Maximum barrel length of backup gun

[wyomingnimrod]

So far for me it has been a Security Six 4” .357Mag, Glock 20 4.6” 10mm, Freedom Arms 97 5.5” .45 Colt, and this year will be a Redhawk 4” .44Mag and a Freedom Arms 83 6” .454 Casull.
Longest I have carried was the 5.5” model 97 .45 Colt and it was no issue at all, carried crossdraw. The only time I felt I really needed it was last year at the top of a mountain I had a standoff with a bear in some waist high bushes at 5-10yds. Drawn and cocked for when it charged, but when it stood up and we looked each other over and I saw it wasn’t an angry grizzly but a curious black bear I decided not to fire and it decided to run away. Moments later I remembered I had a black bear tag in my pocket and started after it but decided chasing a bear that is hidden in bushes into dark timber that I had just decided to let live was bad juju…

[bula]

To me back up is a 2nd gun, non-primary hunting gun. It stays on when in camp. I think in a couple cases I've erred too far towards convenience, light snubby, and need to reconsider a couple recent choices. Am lately thinking 3-5" and wish I'd kept the 4.2" M69. 

[bigbore5]

Apr 30, 2024 9:23:36 GMT -5 bula said:

To me back up is a 2nd gun, non-primary hunting gun. It stays on when in camp. I think in a couple cases I've erred too far towards convenience, light snubby, and need to reconsider a couple recent choices. Am lately thinking 3-5" and wish I'd kept the 4.2" M69. 

Don't underestimate the 3" m60 for that role. It will handle limited full magnum for around camp use and is easier to shoot than an air weight while still being light.

A 170-180gr well designed solid will handle the job.

[bula]

Agree, the 3" SS 44spec Bulldog my first gun in this category, and still here, since the '80's. Minimum barrel length needs to be set at where you find eye relief too little, accuracy fades. 
in 2 instances I erred, too short. To OP, my max 5". I need that 4.2" M69 back !