Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: BullMagnet76 on March 31, 2012, 07:09:15 AM

Title: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: BullMagnet76 on March 31, 2012, 07:09:15 AM: I was just wondering what everyone uses for a back-up? I have a Ruger GP 100 .357 but I did not feel it was big enough for black bear so I went out and bought a Ruger Rehawk 4inch .44 mag.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: boneaddict on March 31, 2012, 07:11:20 AM: a fir branch
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: kenzmad on March 31, 2012, 07:14:10 AM: I have a half roll of TP that I will throw as hard as I can. hope it works
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: dscubame on March 31, 2012, 07:18:03 AM: Fir is a good choice, a great deal of foregiveness before it breaks allowing for a above average whip.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: oneezreiter on March 31, 2012, 07:20:35 AM: The tp will work well if it is used. Or it could cause confusion for the bear.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: kckrawler on March 31, 2012, 07:24:54 AM: I carry a Super Blackhawk 7 1/2"...wish I would have gone shorter, maybe even the Alaskan.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: JakeLand on March 31, 2012, 07:35:08 AM: another round in the magazine
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on March 31, 2012, 07:40:30 AM: Quote from: JakeLand on March 31, 2012, 07:35:08 AM
another round in the magazine

or another arrow from the quiver.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Button Nubbs on March 31, 2012, 08:20:42 AM: G20 10mm. 16 rounds of hate. :tup:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Killmore on March 31, 2012, 08:22:46 AM: 2nd 3rd 4th round from the 300 rum, then theres the ruger sr 40..
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: PolarBear on March 31, 2012, 08:23:31 AM: A rock or stinky farts.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Dick in the Dirt on March 31, 2012, 08:25:44 AM: Wife
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on March 31, 2012, 08:32:45 AM: A hunting partner that runs slower than me.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: waoutdoorsman on March 31, 2012, 08:46:02 AM: a hatchet :yike:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: cwuwildcat on March 31, 2012, 08:46:17 AM: Chuck Norris
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: DoubleJ on March 31, 2012, 08:51:42 AM: My truck. Never hunt outside of it
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Snapshot on March 31, 2012, 09:20:22 AM: My quiver holds five arrows and I have a knife on my belt. Rocks or branches are generally close at hand. Thusfar that has been it and I've never had reason to wish for more.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Black Ram on March 31, 2012, 09:42:20 AM: Glock 40
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: NW-GSP on March 31, 2012, 11:14:21 AM: Quote from: Button Nubbs on March 31, 2012, 08:20:42 AM
G20 10mm. 16 rounds of hate. :tup:

Love my g20
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: bobcat on March 31, 2012, 11:20:14 AM: Pocket knife with a 2 inch blade.

(figure I can stab the bear in the eye) :tup:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: ghosthunter on March 31, 2012, 12:16:05 PM: Judge Revolver mixed loads, around camp Circuit Judge rifle. :tup:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: bowman on March 31, 2012, 01:05:24 PM: I understand why people carry a "back-up" while archery hunting or a sidearm for hiking, but what's the point of carrying one when you have a rifle? I don't even carry one while hiking. I feel the hazard of having it is greater than the added sense of protection it brings :dunno:.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: BullMagnet76 on March 31, 2012, 01:11:29 PM: Quote from: bowman on March 31, 2012, 01:05:24 PM
I understand why people carry a "back-up" while archery hunting or a sidearm for hiking, but what's the point of carrying one when you have a rifle? I don't even carry one while hiking. I feel the hazard of having it is greater than the added sense of protection it brings :dunno:.

I carry one because if you are going into thick brush after a wounded bear it is alot easier to maneuver a revolver than a rifle is.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Cylvertip on March 31, 2012, 01:12:30 PM: G17-L with 17+1 FMJ's & 34 more in the on deck circle. ;)
Plan C would be my Grayman 7.5 Mega Pounder.

If I hunted were there are Grizzly, Brown, or Polar bear, there would be a 44 or 454 Casaul on my chest I think.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Swannytheswan on March 31, 2012, 01:17:06 PM: just up graded from the nearest branch to a XDM .45 still prolly isn't enough for bear but its better than the branch!
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: bowman on April 01, 2012, 02:38:04 AM: Quote
I carry one because if you are going into thick brush after a wounded bear it is alot easier to maneuver a revolver than a rifle is.

