Seeking advice for buying son a handgun for camping.

Where is he camping? Concerned about wildlife or people. Outside of being in Grizzly country I think a 9mm would be fine. I carry a Sig 365 XL when I backpack/hike alone.

If weight isn't an issue, a GP100 in .357 mag would be a solid choice. Sturdy, reliable, and is effective against almost anything in North America. He could also use .38 special rounds for smaller stuff.

I have a GP100 in .357 mag and using it as my sidearm when I'm hunting as well as my personal protection when I go on long remote canoeing/hiking trips.

Eta: bbvdd beat me to it.

Ruger 10/22 rifle

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I’d think I’d prefer a revolver.

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I would go with a revolver too. More reliable in poor field conditions.

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More reliable in poor field conditions.

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I can't believe people still believe this nonsense

He’ll be camping fairly locally, couple hundred miles away from SE LA. Primarily I’m looking for human self defense for him.
Great suggestions, any good sales running now, even with shortages being prevelant?

If you're worried about humans, a polymer framed semi auto with a light is your best bet. Look into a chest rig holster if he's got a backpack with a hip belt.

Also, make sure he's aware of the carry laws for where he's going as well as any state he's passing through.

2 legged predators, glock 19

4 legged predators, glock 20 or 29

If size and weight are not an issue, any of the usual truck or home self defense full sized guns would be fine: Glock 17, S&W M&P series, Springfield XD, Ruger, etc. I'd go w/ striker action. If he's comfortable learning it, a 1911 is always a good choice. If weight and size are a consideration, I'd look at the usual concealed carry guns: Glock 19. Glock 43, SA XDS, Kahr CW9/CM9, Ruger LC9, S&W Shield, etc. Again, a small 1911 type guns (Kimber Micro 9 and Sig 938) would be good, as well). A double action revolver is always a good choice. For semi-auto, I'd get a 9mm. In a revolver, I'd go w/ 367 Mag. 10mm would be good, but has more recoil than's needed for the most common potential offender, 2 legged vermin. Even a revolver should be comfortable w/ an outside the waistband holster if such a holster is compatible w/ his backpack.

Of course, if he wants to carry in his front pocket, that expands the field to include a bunch of small 380's and a few 9mm's.

IMO, you should begin this with how he’s going to carry, then pick the firearm. I’d start with a Kenai chest rig, then think about how much he wants to carry with his load.