Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Gary]
#84469
03/09/2011 6:49 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
I love to hunt wild pigs and have had my fair share of low growls while walking out of the woods after dark. I have been known to carry a 4 D Mag light and I still have a problem seeing them. However, that light really does help discourage them.
All that being said, I carry my SBH in 44mag with a 4 5/8ths barrel.
I have thought about not carrying it when I am hunting with my SRH in 44 or 480, but they are both scoped. When I am going to need an “oh crap” for backup I want an iron sighted great handling backup.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: pab1]
#84478
03/09/2011 9:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765
wheelguns
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765 |
Mig Rod, technically the middle of town is bear country here since we get bear and lions in town every now and then. The bears don't get quite that big around these parts, but heres an article about an 830# griz that was hit by a vehicle near here not too long ago. Still plenty big! Hey Pab1 speaking of Grizzly. This year while hunting with my Dad we can across Grizzly Bear tracks. They were down at the creek bottom were we where hunting whitetail. I shot a little buck and on the way out talked with the Game Warden. He said they had two sightings of Grizzlys in the area. I think i,m going to start packing my 44 with me during bow season.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#84479
03/09/2011 9:57 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 259
7P's
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 259 |
If a 200-lb black bear decides you are going to be his lunch, you had better shoot straight, cuz he's a whole lot more than any man is capable of handling -- let alone 800 + pounds of bear...... Have to concur with that statement just might add "shoot damn fast and straight", as those puppies are realll fast when on a "mission". As to the OP question - If my main sidearm would ever go down, I'd be SOL.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: 7P's]
#84482
03/09/2011 10:08 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 605
bfr4570
addict
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addict
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 605 |
I carry a Springfield XDM40. I a single shot and 16 shots cant get it down. Im in for it. Use to Carry a SBH 454 shorty Alaskin. Just hated shooting it so it sold.
THIS SPACE FOR RENT CASH ONLY.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: wheelguns]
#84510
03/10/2011 6:03 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
Hey Pab1 speaking of Grizzly. This year while hunting with my Dad we can across Grizzly Bear tracks. They were down at the creek bottom were we where hunting whitetail. I shot a little buck and on the way out talked with the Game Warden. He said they had two sightings of Grizzlys in the area. I think i,m going to start packing my 44 with me during bow season. I know what you mean. I have been coming across bear droppings close to soda can size in the area I usually hunt in. I have seen a couple decent sized black bear in the area but none that I believe would have left these.
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: pab1]
#84530
03/10/2011 4:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293
Muddy
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293 |
I have read all the replies with interest. I have always hunted with open sighted handguns and never have felt a need to carry two of them. This fall I am going on my first black bear hunt, and have pretty much decided to use a FA Mod 83 454 with a Jpoint red dot sight. I have this "thing" about trusting anything electronic, so I am planning to have a back up hand gun. I am not thinking so much in terms of saving my hide as I am having that ONE shot and the battery is dead, or something goes wrong and that little red dot is not there. I cannot seem to make up my mind on what to carry in case that happens. I have it narrowed down somewhat to:
1. 4" model 29 2. 5.5" Redhawk 45 3. 5.5" #5 Ruger 44 special 4. 5.5" FA mod 97 44 special
The specials if used would be loaded with 260 gr hard cast at 1200 fps. The Model 29 probably the same. If using the 45, a heavier bullet same velocity.
Decisions... decicisons.
Last edited by Muddy; 03/10/2011 7:37 PM.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Muddy]
#84534
03/10/2011 6:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
At least you have some very nice choices!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#84539
03/10/2011 7:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293
Muddy
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293 |
At least you have some very nice choices! Thanks...too many choices if you asked my wife.
I am trying to pick one that has a front sight I can see well in low light, and these all have that covered.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Muddy]
#84542
03/10/2011 10:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
At least you have some very nice choices! Thanks...too many choices if you asked my wife.
I am trying to pick one that has a front sight I can see well in low light, and these all have that covered.
Ah yes, a question best not asked! LOL!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#84550
03/11/2011 1:37 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276
cfish2
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276 |
For me its the 480 taurus raging bull. Last year the kids and I were hunting on our club. I often will walk the trails during the mid day hours quietly as possible. HAd the kids with me when we cut fresh set of tracks as in just a few minutes before we rounded the corner of the trail. We proceeded down the trail and cut the tracks again. It was a sow and a cub. So I told the kids enough of this we are headed back to the truck. Came back around the turn in the trail 300 yards from the truck and guess what. Same pair of tracks now going the same direction as us and they were over top of our tracks. Thats when the contender went into my daughters hand, son had his 30-30 and I un holstered the 480. Never did see the bear that day but the land owner friend of mine set his trail cam up and took several nice photos of a sow and cub. The Wildlife biologist estimated her weight at just under 600lbs. Squirrel guns be damned!