Makes sense! I was thinking today that my last post didn't come out quite right. I haven't been around very many hand guns and the times I have, haven't been pleasant experiences. Last archery season a guy I was with kept carelessly "whipping" out his .45, unloading then reloading, waving it around, and flaunting it. I myself won't carry one until I have had the proper training and feel comfortable with it. Until then my back-up will have to be my hunting partner considering he sends me in first to make sure they are dead. Apparently I have quicker reflexes than him :chuckle:? Thanks a lot Dad ;)
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 01, 2012, 03:22:28 AM: A rifle is a little hard to hold onto if you are rolling around on the ground with something trying to hurt/kill you :chuckle: That is why most pack a handgun. I will always switch to a handgun when tracking most animals. I don't care if its a bear or a deer. I shoot a handgun very well and trust it in tight spots more then a rifle. Most of the time I carry a 357 when hunting.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: fish vacuum on April 01, 2012, 03:40:14 AM: Option #1 is my .270.
Option #2 is a 10mm.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: deerslyr on April 01, 2012, 10:21:37 AM: 8 inch bowie knife strapped to my ankle. Cant shoot hand guns for jack sh*t :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Huntbear on April 01, 2012, 10:33:24 AM: Ruger Redhawk, 44 Mag. Loaded to max with 300 gr. Sierra Jacketed Soft Points and H110. Basically I get 454 Casull energies. It does hurt to target practice with.

That said... it will stop a charging cottontail if need be. :chuckle: :chuckle:

Oh, and I can hit an 8" pie tin at 60 yards with those loads off hand, I can hit a pop can every time at 25 yds..... that is minute of bear all day long.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: cem3434 on April 01, 2012, 10:37:25 AM: It depends on the hunt, day, etc. Sometimes its my 40, other times its my 45 and occasionally its my 44. My 300 wsm has never let me down, so Ive never needed to use a backup.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Kain on April 01, 2012, 10:37:53 AM: I wrestled in high school that should be enough. Rawr! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: ghosthunter on April 01, 2012, 10:45:46 AM: Quote from: bowman on March 31, 2012, 01:05:24 PM
I understand why people carry a "backup" while archery hunting or a sidearm for hiking, but what's the point of carrying one when you have a rifle? I don't even carry one while hiking. I feel the hazard of having it is greater than the added sense of protection it brings :dunno:.

I carry a judge for two reasons. When I am deer hunting modern rifle, to kill any grouse I see. And should I fall off a cliff as I have before, a hand gun as a better chance of staying with you as you scream and claw for a hand hold while sliding down a a snow chute at mach 1.

Once you come to a stop if still alive with your legs pinned under a down fall it is reassuring to have the Judge with some 45LC while you wait for rescue.

You see I have thought this through. From experience.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: copasj on April 01, 2012, 10:57:07 AM: 1911, but that is the same "backup" I carry to the grocery store. So I'm not sure if that counts.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: adamR on April 01, 2012, 11:11:47 AM: most often it's a xdm 40, sometimes it's a 357 6" colt
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: alecvg on April 01, 2012, 11:38:45 AM: My hunting knife I guess.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: yote on April 02, 2012, 01:20:20 PM: G19
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: pashok23 on April 02, 2012, 01:23:33 PM: S&W .44 mag
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Ripper on April 03, 2012, 01:59:26 PM: I carry a S&W 357. I hope I never have to use it, but if I ever do, hopefully the noise will scare it away! :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Jason on April 03, 2012, 02:05:13 PM: I use my Taurus 444multi .44mag
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Austrian Hunter on April 03, 2012, 02:34:28 PM: two toothpicks and a rubber band! :P
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: halflife65 on April 03, 2012, 02:51:12 PM: I don't carry more than one weapon. I guess if I run out of bullets or arrows in my primary I'm down to my Havalon. I hope I don't snap the blade off...

Why worry about it?
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: backwoods_boy on April 03, 2012, 02:54:42 PM: 357 blackhawk
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Bshiftbc on April 03, 2012, 08:39:18 PM: I also carry the 357 Blackhawk. It is heavy, but we have many many miles together!
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Ice Cap on April 03, 2012, 09:29:24 PM: Quote from: Huntbear on April 01, 2012, 10:33:24 AM
Ruger Redhawk, 44 Mag. Loaded to max with 300 gr. Sierra Jacketed Soft Points and H110. Basically I get 454 Casull energies. It does hurt to target practice with.
I'm curious as to how much H110 you are using. When I look at my Sierra manual at the max recommended load for that bullet you are getting 806 lbs muzzle energy. The same combo in 454 is 1600 lbs at the muzzle. Are you using substantially more powder than their recommended max?
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Huntbear on April 03, 2012, 09:48:07 PM: Quote from: Ice Cap on April 03, 2012, 09:29:24 PM
Quote from: Huntbear on April 01, 2012, 10:33:24 AM
Ruger Redhawk, 44 Mag. Loaded to max with 300 gr. Sierra Jacketed Soft Points and H110. Basically I get 454 Casull energies. It does hurt to target practice with.
I'm curious as to how much H110 you are using. When I look at my Sierra manual at the max recommended load for that bullet you are getting 806 lbs muzzle energy. The same combo in 454 is 1600 lbs at the muzzle. Are you using substantially more powder than their recommended max?

