Post by: Rob on April 24, 2013, 12:58:07 PM
Of the folks who carry a handgun in the woods:
1. What is your primary motivation for carry?
2. Have you ever needed it? (not as a nice to have, but actually NEEDED it as in, I would have been hurt, killed or otherwise in big trouble without it)
Not stiring the pot at all as I often carry a handgun while hiking. I have my reasons and will share, but don't want to taint the waters up front with my opinion.
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 01:05:31 PM
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on April 24, 2013, 01:09:12 PM
I dont worry about bears and Cougs are to fast. So I wouldent count on it there much.
Post by: Fishstiq on April 24, 2013, 01:13:45 PM
The way I see it, it's your responsibility. There's no 911, no good Samaritan, nothing. You are on your own, and should an emergency arise you have no one to blame but yourself if you are unprepared. Not just tweekers, but whatever may happen out there.
IMHO, it's like carrying a 1st aid kit or TP.
Post by: washelkhunter on April 24, 2013, 01:19:50 PM
I went for a hike once, wasn't carrying, and had a bad run in with a tweeker up near Wallace Falls. Never again.
The way I see it, it's your responsibility. There's no 911, no good Samaritan, nothing. You are on your own, and should an emergency arise you have no one to blame but yourself if you are unprepared. Not just tweekers, but whatever may happen out there.
IMHO, it's like carrying a 1st aid kit or TP.
:yeah:
When you encounter another person(s) in the woods and they see your carrying a sidearm they tend to not mess with you. It's hard to tell if you avoided "big trouble" in those situations, but certainly no doubt you did.
Post by: CP on April 24, 2013, 01:22:39 PM
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 01:23:01 PM
I went for a hike once, wasn't carrying, and had a bad run in with a tweeker up near Wallace Falls. Never again.Yup. Heard quite a few stories of stuff like that. Drug addicts, Weird people, Trail Robbers.
The way I see it, it's your responsibility. There's no 911, no good Samaritan, nothing. You are on your own, and should an emergency arise you have no one to blame but yourself if you are unprepared. Not just tweekers, but whatever may happen out there.
IMHO, it's like carrying a 1st aid kit or TP.
People 5-10 miles out on a trail. With weapons, guns, whatever... Wanting all your cool gear you spent lots of money on.
They will put a gun in your face and take everything you own at gunpoint. Or just with sheer numbers and intimidation.
Same reason I have multiple knives all over me, I wont be getting robbed unless Im knocked unconscious or killed.
Knife and Bear mace on my hip, Kydex/Knife on my shoulder/chest. My Cold Steel Pipe Hawk, on the back of my bag within quick reach. No gun for me though.
Post by: ghosthunter on April 24, 2013, 01:24:16 PM
#2 I carry a judge for grouse while hunting.
#3 I carry to have a signaling device in case I fall and do not have my long gun.
#4 I carry because i love guns and want as many on me as posible. :chuckle:
Post by: 724wd on April 24, 2013, 01:29:00 PM
Post by: adamR on April 24, 2013, 01:29:43 PM
Post by: Buckmark on April 24, 2013, 01:31:15 PM
I usually always carry but found that i want a smaller lighter gun so i wont leave it behind and always have it on me when in the woods etc.
So far other than some wild animals and one aggravated grouse i have never had to pull my weapon and hope i never do, but if needed i will feel better knowing it is available..even if just for my own piece of mind.
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 01:32:11 PM
# 1 I carry for self defense from people,animals and snakes.Just curious.. Whats a judge? Sounds like something Id want. :chuckle:
#2 I carry a judge for grouse while hunting.
#3 I carry to have a signaling device in case I fall and do not have my long gun.
#4 I carry because i love guns and want as many on me as posible. :chuckle:
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 01:32:48 PM
I live by the "Better to have and not need then to need and not have" rule.:lol4: Poor grouse.
I usually always carry but found that i want a smaller lighter gun so i wont leave it behind and always have it on me when in the woods etc.
So far other than some wild animals and one aggravated grouse i have never had to pull my weapon and hope i never do, but if needed i will feel better knowing it is available..even if just for my own piece of mind.