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: cfish2]
#84552
03/11/2011 2:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#84554
03/11/2011 3:02 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241
Grendel
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241 |
6" S&W model 28 "Highway Patrolman". Ain't big, but it's accurate!
"Aim small, miss small"
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Grendel]
#84557
03/11/2011 3:35 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
H2OBUG
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434 |
Got a few 28's very under rated gun I think.
with 158's or 180's it can be a real goood sidearm.
Note it was #2 behind the 625
If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: H2OBUG]
#84562
03/11/2011 4:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 80
WheelchairBandit
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 80 |
I have carried both a 4 inch S&W Model 63 and a 5.5 inch Ruger SSM in 32 Magnum as hip guns while hunting. They're mainly used to shoot gray squirrels while headed back to camp.
Brian.
Smokey,this is not 'Nam.This is bowling.There are rules.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#84576
03/11/2011 6:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122
Infantryhammer
member
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member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122 |
The load its self is not hot at all for a FA or Ruger. A lot of people freak out when I shoot it in a Smith & Wesson model 25
Aut Pax Aut Bellum
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Infantryhammer]
#85374
03/26/2011 3:33 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 51
Single Six
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 51 |
'round here, don't have to worry 'bout bears n'such, just 2 legged coyotes...and whatever else might pop up. I like to have several big fat rounds ready to rock and roll.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Single Six]
#85385
03/26/2011 2:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 430
HoggHunter
addict
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addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 430 |
I like revolvers in 44mag. following Taffin's lead, i like the 300 xtp loaded in front of stout loads of 296, and crimped in the second cannelure, which limits me to redhawks and blackhawks, when light is a factor, the easily changed front sight on the redhawk gives me the option of a fiberoptic front sight which is sweet with the ORH rear aperature sight, but like what has been mentioned, carrying extra freight in the morning, you have to carry it all day, if my single shots let me down, i would swap out to something more reliable,and carry a second hand gun that was intended for something different-ssm in 32 h&rmag or kimber with the 22 conversion kit- or bearcat or.....
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: HoggHunter]
#85544
03/29/2011 3:16 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
briarhopper
addict
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addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486 |
Ruger NMSBH in .44mag with 4 5/8 bbl shooting 310 grn Buffalo Bore Hard Cast. My main hunting rig, a scoped SBH original 3-screw without modification, is fed the exact same diet.
Bear, angry momma moose, or a crackhead with poor judgement, It's always the same gun, it's always the same POA. My Daddy told me when I was just a button, "Beware the man that shoots one gun, son, for he invariably shoots it well.".
If it were supposed to be easy, they'd have sent my little sister to do it.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: briarhopper]
#85548
03/29/2011 10:55 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
My Daddy told me when I was just a button, "Beware the man that shoots one gun, son, for he invariably shoots it well.".
Words of wisdom!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#85572
03/29/2011 8:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280
Sawfish
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280 |
In a way, backup guns are a lot like cameras, the best one is the one that you have with you. If it is too big, you will not carry it as much, and will probably miss the "perfect shot". I usually carry a 4" Model 66 Smith (.357 Mag) with the old 168 gr. Keith bullet. If there are unfriendly residents with large teeth in the area, I will have my 3" Lew Horton 629.
Good Shooting Makes Good Hunting Patron Member NRA; Life Member RMEF, SCI, NSRPA, CRPA: Member, FTRF, HHI #7108, CBA
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Sawfish]
#85573
03/29/2011 8:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
That's a really nice piece, Sawfish!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#85627
03/30/2011 6:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280
Sawfish
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280 |
Good Shooting Makes Good Hunting Patron Member NRA; Life Member RMEF, SCI, NSRPA, CRPA: Member, FTRF, HHI #7108, CBA
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Sawfish]
#85632
03/30/2011 9:46 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 174
460Encore
member
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member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 174 |
45 Colt 4 inch barrel Ruger Redhawk
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: 460Encore]
#85639
03/30/2011 11:12 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556 |
4 5/8 blackhawk .45 colt or 5 1/2 in bisley .45 colt
junebug
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Single Six]
#85664
03/31/2011 3:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 694
430man
addict
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addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 694 |
'round here, don't have to worry 'bout bears n'such, just 2 legged coyotes...and whatever else might pop up. I like to have several big fat rounds ready to rock and roll. ANY gun is best but this shows how important it is to have the best for a real vicious animal. Whitworth has a lot of real mean chipmunks. I just ended a problem with a coon that would tear up bird feeders. I set a live trap and he would set off the door by going to the back to roll out the food. Three times and he got the food. I got my plastic recycling bin, turned it on it's side and put the back of the trap in it. I caught him this morning, a real old one. A shot to the head with a .22 pistol and he took a long time to die. I would not like to have it loose at the time. This guy had gone into the barn and tore up bags of chicken food and caused all kinds of damage. He has cost us a lot of money. The ground was torn up under the trap and he even yanked the handle off. I tried to pick the trap up and he tried to bite me. I smacked him in the nose a few times. I really needed the .500!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: 430man]
#85668
03/31/2011 5:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
You need a minumum of a .475 on chipmunks......