Yes, I am... you see, Ruger Cylinders are longer than S&W or Colt, or Taurus. I can seat the bullet way out where a 300 gr. bullet is supposed to be. You can not even close the cylinder on any of the others with my shells in the chamber.

So I get a lot more powder space, and there for more velocity and energy.... PLUS, you have the strongest damn revolver making company in the world when you have a Ruger. I can not shoot 20 rounds of my handloads, or I am almost crippled for a couple of days.. 44 mag factory stuff is like shooting 44 special to me.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: 44 Flattop on April 03, 2012, 09:51:43 PM: A 1959 Ruger Flattop in .44 that I cut back to 4 3/4".

255gr cast @ 1100fps.

44
Title: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: sirmissalot on April 03, 2012, 09:58:04 PM: I carry a S&W Alaskan Backpacker 44mag with maxed out 300 grain Barnes solids. Or a Kimber ultra compact 45 with maxed out 240 grain FMJ flat nose hornadys if I'm fairly confident there won't be any large bears nearby, such as a trip to the grocery store
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Ice Cap on April 04, 2012, 08:23:11 AM: Huntbear,

Have you chronographed that load to see what you are getting for velocity?
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Dhoey07 on April 04, 2012, 08:30:58 AM: My fist
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 04, 2012, 08:33:50 AM: XD .45. Although, I probably don't need it. My buddy is not in very good shape and I can easily outrun him! :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on April 04, 2012, 11:07:19 AM: A .22 pistol.

Reasons:

1. Small, light weight, easy to carry.
2. Mild report and almost non-existant recoil.
3. Affordable ammo so can practice with alot without breaking the bank.
4. When your hunting partner is shot in the knee/shin area with a .22, the resulting thrashing and flopping around on the ground along with the high-pitched screamming like a little girl, not only will distract what may be a threat to you, but can also double as an attractant for predators allowing a chance at an additional trophy.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Jeremy S on April 05, 2012, 05:57:41 AM: Popcorn Sutton's Moonshine because there are five fights to a pint.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: MADMAX on April 05, 2012, 06:06:25 AM: Ruger Blackhawk in .41 mag
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 05, 2012, 06:32:16 AM: .45 or .22/22 mag inchangable cyclinder pistol.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Cylvertip on April 05, 2012, 09:11:33 AM: Quote from: Blacktail Sniper on April 04, 2012, 11:07:19 AM
A .22 pistol.

Reasons:

1. Small, light weight, easy to carry.
2. Mild report and almost non-existant recoil.
3. Affordable ammo so can practice with alot without breaking the bank.
4. When your hunting partner is shot in the knee/shin area with a .22, the resulting thrashing and flopping around on the ground along with the high-pitched screamming like a little girl, not only will distract what may be a threat to you, but can also double as an attractant for predators allowing a chance at an additional trophy.

Note To Self: Do NOT! hunt with Blacktail Sniper. :ass:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on April 05, 2012, 10:24:58 AM: Quote from: Cylvertip on April 05, 2012, 09:11:33 AM
Quote from: Blacktail Sniper on April 04, 2012, 11:07:19 AM
A .22 pistol.

Reasons:

1. Small, light weight, easy to carry.
2. Mild report and almost non-existant recoil.
3. Affordable ammo so can practice with alot without breaking the bank.
4. When your hunting partner is shot in the knee/shin area with a .22, the resulting thrashing and flopping around on the ground along with the high-pitched screamming like a little girl, not only will distract what may be a threat to you, but can also double as an attractant for predators allowing a chance at an additional trophy.

Note To Self: Do NOT! hunt with Blacktail Sniper. :ass:

Well, funny you should mention that, I have been looking for a new hunting partner since the "incident" of 2007... :dunno:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Kain on April 05, 2012, 10:02:10 PM: Cant believe there are not more bear wrasslers out there. I thought yall wer tuff.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: marmotsafari on April 06, 2012, 08:23:25 AM: Since I stopped eating mountain house, my main back up defense is no more..

Its either I am carrying a 30/06 or my 41... Madmax, pm sent re: if you load for yours
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: MADMAX on April 06, 2012, 08:51:23 AM: PM answered back
take a look at the neck shot on my avatar
love the .41
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on April 06, 2012, 09:35:12 AM: Quote from: Kain on April 05, 2012, 10:02:10 PM
Cant believe there are not more bear wrasslers out there. I thought yall wer tuff.
:yeah: I think we should have a huntwa blackbear noodling tournament like mudcats on TV!
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on April 07, 2012, 07:46:27 AM: I just grin 'em down like Davy Crockett :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Kain on April 07, 2012, 03:04:30 PM: Quote from: BULLBLASTER on April 06, 2012, 09:35:12 AM
Quote from: Kain on April 05, 2012, 10:02:10 PM
Cant believe there are not more bear wrasslers out there. I thought yall wer tuff.
:yeah: I think we should have a huntwa blackbear noodling tournament like mudcats on TV!

