So I bought a new shotgun...

[tnf]

I'm disappointed that you think carrying a gun while hiking in areas where cougar attacks have occurred is bullshit.
Cougars, bears, even a mother moose with a calf nearby - all could pose potential threats - I'm not talking about running around the woods wildly shooting animals. Generally firing the gun into the air would probably be enough and odds are I'll never even need to use it, but I'd rather be equipped if the need arises. Trust me, I don't have a hidden motive here.

You mean firing into the ground - not into the air, right?

No, I like to add an element of surprise for anyone that might be nearby.

[YourGrandpa]

If you are going to use an antique gun, you better take it out and test it. Beware, it could blow up in your face. You also don't want a .25 cal for personal protection. All that little thing is going to do is piss someone off. Unless of course you're a marksman and can hit them between the eyes. You should probably do some research on line and maybe check out your local pawn shops. You could also find some good deals on http://www.gunbroker.com or http://www.gunsamerica.com.

For your CCW permit (at least in Florida) you have to send in a set of finger prints, passport type photo, proof that you've completed the required training and pay $117.00 to the Department of Agriculture for your licenses that's good for 7 years.

[R00k]

Gramps is mostly right, even though he seems to think you want to shoot human beings between the eyes.

A 25 isn't good for anything really besides shooting at beer cans. If a mountain lion were after you, firing that would be about like dropping firecrackers.

You're not ever going to be able to shoot one of those things with a handgun unless it's already on top of you anyway. If you're planning on scaring it off with a noise, then it stands to reason you'd be looking for a pistol that would make a lot of noise. Or you could go with a rifle (much louder and more percussive), but those are a bit heavy for hiking/backpacking.

[YourGrandpa]

I don't think he wants to shoot anyone or anything. The whole conversation is based on the idea of actually having to shoot. And I agree that you'd want something that'll make some noise. But you can't carry a "legal" rifle concealed. It's also difficult to to carry a full sized pistol concealed, unless you wear suit jackets everywhere. A good CCW is a compact or sub-compact weapon that packs a big punch/bang (9mm,.40,.45). Obviously you're not going to hit long range targets with a compact weapon. But as Rook said, you're only going to be shooting a close range.

[GONNAFISTYA]

If all you want to do is scare them off, why not just drop firecrackers?

[seremtan]

i'm sure the mountain lion will wait while you rummage through your jacket, find a lighter and firecrackers, attempt to light them (in the rain, possibly), then toss them. and if that doesn't work, you have no plan b because you can't kill or wound a mountain lion with a firecracker

[tnf]

I wasn't serious about using the antique gun, and I have shot them. The Lugar actually handles nicely considering its age. We had to have its clip serviced because it wasn't loading the next round into the chamber or something (it was a long time ago when it was fixed, I can't recall the details).

All I had do to was a background check to ensure there were no felony convictions, pay a $55.25 fee and have no mental health conditions that would make me prone to opening fire on a crowd. And I know the .25 is a pea shooter, but I think for the main reason I was looking into one in the first place it will probably work as I do some searching around for something that might be more versatile.

[HM-PuFFNSTuFF]

Sounds like tnf needs one of these...

[YourGrandpa]

Well, it sounds like you're on your way. Just don't buy anything smaller than 9mm.

[YourGrandpa]

Sounds like tnf needs one of these...

lvl shot, ya homo.

[LawL]

Gramps' monitor can't handle a 1152px × 864px image.

[Tormentius]

Well, it sounds like you're on your way. Just don't buy anything smaller than 9mm.

Even a 9mm is pretty light for packing for the reasons tnf mentioned. The .45 packs a lot more power for a similar price point. I'm looking at picking up a Norinco 1911A in the next month or so. Cheap and workable for some basic range shooting.

[Ryoki]

The idea of scaring off a mountain lion with a loud bang is ludicrous, if it wants to eat you you'll never see it coming. It'll bit you in the head and you will croak instantly, having had no time to reach for your gun. You're just a bit scared but that's ok - just pack a big fuckoff knife and imagine you have a claw of your own.

[tnf]

I acknowledged that fact about a big cat sneaking up on you Ryoki. I also pointed out that if there are other animals and other cases where it could be useful for more than just a loud bang. I've got a friend who is a park ranger and used to maintain a section of trail out in the middle of fucking nowhere Alaska. He carried a gun with him on the trails for everything from moose attacks to accidentally rolling up on mama bear and her cubs to whatever. The entire point was that there are cases where it could be helpful, and if one arose I'd rather have one than not. This isn't a shift in perspective for me to thinking that a gun is the great home defense solution or that we should start arming teachers in the classroom and that the country needs more, not less guns to be safe. I really didn't expect this sort of response at the idea of carrying a firearm while hiking alone out in the middle of nowhere.

And people do see mountain lions before being attacked at times.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/artic ... ntain-lion

Despite what the article suggests, I'd rather try something BEFORE having to hit it with a walking stick, if at all possible. If it is not possible, fight like hell.

[R00k]

The idea of scaring off a mountain lion with a loud bang is ludicrous, if it wants to eat you you'll never see it coming. It'll bit you in the head and you will croak instantly, having had no time to reach for your gun. You're just a bit scared but that's ok - just pack a big fuckoff knife and imagine you have a claw of your own.

Mountain lions don't generally try to eat adult humans anyway, unless they're extremely desperate or sick. I'm no expert on them by any stretch, but I would guess the biggest thing to worry about when hiking in the mountains, is coming near one with cubs, or startling one in general (the same as most wild animals).

Handguns have been demonized by a lot of people who think they're nothing but redneck toys or conservative hot-buttons, but the fact of the matter is they can be very useful at times, and there's nothing wrong with owning one, or even responsibly carrying one, for the right reasons.

I certified for my carry permit a few weeks ago. That doesn't mean I'm going to be carrying a pistol with me everywhere I go. It also doesn't instantly make me a gun-nut or right-wing fanatic. In fact, it means that I plan on being completely responsible with it, to the point that I'm willing to take a safety class, and give the government my fingerprints to let them know that I have one.

[seremtan]

The idea of scaring off a mountain lion with a loud bang is ludicrous, if it wants to eat you you'll never see it coming. It'll bit you in the head and you will croak instantly, having had no time to reach for your gun. You're just a bit scared but that's ok - just pack a big fuckoff knife and imagine you have a claw of your own.

mate, you're a dutchee. the scariest creature you've ever encountered is a gay policeman offering you a schmoek, a pancake and some weed

[MKJ]

and bokito

[YourGrandpa]

Even a 9mm is pretty light for packing for the reasons tnf mentioned. The .45 packs a lot more power for a similar price point. I'm looking at picking up a Norinco 1911A in the next month or so. Cheap and workable for some basic range shooting.

That is why my CCW is a .40.

[LawL]

Not unlike your IQ.

[Scourge]

You really are starting to go stale.

[LawL]

You were never fresh.

[Scourge]

See, like that. That was just sad.

[LawL]

What a shitty response.

[Scourge]

I know, but you keep making them. Sorry, don't know what to tell you.

[LawL]

Typing 'no u' would have been easier and less ineffective.