Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
When Hunting, whats your backup gun? #84255 03/07/2011 5:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
mig rod Offline OP
member
OP Offline
member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
Most of you guys here hunt with big monster revolvers scoped and zeroed at over 100 yards.
Just wondering what you guys have packing as your backup gun.....in case things go horribly wrong.
Obviously a case of close encounters, so a scoped gun would be
useless.

Im on the hunt for some new guns,would love to hear what models you guys trust your lives with.


Boar Hunter
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84256 03/07/2011 5:57 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
H2OBUG Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
I use my model 625 S&W 45 colt most of the time--My 4" model 28 is used at times -- most of the time it is the 625 S&W


If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: H2OBUG] #84259 03/07/2011 6:25 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
I carry my 7 08 Encore for the long shots, and use my SBH 44mag 5.5inch for the close and fast opportunities. I really like this setup, because I can go scoped or not depending on the opportunity. I draw strong side for the revolver, and cross for the single shot. Got a deer with each this year. So I guess you could say my backup gun is also my primary hunting gun....kinda

MN

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: H2OBUG] #84260 03/07/2011 6:27 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
I have a few that I carry depending on my mood. One is a 6-inch Model 29, the other is a Redhawk in .454 Casull with 4-inch barrel, and if I am feeling rambunctious, my SRH in .500 Linebaugh with a 5-inch barrel (this revolver weighs less than my 6-inch Model 29).


Max Prasac

Semper Fidelis

BIG IRON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6aXjMH5C30

Gun Digest TV's Modern Shooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGo-KMpXPpA&t=7s

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Whitworth] #84265 03/07/2011 6:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765
wheelguns Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765
95% of my hunting, is hiking in several miles with backpack and when we get an animal down we bone it out and pack it out on our backs. So there is no way in heck i'm packing two guns.

But in the summer hiking into high mountain lakes and on the trail i take my S&W 29 mountain gun loaded with a 300 grn hardcasts.

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: wheelguns] #84266 03/07/2011 7:15 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276
cfish2 Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276
I usually hunt with my single shot pistols and my back up is either my SBH 44mag or my Taurus 480 6"barrel.


Life Member NAHC
HHI Member #7149
NRA Member
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84271 03/07/2011 7:40 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
I wear a 6" Bisley 45LC on a crossdraw at all times. When I need more range I sling my Striker or TC.


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: cfish2] #84272 03/07/2011 7:42 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650
wheeler45 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650
My main gun is a Contender 7-30 Waters. My short range gun is a 6 inch 629-1 .44 Magnum.


I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: wheeler45] #84275 03/07/2011 8:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie Offline
Distinguished Master
Offline
Distinguished Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
I don't hunt where dangerous game (4-legged) inhabits. Not an issue. I will likely have a Glock with me for 2-legged variety's.
I have another single-shot specialty handgun with me if I have something go wrong with the primary.
E


Ernie the Un-Tactical
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Ernie] #84279 03/07/2011 9:10 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
doc with a glock Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
Usually, a 3" S&W 29 with Lee 310 cast WFN, and a stiff load of H110. We have mountain lions, wolves, and an occasional griz.

Doc

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: doc with a glock] #84281 03/07/2011 9:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
 Originally Posted By: doc with a glock
Usually, a 3" S&W 29 with Lee 310 cast WFN, and a stiff load of H110. We have mountain lions, wolves, and an occasional griz.

Doc


Would that be a Lew Horton?


Max Prasac

Semper Fidelis

BIG IRON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6aXjMH5C30

Gun Digest TV's Modern Shooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGo-KMpXPpA&t=7s

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Whitworth] #84283 03/07/2011 9:31 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 43
countryrebel Offline
newbie
Offline
newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 43
I carry a glock for my backup.


Ruger SRH 44mag 7.5", Encore 223 12", Encore MGM260Rem 13", Ruger BH 357mag 4-5/8"
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: countryrebel] #84284 03/07/2011 9:39 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359
SChunter Offline
Shooting Expert
Offline
Shooting Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359
Depending on my quarry and the terrain/ranges encountered while hunting, I usually am carrying my unscoped 7.5" Casull or my new-to me 4 3/4" .500WE to support my scoped gun, or take advantage of a closer encounter.

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: doc with a glock] #84288 03/07/2011 10:04 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
I usually take a "back-up" scoped gun in case something happens to the primary one. If it is not my primary, the usual backup is my FA 41 mag revolver. I do not carry a second gun on me when I am hunting. No need for the extra weight & hassle where I hunt.

If I am carrying a belt gun when not armed with a primary hunting handgun, it is most often my FA M97 in 45 Colt.


It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: wtroper] #84289 03/07/2011 10:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary Offline
Distinguished Master
Offline
Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
I don't really carry a 2nd gun as a backup when I'm hunting. I do always have either my 44 or 454 4 3/4" FA on my belt. I will often use that gun as my primary gun even though I may have a 2nd scoped gun in my pack should the need arise for longer shooting.