Post by: washelkhunter on April 24, 2013, 01:33:40 PM
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 01:46:52 PM
Have'nt heard of "trail robbers" before.Probably a good thing, Shouldn't be an issue doing back-country hiking/hunting. But me and my girl do allot of designated state recognized trails. I've read about this issue, and lots of car break ins. Which we all know about that one.
Post by: Widgeondeke on April 24, 2013, 01:48:46 PM
Unfortunately Smossy you can't have one. It is a revolver made by Taurus that shoots both 45LC and .410 shotshells. S&W has the governor# 1 I carry for self defense from people,animals and snakes.Just curious.. Whats a judge? Sounds like something Id want. :chuckle:
#2 I carry a judge for grouse while hunting.
#3 I carry to have a signaling device in case I fall and do not have my long gun.
#4 I carry because i love guns and want as many on me as posible. :chuckle:
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 01:52:41 PM
Figures, I knew it sounded like something Id want :chuckle:Unfortunately Smossy you can't have one. It is a revolver made by Taurus that shoots both 45LC and .410 shotshells. S&W has the governor# 1 I carry for self defense from people,animals and snakes.Just curious.. Whats a judge? Sounds like something Id want. :chuckle:
#2 I carry a judge for grouse while hunting.
#3 I carry to have a signaling device in case I fall and do not have my long gun.
#4 I carry because i love guns and want as many on me as posible. :chuckle:
Post by: Fishstiq on April 24, 2013, 01:57:18 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yNFJuTUXB4o# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yNFJuTUXB4o#)!
Fast forward to 1:40, look at the spread on that thing! :yike: :drool:
Post by: Buckmark on April 24, 2013, 01:59:09 PM
No poor me, the grouse lived. I was survying some property, and looking for a marker when all of a sudden it attacks me, runs right at me, wings out squaking, i about sheet my pants and thought i was gonna die (it was protecting a nest or young) my partner almost died from laughter...I live by the "Better to have and not need then to need and not have" rule.:lol4: Poor grouse.
I usually always carry but found that i want a smaller lighter gun so i wont leave it behind and always have it on me when in the woods etc.
So far other than some wild animals and one aggravated grouse i have never had to pull my weapon and hope i never do, but if needed i will feel better knowing it is available..even if just for my own piece of mind.
Post by: sirmissalot on April 24, 2013, 02:13:10 PM
Second is protection from predators, I just feel safer with a handgun at my hip if something were to pounce on my back or try and get me when I'm squatting down to lay an egg. Having shot a bear with a bow and tracking the blood through brush with nothing other than an arrow in hand, I told myself I'd never do it again.
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 02:14:56 PM
Judge...Thats impressive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yNFJuTUXB4o# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yNFJuTUXB4o#)!
Fast forward to 1:40, look at the spread on that thing! :yike: :drool:
Post by: Smossy on April 24, 2013, 02:16:19 PM
To be honest my number one is to put down an animal. I have had many times where an animal needs one more bullet and I hate cutting throats especially on a lively one. It originally started with a 22.Looks like Im in for some fun then :lol4: Going to make my hunting trips real interesting.
Second is protection from predators, I just feel safer with a handgun at my hip if something were to pounce on my back or try and get me when I'm squatting down to lay an egg. Having shot a bear with a bow and tracking the blood through brush with nothing other than an arrow in hand, I told myself I'd never do it again.
Post by: Becky on April 24, 2013, 02:28:48 PM
In case something/someone gets through Smossy. Also what Buckmark mentioned - "Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have."
2. Have you ever needed it? (not as a nice to have, but actually NEEDED it as in, I would have been hurt, killed or otherwise in big trouble without it)
Not yet, and I hope I never will :)
Post by: MadHatter on April 24, 2013, 03:03:20 PM
Just wondering...
Of the folks who carry a handgun in the woods:
1. What is your primary motivation for carry?
2. Have you ever needed it? (not as a nice to have, but actually NEEDED it as in, I would have been hurt, killed or otherwise in big trouble without it)
Not stiring the pot at all as I often carry a handgun while hiking. I have my reasons and will share, but don't want to taint the waters up front with my opinion.
1. In the woods my motivation is critters and people up to no good... Many times I have run into people out in the woods that kinda make your spidy senses start tingling... Seems the further out in the woods you run into people the worse things they tend to be up to... Unless its just another hiker/backpacker/hunter... But you usually know them as you come up on them... Run into several tweakers out in the woods, trust me...They don't look anything like someone enjoying the outdoors...
