I'll ask here since the innawoods thread is slower than molasses whats a good handgun for backpacking keep in mind I'm more concerned for 4 legged critters than 2 after doing a bit of research I'm heavily considering the Ruger SP101 for the following major reasons:
Weight: Ironically enough the weight is something I was originally wary of until I realized bear defense rounds for .357 kick like a mule
Concealability: I need a CCW and on backpacking trails alotta people get wigged out when you open carry (people go missing on trails/parks alot)
Robust Build: Ruger makes this particular model like a fucking tank hence the enhance weight and 5 round capacity vs the traditional 6
Aftermarket Support: The Sp101 was released in the 90s and has stuck around for a while so you can find aftermarket shit EVERWHERE
Budget: S&W are overpriced
Why a Revolver vs Semi? (Inb4 Fudd Faggot): >tfw you will never be Arthur Morgan
a few but a major reason(s) is dirt and mags, dirt is like sand for trails it gets everywhere and since 10mm is the minimum for bear defense in a semi this impacts reliability in all semis. or as scotty kilmer would put it "more moving parts more stuff can go wrong" Mags take up more space, weigh more (loaded), and usually require belt mounting (for ease of access) , vs 2 speed strips of .357.
Secondary Questions:
Holsters: Im not against hard holsters but I want the malleability and softening of leather since I'll be walking with it on my hip for 6 hrs+ on a hike
Handles: I've got big catchers mitts so I'll need some proper grippers (preferable to wood for the look)
Barrel length: I'm leaning towards 2.5-2.75 but I'd like to hear other kiwi takes
Any other accessories: for any other SP101 owners any accessories like sights, speed loaders, or tips are appreciated
Firearm ownership is a very personal decision, but this is something I have put a lot of thought into and I will give my input for what it is worth:
Just get a 9mm handgun with 9mm NATO ammunition (which is +p) and train with it frequently. About 60% of all successful bear defense in America is with 9mm, so it's definitely up the task, and it will be far more economical and easy to carry, especially concealed, than anything else. 10mm is not the minimum for bears, and whoever told you that is objectively wrong. Any modern production 9mm semi auto from a quality manufacture will work fine, and you are working off of a lot of baseless fuddlore to justify your preference for revolvers.
I don't generally agree with carrying magnum handguns for wilderness defense because most guys who use them don't train with them nearly often enough due to recoil and cost, and because they don't carry them often enough due to weight. The number of guys I met who hadn't shot their magnum revolver in years, or who left it in the truck or tent all the time is astounding, and obviously defeats the purpose of carrying. Your comment about 357 bear loads kicking like a mule is a prime example of why so few people who "carry" magnum handguns actually shoot them with any regularity, let alone train with them. Even my buddy who used to everyday carry a 357 magnum hardly shot the thing and when he did, he would do half a cylinder because his hand would hurt after a few rounds. He now carries 38 special in it because the extra power wasn't worth the discomfort, poor control, and infrequent training.
Your revolver focus isn't necessarily wrong in that it would be a decent choice for defense, but I personally disagree with it in about every single way I could. Lower capacity, greater weight, greater recoil, greater cost, slower reloading; you are giving up every modern advancement for fuddlore and aesthetics. If you absolutely insist on a revolver, I would recommend getting standard 357 magnum range ammo, as it will likely be loaded a little less hot, be much cheaper, and still absolutely get the job done, rather than some extra spicy Buffalo Bore loads that cost three time as much. Whatever you do, the most important part is to
always have the gun on you, and the second most important part is
train as frequently as is feasible with the firearm. It is not a magical totem of destruction.
As for holsters, handles, etc. I don't have any input. I always use an IWB for my 9mm when I am "innawoods" since I don't personally favor open carry unless you have a long gun, but otherwise a revolver aficionado would have to give his opinion.
