[at-l] trekking w gun on AT

[David Addleton]

Exactly what fears/risks will a gun ameliorate when trekking the AT?
Attack by bear, coyotes, cats, dogs, snakes, woodpeckers, wolves, elk,
moose, mice, fellow humans?
Whats the weight to risk/fear amelioration ratio for each gun option? Cost?
I've hiked with many who know guns well, legally own and operate them,
and most of them can't justify hauling them even for a short,
overnight trip, much less a trek, and simply won't carry them.
OTOH, I've hiked w, seen, or known of, people who haul a gun, a cast
iron skillet, a glass bottle of wine, scotch, aluminum cans of beer
and sardines, books, binoculars, video cameras, cross bows, knives,
saws, hatchets, axes, adzes, steel shovels, tank w 20 gallons of water
on wheels, telescopes, chairs, ice box w ice . . .
OTOH there are dirt baggers who refuse to carry sleeping bag, shelter,
food, or water . . .

so, if i carry a gun, which one should I carry? how much ammo? what
tools, supplies to maintain it? What does your recommended gun weigh w
ammo and tools and supplies? How do you recommend I carry it so as to
be able to use it as intended to meet any of the risks/fears it's
supposed to address on my trek? which fears/risks does the recommended
gun address and which ones does it not address?