- Joined
- Mar 27, 2009
- Messages
- 5,975
:thumbup: +1
I think the OP posed the wrong question. It should be, is there any reason NOT to bring means for effective self-defense?
Unless you count the added weight, IMO there isn't.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Woods weapons, are they really neccessary
- Thread starter g123
- Start date
:thumbup: +1
I think the OP posed the wrong question. It should be, is there any reason NOT to bring means for effective self-defense?
Unless you count the added weight, IMO there isn't.
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2007
- Messages
- 2,337
I've been driving without a seatbelt for 30 years.Why would I need a seatbelt? Nothing ever happens.You guys who use seatbelts are either afraid or inexperienced.
"And, while I respect the American cultural affiliation with guns and don't want to push this discussion into a political realm, I don't think that a determined US government would have too much trouble squishing any insurrection. You folks have an awfully big military."
Whomever wrote that has no idea of our cultural affiliation for guns LOL! While we may have a big military I live in a State where like 90% of us are armed or some high number and I dont know anyone that has only ONE gun I can arm three other's besides myself. Yes we have a big military but I believe England had a pretty big army when we as armed citizens decided we didn't want to be governed by them anymore and we all know how that ended
Plus like was said above our military is made of people that believe in our rights and the government would have a tough time getting the military to attack us.
Whomever wrote that has no idea of our cultural affiliation for guns LOL! While we may have a big military I live in a State where like 90% of us are armed or some high number and I dont know anyone that has only ONE gun I can arm three other's besides myself. Yes we have a big military but I believe England had a pretty big army when we as armed citizens decided we didn't want to be governed by them anymore and we all know how that ended
Plus like was said above our military is made of people that believe in our rights and the government would have a tough time getting the military to attack us.
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2008
- Messages
- 3,401
I carry something that goes 'bang' every where I go. Do I need it? Not so far, but then my carrying a gun is not about need, its about the fact that I want to, and I don't need any group approval to do so.
......and so far as politics goes, governments should fear it's Citizens. Citizens should not fear their government.
......and so far as politics goes, governments should fear it's Citizens. Citizens should not fear their government.
stabman
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 21,327
Many thought this before they were crushed by a military made up of their own citizens.
BUT, this is really a major derailment of the original topic.
I don't feel the NEED for a firearm in the woods, but I'll carry one if it's in an area where carry is allowed and if I feel like it.
Wants have little to do with needs.
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Messages
- 4,172
We make some decent apple pie up north, too.
And, while I respect the American cultural affiliation with guns and don't want to push this discussion into a political realm, I don't think that a determined US government would have too much trouble squishing any insurrection. You folks have an awfully big military.
I too don't want to drag this down the political road, but all my fellow officers all know that we took an oath to the Constitution, not to any one individual or party. It would be hard to get all those men/women in green or blue to enforce unconstitutional laws...some will, but it wouldn't be fully enforced.
I think the seat-belt is a good analogy to carrying a firearm (as is a spare tire), but as much as I carry concealed and pack when outdoors, I don't think it's as much a necessity as it would have been 150 years ago. Alaska and some remote lower-48 areas still exist where a firearm is highly recommended.
Several hikers don't see the need for a knife...I disagree and feel the same way about firearms. If I can legally carry it and don't mind the weight and accept the fact that it will most likely not be used...why not? It's a very personal choice and more personal preference now days than necessity. A gun is a lot like underwear...no not a necessity, but it adds comfort in some activities and for some, it gives them a little confidence. You can get by without either, but they sure come in handy if an "accident" occurs
ROCK6
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2009
- Messages
- 4,573
I too don't want to drag this down the political road, but all my fellow officers all know that we took an oath to the Constitution, not to any one individual or party. It would be hard to get all those men/women in green or blue to enforce unconstitutional laws...some will, but it wouldn't be fully enforced.
I think the seat-belt is a good analogy to carrying a firearm (as is a spare tire), but as much as I carry concealed and pack when outdoors, I don't think it's as much a necessity as it would have been 150 years ago. Alaska and some remote lower-48 areas still exist where a firearm is highly recommended.
