Hikers self defense

[Vicreo A Legarreta]

I need some advice on which one to of this 3 rifle , first of all I do a lot of hiking in the deep part's of the Sierra or chihuahua Mexico exploring new router for rock climbing, and I have been in some situations with mountain lions (pumas) and coyotes(I. don't go alone when I go into this type of exploration) and white only a knife and hiking sticks and yelling like hell, nothing serious as happen and hope not get there, so this are my only option here in Mexico to have a rifle, shotgun caliber 20 and 12, rifle, .22 taking in considering the weight and bulk most of the time were hiking with backpack 30 to 50 pounds up to 3 to 6 hours, thanks for any information

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[G_fresh]

A Ruger Takedown (.22) packs small and is light. So is the ammo. But defense for a mountain lion/puma/cougar...? Someone else will have to comment...

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Takedown/models.html

 

[2025 deleted member]

A takedown is no bueno if it is needs to be put together in a jam. I would go for the 12-banger.

A Ruger Takedown (.22) packs small and is light. So is the ammo. But defense for a mountain lion/puma/cougar...? Someone else will have to comment...

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Takedown/models.html

 

[scanny]

I've never dealt with big cats, but I suppose buckshot is better than a .22 bullet for close range self defence situations. Besides I would take a 12g loaded with 00 buckshot, something like Mossberg 500 with short barrel. I guess that more experienced people will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[robert]

From what I've read on large cat attacks, if they decide you're worth attacking you won't know it until they pounce. They're very good at what they do. That said, they are thin skinned and it doesn't take a safari rifle to take them down. While a .22 would probably work, I'd feel better armed with a short barreled shotgun with a load of buckshot- whatever you can legally get down there. Either gauge should work fine with anything #4 buck or larger; the largest buckshot you can find for 20ga is usually number 3, occasionally number 2s. The federal Premium throws the best patterns of the ones I've tried. If you chop a barrel remember you have eliminated the choke and may need to have it threaded for tubes; pattern it at expected ranges with your various loads then decide whether it's good enough. Threading isn't expensive (at least in the US) and tubes are usually under $25/each.

 

[cnynrat]

From what I've read on large cat attacks, if they decide you're worth attacking you won't know it until they pounce. They're very good at what they do. That said, they are thin skinned and it doesn't take a safari rifle to take them down.

For these reasons I think a good knife carried at the ready likely to be a more useful defense against a mountain lion. Whether the cat is on your neck or your hiking companion's, a rifle may not be useful.

 

[2025 deleted member]

I carry both.

For these reasons I think a good knife carried at the ready likely to be a more useful defense against a mountain lion. Whether the cat is on your neck or your hiking companion's, a rifle may not be useful.

 

[G_fresh]

A takedown is no bueno if it is needs to be put together in a jam. I would go for the 12-banger.

I should have explained this better. The Takedown's ability to pack small and be unobtrusive would be good while driving to and fro, put in your pack when at public campsites or in known non-threatening (animal) areas, or when you just don't want people knowing you have a rifle.

Then, carry it assembled and slung around your shoulder (or however) only when you think it is needed...

Make more sense?

 

[2025 deleted member]

yup

 

[Vicreo A Legarreta]

A Ruger Takedown (.22) packs small and is light. So is the ammo. But defense for a mountain lion/puma/cougar...? Someone else will have to comment...

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Takedown/models.html

that one is nice will hold 10 rounds and automatic and the length 37 inches at merely 5 pounds

I've never dealt with big cats, but I suppose buckshot is better than a .22 bullet for close range self defence situations. Besides I would take a 12g loaded with 00 buckshot, something like Mossberg 500 with short barrel. I guess that more experienced people will correct me if I'm wrong.

they have it in 20 gauge and in the length is half inch shorter that the .22, option 1 is hare thank you.

