Do you feel the need to have a weapon when camping?

[BorregoWrangler]

I'm not necessarily thinking of only guns.

If you don't like guns/weapons when camping or exploring there's no need to reply and tell us why you don't like them.

I enjoy all the input on outdoor gear and usefulness of it, so thought I'd see what others are doing when it comes to this subject. When I'm out camping or just spending the day wheelin' or hiking in the backcountry I always carry some sort of defense mechanism. It's not living my life in fear but being prepared. I'd rather not just rely on my fists or whatever crude object I may be able to wield if I happen upon or am awoken to some danger.

In my opinion most important weapon is situational awareness. Second to that, I can choose from either my 12 gauge shotgun, .357 and .35 Remington rifles, .357 revolver and some sort of knife.

Feedback is much appreciated.

[Dennis David]

Since you live in California how is it that you can carry such an arsenal legally? Not being critical, just want to know.

Pepper Spray / Knife

[jgorm]

I always have a hatchet, but more for a tool than a weapon. I know a bunch of desert guys that always bring a gun, but there are some sketchy guys out there looking to steal bikes.

[sdnative]

Since you live in California how is it that you can carry such an arsenal legally? Not being critical, just want to know.

Pepper Spray / Knife

I would hardly call that an arsensal

I prefer a 12ga shotgun. It is excellent for self defense and can be used to hunt food as well. Handguns as nice, but being in CA you have to be really carefull where you carry and how you transport.

[BorregoWrangler]

Since you live in California how is it that you can carry such an arsenal legally? Not being critical, just want to know.

Pepper Spray / Knife

Well I guess it depends on where you are. Most BLM land around here allows shooting. It is legal to carry a loaded weapon in any unincorporated area where it is also legal to discharge a weapon.

Now of course, if I'm in a fairly populated developed campground, I'm not going to have my shotgun propped up next to my chair while enjoying the fire like I would if I was out in a very remote area. Whether it's actually on my person or secured away with my gear depends on where I'm at and what I'm doing at the time.

Is there a particular kind of pepper spray that you use?

[jgorm]

Is there a particular kind of pepper spray that you use?

Get the bear spray. The can is about 5x bigger than the little wimpy personal defense ones. I'm sure the range is better too.

[Old Fart]

Out of curiosity John - which .35 Remington rifle? I have a T/C Contender in that caliber, always meant to pick up a brush gun to match.

[OLLIE]

John already knows my answer to this question. "Never leave home without it." -AMEX

Since you live in California how is it that you can carry such an arsenal legally? Not being critical, just want to know.

Pepper Spray / Knife

As long as you tyransport them legally, there are no issues. My back cargo compartment is isolated from the front of the truck so when I want to transport when on the trail I can do so legally. You can even see the chain and lock to lock them in place if need be.

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[socal_rubi]

Do twin 50cal machineguns mounted behind the headlights count?

I always take my 45cal HK UPS with me when I go on the trail. It resides in a locked aluminum handgun case that rides behind the passenger seat. Ammo is kept seperately.

I once left the ammo out where it could be seen by others when I had the back open. That caused a few neverous questions to be asked. Since then I store the ammo out of site.

[ssc]

I believe in having weapons when out and about. It is as simple to me as having any survival equipment. I think as all of us agree, it is best to be prepared for the worst case. They are nothing more than tools and they have a purpose. I have edged weapons/tools. Machete, large bowie knife, axe and usually a small pocket knife. These have numerous uses and can be used as a weapon if need be. I always have a handgun. This is attached to me in case of emergency. It can used as a self defense weapon or a signalling device or to secure food. Having a weapon in a vehicle that rolls over a cliff as you exit, may not be retrievable nor a vehicle that goes up in flames or is stolen etc. I have used a pistol to signal--three quick rounds.

Regarding long guns: It is not unusual for me to have a shotgun with different loads. Birdshot for snakes and small game, in case of a survival situation and food is needed. Slugs for self protection from black bears and 2 legged critters. It makes a nice muti use platform and they are cheap, so if stolen etc, no major lost. I carry a rifle for range, and firepower and self defense. I hate to be outgunned, so the rifle gives me firepower to answer most any threat at long distance and allows me to maintain distance and gain distance from threats. Depending which rifle I have, it is very helpful at close range with mulitple problems. Lastly, if I am in an area that I know has big bad critters, which can kill me, my 375H&H is at my side at all times. Edged weapons, always. Pistol, always. Long guns usually. I guess my fists of fury and hands of stone have slowed down and become soft .

Regards, Steve