What is your favorite woods bumming gun?

336A · Post by **336A** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:16 pm

So what do you floks usually reach for the most often when you decide to go loaf around in the woods for a bit? I find myself reaching for my Henry H001 .22 more than anything else.

bsaride · Post by **bsaride** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:30 pm

My 44 Spcl on my hip for 2 legged varmits.

Usually a 22 or two for just bummin around.
M39 cuz the M52 is too much to carry alot.
IJ revolver or now that I have the M41 will likely pack it as well.
Next year I will have rebuilt the 1890s Stevens Favorite and it
will get some woods time as well.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:35 pm

Man that's a tough question.

When I lived out on my little farm the rifle that always by the back door was my Marlin 94P / .44 mag. or
my .22lr Martini-Greener

Now that I've moved back to the city ( long story) and have to choose my trail guns ahead of time when I go to my cabin in PA
it changes.
Lately it's been my CZ 452 .22 Mag and 357 Bisley.
Or my Marlin 94P and Ruger SBH.
Or the .480 Rossi and .22 S&W model 17.

There are others but these have been the "go to" guns lately.
We have some pretty frisky black bears up there lately and
rarely go in the woods unarmed.
Strange thing is, in the 40 years that we've owned the place it's the two legged predators
that we've had the most problems with.

Almost forgot my 92 SRC/ 32-20. used to everywhere with me.

jb

sureshot · Post by **sureshot** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:37 pm

My Marlin 39A Mountie is my favorite for that sort of thing.

Steve

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:46 pm

My 38-40 is good. Good enough for the Skunk to Deer range.

Meeteetse · Post by **Meeteetse** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:48 pm

Since I was a little kid and my uncle let me carry his Ruger Mk I-.22, and I have never gone woods bumming or hunting without a handgun on my hip. Deciding which gun I carry is always fun, but most of the time it is one of my Blackhawks, either a .357, a .45 Colt or a SBH .44. It depends on where I'm going. In Wyoming, some of the places were also home to bears, so the bigger calibers were used. If I'm deer or elk hunting and I have a large caliber rifle, sometimes I will carry a smaller caliber like a Ruger Single-six in 22/22mag.

On my last fishing trip this past summer, I carried a SBH .44 on my hip with my Marlin 1894-.44mag in the truck a short distance away. It does seem that I have been carrying a pistol caliber rifle more often lately. I still like having common calibers in my rifle and handgun.

Coldfingers · Post by **Coldfingers** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:50 pm

SP101 when cutting firewood, fishin, trappin and swattin skeeters or doing anything else that keeps my hands busy. It is just part of my pants. Always in the same place, town or country. Keep .357 rifle close by most of the year but upgrade a mite (45-70) for our short moose season or if I head down to the coastline to load up on salmon.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:15 pm

I've gotten lazy in my old age. I hate carrying long guns unless I'm actually shooting or hunting.
So my woods bumming gun is usually a big bore (45 Colt) revolver. You never know what sort of target will make itself available.

Joe

gak · Post by **gak** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:38 pm

If tromping around in the warm desert, my 3" S&W .357, with the first round as snake-shot, followed by "warm" but not hot '57s. This should be adequate for cat encounters--which are increasingly likely with combo of continued draught and two legged encroachment on habitat. If woods bumming - which means a chance bear encounter- .44 Special, loaded warmly. If actually expecting major trouble - (camping in the middle of known bear population and camp intrusions) which would be rare - "regular" loading of .44 Mag. In the latter case, this is accompanied in camp by a 92 lever/trapper length in same caliber.

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:48 pm

It's usually one of these little .25-20s.

adirondakjack · Post by **adirondakjack** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:01 pm

I guess it depends. Today I took the Blackhawk in .45 Colt into the deer woods, leaving the rifles behind. It's kinda a nice "bumming" choice. I've got two 10/22s I could use for squirrels, but lately I've been looking real hard at my 1890's vintage Stevens favorite (mine's a smoothbore) and a stock 10/22 barrel I have hanging around. Might just have to re-work the 10/22 barrel to fit the Stevens, chop it to 16 1/4", and create a "minimal" walking around gun that should still shoot well. Since the Favorite is a takedown version, it'd also pack in a case about 16 X 6 inches, for pack or kayak duty. Just one of those things that make ya go "Hmmmm"

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:27 pm

Hmmmm - MARLIN 39tds in .22lr of course - when I plan on taking small game, plinking etc. On my hip would be my S&W model 60-3 stoked with 180gr .357 for trouble with others.

During deer season, Marlin 1893 in 30WCF and on my hip would be my Walther PP in .22lr or the same S&W.

If I was woodswalking in Alaska or big bear territory, It would be my WWG in .457/45-70. I would have to go shopping for a pistol there - not sure which I would use.

