Maple]

I would highly suggest he try a LCR. I wasn't all that impressed with mine until I shot it. It is an exceptional shooter. The grip does absorb recoil. It has a very handy feel to it. I can grab it any old way and shoot well.
He wants to keep weight down also. The LCR is good in that respect.
I think he might very well love one for his purposes.
I know many very experienced people who can carry anything. They choose to carry a snub nose revolver. Many reasons. Much wisdom.
Your dad is a wildlife photographer. He understands animals. Am sure he has had encounters. I don't need to share wisdom.

 

[RebelSoul]

Not a J frame - that's a handful in .357...def go K or L frame...trust me.

I'm surprised at all the 9mm suggestions. VS a bear you may as well have a porkchop in your pocket hahaha

.357 all the way

 

[Spalt]

Huge can of pepper spray for all critters. The guy is a wildlife photographer and he intends to encounter, not kill, them. Used these in Yellowstone where firearms are not permitted. A can will fit in one of the lens pouches on the vest. The work like mini fire extinguishers.

Handgun for people. Lightest medium 9mm you can find with 2 spare magazines. If a revolver guy, 7 or 8 shot .357. If that doesn't work you are dead anyway. I would really want to carry in one of those chest cross draw holsters. Busting brush with a gun on the hip is ill-advised. I would look at some of the tan GI molle vests and outfit it for gun, mags, hydration and photographic stuff. If he has a vest he just loves, get a ballistic nylon holster and have it sewn inside the vest cross draw. No need to draw attention to a firearm on public land.

Off topic, GI woodland camo with some ocher overspray and splotches works better in the field that commercial camo. Surplus GI woodland is very inexpensive.

 

[KevinRohrer]

If I was a wildlife photographer out in the middle of nowhere w/ Grizzleys, etc. I would be packing something really big: probably a 4" or 6" 629 or larger. It works equally well on 2-legged vermin. A Glock; not so much with the 4-footed version.