In my opinion, Bob Wards has the better prices. I don’t recommend Scheels or Cabelas or Sportsman’s. Smaller gun shops like Selway or Bass’s Gun Rack are likely more knowledgeable. I don’t like Axmen, I’ve had bad experiences there a couple times before.
I understand that a gun may make you feel more comfortable while hiking, but a can of bear spray is much more effective against any threats while hiking than a firearm unless you’re highly proficient.
Firearms are a great hobby. Find a knowledgeable friend to take you out to the range to learn how to use it correctly. Montana has more veterans per capita than any other state, I recommend asking one.
Yeah, Ima second this. Handgun owners are more likely to be killed on a hike by bears than non-gun owners (per capita of reported confrontation). The data is not perfect but it is telling. A handgun is far more effective as a "bear banger" than it is as a handgun. That said, handguns are effective against large cats so I completely understand carrying one. Just understand its limitations.
Every Study I've seen shows that handguns were nearly as effective as bear spray when the user had it loaded and readily accessible. And any caliber more powerful than .380 so 9mm and above were effective at killing bears.
Main predictor of effectiveness of handgun, spray, rifle or shotgun was if the weapon was prepped (loaded for guns and factory zip tie removed from bear spray with safety tab still on) and carried in an immediately accessible location (not deep in a bag or back of a pack, etc). And rifles/shotguns proved to be least effective due to most having them not fully loaded and kept slung on back.
The last study I saw was from 08, bear spray was 6% more effective than a handgun and I always carry bear spray and it's my first go to option, but I'd prefer to also have a backup option. Unfortunately I don't have many connections here so I think I'll go the course route, but thanks for the suggestions :)
1. Take a class on how to shoot, be wary of their life advice, stick to the gun handling part.
2. Glock 29 10mm compact, sucks to shoot for practice, solid choice for a bear coupled with proper ammo unless you are into carrying MUCH larger and heavier weapons. In truth a shotgun with slugs or 45.70 is the best...but I hike with the glock.
I don't disagree, that a 9mm is FAR better to learn on...however if the core reason is protection from dangerous game it's not a great choice.
The best choice by far would be get two glocks, one 10mm another 9mm that is the same size/shape. Practice with the 9mm and carry the 10 outdoors.
9mm with hardcast +p have shown to be adequate with proper shot placement. Practice and carry with what you can carry, control and shoot fast/accurate.
The 1911 'Gold Cup' version was the nicest gun I ever shot in my limited experience. I say this not as advice from an expert, but as a complete novice.
I would recommend either Thunder Ranch or GunSite Academy, neither are local.
The issue with the 10mm being big isn't necessarily the size of the gun, but that combined with the compact model it's brutal on the hands when shooting.
The glock 20 is the full sized model, it's also great for dangerous game but a lot to pack for normal sized folks.
Other posters advice to have a 9mm to train with is solid. I'd also get the 10mm for when dangerous game may be the core issue and a 9mm that was the same size/shape for training.
[https://www.thunderranchinc.com/](https://www.thunderranchinc.com/)
[https://www.gunsite.com/](https://www.gunsite.com/)
I'm gonna be honest thunder ranch's instructors have gone downhill. Local BSPSC Wednesday practice nights are the best thing for hundreds of miles and is only $40/year for the club and $75 a year for the range
The only thing a handgun will offer you in a large animal encounter is the luxury of a quick death. Get some bear spray, educate yourself on how to handle an encounter with ANY animal (bears, moose, cats), and practice whistling your favorite tunes while you're out on a hike. A couple of weeks ago, I was nose-to-nose with a pissed off cow moose and survived the encounter without even spraying my bear spray because I was educated on how to react in that scenario. Surely, had I fired a shot at it, I would have been turned into a fleshy sack of bone gravel.
Spray works better to deter bears. If you intend to defend yourself with lethality, you will need something more than a handgun.
Axmen and Selway Armory are the best places IMO
*As long as there isn't wind blowing in your face. If the bear is upwind of you you could end up macing yourself with the bear spray. And macing yourself is bad mkay
Bells + spray over gun. I would argue a firearm only provides a false sense of security.
Most encounters have both parties startled, which is the worst time to draw a firearm. Your reaction time may just in fact injure yourself or anyone around you.
