Bowhunting Sidearm - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

HeathJohnson · 11-22-2021, 09:33 AM

Wanted to get some input from y'all. I am in need of a handgun to carry with me while bowhunting. I have never owned a pistol, but have shot plenty. Lately where I have been hunting I have had one too many close calls with pigs walking to or from my stands in the dark. I was wondering what y'all carry with you as your sidearm when bowhunting, and what does your set up look like? Do you have a holster attached to your bino harness or do you have the normal belt loop holster? TIA

Fishndude · 11-22-2021, 09:38 AM

Hip worn Taurus Stainless .38 or chest holster Sig 9mm

Can’t say I like one over the other.

3rdCoastHunter · 11-22-2021, 09:57 AM

I put a Ruger LC9S in the side pouch of my back pack but I think I like the idea of a revolver better

220swift · 11-22-2021, 10:06 AM

Taurus Judge with some long colt rounds and some 410 shells for shooting rattlebugs

ROBERT83 · 11-22-2021, 10:17 AM

Pmr 30

huntmaster · 11-22-2021, 10:25 AM

Belt holstered 1911-45

WyoBull · 11-22-2021, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 220swift

Taurus Judge with some long colt rounds and some 410 shells for shooting rattlebugs

This is a good route to go, especially if you have snakes. This is what I carried when hunting when I lived down in Texas.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Raider4044 · 11-22-2021, 10:34 AM

Usually no different than what I carry everyday. Sig 365XL 9mm with a Holosun red dot.

Every once in a while when I'm hunting (usually varmint/pig hunting at night), I'll carry a Glock 19 with an RMR and a TLR-7.

jnors06 · 11-22-2021, 10:34 AM

I carry a Kimber K6 3 inch in a cross draw holster by simply rugged. 1st round up is snake shot remaining 5 are soft points.

tpack · 11-22-2021, 10:43 AM

I carry my 1911 or my s&w model 19. I’ve had some very close calls to.

TX03RUBI · 11-22-2021, 10:47 AM

I’ve gone into brush after some pretty nasty boars with nothing more than the G48 or G19 9mm in my waistband (my everyday carry) and a flashlight. A couple quick we’ll placed shots have done the trick when I needed them to. Most of the time these hogs are severely wounded, but I’ve had a couple with light nothing more than a light flesh wound. I wouldn’t have wasted the time had I known that.

DEREKG22 · 11-22-2021, 10:55 AM

Full size Springfield xd 45 with a tactical light mounted on it. But lately been rolling without a firearm out of concern of any mature deer I'm after smelling gun oil. I wonder if anyone else ever had this concern....we can jump thru 1000 hoops to not smell before going in the woods with soaps, sprays, ozone eliminators, etc.- but then put an oily weapon on yur side that also reeks on gunpowder and head into the woods.... yea i dont know...

SaltwaterSlick · 11-22-2021, 10:59 AM

Sig P220 45/2 extra mags... Some of my potential varmints are of the 2-legged variety down in South Texas...

Tomkat70 · 11-22-2021, 12:05 PM

G19 9mm with laser red dot

Smart · 11-22-2021, 12:08 PM

Sig P365 in a Kenai chest holster.... I make sure I have it pig hunting much more than deer hunting....and always tracking either in the dark.

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Drycreek3189 · 11-22-2021, 12:42 PM

After I had my Messcin stand off with a big stinky boar in Trinity Co. I took to carrying my G20 in my hand while going to my stand in the dark (even while gun hunting). My .280 was always slung over my shoulder with chamber empty so a light equipped 10mm seemed much more appropriate.

youngbuck1 · 11-22-2021, 12:49 PM

Finished a piggy off with my s&w 357 last week. One to the dome and nighty night.

RUNNING BEAR · 11-22-2021, 01:52 PM

Keep a Ruger .380 in my pack if a finish off shot is ever needed. If I encounter something while walking I don’t need a gun, I’ve got my bow.

justindfw · 11-22-2021, 02:02 PM

Smith & wesson m&p 40

BTLowry · 11-22-2021, 02:09 PM

Keep whatever you are comfortable with on you and ready to go

If I think I might walk up on a pig in the dark on way to stand I keep pistol ready or at the house sling the AR 300BO pistol with red dot and single point sling over my shoulder.

texan4ut · 11-22-2021, 02:39 PM

.357 Mag western style wheel gun. Load it with snake shot sometimes during snake season.

