Anyone bring firearms with them on trips?
- Thread starter kodiak1232003
- Start date
Lost Canadian
Expedition Leader
I do not object to other people carrying guns out on a trip if they so choose, but personally I do not see guns as effective instruments for self-defence.
Armed with a gun versus multiple assailants, my honest assessment is odds are not in my favour. Confronting an animal, still not very good, in fact bear spray has been shown and proven to be far more effective at minimizing the likelihood of injury to the person. Versus a person with a knife, demonstrations show the knife usually wins. I think Australian police have a video circulating the net that illustrates this. Versus another gun, flip a coin.
I think guns instill fear which may be their saving grace as far as self-defence goes, but for practical application once engaged, if safe effective withdrawal of ones self from an incident is what is being sought then personally I think there are better tools.
I typcally carry bear spray and a knife with me while hiking. Of course if I'm on a hunting trip then I take my trusty savage 111.:chowtime:
Armed with a gun versus multiple assailants, my honest assessment is odds are not in my favour. Confronting an animal, still not very good, in fact bear spray has been shown and proven to be far more effective at minimizing the likelihood of injury to the person. Versus a person with a knife, demonstrations show the knife usually wins. I think Australian police have a video circulating the net that illustrates this. Versus another gun, flip a coin.
I think guns instill fear which may be their saving grace as far as self-defence goes, but for practical application once engaged, if safe effective withdrawal of ones self from an incident is what is being sought then personally I think there are better tools.
I typcally carry bear spray and a knife with me while hiking. Of course if I'm on a hunting trip then I take my trusty savage 111.:chowtime:
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Tucson T4R
Expedition Leader
I never carried when I was younger but after having a few negative experiences with running into drug runners in the desert and a couple just plain whacked folks in the back country. I now carry when I go out.
For personal protection, my choice is my custom built 1911 .45 with tritium night sights and hydroshock self defense ammo. I figure if your going to use it, you might as well have something with some knock down power. I hope I never have to use it, but it's good to know it's there if needed. :gunt:
For personal protection, my choice is my custom built 1911 .45 with tritium night sights and hydroshock self defense ammo. I figure if your going to use it, you might as well have something with some knock down power. I hope I never have to use it, but it's good to know it's there if needed. :gunt:
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
I thought about the 1911 but ended up with the S&W 4566 tactical. shorter frame than the 1911 but just as rugged rugged, also a 1st gen glock 19 9mm, both using hydro shock. Good ammo for the purpose.
Aaron
Aaron
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Haggis
Appalachian Ridgerunner
Lost Canadian said:
For the past 25 years I've been training with edged weapons and feel confident in my abilites with a blade. I acheived the level of Sword Master in the Leckenuecher schoola of war sword, training under Johann Schiemdbergur, and trained in the uses of axe, spear, staff and assorted grappling moves that intergrate with Medievel Swordsmanship. I have a Black Belt in Haidong Gumdo (Korean Sword fighting), and have sparred in many live steel matches. Yet I'm a firm believer in th old adage "Don't bring a Knife to a Gun Fight." Edge weapons take a lot of skill to be used effectively even against similiar weapons and it takes alot of fortitude to close with an opponent and then to actually strike with the intent to inflict damage on your opponent. Many Pull their strike. Gun's are easier to learn, and allow the user to keep a distance from their foe. Unless you are extremely fast or extremely lucky, that bullet is going to reach you first. The main thing in any confrontation is to be extremely aware of your surroundings and to remain calm in your actions, don't be aggressevive or assertive until there is no alternative and then commit to your course wether it is attack or flight without hestiation.
If you carry a gun, be proficient with it. Practice,practice,practice young Grasshopper.
Bergger
Explorer
Haggis said:
This I agree with 100%. Unless you know how to use it please do not bring it. Using it does not mean I can take it to the range and shoot a target under ideal conditions. You must know how to shoot and reload it under extreme stress. And you better also know the laws. Pulling a gun out for intimidation can easily put you in jail. I also would like to reply on a previous comment about people who carry guns behave or act different. If this happens then that person should not be carry the gun in the first place.
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
You are absolutely right, if you arent familiar with it, it can be pretty useless. If you use it for intimidation you are going to jail for sure. Like I said before dont pull it unless your going to use it. I dont feel any bigger because I have a weapon, its a last resort. I will protect my family and myself end of story. If you wheeled with me you would have no idea, I dont mention it, I dont show it, but bet **************** if we get in a jam we have a fighting chance to get out.
Aaron
Aaron
Tucson T4R
Expedition Leader
Haggis said:
Well said. :bowdown: I studied martial arts under Jerry Pidington and competed in competition in my younger days. Your outlook on understanding your weapon of choice and being an expert in it's use is very true.
First choice is always understand your surroundings and avoid conflict whenever possible. Bottom line...walk away......... If you are forced into choosing conflict, commit 110% percent and get it done.
kodiak1232003
Adventurer
Haggis said:
nice. all that really needs to be said about self defense and gun ownership. lol.
i think we are done here..!!:beer:
Scott Brady
Founder
I believe in a one shot class weapon only and used with proficiency and accuracy. 9mm and 38 are not good choices IMHO for self defence. Hydrostatic shock is what stops an assailant, not necessarily the number of holes.
When I travel solo with Stephanie, her safety is my #1 priority, even more than my own life, so 3,4,5 assailants are not a barrier to her protection. With years of military firearms training (AF Small Arms Expert, AF Marksman), time with Gunsite trainers etc., and thousands of rounds through my HK45 (one of the most accurate tactical pistols available) I am prepared to use it, both mentally and physically.
But, as I said earlier, I prefer not to carry it, as it changes the experience for me. I take firearm responsibility so seriously (especially when carrying concealed) that it puts me in a reserved, defensive posture. Not my style.
I also would not likely carry a weapon in an area with animals (maybe if I had little children). Again, it changes the experience for me.
When I travel solo with Stephanie, her safety is my #1 priority, even more than my own life, so 3,4,5 assailants are not a barrier to her protection. With years of military firearms training (AF Small Arms Expert, AF Marksman), time with Gunsite trainers etc., and thousands of rounds through my HK45 (one of the most accurate tactical pistols available) I am prepared to use it, both mentally and physically.
But, as I said earlier, I prefer not to carry it, as it changes the experience for me. I take firearm responsibility so seriously (especially when carrying concealed) that it puts me in a reserved, defensive posture. Not my style.
I also would not likely carry a weapon in an area with animals (maybe if I had little children). Again, it changes the experience for me.
adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Can't carry here. California. I've never really felt good having guns around me due to the fact that i sleep walk all the time. I'd hate for there to be some sort of accident.
is there a alternative to gun carrying for the outdoorsman? Like a stun gun or pepper spray? I'd like to carry something with Yosh and I on our solo trips for sure.
is there a alternative to gun carrying for the outdoorsman? Like a stun gun or pepper spray? I'd like to carry something with Yosh and I on our solo trips for sure.
asteffes
Explorer
SOCALFJ said:
Pepper spray and a folding knife, perhaps? Add a bright light for nighttime... a Surefire or a Strion? I have a Strion for nighttime dog walks. It has a lithium ion rechargeable battery, and is extremely bright. I bought it with chargers for home and truck.
Regarding storing your firearms safely at home, you might consider a quick-access handgun safe that requires you to enter a code based on finger position. These usually have slots on top for your fingers to work the buttons by feel, rather than sight. You can setup a code that requires simultaneous depression of multiple buttons, so you have to be at least somewhat lucid to work it. Keep the handgun in a holster in the safe, and don't keep a round chambered. It's somewhat roundabout, but it might work for you.