Several hikers don't see the need for a knife...I disagree and feel the same way about firearms. If I can legally carry it and don't mind the weight and accept the fact that it will most likely not be used...why not? It's a very personal choice and more personal preference now days than necessity. A gun is a lot like underwear...no not a necessity, but it adds comfort in some activities and for some, it gives them a little confidence. You can get by without either, but they sure come in handy if an "accident" occurs
ROCK6
Nor do I wish to move this into a political vein, but it presents a conundrum to which I've given more than a little thought.
Those of us who took the oath of commissioning, no matter which branch, swore the same thing: "I, _________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
The conundrum is this: if ordered by the President to suppress the populace of the United States, where would your duty actually lie?
I know what my answer would be, although I am no longer a serving officer, so it doesn't present to me the dilemma that it would for some. Still, it is an interesting question.
Now, what if ordered to confiscate all weapons from the citizenry, and arrest those found on National Park land in possession of a weapon? Where is the line?
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2005
- Messages
- 1,364
I carry in my vehicle and whenever in the woods. I am commercial appraiser by trade and it ain't no fun appraising large abandoned are vacant commercial buildings especially after they have sat for a while and there is no power. Have had several run ins with druggies and crazies in this buildings. Also do a lot of right of way appraisal work and am on the road alot and in some very remote places for pipeline and powerline projects.
Also do a lot of hunting and fishing and have watched a cougar sneak through the palmettos and briars on the same trail I just walked in on about 1 hour before and take down a yearling deer. NEVER WENT BACK INTO THE WOODS AGAIN WITHOUT A LARGE CALIBER PISTOL THAT I AM CAPABLE WITH. I dare say if anyone else ever watches that up close and personal at about 20 yards, you would think anyone going into mountain lion country without a firearm is not wise.
I've also been out in the Basin before at night an ran across an airboat with two guys, that had on night vision goggles and AR's slung over their chest. Been way offshore too and had boats pull up at rigs for fishing that were lets just say gave you an uneasy feeling, the kind that makes you pull up the anchor and leave.
Things are different here in Louisiana though we were raised around guns, hunting and a gun type cultural. You just didn't go tromping around in the swamp or roaming the palmetto hardwood bottoms without a pistol, you just didn't. You didn't drive around without a gun in your truck either, you just didn't. I don't know how anyone could turn on the tv for a 24 hour news cycle and not be of the same mindset, hell the anything can and does happen these days.
So call me paranoid or red dawn lite but I think its not very wise is this day and age to not be carrying a sidearm in your vehilce and on your person in the woods and waters.
On a final note if the US Govt ever tries to pick up the guns with the use of the Military is a direct violation of the law as it stands the United States Constitutiion prohibits the use of the Military againest its own citizens its called Posse coma todos, my spelling is wrong but that its called. So in truth if the soliders ordered to carry this out knew enough about their constituion than they would realize to turn on the government as it had become a domestic enemy of the very constitution it was sworn to defend.
Moreover if it really ever gets to that point the civil war than ensue would break the United States up into pieces and the whole thing would essentially come apart a the seams as liberty would off the table and the dream that was would be over. Its very difficult for people who don't live hear to understand, so with great respect our Canadian members here I have to disagree with some of your statements. Come on down and spend sometime in the southeast, Texas, parts of the central plains and moutain west, you'll have a different perspective of the whole military is going to pick up the guns thing and what that would result in.
Also do a lot of hunting and fishing and have watched a cougar sneak through the palmettos and briars on the same trail I just walked in on about 1 hour before and take down a yearling deer. NEVER WENT BACK INTO THE WOODS AGAIN WITHOUT A LARGE CALIBER PISTOL THAT I AM CAPABLE WITH. I dare say if anyone else ever watches that up close and personal at about 20 yards, you would think anyone going into mountain lion country without a firearm is not wise.
I've also been out in the Basin before at night an ran across an airboat with two guys, that had on night vision goggles and AR's slung over their chest. Been way offshore too and had boats pull up at rigs for fishing that were lets just say gave you an uneasy feeling, the kind that makes you pull up the anchor and leave.
Things are different here in Louisiana though we were raised around guns, hunting and a gun type cultural. You just didn't go tromping around in the swamp or roaming the palmetto hardwood bottoms without a pistol, you just didn't. You didn't drive around without a gun in your truck either, you just didn't. I don't know how anyone could turn on the tv for a 24 hour news cycle and not be of the same mindset, hell the anything can and does happen these days.
