Self defense pistol worth the weight?

[AllenG]

I decided it wasn't and left it locked in a box in the pickup at the trailhead in Colorado the first elk rifle season. Elk got ran out of the valley the first morning. So, I packed up camp and hiked out towards the trailhead that evening to move in a drainage the elk had gone to. Around 11:30 that night I ran into a mountain lion at about 30 yards. No pistol and an unloaded rifle with my camp on my back I was slow prey. I banged my hiking poles together and I was relieved when the lion walked away. I started carrying after that night. That was my first encounter or at least the first known time that I was ever close to a lion.

 

[TOGIE]

if it's for lions, not worth the weight.

better odds of successful defense with bear spray anyway IMO. which is also not worth the weight for lions.

 

[mtmiller]

better odds of successful defense with bear spray anyway IMO. which is also not worth the weight for lions.

Or put a bullet in the rifle

 

[brymoore]

I wouldn’t bother for black bear, wolves or lions.

Grizzlies and known human issues might be a yes.

 

[TOGIE]

Or put a bullet in the rifle

definitely. my rifle always has some in the hopper. takes 3 seconds get one up for bat.

 

[mtmuley]

Why is a sidearm too heavy for some guys? I like a G20 in a Kenai Gunfighter. Hardly notice it. mtmuley

 

[Blue Steel]

A lot of guys now seem to be recommending 9mm for woods carry, but a lightweight revolver like a scandium S&W with Hornady XTPs or +p hard casts, could work well

 

[noharleyyet]

Why is a sidearm too heavy for some guys? I like a G20 in a Kenai Gunfighter. Hardly notice it. mtmuley

...a P229 .40 in a clip cordura holster for many deer seasons.