ltwguns.com

I'm looking for a backpacking gun with a light rail for the woods. Needs power for the unlikely bear encounter, but I want it to be a CA approved gun so I can have it on my ccw.

10mm or 45 Super? If 45 Super (I do like the idea of big bullets), I'm considering HK UPS or 10mm Glock 20. Not sure about the 1911 platform for the 45 Super because it may be too abusive.

Any opinion or experience with this round or my choices? Thanks.

hoser, Personally, I'd go for the 10MM, due to the availability of factory loads from the major mfrs. I've done and shot a couple of the Supers, and don't find them overly abusive to shoot. They make a really loud boom, and recoil is about equivalent to the upper end 10MM loads. BUT, since it's a pretty easy conversion from an existing 45 caliber 1911 (and I bet you've got one ), it would be cheaper to convert one of those, rather than buying or building a 10MM. Best of luck,

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Any opinions on how this round stacks up against 10mm?

While I love the 357 SIG round, I think either of the two aforementioned calibers would serve better as a backpacking gun. With wild critters, "mo power always seems to be better, though I'd cheerfully pack a 357 SIG as a defense gun in the city. Also, if you opt for the SIG round, I'd stay away from the 1911 platform, as the feeding reliability can be problematic. Best,

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Have you considered the 9x23 - .357 punch, but you can run it reliably through a 1911 frame?

JeffVN

Decided to stick with a wheelgun! I'm going with 45 Colt and shoot Buffalo Bore ammo.

"That'll get her done"

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Thanks Don and everyone. I just decided that pistol calibers just didn't have enough thump. I wanted a flashlight attachment for the dark woods but I decided that without enough thump, all I'd see with a flashlight is a bear having me for dinner!

Have any of you had experience with the XS Express big dot sight system? I thought this would be good for this gun and purpose.

Hoser, The Ashley Big Dots will work for bear for sure, as they're designed for BIG targets up close. They're not a target sight, but are quick for the aforementioned type of target. Biggest complaint I've had was with guys who used them for things such as steel plates. At any range past about 25 feet, a 12" plate is covered by the front sight.

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

I have experienced the same thing. The sights are BIG, and will cover up a small target at anything beyond 15 yards. For QUICK acquisition of the front sight, they are great. On a defence gun, they would work well.

As Don says, they are not a target sight.

--Mark