what exactly is a camp gun?
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9ballbilly
New member
I think the term "camp gun" can be applied to a wide array of firearms depending on the situation.
Back when we used to hunt the Adirondacks for deer or bear our "camp gun" was an old lever action .35 rem. that could be pressed into service if someone's primary rifle was put out of service, or for those quick midnight trips to the outhouse when a scoped bolt action would be at a disadvantage.
Back when we used to hunt the Adirondacks for deer or bear our "camp gun" was an old lever action .35 rem. that could be pressed into service if someone's primary rifle was put out of service, or for those quick midnight trips to the outhouse when a scoped bolt action would be at a disadvantage.
I always think of the modern 22 as a camp gun.
Basically, tool for getting food.
If I were to walk the Appalachian Trail thru the ccw-friendly states and didnt want to carry much food, the smallest Buckmark or similar would be great for getting squirrels, rabbits or whatever else the woods offered up.
The ammo is light, it doesnt explode your dinner, its quiet, and most of the suitable pistols/revolvers are very accurate.
In areas where the local critters may not be very friendly, something like a Glock 29 loaded with hardcast might also be handy, but thats another subject I guess.
Basically, tool for getting food.
If I were to walk the Appalachian Trail thru the ccw-friendly states and didnt want to carry much food, the smallest Buckmark or similar would be great for getting squirrels, rabbits or whatever else the woods offered up.
The ammo is light, it doesnt explode your dinner, its quiet, and most of the suitable pistols/revolvers are very accurate.
In areas where the local critters may not be very friendly, something like a Glock 29 loaded with hardcast might also be handy, but thats another subject I guess.
22-rimfire
New member
Times have changed. Sadly for the most part. In years past, if a couple of boys would be camping out in the woods, they'd be plinking with their (camp guns) 22's as part of the experience. Now, some Sierra Clubber is going to call the police or a ranger if they hear gun shots. "They're destroying my peace and quiet and the shots make me nervous." Yep? Lets not forget cries against hunting in general with shotguns (and lead shot) killing eagles.
Now it seems everyone is arming up for that once in a lifetime encounter with a bear, wild hog, or cougar. So, they lug around their 4" 44 mag revolver in a holster in the woods believing that they are safe when more than likely they haven't shot 50 rounds in the gun before. They don't "plink" with it because the ammunition is too expensive. It is just for serioius stuff... Okay?
Now it seems everyone is arming up for that once in a lifetime encounter with a bear, wild hog, or cougar. So, they lug around their 4" 44 mag revolver in a holster in the woods believing that they are safe when more than likely they haven't shot 50 rounds in the gun before. They don't "plink" with it because the ammunition is too expensive. It is just for serioius stuff... Okay?
Ralph Allen
New member
In my neck of the woods, a camp gun is a Remington 870 Tactical loaded with slugs and buckshot in very close proximity to the camper, a sidearm of appropriate killing/knock down power on at least one member of any group that wanders off to fish or expolore. Grizzly, black bear, wolf, mountain lion, etc will keep you alert.
Ralph
Ralph
Carne Frio
New member
Ralph; I agree with you on that. Except we reserve the
buckshot only for the mosquitos and keep the magazine
loaded with 3" Brennekes.
buckshot only for the mosquitos and keep the magazine
loaded with 3" Brennekes.
My "camp guns":
old Browning Buckmark .22 slabside pistol
FN Herstal PS90 5.7 x 28 carbine
Why? ... because I have yet to find a fellow camper (be they friend or family member ) who doesn't enjoy shooting them.... regardless of age size or gender.
To me, "camp gun = crowd pleaser"
ymmv
old Browning Buckmark .22 slabside pistol
FN Herstal PS90 5.7 x 28 carbine
Why? ... because I have yet to find a fellow camper (be they friend or family member ) who doesn't enjoy shooting them.... regardless of age size or gender.
To me, "camp gun = crowd pleaser"
ymmv
jhgreasemonkey
New member
What exactly is a camp gun? I don't know if there is an exact answer. It's kind of flexible based on the area and other factors.
For me a .22 makes the most sense as a recreational camp gun. It's simple and practical to take along a .22 for many reasons. It's light small and easy to pack, same thing with ammo, nearly anyone in camp can use a .22, works good for gathering small game as food, keeping scavengers away, fun and cheap to plink with while camping.
For me a .22 makes the most sense as a recreational camp gun. It's simple and practical to take along a .22 for many reasons. It's light small and easy to pack, same thing with ammo, nearly anyone in camp can use a .22, works good for gathering small game as food, keeping scavengers away, fun and cheap to plink with while camping.
Just a term referring to a gun that's kept on camping trips for "whatever".
The Savage OU .22/.410 was considered a good camp gun, probably because it wasn't really good for much else---though some considered it a good "survival gun".
I used to always have a "camp gun". A Ruger .22 SA revolver. Just always had it with me on fishing trips. Never really used it. That was before I started carrying a serious pistol on me at all times--even when camping.
Considering all the different definitions of camp gun, there's no acceptable single definition.
The Savage OU .22/.410 was considered a good camp gun, probably because it wasn't really good for much else---though some considered it a good "survival gun".
I used to always have a "camp gun". A Ruger .22 SA revolver. Just always had it with me on fishing trips. Never really used it. That was before I started carrying a serious pistol on me at all times--even when camping.
Considering all the different definitions of camp gun, there's no acceptable single definition.
My idea of a perfect trail and camp pistol
I was messing around with Photoshop...
I'd maybe have left the grip a bit longer, but thats where it sort of lined up.
As thin as possible, a 3-4" stainless barrel for rust prevention and 7 or 8+1 would be ideal as far as I'm concerned.