2. Needed it in the woods? No, but I was attacked in my own back yard a few years back by my neighbors dog and was forced to defend myself... Unfortunately the dog didn't make it out the other side of the fray...
Post by: arees on April 24, 2013, 03:04:46 PM
That thing throws one hell of a spread. I believe, but I'm not certain, that all the pellets landed in front of the shooter.
Good thing it wasn't something dangerous like a turkey.
Post by: love2archeryhunt on April 24, 2013, 03:18:41 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on April 24, 2013, 03:34:33 PM
i have not "needed" a gun in the woods, once in town.
Post by: jyerxa on April 24, 2013, 07:33:03 PM
Avoid that judge pistol. I have a friend that was nearly taken out by a grouse when he used that thing. He shot once and it just blinked at him. The gun jammed (yeah a revolver jammed) the grouse came towards him. He finally got a second shot off but the grouse kept coming. After the third shot it finally had enough and flew off.
That thing throws one hell of a spread. I believe, but I'm not certain, that all the pellets landed in front of the shooter.
Good thing it wasn't something dangerous like a turkey.
:lol4:
Never gave it a lot of thought before. But that spread could be wild crazy! Could even shoot you in the back side. :chuckle:
Post by: SevenD on April 24, 2013, 08:02:16 PM
Post by: Atroxus on April 24, 2013, 08:23:45 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on April 24, 2013, 08:35:41 PM
# 1 I carry for self defense from people,animals and snakes.Just curious.. Whats a judge? Sounds like something Id want. :chuckle:
#2 I carry a judge for grouse while hunting.
#3 I carry to have a signaling device in case I fall and do not have my long gun.
#4 I carry because i love guns and want as many on me as posible. :chuckle:
A judge is a revolver which shoots .410 shells and 45 colt in same cylinder. You can have both loaded at a time. Comes in 2 1/2 cylinder and 3 inch. One of the most popular handguns made.
Post by: ghosthunter on April 24, 2013, 08:46:59 PM
Avoid that judge pistol. I have a friend that was nearly taken out by a grouse when he used that thing. He shot once and it just blinked at him. The gun jammed (yeah a revolver jammed) the grouse came towards him. He finally got a second shot off but the grouse kept coming. After the third shot it finally had enough and flew off.
That thing throws one hell of a spread. I believe, but I'm not certain, that all the pellets landed in front of the shooter.
Good thing it wasn't something dangerous like a turkey.
:lol4:
Never gave it a lot of thought before. But that spread could be wild crazy! Could even shoot you in the back side. :chuckle:
I have heard that before but have never had a problem. Killed grouse out to 30 feet with it.
Like any gun some loads it just does,t like.
I have shot pretty much every .410 load out there. Including PDX.
I love mine so much I bought a Circuit Judge too.
Post by: jackelope on April 24, 2013, 09:09:08 PM
Post by: uplandhunter870 on April 24, 2013, 09:13:48 PM
have i ever really needed it? No, aside from dispatching a few buzzworms that were less than happy with my proximity to them although as a young teenager i was out quail hunting once and stumbled upon a grow site backed out of there and made a B line home sure was glad to have a 12ga with me then
Post by: brokenvet on April 24, 2013, 09:35:24 PM
I mainly carry a handgun when I hunt for defense against 2 legged predators.
:yeah:
Post by: fishngamereaper on April 24, 2013, 09:50:53 PM
Post by: bankwalker on April 24, 2013, 11:27:12 PM
Last spring I had to use it too. I was in some thick brush and thought I heard a deer take off. I came around a huge stump and 5ft in front of me was a bear, who was not happy I was there. It turned to me popping its teeth and growling and I instantly half drew my gun and shot 2 shots right through my holster. It wasn't very smart but it happened so fast I pulled the trigger before I could get the gun drawn completely.
Ruined my holster and got some blast marks on my jeans. But its a lot better than malled by a bear IMO.
Post by: lee on April 25, 2013, 06:37:58 AM
1. Motivation: Predators, both 2 and 4 legged.
2. Ever needed it: I have only "unholstered" once while in the woods. This was when tract'un a wounded bear through VERY thick brush. Never did find that barr'. :(
Lee
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on April 25, 2013, 06:59:17 AM
Is it really one of the most popular handguns made ??
