What do you carry when you prospect?

[Kaimi]

I dont mean all the prospecting tools but when I say "CARRY" I mean firearm. It has gotten to the point that I usually end up having to take my Glock 26 or my Officer 45 wherever I go in the Arizona desert. Too many predators out there. Both the two and four legged types. It's a shame but with the price of gold going up it is almost a requirement.
Aloha, Ka'imi

[masek77]

I used to carry a SW 357 mag pistol. Now I carry a G22.

There are a lot of stupid people in the world and Ive had my life threatened over 22 cents worth of gold. Nowadays I never go into the woods without a gun.

[Daveinthebush]

Since I prospect in brown bear country there is only one option: S&W 629, 6" with 300 grain hardcast bullets.  I also carry some 129 grain muzzle loader balls loaded behind 5 grains of Unique as a survival load for rabbits and such.

[Ahab]

Depends what area I'm in and what I could expect to run across. A G22 with an x-tra clip for two legged critters. A Taurus .357 Titanium snubby for all around. .454 Casull for big fur balls with four legs.

[Kenneth in NC]

Usually a Kel-Tech 32 auto. Other times a S&W43 and if camping out add a AR-7. Up in the mountains add a Rossi 45 Long Colt single shot rifle.

That and 3 gold pans, classifer, 5 gallon bucket and lunch. 

Kenneth

[jdt48653]

old S&W38 western style for all to see in ariz. keeps alot of varmits at a distance.
(southern varmits)

[S.B.]

Since I prospect in brown bear country there is only one option: S&W 629, 6" with 300 grain hardcast bullets.  I also carry some 129 grain muzzle loader balls loaded behind 5 grains of Unique as a survival load for rabbits and such.

Dave, How many balls?

[Lead pot]

In Alaska I use a 1187 special purpose, first load #4 shot followed with 3" slugs. and I have bird shot if I need some rabbit.
Down here I carry the Colt Anaconda for the Desert I have two chambers loaded with #12 shot for snakes.

Kurt

[S.B.]

#12 shot for snakes, I just bought 200 capsules from another site to load up. Have you used any of these on snakes, yet? I like them, in the spring, around here for copperheads and moccasins. I'll use them in my 629-4 M/G, while archery shooting carp with my bow.

[Lead pot]

No I haven't had to, my metal detector has been working good enough.

Kurt

[Daveinthebush]

Dave, How many balls?

Just one.  Accurate to 20 yards or so.  Enough energy to knock down a rabbit or grouse.  And just fun to shoot and watch them after 20 yards or so.

[S.B.]

Dave, How many balls?

Just one.  Accurate to 20 yards or so.  Enough energy to knock down a rabbit or grouse.  And just fun to shoot and watch them after 20 yards or so.

I tried them at very close range on several birds (house wrens, starlings) without much luck but, snakes are a different story, seem to be softer skined?

[S.B.]

Kaimi,  masek77, & Ahab, I am a little surprised at the number of semi auto pistols here because of the variety of ammo a revolver can tolerate, while in the back country? Snake loads comes to mind.

[Ahab]

Kaimi,  masek77, & Ahab, I am a little surprised at the number of semi auto pistols here because of the variety of ammo a revolver can tolerate, while in the back country? Snake loads comes to mind.

I don't worry about snakes, if one is in my path and won't move I'll encourage it with my walking stick. The snake god has watched over me for a good many years for me to harm one unless I'm gonna eat it. Used to carry my S&W model 29 till old age wanted me to carry something lighter. Can still pop a rabbit in the head for eating under 20 yards with any of my carry guns.

[S.B.]

I went to a .44 M/G. Still seems like it would be prudent to be able to use a variety of ammo, while in the out back?

[jdt48653]

when we are in the Arizona desert i also keep a h&r 10 gauge with 20'' barrel in the rv (castle)