When you set out on any hunting adventure, the only thing that occupies your thoughts is to get the most out of this trip. But hunting is not just about killing the prey. Your own survival, from any possible threat (of an animal or straying in the woods) also matters. Straying in the wood or being attacked by a pack of animals are quite common things.
How do you face a terrible situation like that? How would you defend yourself? And the answer is, by using your weaponry. Many of the novice hunters must be thinking, what are great survival guns? Let’s discuss them in detail.
- Many times, we pick a far-off territory to hunt down the big or small game animal. There have been many cases where hunters lost their way. The main task in a situation like this should be your own survival until the aid arrives.
- You’d have to hunt for your self-defense as well as for feeding yourself.
- If you are attacked by a pack of wild animals like boar or bear, you need a swift defense. In both situations, you need an easy-to-operate survival gun.
Features to Look for in a Survival Gun
When you want a gun only for the sake of your own survival, the features that you should prefer include;
- A Light Weight/Small Gun
It shouldn’t be too heavy or big. When you already are so overloaded with all the hunting gear, you should look for convenient firearm. The lighter it is, the easier it is to carry and handle.
- Ultimate Firepower
The item should be the one that gets you prey as well as protects you from an unexpected attack. Opt for a gun that promises enough firepower. So, you can defend yourself in a single shot.
- Reliability and Durability
What if your weapon jams or doesn’t function smoothly, at the very moment when the threat is around? What are great survival guns without reliability, NOTHING. Of all the features, its ability to work in toughest conditions, is what matters the most. The gun that you are going to carry in the far-flung land, must be reliable. Get advice from experienced hunters. Ask them about their viewpoint. Look for the professional and reliable ammo manufacturers. Instead of picking one, related to a lesser unknown brand.
- An All-Purpose Weapon
This point is not for you, if you set out in a layered defense, with a variety of weapon. What if you want a single versatile weapon that operates both in self-defense and hunting? For that, the best option is a weapon that operates beyond your range as well as in close quarters.
Easy to Use
It should be easy in use. The aiming of target and pulling of trigger, both should be easy. The features must be handy. By the time, you get some experience in this field, you can opt for more technical weaponry. Its maintenance is another great task in itself. Make sure you know and understand all the functions of the gun properly.
Note: If you are a novice hunter, prefer using a simple weapon. Guns in .22 caliber are not just affordable, they are also easy to operate.
Check Local Law
Each state has defined its own ammunition laws. Before making your decision about the survival gun, it is very important to learn the requirements of weaponry. Ask the local authorities in person about their take on great survival guns’ suitable there. Look for the laws of the territory that you are going to hunt in. Mostly the laws defined by the local law enforcing authorities are related to the size of gun, type of gun and the size of the barrel. Having a prior knowledge of all those features, would make it easy to make the final choice. In case of not following this step, you might survive the animal’s attack. But your ultimate destination might be a corner in the jail.
Your Hunting Conditions
You can’t pick the right survival gun without analyzing your hunting conditions and environment. Here are a few questions that you must ask yourself, before picking the one. The questions include;
- How far I am going to be, from my own territory?
- How far is the rescue service?
- How long would I be hunting?
- Would I need a firearm to protect myself?
- What is the capacity (space) of my luggage?
- How much weight can I afford?
If you find a firearm that deals with all the above-mentioned questions, that is the right choice for you. Just go ahead.
Weather Friendly Weapon
Weather leaves long lasting effects on your weapon. Wet or cold weather tend to affect the performance of your weapon (even the newest). A spine chilling cold weather may freeze or jam your weapon. Secondly, a weapon exposed to rain or other moisture conditions causes corrosion and rust in your weapon.
What to Do?
To tackle such undesirable condition, it is recommended to use the weapon with parts made of polymer or stainless steel. Secondly, it is highly recommended to clean the weapon well after every use. If you fear the failing of some specific parts of the weapon, pack some spare parts with you.
Conclusion: That is all that you should know about great survival guns. Being a novice, you must have to follow each and everything mentioned here. But most of all, you must know how to use a gun. Mange your time to learn about the small details. Like how to pull the trigger, how to handle it and finally how to shot your target. Never leave your place without practicing enough with the weapon, you have finally picked. Hope this detailed guide about picking the right weapon would be helpful for you. You must be ready by now to pick the most appropriate weapon for your survival.
All the best. Hope you pick the best!!!
Joseph Gleason is the founder of Captain Hunter. We provide guides on how to hunt effectively, answer reader questions, and reviews of the latest hunting gear. We specialize in providing expert information that does exactly what it claims.
Our dedicated staff members are each seasoned professionals with a passion for hunting built upon years of in the field experience.
