Back up gun?

Dawgdad · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:24 pm Post subject: Back up gun?

I noticed on another thread a poster mentioned wanting to take along a back up gun on an elk hunt. I know most posters here do not have just one shooting stick in the closet. So my question is two part.

Do you take a back up gun on every hunt?
What is the criteria for choosing it?

For me, my primary rifle is a Winchester 70 in 30-06 with a 3x9. Any time I am driving more than an hour from home to hunt, I take two rifles.

My back up is either a Marlin 336 in 30-30 or an 03-A3 '06. Both with iron sights. The choice is weather related on a nasty weather day, the scope can become a liability so I want a fall back that will not be affected by the weather. The 03 gets the nod because it uses the same ammo as the primary gun. One less thing to worry about.

1895ss · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 5:05 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

When I go Elk hunting, (350 miles from home) I usually take my 45-70 as my primary rifle and then my 30-06 as my backup. But the last few years my son has been coming hunting as well and has been using my 30-06 because he only has a 6mm (too small). That leaves me no backup except my 25-06, again too small i figure. That is why I am really considering the .35 remington for a backup gun in another thread. Where I hunt Elk the longest shot is generally within 150 yrds. For deer hunting etc there is no problem, I have lots of backup rifles, it's just for Elk or Moose where I need another.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 5:39 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

Howdy. If I'm not hunting right around the house I always take a back up gun ya never no when ya might hit the scope or accidently damage your firearm some how or it might happen to a hunting partner. I have a double rifle case so it's no hassle to bring two. Ya just never no, it's good to be prepared Very Happy

.
Joe

1895ss · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

I totally agree with taking a backup rifle but then again in all the years i took a backup I never had the need to use it. Although it is nice just to use a different gun from time to time as well........ Smile

moose2 · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

I have never taken along a backup rifle. Yet to ever need one. Knock on wood. Could have used a backup pickup several times though.--tr

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:51 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

The only backup gun I take to the forest besides one of my rifles is a S&W Mod 19 Combat magnum (2 1/2"). If I go to the forest I am NEVER without a knife or a handgun. You asked for the "criteria"??? Humans...!!

1895ss · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

I wish I could take a handgun hunting..... ! Here it is illegal to carry a handgun while hunting or any other time unless you are going to a gun range. Even then it has to be locked in a case and you have to sign in at the gun/pistol range and you have to have a permit or else the punishment is worse then if you murdered some one with it. Sad

Friggen liberals Mad

515034s10ring · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 7:31 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

I take a BUG on every hunt...But i mostly carry a 357 daily anyway so i use that.

longwalker · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:43 am Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

I usually have a back up gun, plan. If I have a problem with one I can switch to an other. Same thing goes when bird hunting. Normally I will have my 44 magnum revolver. Depending on the day and the time remaining in the season will depend on which gun I take out. Weather and light condiditons will also come in to play. It is unusual that I would have both with me at the same time. I have done it but it is just to much weight.

longwalker

Vince · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

Back-up gun? Hm, never really had a need for one. Where I hunt we don't have any man eaters. Way up North we have saltwater crocodiles, and boy are they nasty....they are worse than alligators.

However, I do take 2 or 3 firearms with me when I go hunting. My primary gun is a Weatherby .243 and my back-up is the worlds best and most produced and used and loved rifle......a Winchester Mod 94 in 30.30. Very Happy

Additionally I take either a .22 rimfire rifle or a 12g O/U depending on how I feel at the time and what I think will be about.

We aren't allowed to hunt with or carry a pistol in Australia so that puts them out of the equation, but if we were allowed I would carry either a S&W 586 in .357 MAG or a S&W Mod 29 in .44 MAG. Would also consider carryinga TC Contender in 30.30 for hunting.

Cheers, Vince

Dawgdad · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 8:39 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

By back up gun I mean the gun I intend to havein the truck and with me on the hunt, not on my back, the gun for Justin ...... you know justin case.

1895ss · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:28 pm Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

I have to agree with you Dawgdad, a backup gun/rifle is a good idea. You never know you might trip on a stump Shocked

and wreck a scope or break a firing pin Sad

(heaven forbid) etc. but these things do happen and it's nice to be prepared. Very Happy

SwampFox · Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:20 am Post subject: Re: Back up gun?

You live, you learn.
When younger I always went hunting with one gun and some times a pistol backup. These days when hunting, I have two rifles or shotguns, in the truck, where ever I go. I also carry a S&W Mdl 66 and a Puma white hunter on my belt.
Ed