Do you feel the need to have a weapon when camping

[Expedition Key]

I hope this is the appropriate forum to discuss this. I did a search and found a lot of posts in the gun forum, but I'm not necessarily thinking of guns per se.

When I'm camping in the backcountry I sometimes wonder if I'm being naive for not having some sort of defense mechanism other than my fists or whatever crude object I may be able to scramble if awoken to some threat. I generally like to live my life free of fear but I also always like being prepared.
I've been researching guns, stun guns and knives recently and I'm curious what others are doing.

I know this is a touchy subject but I value all the input on other gear and usefulness of it, so thought I'd see what you guys are doing. I really never felt the need for any kind of weapon when I was by myself or with friends camping, but now that I have a family, protection comes to mind.

Feedback is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Kye

 

[modelbuilder]

Don 't see why it's touchy. If you don't like guns/weapons when camping no need to reply and tell us why you don't like them. With that said I carry a gun when I am camping.



.

 

[BIGdaddy]

12g shotgun on one side

my wife on the other...

I sleep like a baby.

 

[jcbrandon]

Kye-

Good question.

My perspective: One always has a weapon of some sort available. You just need to look at everyday objects in a new light, Typical stuff one takes camping can make a pretty useful self-defense tool: Fire extinguishers, camping knives, fuel bottles, flashlights and a zillion other things can all be used as weapons.

A most important weapon is situational awareness. A mindset that makes it hard for a hostile intruder to surprise you. And a posture that makes it easy for you to defend yourself should the need arise.

With those things established, then you might decide that the available improvised weapons are not the best choices. That's when you start deciding to arm yourself with a tool that is specifically for self defense.

 

[Richie]

The only "weapon" I have on me while camping would be my machete. And I don't think that would do much against a 400lb bear or an idiot with a gun. I like secluded camping so to be honest with you I've always been worried about the bear.
With that in mind I have considered getting a shotgun. Better safe than sorry.

 

[barlowrs]

I grew up with the following rule imprented on me before I could even walk...

"Never go into the wild without some form of fire (flint, matches, lighter, etc), and a knife on you"

That being said, I ALWAYS have a knife on me, work, school, EVERYWHERE. When camping, depeding on where I am, and the local wildlife (including crazy humans), I will sometimes bring a handgun as well.

 

[Expedition Key]

Kye-

Good question.

My perspective: One always has a weapon of some sort available. You just need to look at everyday objects in a new light, Typical stuff one takes camping can make a pretty useful self-defense tool: Fire extinguishers, camping knives, fuel bottles, flashlights and a zillion other things can all be used as weapons.

A most important weapon is situational awareness. A mindset that makes it hard for a hostile intruder to surprise you. And a posture that makes it easy for you to defend yourself should the need arise.

With those things established, then you might decide that the available improvised weapons are not the best choices. That's when you start deciding to arm yourself with a tool that is specifically for self defense.

Thanks for the feedback, yeah, I'm leaning towards getting a handgun, either a .380 or a 9mm. I've had both as a young man as well as many other guns..22s, 38,32, 357, Uzi 9mm, AR-15.

I haven't owned a gun in years, and never felt the need to cary one until lately as I spend more and more time in the backcountry. I don't know if things have changed or I'm just more aware as being a parent.

Anyway thanks,
Kye

 

[Capt Sport]

12g shotgun

X2

I recommend you get a home defense style shotgun for this purpose. They're typically cut down versions, so they are easier to move around in cramped quarters like a camper/tent. Plus, you don't have to be as accurate as you do with a pistol when shooting, they're less likely to be pointed at something you don't want to shoot, and there's nothing like the sound of a pump shotgun being racked to get someone's attention.

As far as Bears are concerned I wouldn't shoot any of them with a gun unless it's a last resort. All a shotgun/pistol is going to do is piss em off. Bear/Pepper spray is much more effective at getting them to leave your camp. That being said the few times I have had Bears in my camp they were only looking for food and ran off as soon as I yelled and shined a light on em.

 

[Hilldweller]

If there's a bear in camp, the first line of defense is the alarm remote on my keychain. If the honking horn doesn't scare it off, we have an air horn. Then bear spray. Then the 12 gauge.
I've only had one nuisance bear encounter while camping and it was enough.

 

[UK4X4]

I pack a weimy.......70lbs of lean muscle with a large set of teeth.

We don't get many visitors !

 

[stu454]

....Plus, you don't have to be as accurate as you do with a pistol when shooting, they're less likely to be pointed at something you don't want to shoot,....

Sermon on:
Accuracy is not a given with a shotgun. You do still have to aim it to hope of getting a hit. It is easier to hit with than a handgun but 'spraying and praying' won't cut it.

I have been swept over a dozen times by shotguns. Most of the time it was in close quarters. You must always be aware of the muzzle.

Sermon off.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I hope this is the appropriate forum to discuss this. I did a search and found a lot of posts in the gun forum, but I'm not necessarily thinking of guns per se.

When I'm camping in the backcountry I sometimes wonder if I'm being naive for not having some sort of defense mechanism other than my fists or whatever crude object I may be able to scramble if awoken to some threat. I generally like to live my life free of fear but I also always like being prepared.
I've been researching guns, stun guns and knives recently and I'm curious what others are doing.

I know this is a touchy subject but I value all the input on other gear and usefulness of it, so thought I'd see what you guys are doing. I really never felt the need for any kind of weapon when I was by myself or with friends camping, but now that I have a family, protection comes to mind.

Feedback is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Kye

I almost always have a mini-14 and 1911 when I go camping...both in stainless :coffeedrink:

 

[Corey]

Growing up camping with my parents a lot we used trailers to camp in.
My dad always had a handgun next to him.

I took a Taurus 9 mm with me when camping when my kids were small.

No longer have that, I now have a Colt AR15.
I will be taking it this year, but I would like to purchase a handgun again, a little easier to carry and have next to me in the roof top tent.

You never know what you might encounter when in the back country and away from civilization, and the most dangerous creatures out there are the two legged ones.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

X2

I recommend you get a home defense style shotgun for this purpose. They're typically cut down versions, so they are easier to move around in cramped quarters like a camper/tent. Plus, you don't have to be as accurate as you do with a pistol when shooting, they're less likely to be pointed at something you don't want to shoot, and there's nothing like the sound of a pump shotgun being racked to get someone's attention.

As far as Bears are concerned I wouldn't shoot any of them with a gun unless it's a last resort. All a shotgun/pistol is going to do is piss em off. Bear/Pepper spray is much more effective at getting them to leave your camp. That being said the few times I have had Bears in my camp they were only looking for food and ran off as soon as I yelled and shined a light on em.

1. You still have to aim a shot gun. I prefer a semi-auto rifle with collapsible stock.

2. A 12 ga with the right rounds will do a lot more than piss off a bear. Same goes for a pistol.

3. If you fire a round into the dirt...the bear will run. The disadvantage of pepper spray is you have to pay attention to wind direction, and run the risk of contaminating your camp site and making it very uncomfortable to hang out in.

 

[Sean VHA #60013]

I always bring some sort of Handgun and I usually have a home defense 12ga pump shotgun in tow