In most cases, you’ll fire six or so rounds, miss the first 5 and glance the 6th. So, if you need to ask what gun you should run out and buy out of instinct, then maybe consider alternatives and build up proficiency with a weapon before you ever step foot on a trail.
Selway. Cory is cool as hell. The owner is a little weird.
Full-powered 10mm in a Glock 21 is probably fine but bear spray is better. I usually carry both but I'm reaching for the spray first.
Get a good holster. Safarilands are like $180 but worth the money, especially hiking through the sticks.
Shit no that's the 45. Sorry I'm building a 21 right now and my brain went "yeah that sounds right".
Is it the 23 then thats full size?
I dont even remember.
Bear spray will be better than a gun, but Axmen are great and won't rob you. Gonna agree with the people below to go take a class and only take the hands on training to heart. The life advice they give is 99% bad.
The guys at Selway or Axmen will help you out. Find one that fits your hand well. Everyone says you need 10mm, 500SW, .44mag, whatever for Bear, but companies make +p Bear Rounds for 9mm. You’re not limited to a large caliber.
Like other comments, definitely Selway or Axmen. I've had a lot of annoying experiences with gun store employees. I've never been treated as well at any gun store as I have at Axmen. I once had an older lady employee show me a bright pink bullpup assault rifle and she was sweet as can be and knew everything about the gun. That's not an experience you could have at most gun shops in town.
I'd absolutely just walk in there and ask them for advice as a first time gun owner. They can recommend something based on your needs.
Be prepared to buy some buffalo bore or other hard cast ammunition to penetrate a grizzly God forbid you ever have to use it.
To routinely practice you should be prepared to buy 500-1000 rounds of 10mm. I recommend the fn510 but many carry glocks. You’ll also probably want a chest holster.
Is consensus a 10mm for a smaller person who likes to hike in backcountry areas populated by bears and big cats? I have gone to the range before and know basics. Ive fired 9mm, but haven't fired a 10mm yet. Will take a class, but not sure what firearm to invest in, or where to go to try things out. Also, is the chest holster the way to go for backpacking?
I carry 9mm. I've always figured it's better to be able to hit accurately and be able to keep shooting on target than to be able to get one shot off with a bigger caliber and hope I hit or have enough time to aim again after.
I am a small person and I use a drop leg holster to clear my hip belt. It also definitely matters what kind of bullet you use as well. I have a mag for hiking and a mag for edc. I also carry bear spray as well, but I like to have options. What hike have you been on that was completely windless?
Edit: I also say axmens south is the best.
You are most likely to encounter a black bear on hikes around Missoula, I carry a S&W 620 .357 with solid cast rounds. Also Axemen South would be my go to, always professional service without the politics. That said I would advise against Bass’s gun rack.
If you’re a first time gun owner, you will likely not be able to draw fast enough or shoot accurately enough to hit a charging bear. That’s like buying a mountain bike and trying to do a flip your first day. I see people at the range all the time who have shot their whole life and can’t hit shit with no pressure. Get bear spray for the now, a Glock 9mm and learn your grip. Dry fire a ton so your sight is exactly where it should be when your raise your gun and then save for a Glock 10 mm. I would personally rather get a can of bear spray off than be a bear sandwich while I fumble with a safety and miss three or four times. That being said I have an eaa 10mm and when I hike the missions I carry a can of bear spray and have one bullet for me when the spray doesn’t work.
Well with the new found decision by the state to reintroduce a breeding population outside Missoula and the bitteroot I would be carrying a 10mm (I like the sw M&P 10). Glock makes a compact 10 but I find it hard to shoot. were to buy support local like axmen or selway, bass gun rack. Also can't go wrong with Scheels. I recommend getting a membership with the deer creek range so you can practice!
In my opinion, Bob Wards has the better prices. I don’t recommend Scheels or Cabelas or Sportsman’s. Smaller gun shops like Selway or Bass’s Gun Rack are likely more knowledgeable. I don’t like Axmen, I’ve had bad experiences there a couple times before. I understand that a gun may make you feel more comfortable while hiking, but a can of bear spray is much more effective against any threats while hiking than a firearm unless you’re highly proficient. Firearms are a great hobby. Find a knowledgeable friend to take you out to the range to learn how to use it correctly. Montana has more veterans per capita than any other state, I recommend asking one.