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: mig rod]
#85677
03/31/2011 11:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,212
Bullelk Hunter
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,212 |
My new Ruger Black hawk .44 Special!!
BullElk Hunter (Gerry)HHI #2933 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send and who will go for us? And I said: Here am I, send me!(Is. 6:8)
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: mig rod]
#86108
04/12/2011 1:09 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 34
azbearhuntr
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 34 |
I usually carry a stainless S&W 1911 with good ol' 230 grain jacketed bullets or Corbon DPX's, it has an allow frame so its light and points naturally for me. I live in Arizona so the mountain lions, black bears, and "aliens" are what I need to be protected from. I am a wheel gun fan but around these parts the 2 legged variety is more scary and prevalent and since I use the 1911 in IDPA style competitions it's what I'm fastest and most comfortable with.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: azbearhuntr]
#86168
04/13/2011 10:32 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650
wheeler45
addict
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addict
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650 |
For defense against two-legged predators, I carry a Wilson Combat custom M1911 A1.45. Speer 230 grain Gold Dots should be sufficient.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: wheeler45]
#86170
04/14/2011 1:13 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
For defense against two-legged predators, I carry a Wilson Combat custom M1911 A1.45. Speer 230 grain Gold Dots should be sufficient. I would think!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Whitworth]
#86198
04/14/2011 6:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 49
temmi
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 49 |
45 Colt 5.5 inch barrel Ruger Blackhawk
or
Ruger Super RedHawk 480 Ruger
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: mig rod]
#87084
05/06/2011 8:40 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9
TimBob
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9 |
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: cfish2]
#87085
05/06/2011 8:44 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 169
WNY_Whitetailer
member
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member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 169 |
Handgun hunt with my Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in 44 mag...My backup is my Glock 27 in 40S&W...
Patience comes with age and you can't teach common sense
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: WNY_Whitetailer]
#87112
05/07/2011 2:00 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 626
tracker77
addict
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addict
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 626 |
Ruger SBH for a main hunting rig. Springfield compact .45acp for when I may incounter predators of the two leg kind. Browning Buckmark for woods runnin. Black bears and ferral hogs are the biggest things in the woods here.
Do not take your greatness to the graveyard!!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: tracker77]
#87125
05/07/2011 5:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122
Infantryhammer
member
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member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122 |
Earlier I posted I carry my S/S 5.5" Bisley 45 Colt just about everywhere I go. Recently, I fell in love with my new Ruger flat top 4.625" Bisley in 44 Special. This is my new everyday gun, it is so easy to carry it is unbelievable.
Aut Pax Aut Bellum
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Infantryhammer]
#87197
05/09/2011 8:25 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24
TomG
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24 |
Been considering a camping/hiking trip to Arkansas' Ozark National Forest next September. Supposed to be a few black bears and feral hogs in the area, right? Present handgun choices .357 mag Ruger Speed Six (good for packin' and hiking) or a 7 1/2 inch .44 mag Redhawk (darn long and heavy). Will the .357 mag git-r-done?
It's all good: handgun, rifle and bow.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: TomG]
#87201
05/09/2011 11:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Stoked up right, the 357 will do fine.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: s4s4u]
#87204
05/10/2011 12:41 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122
Infantryhammer
member
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member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122 |
Take the 357, 158 gr pills will handle just about anything you shoot at.
Aut Pax Aut Bellum
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: Infantryhammer]
#87208
05/10/2011 2:23 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 626
tracker77
addict
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addict
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 626 |
Living in Arkansas i can say that a big boar hog is in the 200lbs range. Most of them that I have taken here have been between 80-150lb range. There are some large hogs (north of 300lbs) but they are not common here.
According to two biologist friends of mine the average bear weights are between 300-400lbs. There are some larger than that here but thats an average. Having no desire to kill a bear I didnt know much about them other than where they are mostly at in the state.
For me I like the versatility of the .44mag but you should be fine with the earlier statement by infantryhammer of 158gr payloads. They served me well in the past. Just make sure that you carry in the open if you dont have a CCW license from a state that has restiprosity with ours. If your unsure I know some people here who I can ask if your states CCW is honored here or not. The National Forest falls under federal guidelines but AGFC does patrol there and they tend to follow the state regs more than federal regs.
Do not take your greatness to the graveyard!!
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Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun?
[Re: tracker77]
#87209
05/10/2011 2:39 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
Arkansas does honor nebraska's ccw permits. A very good source for concealed carry info is: http://www.carryconcealed.net.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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