Texan Photographer

[Hayduke]

I found this forum last night while researching handguns for beginners. I'm a non-traditional* college student majoring in photography with a minor in environmental science and policy. I've always enjoyed and appreciated guns, but haven't owned one in about 30 years.

I plan to purchase a Baretta 92f soon, take some lessons at a shooting range then get my CCL. The 92f will be for learning how to hit a target from 30 feet. I know it is too big for carrying concealed. I'll worry about a smaller gun after I get my CCL and the skills to hit what I want to hit.

After I graduate I will be pulling my (as yet unpurchased) travel trailer to national park and BLM campgrounds in remote places. I carry a lot of valuable camera gear with me; hence the need for a handgun. Well, that a mountain lions.

Any recommendations for a good mountain lion gun? Just kidding.

* That means I'm 30 years older than most of my classmates.

[scooter]

You will need something along the lines of a .44 for lions and tigers and bears oh my........
Seriously tho a 9mm aint gonna cut it for big furry critters.....And welcome to HGF

Also be aware that some Natl.Forests DONT allow firearms....might be ok IN your RV but NOT to carry, check it out first before you carry concealed OR open.

[DJ Niner]

Welcome to the site!

Look into a Glock model 20 in 10mm for varmint protection in the great outdoors (2 legged or 4 legged, varmints are varmints; and sometimes, they travel in packs).

[Hayduke]

I know about the gun laws in national forests. Some allow them, some don't. I'll always check before camping. I like to keep on the good side of the rangers. People who might cause trouble probably won't be where I'm taking photos anyway, as I like to get out where no one else goes when I'm in the forests. As far as mountain lions, by the time I see one stalking me it might be too late for a gun. I carry a hunting knife for those problems.

I'm not worried about two-legged critters at sunrise. Crack addicts don't get up until noon.

[TedDeBearFrmHell]

You will need something along the lines of a .44 for lions and tigers and bears oh my........
Seriously tho a 9mm aint gonna cut it for big furry critters.....And welcome to HGF

Also be aware that some Natl.Forests DONT allow firearms....might be ok IN your RV but NOT to carry, check it out first before you carry concealed OR open.

actually the law changed last year, the national forest falls under the same laws as the state it is located in.... so if you can carry in that states forests, you can carry in the national forest.

[Hayduke]

That's good to know. Guess that will limit my trips to California.

[cougartex]

Howdy from SE Texas.