Muddy Bud · 11-22-2021, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntmaster

Belt holstered 1911-45

This,but down south it ain’t for pigs.

Low Fence · 11-22-2021, 03:06 PM

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

Raider4044 · 11-22-2021, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

nursejenn · 11-22-2021, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 220swift

Taurus Judge with some long colt rounds and some 410 shells for shooting rattlebugs

This is what I carry… in a chest holster.

piercebronkite · 11-22-2021, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

Im gonna have to steal that one.

Calitexembalmer · 11-22-2021, 04:05 PM

Ruger LC9

Twist · 11-22-2021, 04:16 PM

Glock 20 with a Streamlight TLR-6 mounted to it. I carry unholstered in for the morning and out for the evening, sidearm and light at the same time.

TD2000 · 11-22-2021, 04:18 PM

Glock 45 with Ball ammo when hunting elk (Bear & Mountain Lions in area)

SW 19 with 357 for pigs

TBoat10 · 11-22-2021, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

. Greatness!!!!!

AntlerCollector · 11-22-2021, 04:59 PM

Taurus Judge for me. Wearing it in my blind right now. I keep Long colts in it when I’m hunting East Texas. When out West (No hogs) I load it with snake shot.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

beefiedoubleoh · 11-22-2021, 05:39 PM

G20 in lightweight paddle holster for easy on/off

Huntsman27 · 11-22-2021, 05:46 PM

I carry a full size 1911 45acp, switch to a Judge with snake shot for off season.

JohnAGarrett · 11-22-2021, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

This made me laugh

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JohnAGarrett · 11-22-2021, 05:56 PM

I carry a S&W M&P Shield 9mm in a hard OWB holster.

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coker737 · 11-22-2021, 05:58 PM

My EDC G26. Got IA to watch for as well

SoggyBottomAg · 11-22-2021, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEREKG22

Full size Springfield xd 45 with a tactical light mounted on it. But lately been rolling without a firearm out of concern of any mature deer I'm after smelling gun oil. I wonder if anyone else ever had this concern....we can jump thru 1000 hoops to not smell before going in the woods with soaps, sprays, ozone eliminators, etc.- but then put an oily weapon on yur side that also reeks on gunpowder and head into the woods.... yea i dont know...

I too have this concern and do not carry while bowhunting bc of this. So far have been lucky enough not to need one.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

charrell71 · 11-22-2021, 06:40 PM

I carry my everyday sidearm, Sig P250 .40 cal. Every once in a blue moon, I will carry the Beretta 92FS loaded with Black Talons.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Fishndude · 11-22-2021, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

You ain’t right!

Mike D · 11-22-2021, 08:58 PM

Are a couple of you seriously worried about a deer spooking from gun oil smell?

I carry a Glock 20 long slide stoked with either 200 grain XTPs or 220 grain hard cast. None of that 45AARP stuff for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

ElfEyes · 11-22-2021, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

What brand whistle? I blew the reeds out of my last one....

Boyd1212 · 11-22-2021, 09:18 PM

In Texas, I just used my everyday carry gun on my side. Up here I have a Kimber 1911 10mm on the belt of my pack. The daughter and I ran into a cougar 2 weekends ago. I missed on the only shot I had as it ran across the old logging road we were walking. My daughter is now really nervous walking around out there.

TacticalCowboy · 11-22-2021, 09:33 PM

I just eat chili the night before… the farts scare off all the predators.

SabineHunter · 11-22-2021, 10:01 PM

Taurus .357 revolver

Hotrodd · 11-22-2021, 10:08 PM

Colt 1911 in 45ACP or Colt 1911 Delta Elite 10mm carried S.O.B.

Drop Tine · 11-22-2021, 10:36 PM

Springfield XDM in 10mm. Load depends where I’m at. In bear country it’s some heavy hard cast; Texas I usually have hollow points in it. “For snakes and such”

Tommy1123 · 11-22-2021, 10:47 PM

Sig p365, appendix carry, 15 round mag plus 1 in the chamber, 12 round mag in my pocket.

