Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska Bear Backup Pistol - Part 2

I carried a S&W 629 4'' Mountain Gun loaded with Cast Performance 275 Gr. WFNPB LBT style bullets in a cross draw hip holster on both my pack in elk hunts. We did not use an outfitter, but trucked our own horses and gear to CO ourselves. I didn't actually hunt with the revolver on, but wore it on the pack in, pack out, and anytime we went anywhere on horseback. When hunting on foot out of camp, I left it in camp and only carried my rifle because like everyone here has said, every ounce makes a difference when you're on foot at 10,000 feet.

There were several reasons I carried it:

1. Wrecks with horses, while rare, do happen and I'd rather shoot one than be dragged by one.

2. Horses sometimes decide to leave the country with your rifle in the scabbard and rifles sometimes break. We were 9 miles from the trail head and back up rifles. If something happened to my rifle, I could walk back to camp, get my pistol, and keep hunting versus a long ride back to the truck for another rifle.

3. I actually like handguns more than rifles even though most of my hunting is with rifles. I liked having it with me. I would have no qualms finishing my hunt with a handgun.

If your packing in with horses, take it if you want to. You can always leave it in camp when hunting on foot. It's cheap backup to have around and much lighter than a backup rifle. On the other hand, I wouldn't take a handgun if I were backpacking in.

Gotta agree with justahunter there. It's just a tool as with carrying a lighter or matches to make a fire. Or having a knife on your belt also. Just a tool that is comforting to have around. On the other thread, I get the sense that most are of the opinion that folks don't know how to handle handguns, is that another anti bias there.

I'm here to tell you most folks don't shoot a handgun well, except in the movies!

If, I were to get another permit to do so in BC, my reason would be pretty much the same, problem of carrying a rifle in certain activities. I would prefer to have a light .44Mag. with me when bedded down for the night, but, since this is illegal for backpackers and I obey the law, stupid as it is, I am not likely to do so.

Having seen light and hot handguns dropped overboard due to recoil when shot (not intentionally) and other incredible acts of nonmarksmanship with handguns I think there are many that should stay away from big handguns.

I carry a sidearm because I like it...and I get to. End of story.

DN

A handgun on your hip is a survival tool no matter the activity. Hiking, hunting, fishing or walking downtown. I don't mind the extra weight and would rather have to carry that weight and not need it then think it is too heavy and need it. I general go bigger calibers (44, 45) when in bear country. It makes me feel more comfortable whether or not it will to the job is something else. I just feel better. Besides, if I am separated from my rifle I can bring down a better variety of game with them than something smaller. And, like you said there are chores that need to be done where a rifle would get in the way. A holstered pistol would always be available.

Not to get to long winded here (that may be to late) I mentioned before of a friend who was killed by a grizzly. He was gutting an elk and had laid his rifle away from him when the sow hit him. Now it may not have made a difference, but I would want a large caliber pistol on my hip for such circumstance's.