what exactly is a camp gun?

[22-rimfire]

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.

Yeah, I made assumptions that are mostly correct for your typical hiker or hunter. I like the "respectable sized" ones too; my favorite is a 4" M57 41mag. It is just I know when I carry my 41 mag, that I am not likely to shoot it. What's the fun of that? Carrying a handgun is not always about "business" for me. I don't constantly fear for my survival whether it be from 2-legged or 4-legged predators.

I know also that the participants on this forum are not necessarily "average" when it comes to the shooting sports. Certainly having a centerfire handgun with you outdoors is not a bad idea for protection from primarily 2-legged predators.

Flyboy, some folks will legally hunt about 6 months out of the year for something. Varmint hunters spend a lot of time in the field. Their varmint activies help to keep their skills honed for hunting larger game usually in the fall or early winter times of the year. Seasons vary of course. Years ago, that was me, but my priorites have changed as I got older. I fully believe there are quite a few people who hunt throughout the year. Feral hog hunting has opened up a new, year around sport for those that enjoy it where they are plentiful. It sounds like you have an interesting life outdoors. Wish I could persuade my wife to even take a hike let alone shoot a firearm.

 

[Flyboy_451]

Rimfire,

I am fully aware that there are people who hunt nearly year round, but I think you missed the point of my post. I was not referring simply to hunting, but to actually living in secluded areas for periods of time, while hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. I would bet that the number of people who do, pale in comparison to the number who either stay in a hotel local to their hunting area, or haul their 40ft camping trailer, with all the conveniences of home, to the local campground and call it "roughing it".

I am not saying that one is preferred over the other, only that it can certainly shape the views of people. I personally enjoy being truly in the wild, where the distance to other people is measured in miles, and lots of them! I hunt, fish and camp for the enjoyment of this solitude as much as I do for the meat and the enjoyment of the hunt. Other people have other preferences, and I would not say that they are less of a hunter or outdoorsman, but I would say that their requirements for a "camp gun" may well be very different than mine.

JW

 

[22-rimfire]

I thought I sort of expanded on your point a bit. But overall I agree with your post and find your interest and dedication to enjoying wilderness areas along with hunting, fishing, hiking, and probably boating (canoe if I can recall some of your old posts) wonderful. I think these are skills and experiences sadly lacking for most in our modern urban society. The old ways need to be passed forward because some day those old ways may save your butt.

As I get older and knowing my wife's preferences, I tend to mostly do day hikes these days and "camping" consists mostly of bed & breakfast or less expensive motels. I personally really enjoy camping, but I have to make adjustments based on my life's situation. Wish I could afford a modest camp trailer, but my usage would be such that it would mostly just sit around unused which is the reason I don't own a power boat. I even live within a a mile of a pretty large lake. I still find myself looking at boats.

Camp guns do not have to be a 22. The caliber is based on what you need.

 

[Dashunde]

^ I'll never get my wife out into the woods more than one night, but I think I may have convinced her to let me build a 3-person+dog Tear-Drop style camping trailer.

$2-3000 depending on your building skills and desired complexity will net you a comfy lightweight trailer with a kitchen on the back.
I think of it more as a sturdy tent on wheels than as a travel trailer.

They can be pulled by something as small as a Corolla if kept light, and are easily managed by a small pickup or Rav4, etc.

 

[Flyboy_451]

Rimfire,

I was not intending to forward my opinions and views in my previous post. I simply find the differing viewpoints interesting. I also find it interesting how it seems that the definition of "outdoorsman" may have subtly changed or evolved with the changes in society as a whole. Fewer of us live, or spend significant time, in remote areas now than in the past, society has become more compact and access to modern conveniences has become easier as well. This is neither good or bad, just notable.

I think you and I agree on the issue of camp guns, as I stated in another previous post

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

 

[langenc]

In many northern areas a 'camp' is regarded as the buildings and the property for hunting, hanging out, etc.

A camp gun would be one that is taken there and left there.

I once bought a 22 singles shot for an employeer so he could take it to camp-in Ontario. He tells a interesting story about getting it across the border.

 

[Dirty Bill]

Camp gun..gun I carry constantly while camping in our area of operations.very useful for plinking,small game up to coyote,( or deer size animals,deer only in extreme situation)

If you have a "camp" around here that means a cabin some where in the woods,it would probably be a bolt action in .30 caliber that would always be there with a stash of ammo.

Easy to carry,and accurate. .22 magnum Ruger single six.

This one has been "camped" with and carried skwerl hunting,rabbits hunting,deer hunting,trapping and I don't know what all since 1972.

Sometimes as a backup,some times as a primary gun. If it could only talk...