Death from Above · 11-22-2021, 10:56 PM

G20

Preacher Man · 11-22-2021, 11:40 PM

A G20 in a kenai chest holster loaded down with 220 gr hard cast solids should put you at ease……or you could borrow low fences’ unused nunchucks.

Deadfall65 · 11-23-2021, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items

1. Nunchucks
2. A rape whistle

Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

Oh my that’s hilarious!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11-22-2021, 09:33 AM	#1
HeathJohnson Four Point Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Lake Dallas, TX Hunt In: Coleman County	Bowhunting Sidearm Wanted to get some input from y'all. I am in need of a handgun to carry with me while bowhunting. I have never owned a pistol, but have shot plenty. Lately where I have been hunting I have had one too many close calls with pigs walking to or from my stands in the dark. I was wondering what y'all carry with you as your sidearm when bowhunting, and what does your set up look like? Do you have a holster attached to your bino harness or do you have the normal belt loop holster? TIA

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11-22-2021, 09:38 AM	#2
Fishndude Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arlington, Texas Hunt In: Mason, Ellis and Dimmit counties	Hip worn Taurus Stainless .38 or chest holster Sig 9mm Can’t say I like one over the other.

11-22-2021, 09:57 AM	#3
3rdCoastHunter Ten Point Join Date: Jun 2021	I put a Ruger LC9S in the side pouch of my back pack but I think I like the idea of a revolver better

11-22-2021, 10:06 AM	#4
220swift Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New Braunfels Hunt In: South, East, and Central Texas	Taurus Judge with some long colt rounds and some 410 shells for shooting rattlebugs

11-22-2021, 10:17 AM	#5
ROBERT83 Four Point Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: OAKHURST Hunt In: OAKHURST	Pmr 30

11-22-2021, 10:25 AM	#6
huntmaster Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mesquite, Texas Hunt In: Archer County	Belt holstered 1911-45

11-22-2021, 10:34 AM	#8
Raider4044 Ten Point Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Lamesa	Usually no different than what I carry everyday. Sig 365XL 9mm with a Holosun red dot. Every once in a while when I'm hunting (usually varmint/pig hunting at night), I'll carry a Glock 19 with an RMR and a TLR-7.

11-22-2021, 10:34 AM	#9
jnors06 Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Buda, TX Hunt In: Coleman	I carry a Kimber K6 3 inch in a cross draw holster by simply rugged. 1st round up is snake shot remaining 5 are soft points.

11-22-2021, 10:43 AM	#10
tpack Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Stephenville Hunt In: Erath	I carry my 1911 or my s&w model 19. I’ve had some very close calls to.

11-22-2021, 10:47 AM	#11
TX03RUBI Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Lubbock Hunt In: Hall County	I’ve gone into brush after some pretty nasty boars with nothing more than the G48 or G19 9mm in my waistband (my everyday carry) and a flashlight. A couple quick we’ll placed shots have done the trick when I needed them to. Most of the time these hogs are severely wounded, but I’ve had a couple with light nothing more than a light flesh wound. I wouldn’t have wasted the time had I known that.

11-22-2021, 10:55 AM	#12
DEREKG22 Six Point Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: League City TX - AMERICA Hunt In: Seeking	Full size Springfield xd 45 with a tactical light mounted on it. But lately been rolling without a firearm out of concern of any mature deer I'm after smelling gun oil. I wonder if anyone else ever had this concern....we can jump thru 1000 hoops to not smell before going in the woods with soaps, sprays, ozone eliminators, etc.- but then put an oily weapon on yur side that also reeks on gunpowder and head into the woods.... yea i dont know...

11-22-2021, 10:59 AM	#13
SaltwaterSlick Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006	Sig P220 45/2 extra mags... Some of my potential varmints are of the 2-legged variety down in South Texas...

11-22-2021, 12:05 PM	#14
Tomkat70 Pope & Young Join Date: May 2009 Location: Beeville Hunt In: Mason ,Brady,Menard	G19 9mm with laser red dot

11-22-2021, 12:08 PM	#15
Smart Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Denton, TX Hunt In: Tom Green County	Sig P365 in a Kenai chest holster.... I make sure I have it pig hunting much more than deer hunting....and always tracking either in the dark.