You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Gary] #84294 03/07/2011 10:41 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
I don't encounter many dangerous in my stomp'n grounds, so I really don't carry a "back-up gun". However, I occasionally do what Gary just said or otherwise I'll have my Ruger Bearcat on my side.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: KRal] #84304 03/08/2011 12:09 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
doc with a glock Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
Whit,

The 29, 3" was not a Lew Horton. S&W made a small run some years ago. Picked it up from a Detroit cop and had Larry Kelly work his magic on it. I did my residency in Detroit, many years ago!

Doc

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: doc with a glock] #84307 03/08/2011 12:32 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818
sixshot Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818
Doc, you must be one heck of a man to shoot that 3" 29 with 310's & a heavy charge of H110, I think I'd rather take my chances with the grizzly!
Every once in a while I'll carry my scoped 10" 357 Ruger Maxie in my backpack, the grip sticks out of the pack so its handy if needed....but this doesn't happen very often. Usually just a belt gun.

Dick

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: doc with a glock] #84308 03/08/2011 12:34 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
Well I don't usually carry a back up just extra ammo.My main hunting piece whether its 44mag,45colt,or my borrowed 475L is all I count on.


"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84342 03/08/2011 9:53 AM
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 159
Roger in NC Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 159
Used to carry my Glock 36...now that bears have moved in I carry a 4" Redhawk in 45 Colt.

Last edited by Roger in NC; 03/08/2011 9:54 AM.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Roger in NC] #84365 03/08/2011 5:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,755
johnwilliams Offline
Shooting Master
Offline
Shooting Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,755
I don't have issues with dangerous game either but I carry a RB 6 1/2" .357 mag, iron sights, in case something happens with my bigger guns.


H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: doc with a glock] #84371 03/08/2011 5:43 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122
Infantryhammer Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122
I carry my S&W 25-7, 5", in 45 Colt. I know most people are going to recoil in horror over this load, but I keep it stocked with 300 gr XTP's @ 1100 FPS. So far this gun and load have killed everything I have shot at out to 90 yards.


Aut Pax Aut Bellum
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Infantryhammer] #84373 03/08/2011 5:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
 Originally Posted By: Infantryhammer
I carry my S&W 25-7, 5", in 45 Colt. I know most people are going to recoil in horror over this load, but I keep it stocked with 300 gr XTP's @ 1100 FPS. So far this gun and load have killed everything I have shot at out to 90 yards.


Why would anyone recoil in horror over your load? My .500 Linebaugh load only goes 1,100 fps at the barrel. Sounds reasonable to me.


Max Prasac

Semper Fidelis

BIG IRON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6aXjMH5C30

Gun Digest TV's Modern Shooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGo-KMpXPpA&t=7s

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: wheelguns] #84381 03/08/2011 6:21 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
Vance in AK. Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
 Originally Posted By: wheelguns
95% of my hunting, is hiking in several miles with backpack and when we get an animal down we bone it out and pack it out on our backs. So there is no way in heck i'm packing two guns.


When bow hunting I carry a Blackhawk in either 41 mag or 45 Colt (both are 4&5/8") with heavy for caliber hardcast bullets.
When hunting with my revolver (7.5" SRH in 480 with a 30mm UltraDot) I don't generally carry a backup gun for the same reasons Wheelguns mentions above.


Vance in AK.

Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84389 03/08/2011 7:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
In general, I think wtroper says it well for me: "I do not carry a second gun on me when I am hunting. No need for the extra weight & hassle where I hunt."

However, when horseback riding during the summer months, on mountain trails, I carry either my customized Ruger SBH or my S&W 329.

I load them with Black Hills (Red Box not Blue) 300 grainers which if I am not mistaken are 300 gr. XTP's, or Fowler's 255 gr. cast pushed by a stout charge of Unique.



On the rare occasion when I would decide to carry a back-up when using one of my single shot pistols, it would be one of these. Or possibly my FA 83 in .500 WE.







Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Gregg Richter] #84396 03/08/2011 8:53 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
mig rod Offline OP
member
OP Offline
member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
I was expecting a few 45, 1911 carriers, but wow. Not one, LOL, what did I expect with some hardcore Handgun hunters.
You guys have backup guns with loads that should make them
the primary guns of the average hunter LOL

Weird, no 10mm either.

Seems like the 45colt hot loaded is a very liked round.
And Smith Wesson revolvers get the nod.

Yes, im taking notes guys, taking notes.

As for the .500 WE shooters, dont think im man enough LOL

That is, yet, I havent shot one so couldnt tell ya. But
Im pretty sure I will stay away from that cartridge.
Too much BANG, and too much BUCKS.


