Backpacking/trail shotguns

[Andrew Wyatt]

The last thread i started brought some questions to my mind about Backpacking/Trail shotguns, and i wanted to find out what kinds of guns people put to that use.

What configuration of gun do you use for backpacking/trail use?

Gauge?

Sighting system?

Accessories?

Ammunition?

Method of carry?


What Ranges do you expect to be engaging targets at?
What kinds of targets do you expect to engage?


Thanks in advance for your participation.

 

[blindhari]

20 ga H&R cut to 18 1/2" barrel 34" overall, sidesaddle ammo holder, latigo braid sling, under 5lbs and camoflaged

blindhari

 

[Youngster]

My primary woods gun is a 870P 12 gauge wearing either an 18.5" rifle sight or 12.5" blade front sight barrel, a Hogue short stock and a Browning sling.

Loads are typically "hard" slugs, although I'll keep some bird and buck handy as well.

I carry it either slung on the back or in the hands ready to go.

 

[.338-06]

870 12ga 18" Black Magic slugs, sights are two beads on the rib. Unless I change to my rifled barrel. Bears bluff charge so the distance will be <25yds. I find the beads faster up close than the rifle sights. This hasn't happened to me yet, as 99 out of 100 bears will run from people. I haven't encountered 100 bears yet.

Oh, slung or carried. And of course, the Alaska required .44 or bigger handgun for backup.

 

[heeler]

If simplicity and weight are at the forefront for a long gun then a NEF single shot in the gauge of your choice would be hard to beat as they weigh under six pounds.
When I am camping or hiking my gun of choice is a small light handgun as it is easier to carry with you 24 hours a day.

 

[Onmilo]

I passed on a 20 guage H&R single shot with 22" modified choke smoothbore, electroless nickle finish and bead sight.
When I decided I really did need that gun and went back, it had already sold.
My recommendation if you can find one.

 

[Pete D.]

hiking

Backpacking? A Springfield Armory (made by CZ) M6 Scout O/U .22LR X .410. Ammo stores in the gun stock.
I bought the one I have a bunch of years ago. They are harder and harder to find. Aperture sight for the .22 and flip up open sight for the .410. Shoots a .410 slug right to POA at 25 yards. Easy enough to hit a two inch target at .25 yds with the .22.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Armory_M6_Scout (picture)
Pete

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

Just for clarification, i'm asking for what you guys use, not a reccomendation on what i should use.

I'm getting some good answers so far, but I'd like more information on what you guys think the uses a backpacking shotgun would get put to are.

thanks!

 

[rio nueces]

I'd go with a handgun, I've been hiking in the hills and you must consider weight and bulk.
But if you prefer the shotgun...some sort of take-down, single or double. I've known of people bringing pistol-grip pumps into the woods. (Legal limits)

Uses for it? Bear. Cougar. Dogs. Two-legged animals. Defensively.

For hunting small game a .22 rifle would be better. For big game a centerfire rifle would be called for.

 

[Youngster]

I carry mine for defense against animals and people { there seems to be lots of druggy types running around in the woods in my area these days}, for target shooting, and for rabbit if the opportunity arises.

I'm thinking of switching my 870 for a short barrelled Ithaca 37 however as the Ithaca will be much lighter, will be blued with wood furniture so will be much less tactical looking than my black 870, and I just like their function better.

I have a sporting length Ithaca 37 but it's just too long for a dedicated hiking gun.

 

[oneounceload]

Since this seems to be more for non-hunting scenarios, something like the Serbu Shorty would be easier to pack and carry, while providing 3 shots of whatever flavor you wanted to shoot

 

[amd6547]

I have backpacked for decades in areas populated with black bear and wolves...never felt the need to burden myself with a longarm of any kind.
I did have one of the Springfield M6's mentioned earlier...too heavy and bulky for backpack absent specific need, though I did bring it seakayaking a few times.
No, I usually pack a handgun...tried several different types over the years, but currently it is a romanian tokarev pistol...

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

This went off topic really fast.


I'm looking for answers to the questions i presented, like so.

What configuration of gun do you use for backpacking/trail use? I use a fixed stock single barrel take down.

Gauge? 20

Sighting system? ghost ring aperture sights

Accessories? sling, Butt cuff (5 rounds) choate hollow foreend w/ chamber adaptor for .22LR

Ammunition? brenneke slugs and number 8 shot in the butt cuff, number 3 buck in the chamber

Method of carry? i keep the gun broken down in a bag untill i get past the trailhead, then i keep it slung or in my hands.


What Ranges do you expect to be engaging targets at? the area where i backpack has open areas where you can see as far as 300 yards, but i expect to not have to shoot anything farther than 150 yards away.
What kinds of targets do you expect to engage? the most dangerous animals in the area are pot farmers and meth lab operators, but have seen everything from rabbits and game birds to deer and mountain lions.

