Side Arms While In The Field

[The Savage Rabbit]

I completly agree that if you can't hit with a rifle you won't hit with a pistol. But I'm not talking about using the pistol instead of a rifle while hunting. I like to have a pistol with me while I'm creating a nice warm and tasty gut pile with my head down while my M1A or M77 Ultra Light lies on my pack 10' away. Or, what if I get slammed by a pig while crunching through thick scrub or tall grass and I go down one way and my rfile goes down the other way? I, unlike others, have not received any phliipino ninja hand to tusk combat training.

 

[arizona hunter]

Not while big game hunting or small game. They only time I carry a pistol in additon to a a rifle or shotgun is when calling coyotes-just in case I have a real up close opportunity to get one with a handgun.

 

[beastslayer]

A former co-worker said that he always have a side arm during hunting for that two-legged pig out there.

 

[easymoney]

Mr. Misser,
You are correct as always. I was refering to my hunts in Oregon, it was for self protection. Here in Kalifornia it is still illegal to carry while bow hunting...
Although many of my friends carry sidearms while muzzleloading for pigs...

 

[Franklin3]

try carrying your bow for backup during pistol season!

 

[ozstriker22]

Didn't have time to read the entire comments section... sorry if I duplicate.

I have decided that it doesn't make sense to carry TWO "primary" class hunting weapons into the field at the same time. I have rifles and a Smith 629 Classic with a 5" barrel. If you're going to hunt with a handgun, why carry a rifle? If you're going to hunt with a rifle, why carry a handgun designed primarily for hunting, as a backup? If you're like me, you've already got enough gear strapped to your body!!!

I originally wanted a smith and wesson 1006 in 10mm, but it turns out they're no longer "Safe" for dealers to sell/import into ca. Since none of my local shops have any of them on consignment, that leaves the VERY OVERPRICED Kimber Custom II Target in 10mm, or the Glock in 10mm. The Desert Eagle in .44 is heavier than my 629. One could also carry a smith 610 in 10mm, or a .357 revolver. BUT you've got the same problem as a .44 it's still rather large and bulky. Of course, there are the Wesson airlite .44's and Wesson airlite .357's - but they're in the $600 to $800+ range, have short barrels (reducing velocity) and I imagine they're not too fun to practice with without developing a flinch.

Sooooo I have been bidding on G20's, online, for exactly 1 month and 3 days. I'm looking for a good deal on a used Glock, as they put 10's of thousands of rounds through glocks, and all you have to do is replace the barrel ($80-$150) and a $10 spring and they're as accruate as ever.

They also sell a 6" hunting barrel for the g20 (the minimum length in many states) increasing velocity a smidge. You've got the best of both worlds, lightweight, compact, and POWERFUL

You can compare a 10mm to a .41 - but it's really not quite at that level. It's close, though. However, it is almost EXACTLY the same as a .357 balistically. And if you handload... I'm sure you could put a stronger return spring in there and kick it up a few notches...!!!

Interesting enough, I originally wanted a Sig P226 in .40... but I was talked out of it by two different hunters/gun dealers who both sell Sig's. They both agreed that both a .40, and also a .45, move too slowly for full penetration of vitals on a large boar. One of the guys grew up in TX and has killed a great number of Hogs. Interesting enough, a jacketed 9mm WILL punch through the skin and grissle due to it's smaller diameter, and higher velocity. BUT the 9mm lacks the weight for FULL penetration. Where does that leave us? .357Magnum, 10mm and up.


P.s. I've come to the decision that the ultimate handgun for HUNTING is the new 460xvr Smith and Wesson. The 460 is the single fastest handgun bullet - 2200 fps 230gr bullet. It can also shoot the 454 cassull if you want a slow moving 400gr slug, and for practice it shoots 45LC. Again, if you're going to hunt with a handgun INSTEAD of a rifle, buy the baddest one out there.

Jesse

 

[XDHUNTER]

BEASTSLAYER,

Where do you shoot combat or ipsc ? I'am a uspsa member and belong to two local club, i shoot almost every sat and sun at norco lopes canyon and revolber at piru and also a certifide range officer.if you shoot on one of those club lets squad together.

XD

 

[Jagermeister]

I like a second gun as a backup. It isn't likely, but what if your first weapon fails, for whatever reason? (It can fall, drop into the swamp or even can get lost. You can also run out of ammo etc.) The easiest second gun to take along is a handgun. The handgun with the simplest mechanism is not a semi auto pistol. The semi auto tends to be more sensitive to dirt and I like the simplicity of the revolver better, also for safety reasons. I would not want an auto mechanism in the field.

If you settle for a revolver, a good compromise is a .357 mag. I have no trouble keeping my SW 686 4" on my belt. I do not even feel that I have it when out in the woods. If I remember right, it's 32 ounces. I load it with Buffalo Bore's stout 180 grain ammo, pushing 1400fps/783 ft/lbs. I use it as a backup but I have used it as a primary gun too. It killed my first bear which was over 200 pounds and 30-40 yards out. The .357 did not do any better or worse than my buddies 6" barreled .44 mag on his bear.