Boar Hunter
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84399 03/08/2011 9:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1 Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
When I hunt with a revolver I don't carry a second gun. When I'm hunting with a single shot handgun, I pack my 4" Redhawk loaded with 320 gr hardcast bullets. For bear protection I always carry bear spray which would be my first choice if time allowed.


Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper


Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: pab1] #84401 03/08/2011 9:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie Offline
Distinguished Master
Offline
Distinguished Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
mig,
I rarely have an extra gun (sidearm) on me where I hunt.
If I am in an unknown area, or if I feel there is a possibility of safety issue (2-legged varmints), I choose my Glock over my 1911 because of weight and rounds in the mag-More a weight issue for me.


Ernie the Un-Tactical
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: pab1] #84403 03/08/2011 9:59 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
mig rod Offline OP
member
OP Offline
member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
Hey Pab

Yeah Ive heard good things of those Bear Sprays. Many hunters
carry them, unless its a really hungry bear or momma protecting
her cubs, it works really well.

But never venture in Bear territory without packing firepower.
These claws are meant for serious business.
This brute was killed in Alberta with 5 shots .338 rifle.
I found this pic in another forum.



Boar Hunter
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84404 03/08/2011 10:03 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
mig rod Offline OP
member
OP Offline
member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
Im with you on that Ernie
I love Glocks, carried a 26 with me for many
years in the urban jungle I grew up in.

I like the 20 for a huntin sidearm myself.
Two 10 round mags loaded with heavy 10mm loads
sounds like good protection to me


Boar Hunter
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84406 03/08/2011 10:15 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1 Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
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!


http://www.sportsmanhill.com/amazing-animal-pictures/monster-grizzly-hit-by-truck.html


Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper


Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: pab1] #84422 03/09/2011 12:45 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
mig rod Offline OP
member
OP Offline
member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
Hey Pab

Yes sir, thats plenty big for me too.
\:\)

800+ pounds of claws and fangs is nothing to take too lightly.

We get some Blackbears around here, but 300 pounds is considered
a biggun.
Here the only thing to worry about is snakes, big hogs, land locked gators, and the occasional feral dog. And the most
dangerous critter of them all, two legged crazies


Boar Hunter
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84424 03/09/2011 1:02 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 711
racksmasher Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 711
We don't have any dangerous game in this part of N.Y. I always carry 2 guns, a single shot and one of the following, glock 20, model 29 6" or my super redhawk. None of these guns have any optics on them.

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: racksmasher] #84425 03/09/2011 1:06 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 310
Snyd Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 310
My up close and personal "OH $41T" gun here in Alaska is a 4" Redhawk 45 Colt, 355gr WFN's at 1150 fps in a Simply Rugged pancake holster. Now converted to a 454 shooting 435gr at about 1100fps.




Last edited by Snyd; 03/09/2011 1:17 AM.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Snyd] #84427 03/09/2011 1:47 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
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......


Max Prasac

Semper Fidelis

BIG IRON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6aXjMH5C30

Gun Digest TV's Modern Shooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGo-KMpXPpA&t=7s

Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: Whitworth] #84446 03/09/2011 3:39 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
Awhile ago I carried a S&W 45Colt and even carried a Colt Defender in 45acp but these day`s I`ll have this S&W 22mag
loaded with solid bullets to finish off any animal that needs it


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: jamesfromjersey] #84447 03/09/2011 3:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
The last time I carried a big bore back up was when hunting in Alaska.....


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: jamesfromjersey] #84450 03/09/2011 4:48 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
mig rod Offline OP
member
OP Offline
member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
Thats a great looking 22mag James
Thats certainly is a useful round aitn it.
Light weight, packs a nice little punch at close
range, and the best part how fun it is to shoot.
Wish they made more guns in 22mag


Boar Hunter
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84451 03/09/2011 5:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 478
Pasco Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 478
When hunting in Alaska and South Africa with a single shot, I carried a .480 Super Redhawk. When hunting in the lower 48, a GP100 with solid cast works for me.


Don't confuse shooting with hunting.
Shooting is a game, hunting is a sport.
Re: When Hunting, whats your backup gun? [Re: mig rod] #84454 03/09/2011 11:52 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
 Originally Posted By: mig rod
Thats a great looking 22mag James
Thats certainly is a useful round aitn it.
Light weight, packs a nice little punch at close
range, and the best part how fun it is to shoot.
Wish they made more guns in 22mag


+ 1! Very nice piece, James!


Max Prasac

Semper Fidelis

BIG IRON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6aXjMH5C30

Gun Digest TV's Modern Shooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGo-KMpXPpA&t=7s

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Moderated by  Chance Weldon, Gary, Gregg Richter 

Newest Members
Redhawk41, Striker243, Sxviper, RobbieD, IRONMAN
9668 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
Who's Online Now
1 registered members (Okie Hunter), 23 guests, and 2 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3