.22 pistol is a good trail gun?

**camper** · June 23rd, 2009, 06:18 PM

This might be a 'real' question instead of a lounge question, but didn't know. I saw in another thread someone mention that a .22 revolver as being a good trail gun. I've heard quite a few other people say the same thing over the years, with .22 revolvers being great for hiking. My question, is why a .22 instead of your main carry piece? Is it preference, kind of like special lawn mowing sneakers or your fishing sunglasses, or is there some other reason I'm not aware of?

I guess I'm wondering why you wouldn't want to just carry your regular carry weapon on you on the trail just like you would on the street. I assume the potential to be lighter has something to do with it, but if there's a different reason I'd love to know.

camper

**Brick** · June 23rd, 2009, 06:47 PM

For most practical applications, in the day bag, or the tackle box, or on your hip a .22LR is more than able to handle most trail situations. That is precisely the use Smith & Wesson had in mind years ago when they came out with the .22/.32 Kit Gun.

Most varmints and snakes and even furbearers can be dispatched pretty handily with a well placed .22. About the only thing you'd be under-gunned for would be 2 legged predators and large carnivores like bears or mountain lions. If you're somewhere that bears and mountain lions are a problem carry a rifle or a 12 ga shotgun loaded with slugs, because you'd be under-gunned with any pistol smaller than a .577 howdah pistol!

**RaisedByWolves** · June 23rd, 2009, 08:37 PM

Im thinking protection and versatility in a small light package.

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**Lone Wolf** · June 23rd, 2009, 08:47 PM

My standard practice is to carry one of my everyday handguns and at least 2 mags/speedloaders when hiking or fishing. If staying overnight, i'll also have a black rifle, Winchester 94 Trapper in .44 Mag, or a short barreled 12 gauge pump.

**CommonHighrise** · June 23rd, 2009, 10:19 PM

Trail and street carry are one and the same for me. Have yet to be attacked by a man-eating groundhog, skunk, possum, whitetail, fox, or beaver 'round here.

**riverpirate** · June 23rd, 2009, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Lone Wolf

My standard practice is to carry one of my everyday handguns and at least 2 mags/speedloaders when hiking or fishing. If staying overnight, i'll also have a black rifle, Winchester 94 Trapper in .44 Mag, or a short barreled 12 gauge pump.

DAMN ! lol Repeat after me ........... Theres no such thing as monsters....... Theres no such thing as monsters, lol.

I carry my regular carry pistol and keep a heritage rough rider with both 22lr + 22mad cylinders in my backpack

**Lone Wolf** · June 23rd, 2009, 10:58 PM

Hey, where I go camping, you are absolutely positively on your own!

**bgeddes** · June 23rd, 2009, 11:02 PM

My hiking troubles have only involved two types of creatures.

Two legged, and their undisciplined dogs.

I have been approached by dogs in a fashion that made me nearly draw and defend. I would hate to shoot someone's pet, but the owner needs to see the other side of things.

The two legged always get the conversation to money.

Carry a carry piece, always.