9mm as protection from mountain lions? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

BoneDigger · 09-25-2007, 01:07 PM

I am an archaeologist and sometimes have to search cliff overhangs for cultural materials. I have been in two that looked like they were probably mountain lion dens. One even had a fresh kill in it. I have never seen the actual lions themselves. I hope I never do, at least not at CLOSE range. However, the potential exists that I could one day turn the corner and come face to face with one.

Now, I realize that TYPICALLY the chances of a mountain lion attack are minimal. But, this is a special ssue since I am in THEIR territory. Late spring, when lions have cubs, I would think would be the most dangerous.

I presently have a XD9 Service model which I shoot very well. I could spend the money and buy a .357 revolver or a .45 ACP or ruger P345 (my favorites among those I have seen). However, I'm not sure that I really NEED to spend the money. Unlike a bear, I would think a mountain lion would probably turn tail if hit even once with a 9mm. But, I could be wrong about that.

So, what do you think? Do I need to spend some more money or will the XD9 suffice?

Todd

robinsre · 09-25-2007, 01:10 PM

Buy .357 magnum at the minimum.

9mm is acceptable against two legged foes, but with an angry mountain lion you want something with some real punch to it.

.357 magnum will probably work as long as you're not running into any bears .44 magnum is preferable.

Edited for stupid phrasing error! D'oh!

No many charging cats will continue to charge after struck, especially in defense of their young. It really depends on the personality of the animal, but if I were you I wouldn't want to take that chance.

Because of the thicker hide on wild animals I'd opt for a faster moving round, even if it is a bit smaller. I.E I'd take a .357 mag into the forest before I'd take a .45 auto.

Bree · 09-25-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I am an archaeologist and sometimes have to search cliff overhangs for cultural materials. I have been in two that looked like they were probably mountain lion dens. One even had a fresh kill in it. I have never seen the actual lions themselves. I hope I never do, at least not at CLOSE range. However, the potential exists that I could one day turn the corner and come face to face with one.

Now, I realize that TYPICALLY the chances of a mountain lion attack are minimal. But, this is a special ssue since I am in THEIR territory. Late spring, when lions have cubs, I would think would bethe most dangerous.

I presently have a XD9 Service model which I shoot very well. I could spend the money and buy a .357 revolver or a .45 ACP D or ruger P345 (my favorites among those I have seen). However, I'm not sure that I really NEED to spend the money. Unlike a bear, I would think a mountain lion would probably turn tail if hit even once with a 9mm. But, I could be wrong about that.

So, what do you think? Do I need to spend some more money or will the XD9 suffice?

Todd

Mountain lion attacks often come from stealth and can be lightning fast. If you get a chance to hit the lion, you better take him down pronto or you may never get another shot. I would want to put him down with a .45 ACP.

My $.02.

kannibul · 09-25-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I am an archaeologist and sometimes have to search cliff overhangs for cultural materials. I have been in two that looked like they were probably mountain lion dens. One even had a fresh kill in it. I have never seen the actual lions themselves. I hope I never do, at least not at CLOSE range. However, the potential exists that I could one day turn the corner and come face to face with one.

Now, I realize that TYPICALLY the chances of a mountain lion attack are minimal. But, this is a special ssue since I am in THEIR territory. Late spring, when lions have cubs, I would think would be the most dangerous.

I presently have a XD9 Service model which I shoot very well. I could spend the money and buy a .357 revolver or a .45 ACP or ruger P345 (my favorites among those I have seen). However, I'm not sure that I really NEED to spend the money. Unlike a bear, I would think a mountain lion would probably turn tail if hit even once with a 9mm. But, I could be wrong about that.

So, what do you think? Do I need to spend some more money or will the XD9 suffice?

Todd

If you're just looking for a noisemaker just about for any semi-auto pistol round will do...

If you're taking a side arm, get a .44 magnum. Lots of bang, lots of fire, lots of power. Second to that, a 357 magnum.

Also, if you're going out hunting, remember the rule - use your pistol to get to your gun (rifle/shotgun).

xd4life · 09-25-2007, 01:49 PM

I would go with the .357 mag. I heard to many stories this year from guys that have been up bow hunting bear and have come across a couple Mtn Lions. I would not go with the .45 at all, I don't care if the lion is on my chest, i want him to stop and I am afraid the .45 is not gonna do it as well as the .357

Bree · 09-25-2007, 02:13 PM

Au contraire... I would much rather have 10 or 13 rounds in a semi-automatic .45 ACP versus the 150 pound cat than 5 or 6 rounds from a .357 mag wheel gun. You are much more likely to put shots 2 and 3 on target with the lower recoil of the .45 than the heavy thump of the .357 magnum.

You can put more, bigger, faster on the cat with the .45. You haven't got a lot of time and I don't want to waste time reloading a wheel gun or trying to recover from the heavy recoil.

The .45 ACP is more than capable of taking down a 150 pound cat. This isn't a 400 pound bear. But it is a quick and cunning foe.
My $.03

rogerxd45 · 09-25-2007, 02:17 PM

odds are you wont have a chance with a mountail lion but i would opt for bear spray

enfurno · 09-25-2007, 02:17 PM

Good point above.

I was going to say that if you do carry a 9mm just make you that you can pop off 6 or 7 rounds. I'd say 6 or 7 shots center mass on a bear might just be a decent deterrent. If you want to stop that sucker with a single blow, get a .44 mag.