It certainly has some of the worst reviews of any handgun made. Terrible patterning. Big, bulky and ugly as heck.
Post by: mountainman on April 25, 2013, 08:11:00 AM
Post by: Bookworm007 on April 25, 2013, 09:14:52 AM
I have never needed to use my gun in the woods except putting down one wounded animal. I have been stalked by animals in the woods and having a gun made me feel much more secure.
Also I hunt with a subaru so not all of us are gun-phobic
Post by: hillbilli on April 25, 2013, 09:27:48 AM
Post by: chuck270 on April 25, 2013, 11:04:11 AM
There are many reasons but the biggest one comes from an experience I had back when I was a teenager. We were on a late July pack trip and we had a pack horse take a roll down a steep hill and brake its back against a tree. The only thing we had with us to end its suffering was a double bit ax. Needless to say it would have been easier on all involved if we could have just put a round between its eyes.
Post by: lee on April 26, 2013, 07:14:08 AM
I always have a sidearm with me when I head out.
There are many reasons but the biggest one comes from an experience I had back when I was a teenager. We were on a late July pack trip and we had a pack horse take a roll down a steep hill and brake its back against a tree. The only thing we had with us to end its suffering was a double bit ax. Needless to say it would have been easier on all involved if we could have just put a round between its eyes.
:yike: :yike: :yike: :yike: :yike:
Post by: ing on April 26, 2013, 08:00:05 AM
Have I ever needed it: You bet! For grouse, coyotes, pine cones, etc.
Post by: Fisherdave10 on April 26, 2013, 01:04:40 PM
I have never had to actually use my handgun, but I have drawn once while on a hunting trip.
Okay... now the story: A couple of Octobers ago I was invited to hunt with a family friend. He drew a big horned sheep tag in the Tieton B(?) area. It was getting dark and we finishing up looking around the area for the day. We were somewhere above Bear Canyon and we wanted to see if we could drive down into it or somewhere nearby. Eventually, it was pitch black and I was alone after running about 1/4" down a steep hill to see where the ugly, muddy hill was going to.
A day or two earlier, a Muzzleloader Elk hunter told us about how there are bear and cougar in the Bear Canyon area so my situational awareness was elevated to say the least. I reached the end of the road where it was badly washed out by flooding some years earlier and overgrown with vegetation. I was looking around with my small headlamp and about to turn back around after determining we don't want to drive down here, when a few rocks on the hillside above me started tumbling down.
This is when I drew my handgun, analyzed the situation and calmly returned to the truck in a very non-running fashion. :chuckle:
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on April 29, 2013, 07:41:24 AM
I don't worry about bears, Mt Lions, pot farmers, coyotes, wolves, etc.....I worry about the stupid Moose. That's why a carry a Blackhawk in 45 colt with loads that make a 44 Mag look anemic.
Here in WA....I carry one because I can and like others have said...better safe than sorry.
Post by: Shooter on April 29, 2013, 07:49:19 AM
Post by: HighlandLofts on April 29, 2013, 09:50:18 AM
If I'm going to Everett, Seattle, Tacoma or any other busy place I'll carry a 357 mag revolver on the belt and a S&W 642airweight 38spl in the pocket.
My other option is my Colt Combat Commander 1911 45acp in the waist band holster and a Kahr PM9 in the pocket.
Hanging close to home I just have one of the pocket pistols in my pocket, besides the PM9 and the S&W 642 I have a Bond Derringer 45LC/410 that I use occasionally.
The best load in the Bond is 00-Buckshot, Like the Taurus Judge you need to patern the gun and see what the limits are at various distances with the various loads available in 410, The 410 PDX load isn't one I'd use because of the spead on the BBs, Shot loads are not defence loads so I don't carry any shot shells in my shell pouch, the 410 slug and 45LC you are limited to twp projectiles, I prefer the 00-buchshot.