So call me paranoid or red dawn lite but I think its not very wise is this day and age to not be carrying a sidearm in your vehilce and on your person in the woods and waters.
On a final note if the US Govt ever tries to pick up the guns with the use of the Military is a direct violation of the law as it stands the United States Constitutiion prohibits the use of the Military againest its own citizens its called Posse coma todos, my spelling is wrong but that its called. So in truth if the soliders ordered to carry this out knew enough about their constituion than they would realize to turn on the government as it had become a domestic enemy of the very constitution it was sworn to defend.
Moreover if it really ever gets to that point the civil war than ensue would break the United States up into pieces and the whole thing would essentially come apart a the seams as liberty would off the table and the dream that was would be over. Its very difficult for people who don't live hear to understand, so with great respect our Canadian members here I have to disagree with some of your statements. Come on down and spend sometime in the southeast, Texas, parts of the central plains and moutain west, you'll have a different perspective of the whole military is going to pick up the guns thing and what that would result in.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2004
- Messages
- 1,081
If you are going deep into the woods, the two legged threat diminishes as they dont want to put forth that much effort. On short hikes near trail heads, you can watch as scum canvas for potential victims. As was stated earlier, murders have occured on the AT and other public trails and land and there will always be unsavory characters looking for a chance to do harm. I have 5 daughters and a wife and when we go, we go prepared for anything. If you choose to go unarmed, that's your right and decision, but not me. My wife and I both carry Glock 19's and the extra weight is well worth it. People who visit forums like this one are aware of all that can be experienced in nature, but this world is a mean place filled with violent poeple who could'nt care less about nature, and these are my reason for being armed....24/7.
Hell, my house has been called a redneck armory due to guns and knives being hidden throughout the house, and of course 2 wolves in the house/yard does'nt hurt either....just my opinion....
Hell, my house has been called a redneck armory due to guns and knives being hidden throughout the house, and of course 2 wolves in the house/yard does'nt hurt either....just my opinion....
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2010
- Messages
- 1,374
I don't carry nor have any guns. when we go into the woods or mountains I always have a fixed and a folder along with Bear spary or some sort of long range pepper (foam) spray. those with 27 years of Martial Art training and some good common sense and survival skills I feel pretty safe when I go out to play.
The one time the wife and I encountered a bear that was just following behind us for some time on a trail, I left a nice big piece of beef jerky for the bear on the trail and we never saw the bear again.
The one time the wife and I encountered a bear that was just following behind us for some time on a trail, I left a nice big piece of beef jerky for the bear on the trail and we never saw the bear again.
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2009
- Messages
- 6,234
If you have thousands of crazed wolves slaughtering entire herds of sheep just for sport, you probably want to carry something. Idaho has a HUGE problem right now-the wolves are pissing off all of the bears and lions, and the bull moose and elk are ALOT more jumpy. Rattlesnakes are also an issue. I usually squeeze in an overnight or 3-4 day trip every week, if not every two weeks, and in the last 6 months have done 6 week+ long trips. It's more peace of mind than anything, but I pack a Taurus 651 .357 magnum even on most day trips, just in case. On long backcountry trips the .243 Ruger Target Grey Frontier comes along.
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2009
- Messages
- 795
I think a better question than are they neccessary, is why would you not carry one. Guns are just another piece of gear that may or may not be neccessary. I carry most of the time and all the time when I am in the backcountry, until someone comes up with a reasonable reason not to I will continue to do so. Chris
I don't carry nor have any guns. when we go into the woods or mountains I always have a fixed and a folder along with Bear spary or some sort of long range pepper (foam) spray. those with 27 years of Martial Art training and some good common sense and survival skills I feel pretty safe when I go out to play.
The one time the wife and I encountered a bear that was just following behind us for some time on a trail, I left a nice big piece of beef jerky for the bear on the trail and we never saw the bear again.
I'm really hoping this post was all in jest. A bear is following you, so you leave a nice piece of jerky on the trail? Very nice training, you getting the bear to associate human scent with food.
As for 27 years of martial arts and some spray, any would be varmit with a handgun and an index finger trumps that.