From what I've read on large cat attacks, if they decide you're worth attacking you won't know it until they pounce. They're very good at what they do. That said, they are thin skinned and it doesn't take a safari rifle to take them down. While a .22 would probably work, I'd feel better armed with a short barreled shotgun with a load of buckshot- whatever you can legally get down there. Either gauge should work fine with anything #4 buck or larger; the largest buckshot you can find for 20ga is usually number 3, occasionally number 2s. The federal Premium throws the best patterns of the ones I've tried. If you chop a barrel remember you have eliminated the choke and may need to have it threaded for tubes; pattern it at expected ranges with your various loads then decide whether it's good enough. Threading isn't expensive (at least in the US) and tubes are usually under $25/each.

the cat`s hare they are not to large like the sizes of a medium dog, one time mi dog a 6 old shar pei she wend crazy barking at my side and looking at some bushes and yup there it was a puma, my buddy came to see what was happening, we star to yell and my dog barking an the puma an the puma took off, man it was intense for a wile, I think that we are allow tho have only buck shoots for birds like ducks and i dont now what number buck shoot is that one.

For these reasons I think a good knife carried at the ready likely to be a more useful defense against a mountain lion. Whether the cat is on your neck or your hiking companion's, a rifle may not be useful.

I carry a fix blade with me all the time, is 6 inches blade with a 3 inch Handel.

hoe some pepper spray like the ones they use in Alaska

 

[txfactor76]

If you want a defense firearm for big cats, you want a revolver. Ideally, a revolver that shoots big, fast boolits. Sure a .22LR can take down a mountain lion, but only with a perfectly placed (head)shot. Using a rifle for self defense is ridiculous. Rifles are for hunting.

Like another member said, if that cat wants to eat you, it will be too late for you to shoulder your rifle (let alone put it together) to do anything about it. My sidearm of choice while hunting is a snubnose .44mag with scandium frame. Super lightweight, compact, and sufficient for defense against anything native to North America.

 

[txfactor76]

If you insist on carrying a long gun, I would suggest something small like a Winchester 94 Trapper or any of your typical 18.5in home defense shotguns. They're still a bit large though, especially if you've already got a backpack on.

Whatever you take, make sure you have plenty of practice on normal operation, loading, and especially how to draw it quickly and safely.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I'd guess the key to fighting off a big cat is more about making you less worth the trouble than he thought. A knife, handgun, pepper spray, a M80 firecracker going off in his ear, whatever, just about making him say the heck with it. You're not gonna see it coming until it's too late, so even a slung rifle seems like margin utility. They just don't like their prey fighting back.

 

[Vicreo A Legarreta]

If you want a defense firearm for big cats, you want a revolver. Ideally, a revolver that shoots big, fast boolits. Sure a .22LR can take down a mountain lion, but only with a perfectly placed (head)shot. Using a rifle for self defense is ridiculous. Rifles are for hunting.

Like another member said, if that cat wants to eat you, it will be too late for you to shoulder your rifle (let alone put it together) to do anything about it. My sidearm of choice while hunting is a snubnose .44mag with scandium frame. Super lightweight, compact, and sufficient for defense against anything native to North America.

I have considered a sidearm but the area exclusive use of the Mexican army's use only, hell yea I will love to have a cold 1911

If you insist on carrying a long gun, I would suggest something small like a Winchester 94 Trapper or any of your typical 18.5in home defense shotguns. They're still a bit large though, especially if you've already got a backpack on.

Whatever you take, make sure you have plenty of practice on normal operation, loading, and especially how to draw it quickly and safely.

a trappers Carabiner is compact and perfect, but the down side of this that I can only used in the season of hunting, not all year round and the 22 and the shoot gun is all year use like for rabbit and geese duck

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I'd guess the key to fighting off a big cat is more about making you less worth the trouble than he thought. A knife, handgun, pepper spray, a M80 firecracker going off in his ear, whatever, just about making him say the heck with it. You're not gonna see it coming until it's too late, so even a slung rifle seems like margin utility. They just don't like their prey fighting back.[/QUOTE

Yes you are right, but I am not going with Out a fight



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[txfactor76]

I am unfamiliar with Mexican firearm laws. I still think a .22LR is severely underpowered if you're trying to protect yourself against a mountain lion. I would bring the 20ga. Hopefully it does not have a 26in bird barrel.