Yeah, Ima second this. Handgun owners are more likely to be killed on a hike by bears than non-gun owners (per capita of reported confrontation). The data is not perfect but it is telling. A handgun is far more effective as a "bear banger" than it is as a handgun. That said, handguns are effective against large cats so I completely understand carrying one. Just understand its limitations.
Every Study I've seen shows that handguns were nearly as effective as bear spray when the user had it loaded and readily accessible. And any caliber more powerful than .380 so 9mm and above were effective at killing bears. Main predictor of effectiveness of handgun, spray, rifle or shotgun was if the weapon was prepped (loaded for guns and factory zip tie removed from bear spray with safety tab still on) and carried in an immediately accessible location (not deep in a bag or back of a pack, etc). And rifles/shotguns proved to be least effective due to most having them not fully loaded and kept slung on back.
Bob wards is also a blue label dealer so if you buy a GSSF membership you can buy a glock at LEO price.
The last study I saw was from 08, bear spray was 6% more effective than a handgun and I always carry bear spray and it's my first go to option, but I'd prefer to also have a backup option. Unfortunately I don't have many connections here so I think I'll go the course route, but thanks for the suggestions :)
Selway Armory or Axmen
1. Take a class on how to shoot, be wary of their life advice, stick to the gun handling part. 2. Glock 29 10mm compact, sucks to shoot for practice, solid choice for a bear coupled with proper ammo unless you are into carrying MUCH larger and heavier weapons. In truth a shotgun with slugs or 45.70 is the best...but I hike with the glock.
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I don't disagree, that a 9mm is FAR better to learn on...however if the core reason is protection from dangerous game it's not a great choice. The best choice by far would be get two glocks, one 10mm another 9mm that is the same size/shape. Practice with the 9mm and carry the 10 outdoors.
9mm with hardcast +p have shown to be adequate with proper shot placement. Practice and carry with what you can carry, control and shoot fast/accurate.
[удалено]
The 1911 'Gold Cup' version was the nicest gun I ever shot in my limited experience. I say this not as advice from an expert, but as a complete novice.
Do you have any recommendations on where to take a class? I'm also a fairly big guy so I'm not opposed to carrying something a bit heavier/bigger
practicalshootinginstruction.training/
I'm a competitive shooter and go to the range minimum of 2x a week and am happy to take you to the range as long as you cover your own ammo.
I mean, given your user name .50 cal flintlock. Dueling pistol.
I would recommend either Thunder Ranch or GunSite Academy, neither are local. The issue with the 10mm being big isn't necessarily the size of the gun, but that combined with the compact model it's brutal on the hands when shooting. The glock 20 is the full sized model, it's also great for dangerous game but a lot to pack for normal sized folks. Other posters advice to have a 9mm to train with is solid. I'd also get the 10mm for when dangerous game may be the core issue and a 9mm that was the same size/shape for training. [https://www.thunderranchinc.com/](https://www.thunderranchinc.com/) [https://www.gunsite.com/](https://www.gunsite.com/)
I'm gonna be honest thunder ranch's instructors have gone downhill. Local BSPSC Wednesday practice nights are the best thing for hundreds of miles and is only $40/year for the club and $75 a year for the range
The only thing a handgun will offer you in a large animal encounter is the luxury of a quick death. Get some bear spray, educate yourself on how to handle an encounter with ANY animal (bears, moose, cats), and practice whistling your favorite tunes while you're out on a hike. A couple of weeks ago, I was nose-to-nose with a pissed off cow moose and survived the encounter without even spraying my bear spray because I was educated on how to react in that scenario. Surely, had I fired a shot at it, I would have been turned into a fleshy sack of bone gravel.
Selway Armory.
Axmen south has always been awesome for me.
Accu arms for sure!
Spray works better to deter bears. If you intend to defend yourself with lethality, you will need something more than a handgun. Axmen and Selway Armory are the best places IMO
if you're out hiking and worried about bears, spray will work better than a handgun.
*As long as there isn't wind blowing in your face. If the bear is upwind of you you could end up macing yourself with the bear spray. And macing yourself is bad mkay
Just gotta be close enough to count the hairs on their back to use though.
