Backpacking Gun

[westside103147]

Howdy,

I'm moving to Montana soon and i need some help decideding on a gun for backpacking, mostly for bear protection.

Any ideas and oppions are much appreciated

Thanks,

Westside

[washelkhunter]

8 shot 12ga. First 2 shells birdshot for grouse and to scare em away. Next 6 heavy slugs.

[coyotewallace]

G 20 10MM

[AWS]

S&W Model 60 3" 357 for two legged varmints and filling the pot.  A BIG can of bear spray for bears.  Wear distinctive clothing and shiny bear bells so we know which piles of crap to put in the coffin.  Remember they have to be REALLY close to shoot them and be able to claim self-deffence, so a shotgun sounds like the thing to have.

[westside103147]

For  a shotgun would you guys recommend a full stock or a pistol grip?

Ive been trying to find a sp101 from a private seller since I'm not 21 , but the goings have been rough.

[coyotewallace]

well if your not of age to be legal on the handgun, forget about the handgun for now...

[Huntbear]

Full stocked 870.. .with an 18 in. slug barrel with glow sights.  Quick handling, and those glow sights allow you to quickly acquire your target... of course, as close as the bear will be...   just file the sights off...

[CAMPMEAT]

Why screw around. 50 Alaskan handgun. No rilfes or shotguns. Even a 454.

[Huntbear]

Why screw around. 50 Alaskan handgun. No rilfes or shotguns. Even a 454.

He is not 21.  Unable to own or possess a handgun..

[washelkhunter]

Full stocked 870.. .with an 18 in. slug barrel with glow sights.  Quick handling, and those glow sights allow you to quickly acquire your target... of course, as close as the bear will be...   just file the sights off...

Synthetic as well.

[westside103147]

I took huntbears advice and bought a 18.5 synthetic stock 870 this afternoon from discount guns in bellevue!!!

Thanks

westside

[sled]

G 20 10MM

  just picked one up!  Plan to pack it on the trail in a drop leg holster.

[Huntbear]

I took huntbears advice and bought a 18.5 synthetic stock 870 this afternoon from discount guns in bellevue!!!

Thanks

westside

Make sure you practice some with it.  You will find with 3 in. loads it will buck some, but with practice, as you pump the action, it will pull the barrel right back down on the target and you can pull the trigger, without searching.

You should never have to ever worry about it not functioning for you.  870s are bullet proof.

[CAMPMEAT]

Why screw around. 50 Alaskan handgun. No rilfes or shotguns. Even a 454.

He is not 21.  Unable to own or possess a handgun..

Helps to know these things, huh !

[MadHatter]

Why screw around. 50 Alaskan handgun. No rilfes or shotguns. Even a 454.

He is not 21.  Unable to own or possess a handgun..

In WA that's not true... He cannot carry it, but he can buy a handgun private and even transport it, shoot it all he wants.  He just cannot buy it from a dealer. Also the 9.41.042 exemptions apply as well.  While I get that this would be a carry piece and that would not be allowed...

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.240
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.042

[KFhunter]

what does WA RCW's got to do with Montana? 

[MadHatter]

Well according to the OP, he is still in WA. Under MT code he can apply for a license to carry a handgun at 18, so he can buy a handgun private party and possess it here in WA before he moves and then do the same there in MT as well after being a resident for 6 months.  The MT code is MCA 45-8-321.

http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-321.htm

[JackOfAllTrades]

Readers (and admins/mods), appreciate when members post links to accurate information to stomp the foot down on those that don't do the research before they type.  'Nicely'   I've gone the same rounds when involved in competitive shooting with juniors. The hand gun is/was still an option for the OP if he wants to drop some weight in his pack and/or not look like a fradycat with other hikers on the trail. But... In Griz country, I'd opt for the 870 if I wasn't proficient with a magnum hand gun. Good advice given in this thread.

-Steve

[KFhunter]

Well according to the OP, he is still in WA. Under MT code he can apply for a license to carry a handgun at 18, so he can buy a handgun private party and possess it here in WA before he moves and then do the same there in MT as well after being a resident for 6 months.  The MT code is MCA 45-8-321.

http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-321.htm

good job
 
I didn't know montana law

[high country]

I would not pack a scatter gun for bears aside from a camp gun. I carry a 329pd because I am very familiar with it, and I always have it handy. A shotgun is a better choice in a crunch, but not if you have to make it available before you can use it....a pistol is always handy.

[MadHatter]

Well according to the OP, he is still in WA. Under MT code he can apply for a license to carry a handgun at 18, so he can buy a handgun private party and possess it here in WA before he moves and then do the same there in MT as well after being a resident for 6 months.  The MT code is MCA 45-8-321.

http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-321.htm

good job
 
I didn't know montana law

Thanks, I try to be as helpful as possible