7dogguy

Browning Buckmark. Cheap to shoot and fun for plinking at the range.

Not unlike most snakes or other critters -I guess let if we let them know we're there they will make themselves scarce.

Thanks - will do. That bear going up a tree would have been a sight to see! Amazing how agile such a big, seemingly lumbering animal can be - like watching polar bears swim. From reading about trails and hikes, there have been a lot of problems with human attacks on humans - the reason I go armed on a hike, even on local or more accessible trails. Great joke/story on how to tell the difference in bears.

I read on a hiking blog a suggesting that a large, heavy knife is about as good as a handgun - this considering your point the bear may be on you before you can deploy a gun to any effect. Other avid back-country hikers also said a heavy hiking stick can afford time to either get the gun out or deploy the knife. Of course, that assumes the presence of mind to get to the gun or have the knife in action as the bear is likely chewing off your other arm and then try to ram the knife up and thru the throat or shoot one handed, while in max distress. Of course, seeing the news with the guy who was attacked by the hogs was something; danged hogs worry me about as much if not more than Bears.

Can't they also climb pretty darn well, in addition to Olympic sprint speed? Hoping my wife and I don't get to learn first-hand about any of your info next year when we are hiking in the mountains (planning to hike part of the Appalachian). And I will for sure remember items 1 and 2 and not carry chops or cake.

Seems like the Bear was the one who needed a pistol in this case.

Thanks - sucks on the link; I copied and pasted straight from the site. Anyway, nice use of the old tracks. I've seen a lot of runners on the local ones. I'll have to check out Memphis when we head that way.

Welcome Celinda.

We've only been on a couple of the local ones so far, in Clarksville (another gem in Clarksville for hiking and biking is Rotary Park, by the way) and over in Cheatham County. Both are very nicely done. The trails are not "hard core" hiking and are well-suited for bike riding of any skill level. And there are plenty of good places in TN/KY for longer length, more difficult hiking, such as LBL - and remember eagle viewing season is upon us at LBL. Information about rails to trails locations can be found at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy:: Creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines:: Building healthier places for healthier people.

I'd go with hunker down in place for reasons as stated above. If/when the BIG SHTF event happens, though, who the heck knows? I also wonder, depending on the event, if I would want to "survive" - big difference in living and surviving;surving long term in the environment as shown in films (scorched earth, no viable flora or fauna, etc) might not be worth the effort as it would not lead to living again - only delaying death. And I am not one to thrown in the towel, but I do think about it when watching films or reading stories about such things.

Thanks Shipmate.

Thanks and glad to be back and have time to keep up on events within the gun owners' community.

Hello Getting in late but my two cents: I have two .32s, one the Kel-Tec and one a Beretta Tomcat. The Tomcat was originally for my wife's purse, but the weight was an issue so she hijacked by BUG and I have the Tomcat. Our Kel-Tec has the extended magazine and still would fit comfortably in a pocket holster, is not a bear to practice with (max of 5-7 yards is what I use with the smaller caliber), and light to carry around. Plus, the Kel-Tec is inexpensive, easy to work on/clean (Kel-Tec forum has a good section on smoothing them up a bit if you are so inclined), and reliable. I have not had one issue with it. One note, it does not like hollow points with the standard magazine. Oh, and I agree with you and the others - I think the caliber is an issue if shooting thru something like auto glass, etc, but up close and personal, maybe not so much. Good luck with your search. Barry

LOL...yep, but I am used to being dazed and confused...

Yes indeed; a beautiful thing about the rural south - dogs, guns, and good folks.

Thanks Don. Nice to be back - missed reading all the interesting posts! Hope all is well with you and yours. B

Hello, I was a member before, but dropped out due to a lot of overseas travel the last year; former user name was 3pugguy. Glad to be back and look forward to reading the various topics. I am in the Clarksville area, SE side of town - toward Ashland City. Hoping all had a great Thanksgiving. Barry