sidearm placement for backcountry and caliber of choice in the lower 48

[greyghostnw]

was curious what people choose to carry and where they carry on there body when on backcountry hunts, scouting etc....... what caliber people run to fend off in the lower 48. i run a 4 inch springfield xdm 45 acp with tritium nite sites, 13+1 in a blackhawk serpa holster mounted to a blackhawk thigh rig, 1 extra mag, 230 grain hydroshocks, kryptek last chance belt. i personallly found this combo perfect for me. never bothers me, and pistol is always in at ready position.

 

[muleman]

I run the same setup except for the thigh rig and cartridges. My gun is either on my belt or my pack belt. I shoot 230gr Ranger T +P.

 

[HighHunter1232]

S&W .357 Military/Police, worn in a leather Galco shoulder holster. Two speed loaders worn under the opposite arm, helps balance out the weight. Usually have a few shot shells handy for grouse, however you have to be awfully close.

 

[rodney482]

I carry a glock 36 in a blackhawk serpa paddle.. Slip paddle over kifaru pack belt.

 

[greyghostnw]

decided i prefer the thigh rig. that way when the pack comes off my pistol does not, nor does it get in my packs way when having pack on. i do enjoy knowing it is always there and ready, be it the 2 or 4 legged type that is a threat. although i am better with my xdm9 the knockdown and kinetic energy of the 45 acp keeps me carrying that for bear.

 

[rodney482]

When I take my pack off the holster slips over my Sitka belt.

Never cared for thigh holsters when I was on swat.

Just not comfortable

 

[mtnkid85]

I use a Simply rugged Loaded Pancake holster with there chesty harness. After a fair bit of finagling, Ive got it to where it works quite well under a pack with a bino harness on as well.

-Not my picture-

 

[greyghostnw]

i wear a bino harness so the chest area is taken.

 

[TRIPLE]

I keep my sidearm conviently placed in my safe for all backcountry hunts.

Grey ghost- I've got to cut some weight somewhere buddy.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I keep my sidearm conviently placed in my safe for all backcountry hunts.

This ^.

I have never had a reason to carry a gun in the backcountry unless I'm hunting with it. You're more likely to need it at a trailhead than in the backcountry imo.

 

[BowElkStalker]

thigh holster with my S&W M&P .40 compact.

 

[desertcj]

I've carried a Glock 17 9mm, 1911 45 auto as well as Ruger Blackhawk in .357 mag. I don't mind going without if I'm carrying a rifle. You will probably never need it, but I live in a state where we have a completely uncontrolled lion population and due to a ban on hunting with dogs, a soon to be rising bear population! If a lion pounces on you, you are probably a goner, but I'd rather have a side arm and a chance of using it then not...

Oh ya, a Ruger Super RedHawk Alaskan in 44mag is on my wish list

 

[Ozz08]

I've carried a Glock 17 9mm, 1911 45 auto as well as Ruger Blackhawk in .357 mag. I don't mind going without if I'm carrying a rifle. You will probably never need it, but I live in a state where we have a completely uncontrolled lion population and due to a ban on hunting with dogs, a soon to be rising bear population! If a lion pounces on you, you are probably a goner, but I'd rather have a side arm and a chance of using it then not...

Oh ya, a Ruger Super RedHawk Alaskan in 44mag is on my wish list

You ain't kidding about the bear population. California already had the highest estimated black bear population in the lower 48 before the hound ban.

 

[BroodBuster]

I used to carry my Ruger .357 but stopped many years ago. Just too darn heavy to haul around 24x7 in the backcountry.

 

[Curtis C]

Springfield XDS and paddle holster slid onto the Kifaru belt.

 

[Tony Trietch]

I just picked up a Taurus 444 UL and am pondering this exact thing.
Large Zeiss Victory 10x56 take up the chest area and the Kuiu BP hip belt covers the belt.
What I am considering is rigging a hip holster to the left shoulder strap on the 7200. If I can get it away from the binos and not under my arm in a way that is uncomfortable.
That or maybe to the hip belt of the Bp next to the pouch.
I am listening for good ideas.

 

[ohhiitznik]

I'm not carrying a pistol this year. It'll be sitting in my safe at home as well!

 

[greyghostnw]

for me its a piece of mind be it that i am solo 95% of the time. having the mental edge that its there. i honestly do not even notice the weight be it that it is on my thigh. saving weight is a constant battle for me and always seem to be working on it. i know what i need to do to remedy this but that takes money essentially to buy a few things that would shed a few pounds. either way i will continue to carry and may just be one of those things i never leave out of my kit. after all a pistol is only a weapon to get you to your bow or rifle keeping you in the fight that may or may not ever come..... thanx for the replys......

 

[justin davis]

I don't carry when im backpacking or bowhunting. I don't hunt in Grizz country or else i might. But if I was to carry it would be my Glock 21 (45 acp) or a Glock 20 (10 mm)

 

[hflier]

Ruger LCR .357 revolver in a Fobus holster on my Kifaru T1 hip belt. I would rather have a 10mm Glock - maybe next year.