 

[Bud Tugly]

Depends on what you're planning on using the gun for.

If you're looking for a gun you can stow in a backpack and use for foraging and living off the land, I've got a great option. I have a Rossi youth matched pair. It's a single buttstock with a 22" .410 and an 18" .22 barrel that can interchange. You can pack a lot of ammo since both types are relatively small and light and could easily hunt just about any type of small game.

If you're talking about protection against bears or other dangerous critters, then a lightweight 12 gauge loaded with slugs or any high-powered rifle with a sling would be my choice. In those cases it needs to be carried so it can be deployed quickly.

 

[Onmilo]

O.P. asks what we would use for backpacking then complains when the answers are given.
OK
I don't have much time to backpack and there aren't a whole lot of places to do so.
One place I can backpack AND carry a gun nearby is Sand Ridge State Forrest.
Here is where I will use the 20 guage wneh I get ahold of one.
Right now I have the same gun in .410 that I use fairly often on the farm.
Kills snakes, raccoons and skunks mostly, pest animals that prey on the chickens.
I also keep a similar but longer barrelled 12 guage stashed in an outbuilding for times I am out and see a good opportunity for taking a pheasant or a couple quali for supper.

 

[Cosmoline]

This isn't a discussion thread just a polling sample for info purposes.

What configuration of gun do you use for backpacking/trail use? Mossberg 500 with a good quality folding stock for ease of transport, not for shooting PGO.

Gauge? 12 ga

Sighting system? Slugster barrel rifle sights.

Accessories? Simple tactical light clamped to barrel.

Ammunition? Brenneke magnum hardcasts.

Method of carry? Either in hand or in a backpack scabbard.

What Ranges do you expect to be engaging targets at? 5 to 50 yards

What kinds of targets do you expect to engage? Hopefully nothing, but possible brown or black bear.

 

[KodiakBeer]

12 gauge Baikal "coach" gun. I shove it down my pack with the butt hanging over my shoulder. I have an old piece of leather in the bottom of my pack to keep the barrels from wearing through the fabric.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

Thanks for the assist, Cosmoline.

Nice rig, KodiakBeer!

What do you keep it stoked with?

 

[KodiakBeer]

It's stoked with some pretty standard 2 3/4 inch traditional slugs. The reason for that is that they hit right under the bead at 15 to 20 yards. All of the newer, hotter slugs I've tried shoot very high at those ranges.

 

[amprecon]

Dude, you definitely need one of these:


14 rounds of confidence, if you don't want one I'm sure thinkin' about it, it definitely falls into the Mad Max gun category.
BTW its the new Kel-Tec KSG, just over two feet long total.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

amprecon: two problems.

1. the KSG doesnt exist as a product.

2. its completely off topic.

 

[MCgunner]

I rather like my Remington Spartan coach gun in 20 gauge, interchangable chokes, breaks down and stows in my back pack. Ammo is effective, yet smaller and lighter than 12. Shoots well with foster slugs to 50 yards. Patterns fantastic. I bought this gun to hunt doves with, but it's multi-use, and unlike Alaskans, I don't have to worry about bears, so 20 is enough and it sure is nice on my shoulder. I really do like it as a camp shotgun, too. I've never backpacked with a shotgun, though, but I put it in my backpack on dove hunting trips where I take the motorcycle, strap it to the back of the bike and go, out of sight at gas stops and such and I can take the pack into restaurants I might stop at.

Just a way cool gun IMHO. It's deadly on birds, too, but you got to get used to the whippy nature of it. It's quite light and short when assembled.

 

[lobo9er]

I'd go with a handgun

+1 on that if you can.
I'm not a seasoned vet at hiking and camping. but I can tell you when I do go I am counting my ounces I carry. And unless I am hunting theres not way a shotgun is gonna find a way into my pack if i gotta hike to "base camp".

 

[Mainsail]

First, nobody that seriously hikes in the lower 48 carries a shotgun, so I don't know what kind of answer you expect. If your definition of 'hike' is to wander around near your vehicle, then carry whatever you want. If you are trying to start seriously hiking, the weight of any shotgun (except maybe the aforementioned Serbu) makes it ridiculous. If you want to hike and experience nature, leave your paranoia at the trailhead and just hike. If you feel like you need a firearm for protection, carry a light handgun.

 

[jon86]

+1 mainsail.

I don't do any "serious" hiking, but I can't imagine carrying more than a handgun. Usually just a glock, if I'm going 10 miles or more up and down mountains than I'll probably just take a 38 special. There are no grizzly's where I hike. My water and a sandwiches are way more important than a shotgun.

However, to those of you who do carry a shotgun when you hike, more power to you.