Deer Hunting Sidearm

[xSARSx]

I carry a GLOCK 19 but it isn't really there for deer or most 4 legged critters. This is in So-Cal though.

lol i agree.. i carry either my 9mm or .45

[corcoraj2002]

I meant what sidearm do you carry "in addition too" a rifle? For both 2 and 4 legged creatures! Almost walked into a pot growers farm 2 years ago. You need more than a rifle for protection. I thought about my Glock 17 9mm, S&W 686 or even ???

Sorry about not being clear about this.

You were clear enough, you said sidearm. People here like to nitpick.

[Red Devil]

I meant what sidearm do you carry "in addition too" a rifle? For both 2 and 4 legged creatures! Almost walked into a pot growers farm 2 years ago. You need more than a rifle for protection. I thought about my Glock 17 9mm, S&W 686 or even ???

Sorry about not being clear about this.

Did I mention that I also started still-huntin' out West w/ my M1 Garand a few years ago...?

(sometimes... 9.5 lbs. is just about right for a huntin' rifle. )

[rgs1975]

You need more than a rifle for protection.

If entering into an armed conflict I'd much rather have a rifle for protection than a handgun.

[y3kspoo]

357 Ruger. I will Carry Magnum rounds or snake loads depending on just where I am tracking.

[Briancnelson]

If entering into an armed conflict I'd much rather have a rifle for protection than a handgun.

My hunting rifle is a bolt action .30-06. If I ran into an angry pot grower at short range by surprise, the last thing I'd want to be doing is trying to work my bolt, aim a full size rifle, and run the hell away at the same time if I were being shot at.

Mostly I'd want to be able to get off a decent volume of vaguely aimed suppressive return fire while I ran the way I came as fast as my short legs could carry me. He's probably going to be way better armed than I am for the average deer hunt. I'm not special forces, I'm a slightly pudgy lawyer. If I get surprised at such close range I can't possibly run, I'm going to be going for my pistol anyway, faster draw and aim and I can get more than one shot off quickly, unless my rifle is already in hand. (I normally carry it in a kifaru gun bearer, which may or may not be faster depending on the situation, but it's only giving me one shot either way before I have to work the bolt, and if he is bringing a pistol or semi auto rifle to bear on me I'd rather have the pistol).

So the OP's question has merit.

I carry my .40 with condor safe ammo most of the time, with an extra magazine.

If it were some sort of wild animal, particularly a bear, I'd rather have one or two shots with my 30-06 of course.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

You need more than a rifle for protection.

Ummm... I don't know if I agree with that. I don't know where you are hunting, but I am amazed if I run into anybody most of the time. And I know exactly what can be done with a hunting rifle. I have seen what my loads do to critters, large and small. It is far more than any handgun will ever do. The idea of dropping a perfectly good rifle to go for my sidearm doesn't make much sense. It is far easier to bring the gun I already have in my hands up to my shoulder. Yes, in all likelyhood I would need to work the bolt after the first shot. But so what? Believe it of not, people have actually used bolt guns in combat before. Heck, when it comes down to it, people have probably used MY bolt guns in combat before. I am not planning on getting into situations that I have to shoot my way out of. This is hunting, not urban combat.

-Mb

[CSACANNONEER]

I meant what sidearm do you carry "in addition too" a rifle? For both 2 and 4 legged creatures! Almost walked into a pot growers farm 2 years ago. You need more than a rifle for protection. I thought about my Glock 17 9mm, S&W 686 or even ???

Sorry about not being clear about this.

LMFAO, A handgun should only be used to fight your way back to the RIFLE that you never should have left. You are free to carry extra weight and feel macho or, you can listen to experienced hunters like Frank.

[Snapping Twig]

I carry a 3" S&W 629-2 that I had custom made just for the purpose.



You can set your rifle down for whatever reason, but a revolver in a crossdraw hoster is always there.

My rifle is the primary hunting tool, the revolver is something I always carry in the woods, hunting or not.

[AdiosKali]

Glock 20, 10mm.

[crash972]

Glock 20 but now I can run with the G29

[MIAMIbaseballer]

Glock 20.....

[24Sailor]

Answer is: if you want to run the dreaded 2 legged creatures out of your hunting territory get out there now and shoot the place up (LOTS OF NOISE) target practicing....its planting season now. After that I think you can leave the handgun at home on your hunt during harvest season....I may be wrong and I may be right....But right now I'm making a boatload of noise where I'm planning on hunting....Guess what...apparently it only spooks the game for a second (zero memory). Be prepared though if you do this where it's likely a cartel grow may be near....they shoot back.