YOu go first and show us how its done. I will be right behind you. :tung:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: zackmioli on April 07, 2012, 04:32:04 PM: right now just me and my knife. hoping to add a handgun to my arsenal when i have the money.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Huntbear on April 07, 2012, 05:11:29 PM: Quote from: Ice Cap on April 04, 2012, 08:23:11 AM
Huntbear,

Have you chronographed that load to see what you are getting for velocity?

Why yes, yes I have.. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: seansfire on April 11, 2012, 06:59:09 PM: .22 revolver that is more for the tweaker than the critters.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: JCKILLSHOT on April 11, 2012, 11:11:45 PM: My fists, I just hope I never have to use them!!
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: jamesjett on April 12, 2012, 12:06:05 AM: Quote from: BOWHUNTER2476 on March 31, 2012, 07:09:15 AM
I was just wondering what everyone uses for a back-up? I have a Ruger GP 100 .357 but I did not feel it was big enough for black bear so I went out and bought a Ruger Rehawk 4inch .44 mag.

:yeah:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: washelkhunter on April 12, 2012, 01:47:03 AM: Compact Tauras tracker in 41 mag.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: marlin on April 12, 2012, 02:01:06 AM: Glock 20 SF or whatever else I happen to be carrying when I need back up
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: dannysdaddy on April 12, 2012, 06:22:19 AM: I carry a springfield xd .40 fullsize with corbon dpx ammo. I like having 13 rounds and the gun is way more controllable for me. Never found a revolver that was really comfortable in my hand. :twocents:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 12, 2012, 06:33:45 PM: I didn't carry a back up until last year. now I has a M&P in .357sig
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: lilredhead on April 12, 2012, 09:42:44 PM: springfield V-16 .45 ACP super or Ruger SBH .44 mag 4 5/8" bbl, pending on my mood. :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: WapitiFreak on April 12, 2012, 10:13:42 PM: I cant afford a handgun so i carry bear mace. i don't want to be "that guy" but... studies have proven that with bear mace you have a higher chance of escaping unscathed ( also if a 400# bear was charging me i don't think my accuracy would be that good as i would probably be running and shooting behind me wildly). that being said a S&W 329pd 44 mag would give me lot more piece of mind.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: shootnrun on April 13, 2012, 10:55:30 AM: I carry a Dan Wesson 44. Went in tag alders after a bear with a long gun prior to being 21 and only having my rifle. It was a rather unnerving experience since I could barely push through the stuff to move forward, let alone whip a rifle around at a charging bear... One of my first purchases with the 44. Now I am slightly more comfortable chasing bears in thick stuff. :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Bigluke1981 on April 13, 2012, 02:15:27 PM: XD .45 for me!!
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Nuc99 on April 13, 2012, 02:32:46 PM: .40 S&W Semi...
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Carl on April 13, 2012, 02:42:01 PM: Couldn’t carry my Super Redhawk concealed so I sold it and carry a Glock 30SF .45 (10rd)
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: NataSS on April 15, 2012, 09:03:04 PM: Cold Steel Kukri and a H&K USP .45 tactical loaded with the hot stuff.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: seapierce on April 23, 2012, 12:37:58 PM: Either my grocery getter 10mm 1911 or 5.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 loaded to the gills with 300gr XTP running about 1400fps :chuckle:
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: LoneArcher on April 24, 2012, 09:03:13 AM: Taurus Tracker 41 mag.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on April 24, 2012, 01:43:16 PM: Glock .40...
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Kain on April 24, 2012, 02:26:09 PM: Cant believe thar are so many sissies round here. Bringin guns to a wrassling match? Sheeoot. Take it like a man is what my pappa telled me.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpleatedjeans.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fbear-wrestle.gif&hash=3deae4ee5aeb9225fe6f6f2702501674dded0e93)
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Dhoey07 on April 25, 2012, 06:51:02 AM: Red Ryder .177, single pump
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: Cylvertip on April 25, 2012, 08:33:11 AM: Quote from: fckfords07 on April 25, 2012, 06:51:02 AM
Red Ryder .177, single pump

"You'll put an eye out with that thing......"

Had to do it.
Title: Re: What is your Back-up weapon?
Post by: UptheCreek on April 25, 2012, 08:51:38 AM: Chuck Norris