[wvfarrier]

Im curious as to whether or not you (the collective) carry a firearm while trail riding? My wife and I both do, as we ride in some pretty wild areas. We have both had to dispatch wild dogs or coyotes. Our bear population are pretty skittish and want no part of horses so thats never been an issue. However, when we road in Montana we had an up close visit from a big grizzly sow. Fortunately she chose discretion and beat feet away from us.

Anyone else?

 

[wvfarrier]

The Canadians have left the conversation..... lol
In all seriousness, we ONLY EVER carry if we are hunting in the mountains and on our own property (..for legal purposes )

I have friends I ride with in Alberta. They carry rifles, ya'll dont play 🤣

 

[wvfarrier]

You can shoot off any horse, once. LOL! I carry 24/7, not just when riding. I live in an open carry state, don't see a whole lot of people carrying open anymore, that fad seems to have passed. But, you also don't need a special concealed carry permit, though I wish we did, along with the permit came certain training requirements.

Back to riding, I wouldn't even think of shooting a bear with the pistol I carry, I'd just make them mad. I could stop a human, coyote, dog, maybe a hog, but nothing as big as a bear. Since they like noise, so they know where not to be, I also ride with bells.

I hunt bear with a pistol 🤷‍♂️. Riding is the inly time I open carry. Otherwise its concealed. My wife has a DiamondD chest rig that she wears when hiking, riding or kayaking. She loves it.

 

[wvfarrier]

For what kind of gun? I'm struggling to find a comfortable way to conceal carry. I had a holster in my old purse but I was always worried the purse would get stolen with the gun in it. I have a CINCH jacket that has a hidden holster but it weighs on the one side so I use a Blueline acrylic one that goes in the pants. I would rather have an outside holster and just cover it with a shirt I think... (Mine is a hellcat).

She carries a S&W 686+ (its a 7rd 357 mag) but she uses 38 special +p loads so there is less recoil and noise. I had some custom work done to it, tritium front sight, machined for moon clips, no snag rear sight, and a few other things. She is H3LL on wheels with it. It on has a 3" barrel so is very concealable. This is what she uses for open carry: Keep in mind its smaller than whats pictured because its a smaller firearm and she wears it so it sits just under her right breast (she is a lefty). During the winter she wears it for concealed carry under jacket. For normal concealed carry she wears a Galco Combat Master holster. It holds the revolver really close to the body.

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[wvfarrier]

I carry. More for in case I fall off and am unable to get back on my own.

I've only needed it once against an animal. And found out that once someone (a fugitive) had an idea, but saw my holster and changed their mind.

My wife had a similar encounter on the Rail to Trail while hiking with some friends but she acttally flicked on the laser sight so it pointed at the ground in front of the guy.

 

[wvfarrier]

All the reasons posted are valid. For the person who mentioned the police (I was a LEO for several years) remember that law enforcement are a reactionary force. The old saying is "When seconds count, the cops are minutes away".

A firearm is like an extra riding boot in your saddle bag. " Its better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. "

Granted, for some folks, pepper spray works fine but Ive seen the wind blow it into a horses face, its not a pretty result. Of course, shooting off a horse who isnt used to it would not be pretty either 😳....
though, it may get you out of trouble in a hurry 🤣

 

[wvfarrier]

I have been riding hiking, Backpacking, cross country pack trips and never had the occasion to need a firearm. I have camped, trailed cattle, and horse camped in the back country is several states, and never thought twice about needing a firearm. I'm not anti-gun by any means, I just dont want the extra weight pulling my belt down.

Thata great that you have never needed one. I pray you never do

 

[wvfarrier]

Whats the old saying....."Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it'