I never needed a gun for defence purposes in the woods, but my shooting buddy did once out in the woods up in Lyman. There was a Tweaker out in the middle of nowhere with a shotgun, the guy was really paranoid and talking some weird s**t. He rolled up his window and got the hell out of there, he said that encounter changed the way he makes his handgun available at all times. Access to your gun at all times is the key to defensive carry, If you need it NOW, seconds count. If it's not easily available you could be on the recieving end of the stick.
In the city I pulled my gun out twice, once here in Arlington at the Chace Bank ATM down on Olympic and once at a 7/11 in Fort Meyrs Floridia. Once the perpetrator seen the gun they put their tail between their legs and ran off like the little POS they are. The guy in Ft. Meyers is lucky to be alive, one step close he would of been a has been.
I never go anywhere with out my personal protection tool, And I practice regularly and Know what the limits are on each of my personal conceal carry handguns are.
Post by: dawei on April 29, 2013, 02:08:39 PM
A Compromised Pulmonary System (Asthma & two Pulmonary Embolisms).
Bilateral Total Knee Replacements.
Require the use of a cane to walk.
I CAN NOT RUN!
Am on Rx Blood Thinners
In the course of my life I've been shot three times; and stabbed four times. Those are not experiences I care not to repeat. So..........
I ALWAYS CARRY; a minimum of two handguns - every waking moment of every day.
In and about town and home it's a 357 Magnum as primary & a 38 Special BUG.
In the woods it's a 41 Remington Magnum on my hip, open carry; for critter defense; with a 357 Magnum snub nose as a BUG & for people defense.
ANY QUESTIONS? ;) :chuckle:
Post by: HighlandLofts on April 29, 2013, 08:46:28 PM
I carry for the same reason you do, You never know when the minute will come and you'll need your equalizer!
I don't look for trouble, but will take care of it if it ever comes a knocking.
In last Thursdays Everett Harold in the Local Section on the first page was the article about a burgular in a garage and the home owner held him at bay with a rifle, the thief is a convicted child molester. The home owner is a good friend of mine.
Things happen every day, its not If, it's when.
Post by: furiouzgeorge on April 29, 2013, 09:19:36 PM
Have I ever needed it? We had something spooky make it's way into camp and I did fire some shots to scare it off...yelling or smelling more human probably would have accomplished the same goal so I'm not sure I can really say I needed it but I was happy to have it! When that crazy pointy hatted tweaker stopped me on a forest-service rd. (I was on foot...he was in a truck) I was sure glad to have a 1911 proudly displayed on my hip. He did eye it a few times! So there ya go!
Post by: KFhunter on April 29, 2013, 09:52:31 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.treemonkey.net%2Fblog%2Fsqueal2.jpg&hash=b8a0fa7f17dcbffd7ac729472b37b09c3d8be04d)
Post by: Rob on April 30, 2013, 09:28:28 AM
...
In the course of my life I've been shot three times; and stabbed four times. Those are not experiences I care not to repeat. So..........
I ALWAYS CARRY; a minimum of two handguns - every waking moment of every day.
In and about town and home it's a 357 Magnum as primary & a 38 Special BUG.
In the woods it's a 41 Remington Magnum on my hip, open carry; for critter defense; with a 357 Magnum snub nose as a BUG & for people defense.
ANY QUESTIONS? ;) :chuckle:
Several questions! would love to hear the stories behind your life experiences!
Thanks all for the replies. Much food for thought there.
My personal thoughts (not knocking other reasons, just giving mine).
-90% of the reason I carry while hunting/hiking is for personal defense against people. I have zero fear of any animals here in North America. I figure Snakes can be walked around faster than drawing and shooting. I shot a bunch of rattlers when I lived in NM and got that out of my system. I kinda like them now. I figure the 4 legged predators have had hundreds of chances to take me out and have not made a move yet-and heck, if the guys in Africa who hunt among some of the most dangerous predators in the world don't carry, then I figure can wander around in North America without too many worries.
-5% is to have it available for a signaling device.
-5% would be as a tool
One side note: I have seen several folks say that they use their handgun to dispatch big game. I too have done this, but make sure your gun is a legal weapon for this task. There are caliber and barrel length restrictions in place by WDFW, and using a firearm to dispatch after an archer hunt is not approved, nor is using smokeless powder during ML season. Using a 22 LR for big game is probably never legal.
It would suck to legally harvest an animal, then get cited for finishing it with a 2 inch barreled 357...