Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Sidearm for Elk Hunting

Dutch, forget about the flamers and carry it. Most of them have probably never been on an Elk hunt anyway. Ranch13 sure got it right.

OWB Jordan holster, strong side, butt to the rear. I think the Jordan is still made by Don Hume of Miami, OK. I also think they're pretty reasonably priced too. El Paso Saddlery makes some fine equipment-but for a fine price.

Good luck on your hunt.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Worse, I got the 7-08 as my big gun, 'cause I got spooked once, shooting a big muley with my Bob! (Only spooked, I found him piled up in the sage; but I wanted more punch)

I'd just wrap it up and carry in saddle bags then use what ever you normally use for hunting no need to buy extra holtser. I normally take a pistol when I'm riding the back country but keep it in saddle bags. Honestly I've never carried a pistol big game hunting in over 40 yrs now. Main reason where can you carry a pistol that it doesn't hit against the rifle or get in the way of a pack if you put your knife or ammo on a belt how much more can you carry. WE have regs covering taking of big game here in Co with a pistol so if carrying one to finish off an elk better make sure it's legal cal and ammo. I know some guys in our gun club that hunt big game with handguns but don't carry a rifle. Just my .02

The thing that strikes me as funny about this whole thing is how it is supposedly a bad idea for 2 reasons a) cause it makes you look like a greenhorn and b0 cause it weighs to much. All I say is A) it may make you look like a greenhorn, But howmany pink, purple,blue or lacy rifles are there on this board <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
and B) Most of the elk hunters I know who use horses to pack in cary way more crap than a handgun, If you were going ultralight thats one thing but if you have a rectangular bag and a wall tent how much difference is 3 lbs going to make?

Note I have "festively colored" mcswirleys and backpack into the salmon wilderness elk hunting so this is a bit tonge in cheek

Dutch, I've hunted Montana and Wyoming for years without horses. My method is to leave my .44 in camp or in the truck until I get an elk on the ground then I swap my rifle for my revolver and carry it while packing the meat out. Take your pistol and have fun on your hunt.

Sorry, didn't mean to piss so many folks off with the greenhorn comment.

Really doesn't have to indicate greenhorn, could indicate "too macho for good sense." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As stated, I did it once (when I fit BOTH the macho wannabe AND greenhorn categories). Do it and have fun. Who cares. If you do the hard core hunt, I'd still bet a LOT of money that only pride will have you packing it a second trip. If you go the cushy route <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />, it might be fun <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />!

I don't want an extra 4 lbs in my pack. period. Let alone on my hip. But, that's just me...

Muley, aka the greenhorn that knows a greenhorn.

Dutch, the way I look at it, it wouldn't make one damned bit of difference to me if some western "old salt" thought of me as a "greenhorn." Who cares? Odds are, you'll never see him again, anyway. You're coming out to the Rocky Mountains to have fun and a great hunting experience.

You want to pack your handgun? Do so. As I said before, if you don't want to carry it while elk hunting, just leave it with the cook in the cook tent. You can always go back and get it if you want to carry while packing meat.

I NEVER go to elk/deer camp, whether on an outfitted hunt, or hunting with my own tent/camp equipment, that I don't have either my S&W 57 .41 Mag., or my Ruger B.H. .45 Colt.

But, as I'm carrying a .338 Mag., I do NOT carry that extra weight while hunting. When I kill an elk, then I pick up the handgun at camp, and leave the rifle. I favor a good shoulder holster for carry as it is more comfortable to me than a hip rig. Whatever is comfortable to you will work, but make sure it has a good retention strap in case your horse gets hinky.

As you said you were out of shape, I STRONGLY SUGGEST you immediately go on a decent weight loss program and do some fast walking, and excercises, especially the muscle stretching excercises.

You will have a much more enjoyable hunt, and perhaps more successful hunt, if you are in decent shape. The Rocky Mountains can be hard on a hunter, believe me!

IF you have a chance in your area, a couple of months before coming out West, go to a riding stable and rent a horse and ride as much as you can. If you do not know how to ride, hire a riding instructor to give you two or three lessons. It ain't all that hard... but you'll be glad you've taken some riding lessons when you get out here.

JMHO.

Good luck.

L.W.

I prefer the M-203 (an M-16 with the 40mm grenade launcher under the rifle tube).

This is my "Just In Case" weapon. I carry it slung in addition to my elk rifle.

My main elk rifle is usually a 50 BMG loaded with a 750 grain Partition at 3000 FPS from a 30" barrel.

A guy has gotta be careful out there. . . . . . . . . . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

BMT

Maybe I'm the only that's ever had a wreck or blow-up with a bunch of horses, but that's why I would not carry a pistol in a saddle bag. It apparently works for some, but if you're going to carry a pistol, it seems to me the big reason is to have it with you regardless of what some 4 legged hay burner wants to do.(Waiting for a flame for that choice of language,)

Pistols have there place whether on horses or what-ever.Mine never goes with me when I have my rifle but they do have there place.


