Many people carry a firearm for self-defense each day while going about their daily lives in the city. Then when fall hunting season comes around, they pick up their rifles and shotguns and head out into the wilderness while leaving their everyday carry (EDC) piece at home.
Some people do this because certain laws prohibit such activity but others seem to do it out of ignorance. They forget the primary reason to carry a weapon and that is self-defense.
Protecting Yourself While Hunting
Whether you are working in the city or out hunting in the woods, self-defense should not be overlooked in either situation.
People often assume that they will be able to defend themselves adequately with whatever means they have at their disposal. Hunting is not an exception and hunters often limit their self-defense options to a simple knife and whatever form of weapon is in season. This is of course better than nothing and might work in most scenarios but it can leave you basically helpless in the one that actually counts.
What should you do during archery season, muzzleloader season, dove season or when you need to take a close range 10 yard shot with that 3x-9x scope on top of your bolt action rifle?
Unless you think that you would be able to defend yourself from multiple attackers with a compound bow, muzzleloader or 2-3 rounds of bird shot; carrying a backup handgun for self-defense while hunting is a smart option.
Hunting is considered by the courts to be a highly regulated activity and thus subjected to a bombardment of regulations. At times these regulations can be a burden and seem unnecessary. There are however, some laws in effect that support the Second Amendment for hunters while out in the field but they vary state by state:
Back in 2012, Governor Jan Brewer signed House Bill 2457 into law making it so hunters could lawfully carry an additional weapon for self-defense while hunting as long as that weapon is not used for taking wildlife. Arizona is a border state frequently used by cartels to smuggle in drugs and people because of its vast uninhabited areas.
It just so happens that the remote areas used by cartels also make for some prime hunting territory. After seeing what happened to Border Patrol Officer Brian Terry back in 2010, I think this was a much needed measure that will increase hunter and public safety alike.
It has been legal for Oregon hunters to carry any type of firearm they wish to in the field for self-defense since 1995 and the passage of ORS116.170, along with an Oregon Attorney General's review of the statue in 2003. These actions essentially stripped Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) from having the ability to restrict a hunter's self-defense ability. Before this statue, ODFW was legally allowed to prohibit certain weapons hunters could carry in the field with them for self-defense under the guise of game management.
In the Evergreen State of Washington, outdoorsmen enjoy an exemption to the CCW law under RCW9.41.060(8) that states; "Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area."
Hunters in Washington are also legally permitted to carry a handgun for personal protection during the archery and muzzle-loading seasons.
Even in anti-gun California, hunters have some Second Amendment Rights while in the field. Under PC25640, formerly known as PC12027(G), it reads; "Section 25400 [the CCW prohibition statue] does not apply to, or affect, licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition."
It should be noted however, that it is still against the law to carry a handgun during archery-only season under FGC4370.
We as hunters should not forget the first law of nature, which is self-preservation. Being away from civilization doesn't mean one should be limited on self-defense options. If anything, hunters should be prepared to take on more personal responsibility.
With the scouting season in full effect and fall hunting season just around the corner, all hunters should check their local, state and game regulations for more information on whether they can legally carry a backup handgun for self-defense while in the field.
Make sure you grab a holster for your spare handgun, carrying a handgun for self defense only works if you actually have access to it, an IWB or is a necessity.
Best 10 Backup Guns
When duty calls for a secondary firearm or concealed carriers need an ultra-discreet option, choosing the right backup gun means balancing concealability, reliability, and shootability.
Whether you're a law enforcement officer seeking a reliable ankle gun, a licensed concealed carrier looking for deep-concealment versatility, or simply want a capable secondary defensive tool, these ten backup guns represent the top choices across different carry methods and user requirements.
1. Sig Sauer P365 Family
The Sig Sauer P365 revolutionized the micro-compact category by delivering 10+1 capacity in 9mm Luger within a package barely larger than traditional .380 pocket pistols. The P365's striker-fired action, XRAY3 day/night sights, and textured polymer frame create exceptional handling for such a diminutive firearm.
The P365X variant adds an optics-ready slide for red dot compatibility, while the P365-380 offers reduced recoil for shooters managing hand strength limitations or arthritis without sacrificing the proven P365 ergonomics.
With countless aftermarket holster options supporting appendix carry, pocket carry, and ankle holster configurations, the P365 family dominates backup gun conversations for good reason.
2. Glock 26 Gen5
Glock's subcompact 9mm offering remains a perennial favorite among law enforcement and armed professionals who demand maximum reliability in a backup role.
The Glock 26 features a 10-round flush magazine that maintains concealability while accepting all larger Glock 9mm double-stack magazines for increased firepower. Its Safe Action trigger system, polygonal rifling, and proven feeding reliability across defensive ammunition types make it ideal for officers carrying a full-size Glock 17 or Glock 19 as their primary weapon.
The interchangeable backstraps, accessory rail for weapon-mounted lights, and shortened grip frame deliver versatility whether carried in an ankle holster during uniformed duty or appendix-style during off-duty hours.
3. Smith & Wesson J-Frame (Model 642/638)
The Smith & Wesson J-Frame represents over a century of revolver design refinement, with modern variants like the Model 642 Airweight delivering five rounds of .38 Special +P in an aluminum-frame package weighing just 15 ounces unloaded.
This hammerless snub-nose revolver excels in deep concealment roles where mechanical simplicity and ignition reliability outweigh capacity concerns.
The double-action-only trigger eliminates snagging hazards during pocket draws, while the enclosed hammer design prevents clothing interference. J-Frames remain unmatched for ankle carry, pocket carry in lightweight summer clothing, or as backup guns in environments where lint, moisture, and extended neglect might compromise semi-automatic reliability.
4. Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP pushes .380 ACP capacity boundaries with a 10+1 magazine in a footprint barely larger than traditional 6-shot pocket pistols.
This polymer-framed pistol incorporates tritium front sight, enhanced trigger, and textured grip panels that dramatically improve shootability compared to earlier ultra-compact .380s. At just 10.6 ounces loaded, the LCP Max disappears in cargo pockets, waistband holsters, or dedicated pocket holsters without printing.
For plainclothes officers, security personnel, or concealed carriers prioritizing "always there" convenience over firepower, this represents the modern evolution of backup gun philosophy.
5. Kahr P380
The Kahr Arms P380 delivers refined .380 ACP performance through its long, smooth double-action-only trigger and precision machining that feels distinctly upscale compared to budget pocket pistols.
Its 6+1 capacity, 3-inch barrel, and flat profile measuring just 0.75 inches wide make it exceptionally comfortable for all-day pocket carry or ankle holster deployment.
The stainless steel slide over polymer frame provides sufficient weight for controllability without the heft that makes pocket carry cumbersome. Kahr's proprietary Browning-type locked breech design increases accuracy potential beyond simple blowback .380 mechanisms, making follow-up shots more manageable under stress.
6. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
Smith & Wesson's latest iteration of their micro .380 platform, the Bodyguard 2.0, addresses earlier criticisms with an improved flat-faced trigger, enhanced slide serrations, and an optics-ready slide accepting micro red dot sights.
The 10+1 capacity and 2.75-inch barrel balance concealability with practical defensive performance. At 11.7 ounces unloaded, it occupies the sweet spot between ultra-light pocket rockets and heavier micro-compacts.
The integrated trigger safety and textured polymer frame create confidence during high-stress presentations, while the slim profile works equally well in pocket holsters, IWB holsters, or ankle rigs for backup duty applications.
7. Ruger LCR .38 Special
The Ruger LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver) combines aerospace-grade aluminum with a polymer fire control housing to achieve remarkable weight savings without sacrificing structural integrity.
Available in .38 Special +P with a 1.87-inch barrel, this 5-shot hammerless revolver weighs approximately 13.5 ounces empty. The Hogue Tamer grip effectively manages perceived recoil despite the minimal weight, while the smooth double-action trigger incorporates a friction-reducing cam system for consistent pull weights.
The LCR's monolithic frame eliminates traditional revolver side plates, creating snag-free deployment from ankle holsters, belly bands, or deep concealment pockets where backup guns must perform flawlessly despite extended carry without maintenance.
8. Kel-Tec P3AT
The Kel-Tec P3AT pioneered the ultra-flat .380 ACP category that inspired numerous competitors. Its 6+1 capacity, 2.75-inch barrel, and 8.3-ounce empty weight create maximum concealability in roles where backup gun visibility absolutely cannot be tolerated.
The simple blowback operation and minimal controls reduce training overhead for users maintaining multiple firearms.
While ergonomics sacrifice shootability for compactness, the P3AT excels specifically as a last-ditch backup gun for plainclothes detectives, security contractors, or concealed carriers in restrictive clothing environments where even a J-frame proves too bulky.
9. Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat challenges traditional backup gun size conventions by delivering 11+1 capacity of 9mm Luger in a package measuring just 6 inches long overall.
Its Adaptive Grip Texture polymer frame, U-Dot tritium night sights, and optics-ready slide with Shield RMSc footprint create a backup gun that rivals primary carry pistols in capability.
The Hellcat particularly appeals to uniformed officers carrying full-size duty weapons who want service-caliber ammunition in both primary and backup roles. Its flush 11-round magazine maintains concealability for appendix carry or ankle holsters, while optional 13-round and 15-round extended magazines provide flexibility for specific mission profiles or off-duty carry.
10. Colt Cobra .38 Special
Colt's return to the small-frame revolver market via the Colt Cobra delivers modern metallurgy and manufacturing precision in a classic double-action revolver package.
This 6-shot .38 Special +P wheelgun combines an all-steel construction with refined double-action trigger characteristics that veteran revolver shooters appreciate. The 2-inch barrel and rounded grip profile create balanced weight distribution for pocket carry or ankle deployment, while the linear leaf mainspring and V-shaped rear sight represent contemporary improvements over vintage designs.
At approximately 25 ounces loaded, the Cobra occupies the middle ground between ultra-light aluminum snubs and heavier steel service revolvers, making it ideal for backup gun roles requiring extended strings of fire or precision shot placement.
Choosing Your Backup Gun
Selecting the optimal backup firearm requires honest assessment of your carry method, primary weapon system, and realistic deployment scenarios.
Law enforcement officers often prioritize caliber commonality with duty weapons, favoring compact 9mm options like the Glock 26 or Sig P365 for magazine interchangeability. Plainclothes investigators and undercover operatives frequently select ultra-compact .380 ACP pistols or lightweight J-frame revolvers for deep concealment in ankle holsters or pocket carry.
Armed civilians benefit from evaluating whether their backup gun serves as a true secondary defensive tool or functions more as a primary carry option in restrictive clothing environments.
Consider ammunition compatibility, manual of arms similarity to your primary weapon, and holster availability across different carry positions. A backup gun that languishes at home due to uncomfortable carry or incompatible training patterns provides zero defensive value when needed most.
|
About The Author Travis Box is currently a college student studying American history with a concentration on the Constitution, Revolutionary War, politics and legislation. As an active hunter for 5 years and a recreational marksman for over a decade, his writing brings with it years of real world experience from both the field and the range. |