Oh, and never run from a bear. They can outrun you with such ease it wouldn't even be worth your time. If you find yourself under an attack with no other option then fight back. This is proven to thwart an angry animal very often. Just give it all you have got and hope that they big guy will realize that this isn't an easy battle and head to some other place. Playing dead does not work, you'll just get yourself killed.

slugger6 · 09-25-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bree

Mountain lion attacks often come from stealth and can be lightning fast. If you get a chance to hit the lion, you better take him down pronto or you may never get another shot. I would want to put him down with a .45 ACP.

My $.02.

I agree with Bree. (Hey, that rhymes!)

Bree · 09-25-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slugger6

I agree with Bree. (Hey, that rhymes!)

You're a poet and don't know it!!

09-25-2007, 01:07 PM	#1
BoneDigger XDTalk Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 67	9mm as protection from mountain lions? I am an archaeologist and sometimes have to search cliff overhangs for cultural materials. I have been in two that looked like they were probably mountain lion dens. One even had a fresh kill in it. I have never seen the actual lions themselves. I hope I never do, at least not at CLOSE range. However, the potential exists that I could one day turn the corner and come face to face with one. Now, I realize that TYPICALLY the chances of a mountain lion attack are minimal. But, this is a special ssue since I am in THEIR territory. Late spring, when lions have cubs, I would think would be the most dangerous. I presently have a XD9 Service model which I shoot very well. I could spend the money and buy a .357 revolver or a .45 ACP or ruger P345 (my favorites among those I have seen). However, I'm not sure that I really NEED to spend the money. Unlike a bear, I would think a mountain lion would probably turn tail if hit even once with a 9mm. But, I could be wrong about that. So, what do you think? Do I need to spend some more money or will the XD9 suffice? Todd

09-25-2007, 01:10 PM	#2
robinsre XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 2,689	Buy .357 magnum at the minimum. 9mm is acceptable against two legged foes, but with an angry mountain lion you want something with some real punch to it. .357 magnum will probably work as long as you're not running into any bears .44 magnum is preferable. Edited for stupid phrasing error! D'oh! No many charging cats will continue to charge after struck, especially in defense of their young. It really depends on the personality of the animal, but if I were you I wouldn't want to take that chance. Because of the thicker hide on wild animals I'd opt for a faster moving round, even if it is a bit smaller. I.E I'd take a .357 mag into the forest before I'd take a .45 auto. __________________ Zeroth law of thermodynamics : If you have 1 six pack of beer and your neighbor brings 4 beers over, you will each end up drinking only 5 beers. First law of thermodynamics : There's no such thing as a free beer. Second law of thermodynamics : Even if there was such thing as a free beer, you couldn't drink it all anyway. Third law of thermodynamics : The colder it gets, the less beer you will have. Last edited by robinsre : 09-25-2007 at 01:13 PM.

09-25-2007, 01:49 PM	#5
xd4life XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Back in HOTLANTA Posts: 2,251	I would go with the .357 mag. I heard to many stories this year from guys that have been up bow hunting bear and have come across a couple Mtn Lions. I would not go with the .45 at all, I don't care if the lion is on my chest, i want him to stop and I am afraid the .45 is not gonna do it as well as the .357 __________________ "A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well." Rick Hebert "The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities.... It is best to win without fighting." Sun-tzu 300 B.C Bob Barr FOR PRESIDENT

09-25-2007, 02:13 PM	#6
Bree XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 3,053 Blog Entries: 5	Au contraire... I would much rather have 10 or 13 rounds in a semi-automatic .45 ACP versus the 150 pound cat than 5 or 6 rounds from a .357 mag wheel gun. You are much more likely to put shots 2 and 3 on target with the lower recoil of the .45 than the heavy thump of the .357 magnum. You can put more, bigger, faster on the cat with the .45. You haven't got a lot of time and I don't want to waste time reloading a wheel gun or trying to recover from the heavy recoil. The .45 ACP is more than capable of taking down a 150 pound cat. This isn't a 400 pound bear. But it is a quick and cunning foe. My $.03 __________________ Shoot Straight and Ride Safe! Bree XD .45 Compact -- Ruger SP-101 .357 Mag. -- Keltec P3AT .380 Rock River Arms 20" Varmint A4 AR-15 w/4-16x56mm MilDot Ruger 10/22 Black Stainless Mossberg 590 Mariner 12 Ga w/Knoxx SpecOps Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide Patriot Guard Rider Iron Butt Association Member The 60's Can't Die As Long As I Won't Leave Them!! I support McCain-Palin with CA$H!

09-25-2007, 02:17 PM	#8
enfurno XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 891	Good point above. I was going to say that if you do carry a 9mm just make you that you can pop off 6 or 7 rounds. I'd say 6 or 7 shots center mass on a bear might just be a decent deterrent. If you want to stop that sucker with a single blow, get a .44 mag. Oh, and never run from a bear. They can outrun you with such ease it wouldn't even be worth your time. If you find yourself under an attack with no other option then fight back. This is proven to thwart an angry animal very often. Just give it all you have got and hope that they big guy will realize that this isn't an easy battle and head to some other place. Playing dead does not work, you'll just get yourself killed. __________________ XD9 Service model Owner/Operator Net Presence, Inc. Last edited by enfurno : 09-25-2007 at 02:20 PM.

09-25-2007, 02:17 PM	#7
rogerxd45 XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: boise ID (its boy-see, not boy-z) Posts: 3,592	odds are you wont have a chance with a mountail lion but i would opt for bear spray

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