Cheeers, George

 

[ducslayer]

One more option rabbit try useing work suspenders they will carry the xtra wieght of the pistol and can be found at most hardware stores under ten bucks.

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

My son tried to finish a downed 200 lb boar with a .45 Auto 230 grain full metal jacket. One in the shoulder from 10 feet. Just pissed the hog off. Finished it with his 7 mm 08 instead. Later, we found the .45 Auto slug under the shoulder grissle but short of the body cavity -- nicely intact and deformed. Next time I'll lend him my .10 mm and tell him to shoot it behind the ear!

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

My son tried to finish a downed 200 lb boar with a .45 Auto 230 grain full metal jacket. One in the shoulder from 10 feet. Just pissed the hog off. Finished it with his 7 mm 08 instead. Later, we found the .45 Auto slug under the shoulder grissle but short of the body cavity -- nicely intact and deformed. Next time I'll lend him my .10 mm and tell him to shoot it behind the ear!

 

[larrysogla]

When I first started big game hunting in 1978, I carried a pistol. That lasted just the first hunting trip. The weight of the pistol and the cumbersome feel of so much clunk and junk soon made me a rifle only hunter. The backpack or hunting vest carries water, compass, rain poncho, spare ammo, etc. etc. That alone amounts to some weight penalty. However, camping in the boonies far away from those designated campgrounds, there is a 2 legged rat killer tucked inside the sleeping bag. Hopefully, that 4" barreled .44 Mag. Ruger Redhawk loaded with full power 240 grn. soft points instead of hollow points(I want penetration, a .44 bullet is already expanded)will deter an aggressive black bear, a hungry mountain lion or a 2 legged rat from further mischief. 'Nuff said.

 

[canadagoose]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ozstriker22 @ May 26 2006, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Interesting enough, I originally wanted a Sig P226 in .40... but I was talked out of it by two different hunters/gun dealers who both sell Sig's. They both agreed that both a .40, and also a .45, move too slowly for full penetration of vitals on a large boar. One of the guys grew up in TX and has killed a great number of Hogs. Interesting enough, a jacketed 9mm WILL punch through the skin and grissle due to it's smaller diameter, and higher velocity. BUT the 9mm lacks the weight for FULL penetration. Where does that leave us? .357Magnum, 10mm and up.
Jesse[/b]

So how does the toughness of a hog compare to 2x4s? I took a buddy to the range the other weekend to shoot my .40 S&W amongst other things. Turns out he's a pretty bad shot and had a hard time hitting the targets at 25 yards, but his wild shots punched nice holes through the 2x4 target stands. There was a slight funneling of the hole in the wood, but not much.

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

Nrifenbark was helping me put my rabbit logo on my posts. His computer probably still has my information saved. I don't wear glasses and am not that handsome. Neil, looks like it worked.

 

[gasdocwannabe]

I use a Glock 21 (.45 auto) as my back-up/finishing weapon. I use 230 grain rounds designed for two legged predators in it and have never had the same issue as mentioned above. Bang-done!If need be at all!

 

[beastslayer]

XDHUNTER,

My "combat" was in the 'ol country going more than 10 years ago where my co-workers are either former rebel hunter (chief security officer), heli (HR Manager) and fixed wing pilots (veteran of Mindanao conflict). We used to have our own range and have a full arsenal of M16s and company issued 9mm. But the pistol of choice was still 1911 45ACPs.

I bought my 45ACP and the holster here wanting to resume - yes, in Norco where I am a bit near in driving distance. And since I lost it in Tejon, I am dreaming and will start saving for a Colt Commander.

I will sure connect with you if you'll take me under your wings.

 

[XDHUNTER]

For me any polimer frame will do, i use my xd as my buck-up nothing to worry about scratch .

BEASTSLAYER.

Any time just let me know i'll let you use my xd 3 caliber 9,40 357sig one gun one mag.

 

[Neil San Diego]

The few times that I have carried a handgun in the field as a backup to a rifle, I carried it on a seperate belt, western style. That way it doesn't pull your pants down. I also carry it in a cross draw holster so that it doesn't interfer with the slung rifle.

Neil

 

[beastslayer]

XDHunter,

That's a very kind gesture.

I know, because our kind treat our guns better than our girlfriends - who are in turn better treated than the wife. And, we are not even from the South of our 'ol country (lol).

I might take you on that one.

VERY MANY THANKS.

Mon

 

[ozstriker22]

Well, my auction just closed on GunBroker.com... I'm soon to be the proud owner of a Glock20, has the 3 1/2lb trigger + the regular 5lb, millet adjustable sights, no holster wear, minimal slide wear, 3 magazines... paid $470 + sh&h

WOOO HOOO!!!

Jesse