11-22-2021, 12:42 PM	#16
Drycreek3189 Pope & Young Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Troup Hunt In: Cherokee, Rusk Counties	After I had my Messcin stand off with a big stinky boar in Trinity Co. I took to carrying my G20 in my hand while going to my stand in the dark (even while gun hunting). My .280 was always slung over my shoulder with chamber empty so a light equipped 10mm seemed much more appropriate.

11-22-2021, 12:49 PM	#17
youngbuck1 Eight Point Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: DFW Hunt In: TX/ND/S.A.	Finished a piggy off with my s&w 357 last week. One to the dome and nighty night.

11-22-2021, 01:52 PM	#18
RUNNING BEAR Eight Point Join Date: May 2009 Location: In a house Hunt In: In the wild	Keep a Ruger .380 in my pack if a finish off shot is ever needed. If I encounter something while walking I don’t need a gun, I’ve got my bow.

11-22-2021, 02:02 PM	#19
justindfw Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Alvarado Hunt In: Whitney public land	Smith & wesson m&p 40

11-22-2021, 02:09 PM	#20
BTLowry Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lindale Hunt In: Behind the house and public in Texas; Kansas Unit 5	Keep whatever you are comfortable with on you and ready to go If I think I might walk up on a pig in the dark on way to stand I keep pistol ready or at the house sling the AR 300BO pistol with red dot and single point sling over my shoulder.

11-22-2021, 02:39 PM	#21
texan4ut Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Round Rock, TX Hunt In: Where I can, Johnson Cty	.357 Mag western style wheel gun. Load it with snake shot sometimes during snake season.

11-22-2021, 03:06 PM	#23
Low Fence Pope & Young Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Quitman, Tx.	Whenever I’m in an area that has wild Russian feral boar hogs in it I ALWAYS carry these 2 items 1. Nunchucks 2. A rape whistle Luckily I’ve never had to use the nunchucks

11-22-2021, 04:05 PM	#27
Calitexembalmer Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2016	Ruger LC9

11-22-2021, 04:16 PM	#28
Twist Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Brazoria County Hunt In: Leon County	Glock 20 with a Streamlight TLR-6 mounted to it. I carry unholstered in for the morning and out for the evening, sidearm and light at the same time.

11-22-2021, 04:18 PM	#29
TD2000 Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas Hunt In: Star TX	Glock 45 with Ball ammo when hunting elk (Bear & Mountain Lions in area) SW 19 with 357 for pigs

11-22-2021, 04:59 PM	#31
AntlerCollector Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2014 Hunt In: Votaw, Del Rio, Eldorado, Bon Wier	Taurus Judge for me. Wearing it in my blind right now. I keep Long colts in it when I’m hunting East Texas. When out West (No hogs) I load it with snake shot. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11-22-2021, 05:39 PM	#32
beefiedoubleoh Four Point Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Ft Bend Hunt In: Leon County, Hag	G20 in lightweight paddle holster for easy on/off

11-22-2021, 05:46 PM	#33
Huntsman27 Eight Point Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Beaumont Hunt In: Brownwood, TX	I carry a full size 1911 45acp, switch to a Judge with snake shot for off season.

11-22-2021, 05:56 PM	#35
JohnAGarrett Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: FORT WORTH	I carry a S&W M&P Shield 9mm in a hard OWB holster. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11-22-2021, 05:58 PM	#36
coker737 Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Casper, Wyoming Hunt In: Wyoming and Texas	My EDC G26. Got IA to watch for as well

11-22-2021, 06:40 PM	#38
charrell71 Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Conroe Hunt In: DeWitt County	I carry my everyday sidearm, Sig P250 .40 cal. Every once in a blue moon, I will carry the Beretta 92FS loaded with Black Talons. Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

11-22-2021, 08:58 PM	#40
Mike D Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: North Texas Hunt In: Haskell County, TX	Are a couple of you seriously worried about a deer spooking from gun oil smell? I carry a Glock 20 long slide stoked with either 200 grain XTPs or 220 grain hard cast. None of that 45AARP stuff for me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro