Why Every Hunter Needs a Backup Gun

A backup gun for hunting isn’t a luxury – it can be the one piece of gear that makes the biggest difference when things go sideways. Here’s why carrying a secondary weapon is smart for hunters in the field.

1. Close-range danger can happen fast. Even if you’re packing a solid rifle, it might not help much at five feet. That’s where a backup hunting pistol steps in.
2. Malfunctions happen, and so does running dry. Guns jam. Mags run empty. It’s your insurance policy when your primary gun fails.
3. Your rifle isn’t always the right tool. Sometimes the job calls for something smaller, like dispatching wounded game up close.
4. Rough terrain requires hands-free flexibility. Your rifle might be slung across your back or packed away, and drawing it isn’t always quick or easy.

Carrying a backup gun for hunting isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about being prepared. 

What Makes a Good Backup Hunting Pistol?

Not every handgun is built for the backcountry. When you’re picking a backup hunting pistol, you need something that’s more than just compact. It has to work when it counts: fast, hard, and without fail.

1. Reliability Comes First

• Look for sealed or rugged designs that handle dust, rain, and cold.
• No complicated safeties or delicate mechanisms. You need a gun that draws and fires without fuss in high-stress moments. 

2. Recoil Needs to Be Manageable

• Look for pistols with good ergonomics and recoil mitigation, like rubber grips or ported barrels.
• Practice matters here. You should be able to draw and shoot accurately with your backup, even under pressure.

3. Terminal Ballistics Matter

• 10mm Auto is a top choice for semi-autos. It’s got deep penetration, flat trajectory, and solid power.
• .44 Magnum offers serious punch from a revolver, often recommended for bear country.
• .357 Magnum balances recoil and power, especially useful in lighter frames or for smaller shooters.

4. Revolvers vs. Semi-Autos

• Revolvers are known for reliability and power. With fewer parts to jam, they’re ideal for heavy calibers like .44 Mag.
• Semi-autos offer more capacity and faster reloads. With the right design and ammo, they still pack a serious punch.

For an in-depth comparison of revolvers vs. semi-autos, check out this video with Tactic Montana about the advantages and disadvantages of carrying revolvers and semi-autos in the back country.

Whatever you pick, like your rifle, it deserves a proper carry setup – something that works with you, not against you.

How to Carry Your Sidearm Without Compromising Your Rifle Setup

Most hunters start with a belt holster. It seems logical, until you’re out in the field. Between your rifle, pack, and other gear, a traditional belt holster can turn into a frustrating liability.

Backpack waist straps press directly over the holster, making your sidearm almost impossible to access. Shoulder straps block cross-draw rigs or cause them to shift while you move. 

Bulky layers or waders only make things worse, limiting your range of motion or forcing you to dig under clothing to reach your pistol.

In an emergency, “hard to reach” becomes “too late.”

Hunting Chest Holsters Are a Game-Changer

When you carry a backup gun for hunting, placement matters as much as the firearm itself. A chest holster for hunting solves all those problems in one go.

1. It rides high on your torso, above your belt, and out of the way of your backpack straps.
2. You can draw from a chest holster whether standing, kneeling, crawling, or sitting in a blind.
3. It keeps your handgun centered and balanced, so it doesn’t shift while you hike, climb, or glass.

A hunting chest holster gives you fast access without compromising your rifle setup or your movement. For a deeper dive, check out Why You Should Consider a Chest Holster.

Spotlight: GunfighersINC Kenai Chest Holster

The Kenai Chest Holster is built for hunters and outdoor professionals. Designed to ride comfortably high on your chest, it keeps your sidearm ready without interfering with packs, rifles, or layers of gear.

• Purpose-built for the wild – The Kenai stays secure and in place whether crawling through brush or climbing steep terrain.
• Comfort all day long – The wide, adjustable straps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure points and preventing fatigue.
• Rugged materials – Built from high-strength nylon and reinforced components, it’s made to survive rough use in harsh environments.

Check out Fishing with Gun Holster and Gun Safety While Hiking With a Kenai Holster for more information.

Bonus Spotlight: Bino-Link Binocular Harness Holster

Prefer to hunt with a binocular harness? The Bino-Link Holster offers a smart way to carry your sidearm without changing your setup.

• Seamless integration – The Bino-Link connects directly to your bino harness using a custom-fit Tegris adapter plate.
• Secure and customizable – Built for stability and comfort, it supports a wide range of firearms, including full-size pistols and large-frame revolvers.
• Fast and efficient draw – Adjustable ride height and cant let you clear optics and draw naturally.
• Use the gear you love – Keep your preferred bino harness and add quick access to your sidearm without compromise.

For more, read Carrying a Pistol with a Bino Harness.

Custom Fit for Your Firearm

One of the biggest advantages of GunfightersINC holsters is how well they fit, because they’re made for your exact handgun.

• Every holster is handcrafted to fit your specific make and model, from popular Glock and SIG pistols to revolvers and hunting handguns.
• Choose from various color options, so your holster fits your environment and style.
• Need something unique? GunfightersINC also offers custom work for less common firearms.

GunfightersINC has options built for real use. These are holsters that stay in place, stay comfortable, and stay ready.

Confidence Through Preparation

Your gear should work with you, not against you. A well-chosen backup gun, paired with the right holster, adds a layer of safety and flexibility to every hunt.

So whether you’re facing a charging boar, dealing with a rifle jam, or needing a fast, clean dispatch at close range, having a sidearm gives you options when seconds count.