I was messing around with Photoshop...
I'd maybe have left the grip a bit longer, but thats where it sort of lined up.
As thin as possible, a 3-4" stainless barrel for rust prevention and 7 or 8+1 would be ideal as far as I'm concerned.
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22-rimfire
New member
Been wondering about that.
dabigguns357
New member
I love to camp light,we take no tents,very little food and 3 changes of cloths.Each menber must provide one amenity like a lantern or stove,other than that we carry one firearm a piece.
I carry my Glock 22 with an x mag,thats it.My buddy carries Ruger gp 100 .357 mag with x speed loader.Where we camp is so isolated that the only way to get there is by boat and the only real threat is 2 legged.
Last year we did have 3 guys stumble through our camp one afternoon as they were exploring the island but nothing happened.
You ask what a camp gun is,it's what ever you have on your hip while warming your self by the fire in camp.
I carry my Glock 22 with an x mag,thats it.My buddy carries Ruger gp 100 .357 mag with x speed loader.Where we camp is so isolated that the only way to get there is by boat and the only real threat is 2 legged.
Last year we did have 3 guys stumble through our camp one afternoon as they were exploring the island but nothing happened.
You ask what a camp gun is,it's what ever you have on your hip while warming your self by the fire in camp.
Alaska444, that thing is straight out of a monster movie.
Rimfire, you make a lot of assumptions in that post about people that choose to carry a respectable sized firearm, but whatever. I'm pretty sure the people that have had the unfortunate luck to have that once in a lifetime encounter, where that encounter went very badly, wished they had a large caliber weapon.
Rimfire, you make a lot of assumptions in that post about people that choose to carry a respectable sized firearm, but whatever. I'm pretty sure the people that have had the unfortunate luck to have that once in a lifetime encounter, where that encounter went very badly, wished they had a large caliber weapon.
armoredman
New member
My idea of a camp gun has always been a light rifle, bolt, semi or lever. My current "camp" rifle is my CZ 527M in 7.62x39mm. It's light, accurate, common caliber that's heavy enough to deal with most game in North America, iron sights or scoped, and is a rugged mini mauser design.
Of course, that could change to the vz-58, too, if need be.
Of course, that could change to the vz-58, too, if need be.
jhgreasemonkey
New member
Something bigger than a .22 and a crap load of toilet paper! Wow that's just....wow...
Flyboy_451
New member
interesting thread...
if for no other reason than the number of different roles that people envision a camp gun fulfilling. Literally, everything from "what would you use a camp gun for in public campgrounds?" to "Gotta be prepared for everything from grizzly bears to Tyrannosaurus!"
I wonder how much of the difference in views stems from the way that society in general, and outdoors men in particular, has changed over the years. Firearms probably enjoy more popularity among non-hunters now they they ever have. How many hunters do you know that spend a significant amount of time in "the wild" other than when they are actively hunting? How many people do you know that spend extended periods of time camping in truly secluded areas, where supplies are more than a half hour drive into town and the local convenience store? How many truly understand interactions between humans and wild animals to any degree? Are we more likely to encounter two legged predators now than in previous years (generations)?
I spend quite a bit of time in wilderness areas that are not easily accessible. In such areas, I am not worried about people much at all. There is reason to be concerned about large four legged critters, but prevention is by far the most desirable way to deal with them. Know what animals roam the area and what measures to put in place to avoid drawing them to your area, and how to interact with them should an unlikely encounter occur. A big bore sixgun is a constant companion on such adventures, but the hope is to never have the need to use it for any purpose other than hunting, or perhaps dispatching those ever troublesome targets of opportunity like the large rock across the river that is just taunting that it is too far away to be hit with a 5.5" barreled .45 Colt. A .22 makes a lot of sense for feeding the stew pot. A camp gun doesn't have to be the only gun available. It just has to fill the role you deem important.
Camp gun? Define it to suit your needs or concerns. It may well be something very different to all of us, for any number of reasons. Small bore, big bore, handgun, or rifle; if it does the job, it fits the description.
JW
if for no other reason than the number of different roles that people envision a camp gun fulfilling. Literally, everything from "what would you use a camp gun for in public campgrounds?" to "Gotta be prepared for everything from grizzly bears to Tyrannosaurus!"
I wonder how much of the difference in views stems from the way that society in general, and outdoors men in particular, has changed over the years. Firearms probably enjoy more popularity among non-hunters now they they ever have. How many hunters do you know that spend a significant amount of time in "the wild" other than when they are actively hunting? How many people do you know that spend extended periods of time camping in truly secluded areas, where supplies are more than a half hour drive into town and the local convenience store? How many truly understand interactions between humans and wild animals to any degree? Are we more likely to encounter two legged predators now than in previous years (generations)?
I spend quite a bit of time in wilderness areas that are not easily accessible. In such areas, I am not worried about people much at all. There is reason to be concerned about large four legged critters, but prevention is by far the most desirable way to deal with them. Know what animals roam the area and what measures to put in place to avoid drawing them to your area, and how to interact with them should an unlikely encounter occur. A big bore sixgun is a constant companion on such adventures, but the hope is to never have the need to use it for any purpose other than hunting, or perhaps dispatching those ever troublesome targets of opportunity like the large rock across the river that is just taunting that it is too far away to be hit with a 5.5" barreled .45 Colt. A .22 makes a lot of sense for feeding the stew pot. A camp gun doesn't have to be the only gun available. It just has to fill the role you deem important.
Camp gun? Define it to suit your needs or concerns. It may well be something very different to all of us, for any number of reasons. Small bore, big bore, handgun, or rifle; if it does the job, it fits the description.
JW