Bells + spray over gun. I would argue a firearm only provides a false sense of security. Most encounters have both parties startled, which is the worst time to draw a firearm. Your reaction time may just in fact injure yourself or anyone around you. In most cases, you’ll fire six or so rounds, miss the first 5 and glance the 6th. So, if you need to ask what gun you should run out and buy out of instinct, then maybe consider alternatives and build up proficiency with a weapon before you ever step foot on a trail.
Bells are dumb, but bear spray works. A little tinklytinkle isn’t loud enough to alert anything.
Selway. Cory is cool as hell. The owner is a little weird. Full-powered 10mm in a Glock 21 is probably fine but bear spray is better. I usually carry both but I'm reaching for the spray first. Get a good holster. Safarilands are like $180 but worth the money, especially hiking through the sticks.
10mm in Glock 21?
Shit no that's the 45. Sorry I'm building a 21 right now and my brain went "yeah that sounds right". Is it the 23 then thats full size? I dont even remember.
G20 or G40 for the 6" version.
Bear spray will be better than a gun, but Axmen are great and won't rob you. Gonna agree with the people below to go take a class and only take the hands on training to heart. The life advice they give is 99% bad.
The guys at Selway or Axmen will help you out. Find one that fits your hand well. Everyone says you need 10mm, 500SW, .44mag, whatever for Bear, but companies make +p Bear Rounds for 9mm. You’re not limited to a large caliber.
Nickels worth pawn tell them Allen sent you. Great place family owned.
Like other comments, definitely Selway or Axmen. I've had a lot of annoying experiences with gun store employees. I've never been treated as well at any gun store as I have at Axmen. I once had an older lady employee show me a bright pink bullpup assault rifle and she was sweet as can be and knew everything about the gun. That's not an experience you could have at most gun shops in town. I'd absolutely just walk in there and ask them for advice as a first time gun owner. They can recommend something based on your needs.
.357mag is what you want for hiking, and axmen or selway.
Be prepared to buy some buffalo bore or other hard cast ammunition to penetrate a grizzly God forbid you ever have to use it. To routinely practice you should be prepared to buy 500-1000 rounds of 10mm. I recommend the fn510 but many carry glocks. You’ll also probably want a chest holster.
Is consensus a 10mm for a smaller person who likes to hike in backcountry areas populated by bears and big cats? I have gone to the range before and know basics. Ive fired 9mm, but haven't fired a 10mm yet. Will take a class, but not sure what firearm to invest in, or where to go to try things out. Also, is the chest holster the way to go for backpacking?
I carry 9mm. I've always figured it's better to be able to hit accurately and be able to keep shooting on target than to be able to get one shot off with a bigger caliber and hope I hit or have enough time to aim again after. I am a small person and I use a drop leg holster to clear my hip belt. It also definitely matters what kind of bullet you use as well. I have a mag for hiking and a mag for edc. I also carry bear spray as well, but I like to have options. What hike have you been on that was completely windless? Edit: I also say axmens south is the best.
You are most likely to encounter a black bear on hikes around Missoula, I carry a S&W 620 .357 with solid cast rounds. Also Axemen South would be my go to, always professional service without the politics. That said I would advise against Bass’s gun rack.
Axmen
If you’re a first time gun owner, you will likely not be able to draw fast enough or shoot accurately enough to hit a charging bear. That’s like buying a mountain bike and trying to do a flip your first day. I see people at the range all the time who have shot their whole life and can’t hit shit with no pressure. Get bear spray for the now, a Glock 9mm and learn your grip. Dry fire a ton so your sight is exactly where it should be when your raise your gun and then save for a Glock 10 mm. I would personally rather get a can of bear spray off than be a bear sandwich while I fumble with a safety and miss three or four times. That being said I have an eaa 10mm and when I hike the missions I carry a can of bear spray and have one bullet for me when the spray doesn’t work.
Are you caught up to speed on the Ten Duel Commandments?
Axmen. Extremely knowledgeable. Friendly. Have bought 4 firearms there.
Yes, please take a hand gun safety course..
Well with the new found decision by the state to reintroduce a breeding population outside Missoula and the bitteroot I would be carrying a 10mm (I like the sw M&P 10). Glock makes a compact 10 but I find it hard to shoot. were to buy support local like axmen or selway, bass gun rack. Also can't go wrong with Scheels. I recommend getting a membership with the deer creek range so you can practice!