The Greenhorn..

Jayco <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have some of the biggest wreaks with horses but luckly they normally happen in the roping pen. I've carried a pistol for awhile then had a shoulder holster build and seems like I just cann't find a comfortable place to carry one when I'm in the mtns. If I was to riding a young horse in the mtns I wouldn't take a pistol along never know what going to happen with them or an older horse that hasn't been to the mtn too much.
Guy can dream up all kind of situation to fit any conditions. I live pretty close to 8000' don't get much riding time in winter they get put on the hot walker but about this time of year I'll be riding one just about everyday keeping legged up.

If you are going to take anything, take a super-lightweight .22 RF to pop snowshoe hares and spruce grouse.

Dutch, take a look at Logcutter's picture. That is Idaho! And THAT is the easy part! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

That's why I suggested you start getting in decent physical condition.

FWIW.

L.W.

When I was young I always carried a handgun in addition to my rifle when hunting. I tried to justify it like many here have, but really I did it because I liked carrying the handgun in the woods for a few days of the year. I gave up carrying them when I got tired of the weight and extra hassel. Also, the farther I had to walk, the less likely I was to carry it. I never needed a handgun in all those years. I carried a handgun as a primary arm many times in the woods when I was doing research in the boonies. But that's different. Bottom line, IMO, is, carry one if you want to. No need to justify it. You may get to use it. You probably won't need it. Try different holster styles. The more expensive ones really are better.

Carry what you wish. I carry a first aid kit too, its extra weight. May never use it. I carry several items that mount up weight for "just in case." But I can't seem to help myself with this kind of preparedness. Everybody has their "thing." Some carry a 9lb rifle and big caliber. Many laugh at that. That's ok too. We can pick the fly s**t out of the pepper on most everything we do. What's important is to be comfortable, have fun, and figure it out as you go. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />PS: Mallice clip holster to (Kifaru) pack waistbelt handles extra weight like its not there.

Now, I am a pretty new hunter, and I know I carry a few extra things on me. LIke Roost, I carry a first aid kit. I also carry some lightweight survival items, and a couple extra knives.

I also always carry a sidearm.

Why?

Well, first, I always carry a sidearm when I am going to the grocery store. Just part of habit for me now.

Second reason? Two words. Chai Vang.

All those hunters, and they only had one firearm with them, and most of them were left defenseless and were killed at very close range.

Sure, a .357 S/A revolver aint the best pick for a SD pistol, but it sure as hell beats throwing rocks. This way I know I always have atleast some means to defend myself.

Just my perspective.

Now, I am a pretty new hunter, and I know I carry a few extra things on me. LIke Roost, I carry a first aid kit. I also carry some lightweight survival items, and a couple extra knives.

I also always carry a sidearm.

Why?

Well, first, I always carry a sidearm when I am going to the grocery store. Just part of habit for me now.

Second reason? Two words. Chai Vang.

All those hunters, and they only had one firearm with them, and most of them were left defenseless and were killed at very close range.

Sure, a .357 S/A revolver aint the best pick for a SD pistol, but it sure as hell beats throwing rocks. This way I know I always have atleast some means to defend myself.

Just my perspective.

I agree with the post above.
I carry one everywhere now, so it's really not that much different for me to carry hunting.
I probably will never need it, but if I do, chances are I will have never needed anything as much.
Also, I almost always carry a full size 1911 CCW, which is, imo, a decent woods gun. Far from ideal, but better than nothing.

I'm a little late to this one, but personally find it hilarious that some would want to label someone a "greenhorn" for carrying a sidearm. If that's what makes you feel superior, well then, have at it. I for one know more than a few experienced western hunters and outdoorsman who hike some very rugged country who never leave camp without a sidearm. Some don't, some do. Personally there are more good arguments for, than against.

I carry as much for the 2 legged animals as I do the 4 legged ones, and subscribe to the "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it" theory. We're talking a few pounds here. When the day comes that a few pounds will keep me from climbing my mountains and canyons, I probably shouldn't be out there anyway.

You never know who or what will be wandering into your camp or hunting area. Chances are great that just when you need it most, that rifle will be on a bunk, in the gun rack, or leaning against a tree well out of reach. A handgun is never out of reach if worn.

A sure sign of a uhm, ahem, "greenhorn" is someone that would let the opinion of a bunch of guys who's main reason for not carrying one is the fear that it would make them "look like a greenhorn" influence what he feels comfortable going into the outdoors with. If you want to carry it, and 3 or 4 pounds on your hip doesn't scare you, carry it. I've carried too many 72 lb rucksacks along with a rifle and sidearm to let a few ounces worry me.

That looks like the northern part of Idaho. This is what the southern part looks like.

Dick