99.999...% of the time a gun is going to be dead weight and un-needed. But when it's needed, nothing else will do.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2009
- Messages
- 1,711
Everything was probably far too clenched to allow any chance of soiling!
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2004
- Messages
- 3,124
A few things:
First, I want to emphasize that this is a 'to each his own' thing. If you want to carry a firearm when you're hiking / camping, that's fine, of course. If feel that you need to do so, well, that's fine too. I don't carry one, don't want to carry one, and don't need to carry one. And I am not irresponsible for thinking and choosing thusly.
Second, if you are a responsible firearm owner / carrier and you don't fit my earlier comment about the paranoid / red dawn lite mentality, then don't worry - that means I wasn't talking about you!
Third, I apologize for my earlier remarks about gun owners, the military, etc. This isn't the place for such a discussion, and I have absolutely no desire to get into it with anyone about southern survivalism, patriotism, your constitution, or anything of the sort.
Best,
- Mike
First, I want to emphasize that this is a 'to each his own' thing. If you want to carry a firearm when you're hiking / camping, that's fine, of course. If feel that you need to do so, well, that's fine too. I don't carry one, don't want to carry one, and don't need to carry one. And I am not irresponsible for thinking and choosing thusly.
Second, if you are a responsible firearm owner / carrier and you don't fit my earlier comment about the paranoid / red dawn lite mentality, then don't worry - that means I wasn't talking about you!
Third, I apologize for my earlier remarks about gun owners, the military, etc. This isn't the place for such a discussion, and I have absolutely no desire to get into it with anyone about southern survivalism, patriotism, your constitution, or anything of the sort.
Best,
- Mike
I carry a small pistol on me when hiking but dont think I will ever need it. I could understand a woods weapon being essential if you were in some hostile area but in my area the weapon does not add to my sense of security however it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
in Australia, the only animals that one might need to defend oneself against are Crocodiles and Humans.
Crocs aren't a problem so long as you don't do something stupid (like go swimming in a known croc infested river). be even moderatly "croc aware" and you'll never have a hassle with them.
humans on the ther hand can be slightly more dangerous, but i have personally never had any kind of problem.
the only weapons I carry in the bush are a knife and a compound bow and some arrows.
i consider the bow to be there so i can defend my native land against the predations of invasive, feral pest species. to whit: Cats, Dogs, Pigs, Goats, Rabbits and Foxes.
if it's feral, it's in peril!
Crocs aren't a problem so long as you don't do something stupid (like go swimming in a known croc infested river). be even moderatly "croc aware" and you'll never have a hassle with them.
humans on the ther hand can be slightly more dangerous, but i have personally never had any kind of problem.
the only weapons I carry in the bush are a knife and a compound bow and some arrows.
i consider the bow to be there so i can defend my native land against the predations of invasive, feral pest species. to whit: Cats, Dogs, Pigs, Goats, Rabbits and Foxes.
if it's feral, it's in peril!
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2010
- Messages
- 1,374
I reply to this my friend with the upmost respect to you and guns.
I have used guns, I know guns and understand what they can do. but I feel very confident that unless your more than 4 feet away I will have your gun, or at the very least make sure you can never hold a gun again. if for some reason we where in a situation/confrontation and it's getting heated when you reach for your gun or as you pull it from where it is kept I'm not going to be just standing there. maybe some people are not trained and will freeze up and just stand there but there are people that are trained that will be doing something to you as your trying to pull your gun. I guess it all starts with not being in the wrong place at the wrong time and just knowing what to watch for and how to redirect a bad situation.
Now - on the other hand, if there is no way out and you are more than the 4 or so feet away then I guess I just say a prayer and soil myself.
Be well my friend.
I have used guns, I know guns and understand what they can do. but I feel very confident that unless your more than 4 feet away I will have your gun, or at the very least make sure you can never hold a gun again. if for some reason we where in a situation/confrontation and it's getting heated when you reach for your gun or as you pull it from where it is kept I'm not going to be just standing there. maybe some people are not trained and will freeze up and just stand there but there are people that are trained that will be doing something to you as your trying to pull your gun. I guess it all starts with not being in the wrong place at the wrong time and just knowing what to watch for and how to redirect a bad situation.
Now - on the other hand, if there is no way out and you are more than the 4 or so feet away then I guess I just say a prayer and soil myself.
Be well my friend.