If I would choose a general rifle it would be my NKJ .357, I could use it for small game or deer size game, and I would have the S&W and the Walther. Add my shotgun and those four would keep me happy all the rest of my days. I put a couple hundred rounds through both the NKJ and the Walther today and came away smiling all the more.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:33 pm

I have/carry a Remington 870 12ga Shotgun, a sporterized Model 1917 Enfield .30-06 Rifle, and a scoped Ruger 10/22 .22LR in my truck 24/7/365. Most of the times when I stop to do some boony-stomping, I take the 12ga. with me with #4 Buckshot in my 25 round cartridge belt.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:37 pm

336A wrote:So what do you floks usually reach for the most often when you decide to go loaf around in the woods for a bit? I find myself reaching for my Henry H001 .22 more than anything else.

I'm always carrying my SP101..

But when I take the time to go out to one of the FWAs I'm carrying my .357 Rossi 92 - Usually with a catsneeze on top of 2 180gr "heavies" and 8 Factory 158 SJSPs in reserve, with 5 more Catsneeze on the butt and a few more in the pocket and a Speed Strip of 180gr "heavies" for bad times.

A bit handier in a crisis than a .22...

Scott Young · Post by **Scott Young** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:43 pm

if it isn't hunting season, then it is my .22 magnum single six. if it is hunting season then the single six and one of my levers...a 22 mag, 30-30, 32 special, 44 mag, or 35 rem. during hunting season i want something i can shoot a deer or hog with and also something i can take a rabbit or squirrel with.

bigbore442001 · Post by **bigbore442001** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:01 pm

My all time favorite and most used is the Ruger Single Six stainless with a 5 1/2" barrel and the 22 WRM cylinder in place.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:41 pm

Lots of nice guns and pairs mentioned.

One thing that is nice is to have a gun which isn't so loud you'd suffer permanent hearing damage if you touched one or two off without hearing protection; 'bear' guns being the exception, of course.

That's one thing I like about a .45 ACP or .44 Spl vs. a .357 Mag when it comes to handguns. I guess it's what has a subsonic muzzle velocity?

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:43 pm

B-92 .357 mag. 1886.

reo · Post by **reo** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:50 pm

Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt 4 5/8" Blue.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:18 pm

for protection when scouting, a 336, 35 Rem or 30-30.

before deer season I went out and annoyed birds with a .22 cal Benjamin Sheridan, now THAT was fun. For outings close to civilization I'm going to take that.

eric65 · Post by **eric65** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:25 pm

4" GP 100

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:47 pm

I'm with Mike D. Its usually the same Model 25 Remington he has but in 32-20 caliber. Theres almost always a SA Colt of some sort tucked away too-----------Sixgun

Tennessee Hayre · Post by **Tennessee Hayre** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:03 pm

I use to always take a 30-30 and a .357 mag but now a days I take an 1895G and a .44 cal ball and cap revolver. It's give me an excuse to empty the .44 into a tree before coming home. I get to then reload it before putting it in the safe for the next trip.

TCB in TN · Post by **TCB in TN** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:04 pm

My Marlin 39A Mountie is my favorite for that sort of thing.
Steve

A man after my own heart. During my youth this was my fav also. I recent got another one and it has certainly went straight to the top of the list!

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:51 pm

I carry this rig with a SS Cimarron 357 and shoot 38 special HP in it because it is inexpensive and easy on the ears. I usally have a El Tigre 44-40 in the truck.

GANJIRO · Post by **GANJIRO** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:23 am

That would be "Shorty" my single shot Rossi 357 Magnum.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:11 am

Either my Henry 22 or my Rossi 92 357 Mag.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:34 am

S&W 629 classic 44 mag........to many black bears!

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:03 am

Depending on weather and how I feel at the moment:
Ruger SBH 7.5", Ruger Security Six 2.75" in 357 or Ruger Single Six with 22lr cylinder.

Dastook · Post by **Dastook** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:08 am

If I just go bummin I carry my 92 in 357 or my 22, 39a. I carry a SIG 220 in 45 or SIG 229 in 40 on my hip.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:09 am

I have to redo my answer. Currently, I can't roam the woods, carrying a rifle, when no hunting season is available. I don't own land to roam on and the game lands don't allow practicing on them. So, as I reread the question, it doesn't ask what I roam the woods with when I am hunting. When I am out in the woods outside of hunting season, no rifle is carried. During those times, as with all other times, I carry a pistol or revolver or both- either my rohrbaugh 9mm in my right rear pocket, my Walther PP .22, strong side carry, or my S&W 60-3. More and more, I am carrying the .22 when out playing. In my daily carry bag, I carry the .22, with 100 CCI mini Mag and extra mag, the Rohrbaugh with 3 mags and a 20 box of 115 Gold dots. In the truck is always the NKJ '92 in .357 with the S&W 60-3 in the same caliber. I have two boxes of ammo in the truck, 180gr JHP, and 148 gr LSWCHP. I am pondering carrying my Benelli M3 in the truck with various loads. It would fit in the floor case I carry the .357s in.

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:42 am

I always pack some type of handgun on my hip when out and about; a Colt SAA in 45 or FA 83 in 454. Never know when I'm going to have to deal with a two legged predatory animal, bear (black or grizz) and cat. I usually don't carry a rifle unless I'm hunting. Then it depends on my mood I'm in and the game I'm hunting.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:30 am

Browning 1886 carbine, and Ruger SA 45 Colt.

When off the mountain, and not in good bear country, a 4" Smith 29 or the Ruger 45, and a Winchester 94 carbine, or when sort of near the mountain, and in open country some, the 71. The 71 gives me a good 300 yards of range to cover the dogs if they got in trouble. Sighted in 2 1/2" to 3" high @ 100, hitting the 18" plate @ 300 yds is fairly easy offhand. I sometimes carry a scoped bolt gun, the glass makes a huge difference in poor light, such as is common this time of year when I can get out to walk. Usually a 308, sometimes a 35 Whelen or 30-06.

Been grizzlies acting frisky, and cats acting goofy. Wolves bother dogs some,.....Ain't any cell coverage most places I go, or help available even of you could call,..someone,..anyone.

Always take at least 30 rounds along,....

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:01 am

These days, a SS frame .357 Cenntenial, or one of the .45acp's..... If I'm hunting and have rifle with, just the little AirLite .22 will do.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:24 am

That Shorty - now that is one of a kind.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:41 am

GANJIRO wrote:That would be "Shorty" my single shot Rossi 357 Magnum.

Great gun - I'd like the same setup in .45 Colt...!

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:32 pm

Oops, I completely forgot about the sidearm. Occasionally, I carry a beat up old Colt SA .44 WCF in a rig I got from Rick Bachman back in 1978.

bogus bill · Post by **bogus bill** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:58 pm

Just to be different. Here is a altered 1890 winchester I have. I had the .22 wrf rechambered to .22 WMRF. This rifle "fits" me better than any other rifle I own. It even has a cheekpiece stock! This rifle is light, yet has a couple inch longer then standard stock that feels like it was custom built for just me! It dates 1924.

BwanaDave · Post by **BwanaDave** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:16 pm

I have a ten year old 1885 45/70 Marlin that I did all the normal stuff to, AO sight, ejector, trigger, cross bolt plug. I also put a Treebone Carving stock on it. It is my "truck gun" that I take everywhere I take a rifle unless specifically hunting big game with a scoped rifle. As far as side arms go my current favorite is a 45 Colt New Vaquero that Clements went through. I carry it in an El Paso Threepersons holster on my regular belt. If carrying concealed it is a Walther ppks.

Dave

bogus bill · Post by **bogus bill** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:28 pm

I have a large collection have handguns and the wife and I ride quad a lot. It probley is our biggest activity here in utah on the many trails we are blessed with. Seems every time we go I am trying to decide what new gun to grab for the day. However I take this ruger .32 H&R Mag more than others as it is light, flat shooting, accurate and fun.

TomF · Post by **TomF** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 2:01 pm

When on the ranch, I carry a 30-30 trapper or Cowboy and a 4.625" Ruger single six.

TomF

GANJIRO · Post by **GANJIRO** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:04 pm

AJMD429 wrote:
GANJIRO wrote:That would be "Shorty" my single shot Rossi 357 Magnum.

Great gun - I'd like the same setup in .45 Colt...!

I have stainless NEF Handi Rifle in 223, and with their barrel accessory program I plan on ordering among other barrels (24" stainless 45/70) a 44 Magnum barrel and have it cut down to 16.25" just like "Shorty". The H&R Handi Rifle's 12 gauge size frame is quite a bit heavier then the Rossi .410 size frame so even with barrel cut to 16.25" the 44 Mag Handi will weigh at least a pound more than "Shorty" which is okay with the additional recoil of the 44 Mag. Can't wait to get some disposable income.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:52 pm

If I'm just in the mood to plink, I grab my old Model 39 Marlin standard rifle and a box of .22's. If I want something with a little more boom, I go with my old 1894 Marlin in .32-20 cal.

Wes · Post by **Wes** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:50 pm

If I'm on pack trips without the grizzly bears, I carry my Redhawk 44 Mag and M94 pack rifle in same caliber.
In the grizzlies its the 45-70 for sure.
When I'm bumming around the ranch it's usually the Marlin 32-20 or the Browning 218 Bee. Here lately I've been packin the M92 Cimarron 44-40 and having fun with it. So far it's done well on a coon, jackrabbit, and one big porcupine. Oh and one cow we butchered for hamburger.

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:42 pm

Wes, after using the 44-40 on a big cow how do you feel about it for deer now? I reckon you figure to use it next year. Still waiting for one for my 92 32wcf and 100 grain XTPHP load.

loader · Post by **loader** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:28 pm

Sorry but not a lever. First choice is Hi-Standard Sentinel 2" .22lr. If small game hunting season is in Savage 24 22mag/20.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:48 pm

GANJIRO wrote: I have stainless NEF Handi Rifle in 223, and with their barrel accessory program I plan on ordering among other barrels (24" stainless 45/70) a 44 Magnum barrel and have it cut down to 16.25" just like "Shorty". The H&R Handi Rifle's 12 gauge size frame is quite a bit heavier then the Rossi .410 size frame so even with barrel cut to 16.25" the 44 Mag Handi will weigh at least a pound more than "Shorty" which is okay with the additional recoil of the 44 Mag. Can't wait to get some disposable income.

[thread unraveling]

Three Questions:

1) Do you have to drive the pin out with a punch to change barrels, since it isn't held in by the forend like the Contender/Encore guns? If so, perhaps you could make a hex-screw into some sort of pin with good fit and lockup?

2) Which is the best Handi to start with if you want a wide variety of 'descendents' - I know some of the .357 Mags are on a lighter weight frame I was told couldn't handle higher pressures.

3) Since they aren't very expensive guns, does it save money to get another barrel fitted, vs. getting a whole separate gun for your new caliber(s)?

[/thread restore]

DerekR · Post by **DerekR** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:50 pm

If i'm just "bummin" I don't like to carry a long gun. I usually put one of my short-barreled Ruger single-actions in a Simply Rugged pancake.

GANJIRO · Post by **GANJIRO** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:24 am

AJMD429 wrote:
Three Questions:

1) Do you have to drive the pin out with a punch to change barrels, since it isn't held in by the forend like the Contender/Encore guns? If so, perhaps you could make a hex-screw into some sort of pin with good fit and lockup?

On the Handi-Rifle a screw holds the fore end on, unscrew, remove fore end, and barrels comes right off.

2) Which is the best Handi to start with if you want a wide variety of 'descendents' - I know some of the .357 Mags are on a lighter weight frame I was told couldn't handle higher pressures.

Start with a centerfire rifle chambering, and that frame will handle all barrels. The 357, and 44 mag rifles use the iron shotgun frame but the centerfire rifles use a steel frame, both frames same size and weight though.

3) Since they aren't very expensive guns, does it save money to get another barrel fitted, vs. getting a whole separate gun for your new caliber(s)?

The barrels run you average about half the price of a whole new gun depending on barrel. Good if you're limited in space or money.

44LVR · Post by **44LVR** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:51 pm

When you say 'woods bumming', I'm going with the premise that we are not talking about hunting season.

I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have my 4 3/4" Ruger Flattop with me. I wear it on a lined 3" El Paso Saddlery belt with 15 extra rounds, in a deep 1880 crossdraw holster. It is a really neat outfit that I don't even notice when it is belted on tightly. I also have an extra 9 loops on my belt for 45-70's or 45-90's, but those are generally only used during hunting season.

90+% of the time I'll also have my receiver sighted Marlin Cowboy in .44. It is sighted in for the same load as my flattop and is superbly accurate and just loves Unique powder, from very light to medium-heavy. I've taken a few deer and quite a lot of both blue and ruffed grouse with it, but I don't usually pack it during hunting season.

Where I do at least 50% of my 'woods bumming', from early March to late June the timber companys FEED THE BEARS! They have feed 'stations' that are constantly replentished with a pellet to give the bears the same nutrients that they get from peeling the cambius layer from fir trees, which destroy the tree. That gets the bears funneling into a very localized area. Where I hike I walk by at least 3 bear feeding stations. I've used that trail for over 30 years and I'll be darned if I am going to be changing my habits, doggone it! But when I start seeing fresh steaming bear scat and tracks on the trail, I will either go to a much heavier load in the Marlin or else change to my .348 with stout 250gr Barnes at 2050fps.

My wife hikes with much of the time so no matter where we are I'll ALWAYS take a rifle along in addition to my pistol. Two reasons. One, my wife is just more comfortable when I have a rifle. When she has been with me we have on more than one occasion just about bumped into bears on the trail and twice we've ran across cats (mt lions). Two, I tend to like to hike much farther than the wife. So if I get a real burr under my tail and want to continue on for a few (or half dozen!) extra miles, I'll have my wife take my rifle and then meet her back at the truck!

44