Well guys, the new area in Idaho that I'm moving to, in a few days, is known to have a healthy wolf population. As I spend alot of time in the outdoors, with gun, dog, and camera, I felt like I needed a little security. So I found a new Springfield Armory 45 ACP on sale that looked like it would fullfill my needs for something to carry in the woods. It is the Tactical Model with the 5" barrel. Now what really gripes me is they have to call it a Tactical just because it has a 5" barrel. The term Tactical just seems a little overused sometimes. Anyways, I bought it. Anyone have any experience with the Springfield Armory XD's? I will eventually reload for it, and hoping with some practice be able to shoot it have way straight.

I've shot a buddy's XD in .45 Auto some and really liked it. Good ergonomics.

Got a Tactical .40 and a Duty 9mm ........Great guns !!!

Have some experience shooting the Tactical .45 as well.

Our Government won't allow us to have these...they are "KILLERS" guns.

I know the .45 is a good man stopper, but I am unsure as to their viability as a wolf stopper. I think I would be tempted to go for something with a bit more oomph like a .44 Magnum revolver or even a 454 Casull revolver. The auto will give you more shots, but it isn't hard or slow to reload a revolver using speed loaders, which should even up the odds a bit. Keep the .45 as a CCW gun and carry something with more power in the bush.

Just my gut feeling and 2c worth Moose.

Cheers, Vince

since wolfs often run in packs, I like the idea of hi-capacity.

slimjim wrote:

since wolfs often run in packs, I like the idea of hi-capacity.

True mate, but aren't wolves cannibalistic? Shoot one and the rest will turn on it? I just feel that a 44 Magnum would be more useful than a .45 against something like a wolf. Having said that, I have no personal experience with wolves and am really only basing my idea on what I have seen in videos and read about about wolves. I have fired both on the range (full house loads) and there is no question about the power of the .44 Magnum over a longer distance than the .45 ACP.

That's not to say the .45 is useless...far from it, just not the right calibre in this instance I feel.

Cheers, Vince

.44 Magnum or .45 Colt both give a great deal of peace of mind, but the old .45 ACP is, and has been, a renowned man-stopper since its inception...and much of that with old-fashioned hardball. With today's ammunition (notably Hornady's Critical Defense) coupled with the higher capacity of the auto I wouldn't necessarily feel under-gunned with the .45 ACP for defense against anything up to bears in size. However, when it comes to the value of your epidermis, opt for the biggest you feel comfortable with!

You cant go wrong with a 45, or 10mm. I love my Glock 20SF.

The 45 against a large wolf is a good bet for the man carrying the 45. They are not canibalistic and actually grieve their dead (members of the same pack). Generally if you run into a pack of wolves they will be going away and not advancing on you. The biggest chance is that you will never see them as they will see you long before and make a tactical retreat.
They just don't like people much.
If you do happen to run into even a lone wolf - DON'T RUN! that will trigger their hunting responce and they can be unrelenting in their pursuit of prey.
I have talked to a wolf that was watching me from just beyond the edge of a clearing once but he was after the deer I had shot and not me. I cleaned the animal and left what I wouldn't eat for the wolf but he waited until I was gone to get it - even with that food he was scared to come out of hiding.
If you run across a wolf that isn't afraid of you - shoot it - he is probably rabid. Report the attack to a game official and let them know where you left the carcass so they can test it. (or turn it in at the nearest ranger office).