Camp Gun
 

I will be Elk hunting in Colorado (GMU 55 just outside Gunnison) for the first time this November. My mind is racing with things that I just don’t experience in the Upper Midwest.

One of the items that I have a question about is a camp gun, preferably a revolver that you keep on your side while in camp.

Is an additional camp gun necessary or do the more seasoned hunters out there just rely upon your primary hunting rifle.

If you do have an extra camp gun, what is the minimum caliber you would recommend?

I do have a Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 mag but it’s topped with a Leupold 2X scope and is kind of bulky for all the time side carry.

I also have a S&W 686 in .357 along with some Federal Premium Vital Shok 180 grain CastCore bullets. Would this combo be enough for the special mountain variety critters one might encounter in this part of Colorado?

Regards,
Steve

RE: Camp Gun
 

Steve,
The 2 handguns you have would be fine for a camp gun.I myself hunt alot in grizz country and camp in it also,so my camp gun is a Strouger s/s 12 ga.I also keep my rifle handy,I hang my rifle by the camper or cook shack,you never know when a herd of elk might come running by.;)
BBJ

RE: Camp Gun
 

I've personally never felt the need for a "camp gun", Even in Grizzly country I've always felt my 338 was enough protection. Hypothetically, if I felt the need, I doubt that I would choose a pistol. Here's my logic: We are most likely talking a big critter in the dark. For that, I wouldn't want the most innaccurate weapon I own. A 12 ga. with 00 buck is more like it. More projectiles = better chance of hitting I think.

PS you should always keep your weapon handy.Not necessarilly for protection.You never know when a bull or deer might step out.

RE: Camp Gun
 

You won't need a camp gun in CO. It is not grizzly country, and black bear/mountain lion attacks are a rarity. My opinion is that if you have one, it won't hurt to bring it. If you don't have one, don't go buy one.

RE: Camp Gun
 

leave the second gun at home unless you are scared of the dark

RE: Camp Gun
 

Thanks guys......I appreciate the responses. One less thing I need to lug out there :)

Regards,
Steve

RE: Camp Gun
 

I would bring the .357 S&W. I am from the school of thought where it is better to be safe than sorry. I know that the last thing I want to be doing instead of shooting the mountain lion thats chewing on my skull is wondering why in the hell I didn't bring my .357 on the hunt with me. It doesn't weigh you down that much, and if you need it you will be glad that you have it. That is just my opinion. I know that I am bringing my .357 bear hunting with me this year, and it also goes on all of my wild boar hunts. I believe it was the movie "Tombstone" where they all laughed at the one armed man for having three guns. His response was, "I'm not gonna get killed for a lack of shooting back" and thats just my thought too when it comes to a back up weapon! Some people will laugh, but I may even bring a small sword with me as well. I'm not going down without a fight!

RE: Camp Gun
 

I agree with shato... But as you dont say if you own a shotgun I would take the .357
good luck.

RE: Camp Gun
 

BB Gun there is only the dark in CO.

RE: Camp Gun
 

-------------"Unforgiven" actually:)

RE: Camp Gun
 

Geez Tom,

I am going backpacking with my twelve year old daughter in the heart of grizzly country hunting Dall Sheep and caribou next week, and I am just bringing my rifle. You make me feel so inadequate.

RE: Camp Gun
 

Don't feel inadequate! I am probably over prepared, but the way I look at it is, after I empty my 30-06 if that doesn't stop the bear (bad bullet placement, bullet fragmentation or failure, gun jamming etc) I can pull out the .357 and get 6 more shots off. Also, the .357 will be good if I am in a tough spot where I can't get my rifle into position, like if the bear is on top of you. If all of that fails I am hoping that a big knife/small sword could cut the bear deep and maybe bleed him out before he killed me LOL. Hey, the way I look at it, I'm a big guy at 6'0 and 265, and a former professional fighter so I am in real solid shape at that weight, so its not going to kill me to carry an extra pound or two into the woods. Plus, if it saves my ass I will be saying that its all worth it!

RE: Camp Gun
 

I am a big guy myself, but when it comes to backpacking into a place, I say, less is better. I hate carrying extra crap. My hunting has changed from the days of essentially truck camping and hunting to now where it is fly in or boat in or backpack. I seem to bring less and less every trip as I learn what I really need and what I really do not. I just laugh when my dad and his buddies load up two SUV's full of crap for a five day hunt from a cabin.

RE: Camp Gun
 

Myself i do and have a 44 super blackhawk with me all the time even when archery hunting just in case we have some frendly bears here where are you going in at may visit.

RE: Camp Gun
 

To each his own!;)

RE: Camp Gun
 

I live and hunt in griz/cat country, I would use my bear spray when hunting in the bush, usually solo at that, but when I'm around tropping in the bush, sometimes you may stumble across something you ain't suppose to , and because of the human element being as unpredictable as the creature is, I pack a light weight 357, 3" ruger. 44's are probably better but I got charlie horses in my calf from the excess weight. Don't leave home without it.

Bobby

RE: Camp Gun
 

I have two more arrows to back me up if the first one doesn't work when I am being attacked. I hunt the backcountry alot and have never had a problem. No Griz in my area though, but lots of blackies, cats and wolves. If you are hunting the lower 48, and are not in the griz zones. You should have nothing to worry about. I would be more worried walking in any of the cities in the USA than I would walking in the Rockies.